Author: Chukwu Godlove
The United States has imposed temporary visa restrictions on citizens of Burundi, citing repeated violations of visa regulations and national security concerns. In a public statement posted on its official social media platforms, the US Embassy in Burundi wrote: “Every Burundian who travels carries the hopes of their family and community. Respecting visa rules isn’t just personal, it is national. “Sadly, due to repeated violations, US visas for Burundians are temporarily banned. Let us uphold the rules, because one person’s actions can close doors for an entire nation.” According to the US Department of State, the restrictions–effective since June 2025–are…
In a breathtaking display of musical unity, 1,276 young marimba players from schools across the Western Cape and Zimbabwe made history on Saturday, shattering the world record for the largest marimba ensemble ever assembled. Image: Supplied The spectacular event, held at Cape Town’s Grand West Arena, eclipsed the previous record of 505 players set by Guatemala, as per EWN. Western Cape Premier Alan Winde celebrated the achievement in an emotional Facebook post, exclaiming: ‘They did it!!! 1,276 marimba players – A new world record!‘ He praised the learners for their dedication, calling the performance ‘a moment of profound unity’ between South African and Zimbabwean…
Nairobi — The Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy (MKWC) has been named one of the world’s top travel destinations in Tripadvisor’s 2025 Travelers’ Choice Awards, placing it among the top 10 percent of listings globally. The recognition, based on visitor reviews over the past year, highlights MKWC’s growing appeal to eco-conscious travelers and its role in wildlife conservation. MKWC Head of Conservancy Dr. Robert Aruho said it affirms ongoing efforts to protect endangered species like the Mountain Bongo, which now number fewer than 100 in the wild. The conservancy has successfully bred four generations of the antelope and rewilded them into…
You can hear them before you see them — the deep roar of a lion echoing across the plains, or the silent shuffle of a leopard melting into shadow. For big cat lovers, these parks offer the best blend of thrilling sightings and soul-stirring scenery — from famous wildlife hotspots to wild corners few tourists ever reach. Sabi Sands Game Reserve – South Africa Leopard at Sabi Sands/Kurt Cotoaga/Unsplash Best for: Close-up leopard sightings, luxury lodges, reliable big cat tracking Sabi Sands remains unrivalled for regular, intimate leopard sightings. The animals here are well-habituated, which means you may watch them…
A growing wildfire threat is simmering beneath Cape Town’s picturesque urban greenery, and it’s not just climate change driving it. New research has revealed that some of the city’s most beloved exotic plants may be acting as kindling in fire-prone zones. Scientists from the University of Cape Town’s Department of Biological Sciences have found that ornamental plants, especially those not native to South Africa, possess flammable characteristics that dramatically increase fire risks in urban areas, as per the Mail & Guardian. Their study, set to appear in the September issue of the South African Journal of Botany, draws a direct line…
The conservation world is grieving the loss of Bongi, a six-month-old baby rhino who passed away after a courageous battle with illness. Despite tireless care and unwavering love from the team at The Rhino Orphanage (TRO), little Bongi’s body was too fragile to survive. Image: The Rhino Orphanage/Facebook Just days ago, TRO shared Bongi’s story — a baby rhino found in critical condition, rescued by dedicated volunteers and veterinarians who travelled long hours and poured everything into his recovery, as reported by Good Things Guy. Believed to be suffering from a viral infection, he was met with around-the-clock attention, medical…
From 12 October 2025, the European Union will begin phasing in its long-anticipated Entry/Exit System (EES), replacing traditional passport stamps with biometric checks for non-EU travellers — including visitors from South Africa and the UK. Photo by cottonbro studio/ Pexels The system, designed to tighten border security while making future travel more efficient, will capture fingerprints and facial scans of travellers upon arrival. It will be introduced gradually over six months and is expected to be fully operational by April 2026, as previously reported by IOL. Digital borders and biometric booths Instead of having your passport manually stamped, the EES…
Benin City — The owner of a hotel under construction at Idumoza community, Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area, identified as Andrew Isesere, has been crushed to death after the building collapsed on him. It was gathered that more than 20 workers at the site narrowly escaped death, with some sustaining injuries. The remains of the deceased owner were reportedly pulled out of the rubble on Sunday morning. Eyewitnesses said the building collapsed last Friday while the owner was inside. Those who spoke to journalists attributed the collapse to the quality of materials used by the owner, who was…
Taking kids on safari might sound daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Across Southern Africa, a number of lodges and reserves have created experiences that are safe, exciting, and genuinely enriching for children. Whether it’s a malaria-free location, a fenced camp, or a flexible approach to game drives, these properties know how to balance comfort and conservation with family-friendly fun. What makes a safari family-friendly? Image used for illustrative purposes/Megan von Haartman/Unsplash Malaria-free zones For many parents, malaria risk is a dealbreaker. Thankfully, several excellent reserves—like those in the Eastern Cape, Waterberg, and Madikwe—offer Big Five viewing without the…
A tragic incident involving wildlife has claimed the life of a South African National Defence Force (SANDF) member during a border patrol operation in Limpopo. Herd of elephants used for illustrative purposes/Glen Carrie/Unsplash Private Xavier Raynard was discovered dead near the entrance to the Madimbo military base on Sunday. According to SANDF spokesperson Prince Tshabalala, Raynard had been carrying out routine patrol duties as part of Operation Corona, the military’s border security initiative. “Early indications suggest that he may have been fatally trampled by a herd of elephants whilst conducting a routine patrol in the area. His service weapon was…