Author: Chukwu Godlove

Image: Supplied Behind the scenes at the Two Oceans Aquarium lies a world of possibility, not just for visitors but for the next generation of ocean guardians. Welcome to the Aquarium’s Ocean Campus: A dynamic, interactive learning space where marine science leaps off the page and into the hands of curious learners. Set in the heart of the Two Oceans Aquarium, Ocean Campus classrooms are unlike any other. At the centre of each desk, a miniature ecosystem lies: Urchins, anemones, and sea stars wait to introduce learners to their fascinating world. Passionate educators project the lenses of their microscopes onto…

Do you dream of misty mountains and eye-level gorilla encounters? Or endless savannahs where millions of wildebeest run wild? Maybe otherworldly desert landscapes call to your camera lens. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned adventurer, Africa’s safari regions each offer something distinct. From East Africa’s big skies to Southern Africa’s bushveld secrets, this guide will help you match your safari destination to your travel style. Uganda—For the introspective explorer Impenetrable Forest, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda/Max Christian/Unsplash Best for: slow travellers, wildlife lovers, and nature enthusiasts Uganda is the soul-stirring option, where safaris feel like intimate pilgrimages rather than…

There’s a special kind of thrill in steering your own course through the African wilderness, without a guide or convoy in sight. Self-drive safaris allow you to slow down, stay longer, and stumble upon unforgettable sightings at your own pace. Here are eight lesser-known parks across Southern and East Africa where the self-drive safari spirit is still alive and untamed. 1. Gonarezhou National Park – Zimbabwe Chilojo Cliffs, Gonarezhou National Park, Zimbabwe/Ralf Ellerich/Wikimedia Commons Tucked into Zimbabwe’s remote southeast, Gonarezhou is as wild as it gets. The name means “Place of Elephants,” and it delivers—expect close encounters with giants against…

Need a wild escape without the hassle of cross-country planning? South Africa is dotted with reserves and game farms close enough to the city for a spontaneous Friday-to-Sunday trip. Whether you’re after a full Big Five experience, a peaceful nature stay, or just a break from screens and sirens, these wilderness weekenders tick the box—all within a three-hour drive from Johannesburg, Cape Town, or Durban. Near Johannesburg: From Dinokeng to Waterberg Young giraffe in grassland in the Dinokeng Game Reserve/JMK/Wikimedia Commons Dinokeng Game Reserve, Gauteng This is Gauteng’s pride when it comes to Big Five game viewing. Just over an…

Posted on 1 August 2025 By Lee-Ann Steyn Tags:African safari, big cats, Great Migration, Lion Kills, Mara Magic, Masai Mara, Michael Laubscher, Nature Unfiltered, Once in a Lifetime, Predator vs Prey, Raw Nature, Safari Guide, Safari Moments, Wild Eye, Wildebeest Crossing, wildlife sightings Private guide Michael Laubscher just had what can only be described as a once-in-a-lifetime safari spectacle in Kenya’s Mara Triangle. Screenshot from Michael Laubscher’s Instagram video In just 3.5 hours, he witnessed 10 lion kills, a thundering crossing of 60,000 wildebeest, and the kind of raw, unfiltered wildlife drama that most safari-goers only dream of. The action…

Kenya is currently basking in pride as the iconic reserve earns its rightful place in the World Book of Records (London, United Kingdom), a milestone that speaks to its raw, unmatched beauty. A true natural wonder, the Mara is home to over 1.5 million wildebeests, zebras, and antelopes that migrate across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem in one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on Earth. Indeed, the Mara is one of those places you simply have to experience especially during the migration. It’s not just a destination; it’s a front-row seat to nature’s grandest performance. I have been here so many times…

It all started at a kitchen table. No boardroom. No capital. Just a dial-up connection, an idea with legs, and a very strong cup of coffee. Back then, luxury African safaris weren’t exactly something you booked online between meetings. But that’s where David Ryan found himself in 2004, convinced there was a better way to connect people to Africa. And not the brochure version. The real one. The one with all its complexity, colour, contrast, and soul.They say time flies when you’re having fun, and boy, were they right!21 Years of Storytelling: A Legacy of ConnectionFast-forward 21 years and Rhino…

These secret garden stays, nestled in the most unexpected corners of South Africa (and beyond), offer a serene winter escape rooted in conservation, heritage, and blooming biodiversity. Image used for illustrative purposes/Nicolas Lysandrou/Unsplash Whether you’re drawn to indigenous forest sanctuaries, historical rose gardens, or floral farmsteads, each of these stays blends botanic beauty with purpose-driven values. Let the winter garden wanderlust begin. Western Cape Old Nectar, Jonkershoek Valley – Stellenbosch Tucked in the majestic Jonkershoek Valley near Stellenbosch, Old Nectar is one of South Africa’s oldest cultivated gardens, with roots tracing back over 200 years. In winter, the manicured terraces,…

Great apes—gorillas, chimpanzees, and bonobos—are among the most intelligent and awe-inspiring creatures on Earth. Sharing up to 98% of our DNA, they exhibit emotion, use tools, live in complex social groups, and, in some cases, even mourn their dead. Bonobos/MediaEcke/Unsplash These species are also among the most endangered due to habitat loss, poaching, and disease. Yet in the heart of Africa’s rainforests, travellers can witness these majestic beings in the wild—on foot, at eye level, with conservation-minded guides leading the way. A great ape safari is unlike any game drive. It’s immersive, physically demanding, and deeply emotional—especially when your eyes…

Beyond luxury tents and Big Five sightings, a growing number of Southern Africa’s lodges are funnelling traveller dollars into meaningful conservation work. From desert rhino patrols to coral reef protection, these stays let your safari splurge double as a force for good. Whether you’re dreaming of dry savannas or teeming coastlines, these five standout lodges prove that unforgettable wildlife encounters can go hand-in-hand with preserving the ecosystems they rely on. Desert rhinos and remote landscapes Image used for illustrative purposes/Ken Goulding/Unsplash Desert Rhino Camp, Namibia – Saving black rhinos in the wild In Namibia’s remote Palmwag Concession, Desert Rhino Camp…