Author: Chukwu Godlove
Across South Africa, a handful of coastal gems are turning this dream into reality — championing zero-waste living, banning single-use plastics, and rallying locals and travellers alike to protect the ocean. Why zero-waste beaches matter South Africa’s coastline stretches over 2,500 km, boasting some of the world’s most biodiverse marine ecosystems. Yet plastic waste, from bottles to microplastics, threatens marine life and the health of these coastal environments. Coastal communities are stepping up — not just through beach cleanups, but by embedding sustainability into tourism, policy, and daily life. St. Francis Bay St Francis Bay/Gerhard Venter/Unsplash Nestled in the Eastern…
A Danish zoo has found itself at the centre of a heated global debate after reviving a long-running programme that allows the public to donate healthy small pets to be euthanised and used as food for carnivores. Tiger at Aalborg Zoo/Ralf Skjerning/Wikimedia Commons Aalborg Zoo recently reminded locals that they could hand over animals such as chickens, rabbits, and guinea pigs that need to be put down, rather than disposing of them elsewhere. The zoo argues this mimics the natural food chain and supports the well-being of its predators, according to The Guardian reports. “That way, nothing goes to waste…
On a walking safari, every sound, scent, and shift in the air tells a story. This is the bush at eye level, where you are part of the landscape rather than an observer on wheels. Image used for illustrative purposes/Samuel Nsyuka/Unsplash While vehicle-based safaris remain the go-to for first-time visitors chasing the Big Five, there’s a growing movement towards slow safaris — experiences that trade speed for intimacy, and adventure for awareness. The trend mirrors the rise of slow travel worldwide, where travellers choose depth over distance, and quality encounters over checklist tourism. Walking-only safaris are the wild heart of…
In a world where travel often feels fast and overconnected, off-grid escapes offer a refreshing breath of fresh air—literally and figuratively. South Africa’s growing number of eco-friendly lodges, self-catering cabins, and farm stays lets you unplug and unwind without blowing your budget. Image used for illustrative purposes/Hari Nandakumar/Unsplash From the windswept beaches of the Wild Coast to the arid Karoo and the lush forests of the Western Cape, you can enjoy nature’s quiet wonders in accommodations powered by solar energy, sustained by rainwater, and committed to zero waste. Why choose off-grid on a budget? Off-grid travel means disconnecting from the…
Scientists have uncovered the fossil of a tiny mammal, no bigger than a mouse, that roamed Chilean Patagonia alongside dinosaurs nearly 74 million years ago. Image used for illustrative purposes/Río de las Chinas, Patagonia, Chile/Deensel/Wikimedia Commons Named Yeutherium pressor, this ancient creature weighed just 30 to 40 grams—about the size of a small ounce—and lived during the Upper Cretaceous period, as previously reported by eNCA. It is the smallest mammal ever found in this part of South America, dating back to when the continent was part of the supercontinent Gondwana. The fossil, a fragment of jaw with several molars, was…
The 2025 Knysna Oyster Festival has wrapped up its most successful post-COVID edition yet, delivering a R41 million boost to the Greater Knysna area and drawing thousands of visitors to the Garden Route. Image by jorzec: Supplied Held from 4 to 13 July, the 10-day celebration featured more than 100 events, transforming Knysna into a hub of sport, lifestyle, food, family activities, and community spirit. According to NightsBridge data, the festival saw a marked increase in visitor arrivals compared to previous years, fuelled by a programme that catered to marathon runners, cyclists, oyster lovers, car enthusiasts, and young families alike.…
Addis Ababa — The Amhara State Culture and Tourism Bureau announced that it generated more than 5.8 billion Birr in tourism revenue from domestic and international visitors during the just-ended Ethiopian fiscal year. Bureau Public Relations Head Abebe Embiale told the Ethiopian Press Agency (EPA) that efforts to boost domestic tourism included expanding market accessibility and implementing a mix of print, electronic, online, and integrated promotional activities. According to Abebe, the state welcomed 12,711,565 domestic tourists and 27,710 international visitors over the past year. Revenue from domestic tourists reached 5.581 billion Birr, while foreign visitors contributed 258.32 million Birr –…
An African safari powerhouse, the Serengeti is host to one of the largest animal migrations in the world. We share a selection of our favourite photos of the Serengeti to get you itching to start planning your dream luxury African safari. So, let’s begin, starting with…A group of cheetahs lounges on a mound in the dry grasslands of the SerengetiCheetah Antics Cheetahs climb “play trees” or termite mounds to get an optimal vantage point for spotting prey against the horizon. They are one of my favourite species to photograph in the Serengeti as they always put on a show! My favourite part of the…
According to a report from Wilderness Search And Rescue, a 31-year-old trail runner sustained injuries after slipping and falling from a deteriorating section of the wooden boardwalk in Echo Valley, a popular hiking and running location on Table Mountain, on Saturday. Image used for illustrative purposes/ Bob Adams from Amanzimtoti, South Africa/Wikimedia Commons The accident occurred early in the morning, prompting a swift response from both fellow runners and emergency services. As the runner fell, her companions quickly sprang into action. Unable to gain a cellphone signal in the remote area, they embarked on a strenuous hike to higher ground to…
In many parts of Africa, the ocean is more than just a horizon — it’s a pantry, a pharmacy, and a cultural heartbeat. For centuries, coastal communities have lived in rhythm with the tides, relying on fishing, seaweed harvesting, and mangrove gathering to survive. But climate change, overfishing, and plastic pollution have pushed these fragile ecosystems to the brink. Instead of watching their coastlines fade, communities in Madagascar and Kenya are rewriting the story — leading bold conservation efforts that restore marine life while keeping traditions alive. And the best part? They welcome travellers to experience it first-hand. Madagascar’s locally…