Author: Chukwu Godlove
Nairobi — The Kenya Tourism Federation (KTF) has raised objections to recent changes introduced by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to its park-entry payment system, terming the new model “unacceptable” and financially punitive to industry players. KTF Chairperson Fred Odek, in a statement on Monday, said the upgraded portal — rolled out despite an existing court order — restricts payment options and imposes a hidden 5 percent “gateway fee” that only appears at the point of payment. He described the move as “discriminatory and unlawful,” warning that it could undermine Kenya’s competitiveness as a global safari destination. “We are not…
Nairobi — The Kenya Tourism Federation (KTF) has pushed back against recent changes introduced by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to its park-entry payment portal, terming the new system “unacceptable” and financially punitive to industry players. KTF Chairman Fred Odek, in a statement, said the upgraded system, rolled out despite an existing court order, restricts payment options and imposes a hidden 5 percent “gateway fee” only revealed at the point of payment. He described the move as “discriminatory and unlawful,” warning that it could erode Kenya’s competitiveness as a top safari destination. “We are not against the changes, but we…
Johannesburg—Joburg, Jozi, Egoli, the City of Gold. Whatever you call it, South Africa’s largest city has an energy that’s impossible to replicate. Steffen Lemmerzahl / Unsplash It’s loud, unapologetic, endlessly creative, and layered with history and reinvention. But to truly experience Johannesburg, you need to go beyond the postcards and polished malls. You have to travel like a local, embracing its rhythm, its people, and its pulse. Start your day the Jozi way Forget hotel buffets. Locals start their mornings with caffeine and conversation at one of the city’s many independent coffee spots. In Melville, Bean There Coffee Company serves…
If you’re craving nature, fresh air and cooling cascades without breaking a sweat, these waterfall escapes are ideal. You can reach these scenic spots with minimal walking, perfect for families, relaxed travellers or anyone looking to unwind. From lush indigenous forests to tranquil picnic spots, these waterfalls deliver beauty on easy terms. Waterfalls you can reach without intense hiking 39 Steps Waterfall, in Hogsback, Amathole Mountains/Lysippos/Wikimedia Commons Eastern Cape – 39 Steps Waterfall, Hogsback The 39 Steps Waterfall in Hogsback can be reached via an easy stroll through the village’s arboretum. Locals describe it as a gentle walk taking about…
Leoni Smit’s Masculus – The Male Domain has long been celebrated as a serious exploration of interiors, masculinity, and psychology. Over three years, Smit crafted a seven-kilogram testament to male life—measured, exacting, and uncompromising. Image: Supplied But now, that world has found a new form of life on screen with Tussen mure, a thirteen-part series that is anything but static. Where the book is rigorous and intellectual, the series is human, energetic, and alive. It explores men and the spaces they inhabit with personality, humor, and quiet truths. Through director Elmi de Pauw’s lens, interiors become stages, and men reveal…
South African summers are truly one of a kind. Ethan Robertson/Unsplash Long days stretch into golden evenings, the smell of sunscreen and braai smoke fills the air, and the call of the ocean becomes irresistible. But while summer in South Africa is unforgettable, it can also be intense. Between blazing heat, busy roads, and crowded beaches, a little preparation goes a long way. Here is your ultimate summer travel survival guide to help you stay cool, comfortable, and carefree wherever your adventures take you. 1. Beat the Heat and Stay Hydrated The South African sun is generous, sometimes too much…
South Africa offers stunning landscapes, from mountains to vineyards. For a weekend getaway, you can hike in the morning, enjoy wine in the afternoon, and sleep with beautiful mountain views at night. Here are five destinations where the mountains meet the vines for the perfect short getaway. Franschhoek and Stellenbosch – the classic mountain and wine escape Franschhoek image used for illustrative purposes/Marcelo Novais/Unsplash Tucked between rugged peaks and sprawling vineyards, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch are the heart of South Africa’s wine country. The two towns are neighbours, each offering its own take on mountain-framed indulgence. Where to sip Start your…
Imagine an island where cocoa pods dangle like jewels in the shade of rainforest trees, waves crash against volcanic shores, and time slows to the rhythm of the tropics. São Tomé and Príncipe Flag/Aerra Carnicom/Wikimedia Commons This is São Tomé, the larger of two islands in the Gulf of Guinea, floating just off the west coast of Africa. Once the world’s top cocoa producer, São Tomé is finding new life through sustainable cocoa farming and low-impact tourism. Today, travellers come not only for its beaches and warm hospitality but also to walk through the same roças (plantations) that once powered…
When the sun keeps rising and the thought of another uphill hike feels unbearable, adventure doesn’t have to stop at hiking. South Africa has plenty of ways to explore without enduring sweat, sunburn or dust. Whether you are keen on gliding along a river, driving through the savannah or having a lazy day in a pool, these chilled adventures prove that you can still have an adventure while taking it easy. River and canal cruises Tourist boat on the Chobe River, Chobe National Park, Botswana/LBM1948/Wikimedia Commons Glide through shady waters, not dusty trails Few things beat the calm rhythm of…
There was a time when a South African holiday didn’t start with a boarding pass, it began with a packed boot, a map unfolded across the dashboard, and a promise of padkos at the halfway mark. Unsplash+ Community Long before cheap flights and GPS, families charted their holidays along winding national roads that connected small towns, farm stalls, and the open country. These old holiday routes, rich with nostalgia and dotted with relics of another travel era, still offer some of the most scenic journeys in the country. Here’s how to rediscover them — slowly, meaningfully, and with your windows…