Author: Chukwu Godlove

Posted on 16 March 2025 With brightly-coloured striped bark the Eucalyptus deglupta trees, commonly called rainbow eucalyptus trees have been referred to as a ‘magical sight’ by people who see them. These unusual trees can be found on the island of Mindanao, in the southern part of the Philippines as well in the forests of Indonesia. Although not native to the USA, the trees have been planted in parts of California, Texas and in the Keanae Arboretum on the island of Maui, Hawaii. Eucalyptus deglupta Image credit: Thomas/Flickr The rainbow-effect occurs as older bark peels off as the tree grows…

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In May 2000, a computer consultant, Dave Ulmar, hid a bucket in Oregon in the United States, and placed the GPS coordinates on the internet. The bucket was found by two people and so, geocaching was born. This exciting challenge quickly turned into a worldwide phenomenon, with people all over the globe participating and establishing geocaching trails. South Africa is no different. What is Geocaching? Simply put, geocaching is a worldwide game of treasure hunt. A geocacher can place a geocache container – it can be anything – at any given location, and then use GPS technology to pinpoint the…

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Antelope on the Move Words Lorraine Kearney Photography South Sudan has an astonishing claim to fame  Make way, wildebeest, for the kings: it’s been confirmed that about six million antelope move from the southwestern regions to the northeastern wetlands across South Sudan from the Boma Badingilo Jonglei Landscape towards Gambella National Park in Ethiopia, in the biggest overland large mammal migration on Earth (a comparatively paltry 1.5 million wildebeest trek from the Serengeti to the Mara). The movement patterns are influenced by seasonal changes but the movement itself is not restricted to a specific time of year – it’s pretty much…

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For most travel enthusiasts, finding a place that feels like home can make all the difference. Whether you’re looking for luxury, rustic charm or a seaside escape, South Africa has a variety of accommodations that provide a homey atmosphere. If you’re looking for a stay filled with warmth, comfort and lasting memories, consider four of our favourite hotels and lodges that feel like home: The Farmhouse Hotel Picture: Sourced/@thefarmhousehotel Located in Langebaan, The Farmhouse Hotel is a charming retreat that captures the essence of a cozy country home. It is renowned for its friendly staff, as well as the warm…

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Port Nolloth’s backstory is extensive and intriguing, having lived through a copper mining boom, World War One, the discovery of diamonds, a crayfish boom and the (effective) closure of its port  Port Nolloth, South Africa – March 16, 2024: Small fishing rowboats in harbour in coastal town Port Nolloth is a small town and seaport in the Namaqualand region on the north-western coast of South Africa, 144 km north-west of Springbok and about 175 km from the ǀAi-ǀAis/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park. The indigenous Namaqua people knew the bay upon which the port sits as Aukwatowa (Where the water took away the old man). Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias noted its location on his epic…

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The Mother City boasts incredible natural beauty, thus presenting the chance to enjoy different nature activities. From majestic mountains to lush greenery and even stunning beaches, nature lovers are often left fulfilled, energized and sometimes even pleasantly surprised. Source: Facebook / @ Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden Here’s a look at a few of the many nature activities to explore in and around Cape Town: Hiking Looking down on Lion’s Head. Image credit: Alison Westwood. Cape Town is a hiker’s dream. It is known for its steep climbs and world-class bouldering, but also offers the opportunity to enjoy a low-effort trek…

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The Cape Town Cruise Terminal is experiencing an impressively busy 2024/25 season. More than 20 cruise liners will be making a stop-over in Cape Town this month alone, boosting tourism and local businesses. Picture: Sourced Moreover, a total of 76 ship calls are scheduled so far for the cruise period which ends in June. As reported by IOL, this is an increase from 67 last year. This growth in numbers is expected to usher in thousands of tourists to the region, presenting a significant opportunity for local businesses and the tourism industry. ALSO READ: Muizenberg refurbishment: beach huts to be…

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Tiny, rare succulents, carefully labelled and packed into plastic pots, fill an undisclosed greenhouse in South Africa. These plants—some resembling green thumb tips, others like rounded stones—have been confiscated from poachers and smugglers who illegally harvested them from the Succulent Karoo biome. Conservationists warn that South Africa is facing an escalating plant poaching crisis that has already led to the functional extinction of at least eight species. Photo by Erol Ahmed on Unsplash The Succulent Karoo, stretching from southwestern Namibia into South Africa’s Northern and Western Cape provinces, is home to over 6,400 plant species—2,500 of which exist nowhere else.…

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In today’s fast-paced world, ‘soulcations’ are the perfect way to rejuvenate and connect with oneself. By setting intentions and prioritizing self-care, you can create a transformative experience that will nourish your soul. Through proper planning and a conscious decision to embrace the journey, you are able to return home with renewed energy and purpose. Picture: Sourced / Sage Friedman Here’s what you need to know when planning your dream ‘soulcation’: Be intentional Take some time out to reflect on what you hope to achieve during your trip. Is the trip to gain clarity for your life? Do you seek to…

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