Author: Chukwu Godlove

In a remarkable rediscovery that has thrilled conservationists, a team from CapeNature has found the elusive Erica cunoniensis, a plant species not seen in nearly four decades. Picture/Cape Nature via Cape (town) Etc Once thought to be extinct after an unsuccessful search in 2012, the rare species was spotted once again in September within the Kogelberg Nature Reserve in the Western Cape. The discovery was made during a threatened flora monitoring expedition led by CapeNature staff in collaboration with members of the Custodians of Rare and Endangered Wildflowers (CREW). According to CapeNature, the Buffelstalberg section of Kogelberg is the only known site…

When the weekend sun calls, South Africans answer — preferably from a table with a view. Whether you’re craving vineyard tranquillity, a city skyline, or the scent of salt air, the country offers no shortage of scenic spots for open-air dining. Image used for illustrative purposes/Patty Zavala/Unsplash Here are six standout destinations across South Africa that combine good food with the great outdoors. 1. Tokara Restaurant – Stellenbosch, Western Cape For vineyard elegance with a view Set on Helshoogte Pass, Tokara pairs fine dining with a panorama that sweeps across vineyards and all the way to False Bay. The terrace…

The Northern Cape is South Africa’s largest province, yet one of its least explored. From the star-filled skies of the Karoo to the fiery blossoms of the Namaqualand, the Northern Cape is a region that caters to various types of travellers. Why the Northern Cape is worth the journey The province’s isolation is its greatest charm. Away from the crowds, you can truly connect with the land. The air here is crisp and quiet. The only sounds you hear are wind, wildlife and the crunch of gravel you’re walking on. It is a place of raw beauty, but also stark…

There’s something sacred about a South African Sunday. Mathieu Odin / Unsplash The rush of the week fades, the air slows down, and the question of the day is simple: Where are we braaing? Whether you’re the type who packs a cooler and heads for the mountains or one who prefers a seaside sizzle with a view, the country’s picnic and braai culture is a love language of its own. From Cape Town’s silver-rimmed mountain dams to shady forests and tidal pools, here are a few favourite spots to fire up the coals, lay out a blanket, and make the…

When the coastal crowds descend on the beaches and the cities hum with holiday chaos, there’s a quieter kind of summer waiting high above sea level. PhilippN / Wikimedia Commons South Africa’s mountain ranges, from the jagged peaks of the Drakensberg to the red sandstone slopes of the Cederberg, offer a different way to soak up the season. Here, the air is cooler, the nights clearer, and the pace slower. It’s a place to swap sunscreen and surfboards for wide-brimmed hats, hiking trails, and the sound of cicadas echoing through the valleys. The Drakensberg In the heart of KwaZulu-Natal, the…

Summer is the perfect season to shake up your routine, try something completely new, and make memories along the way. From catching your first wave to shaping clay with your hands, or even donning a beekeeper’s suit, South Africa is bursting with experiences for curious minds. Here’s our guide to the coolest courses and workshops across the country this summer. Surf lessons Image used for illustrative purposes/Sue Winston/Unsplash Cape Town – Muizenberg & Surfer’s CornerLearn to surf at Cape Town’s iconic Muizenberg Beach, where gentle waves make it perfect for beginners. Gary’s Surf School offers lessons tailored to your skill…

The hills of KwaZulu-Natal’s sugarcane belt have long been a symbol of abundance. (WT-en) Fluglotse2000/Wikimedia Commons Beyond the harvest and the hum of tractors lies a region steeped in history. Travelling through this part of the province is a journey through time, culture and the sweetness that defines this stretch of the South African coastline. The roots of sweetness Sugarcane has been part of KZN’s identity for more than 160 years, ever since early settlers realised that the region’s subtropical climate and fertile soils were ideal for growing the tall, swaying grass. Today, the sugarcane fields stretch from the North…

If you’re craving fresh air, flowing water, and the shade of tall trees, these destinations bring it all together. Each one is surrounded by forest and river, offering the perfect mix of peace, nature, and a little adventure. 1. Tsitsikamma National Park  Tsitsikamma National Park/Dariusz Jemielniak (“Pundit”)/Wikimedia Commons The Tsitsikamma National Park on the Garden Route is the ultimate meeting point between towering trees and tumbling water. Here, the Storms River slices through deep gorges, its banks shaded by indigenous forest dripping with ferns and moss. Spend your weekend hiking the famous Otter Trail, paddling through the Storms River Mouth…

If there’s one thing summer in the Western Cape promises, it’s sun-drenched drives through scenic routes with a pit stop at a charming farm stall. Image used for illustrative purposes/Rabia Jacobs/Unsplash From artisanal cheeses and homemade jams to freshly baked pastries and local wines, these stalls aren’t just pit stops—they’re destinations in their own right. Here’s a curated list of must-visit farm stalls for your summer adventures. Peregrine Farm Stall – Grabouw Nestled along the N2, Peregrine is a lively stopover for travellers craving artisanal treats. Their selection of fresh pies, cheeses, and homemade jams keeps locals and visitors returning…

The new Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Mr. Olayiwola Awakan, has assumed office in Abuja, promising to reposition Nigeria’s tourism industry through innovation, collaboration, and effective delivery of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Awakan, a seasoned journalist and culture enthusiast, said his leadership would focus on creativity, inclusivity, and teamwork to strengthen the Authority’s mandate and attract investment into the sector. He was received by the NTDA Management Team led by Mr. Ovie Esewhaye, the Director overseeing the Office of the Director-General, who handed over the official notes before Awakan met with Directors, toured the agency’s…