Author: Chukwu Godlove
Safari travel in southern Africa is often associated with luxury lodges and high costs, writes Miriam Kimvangu. Etosha National Park/Fabien BELLANGER/Unsplash However, several national parks and reserves offer accessible entry fees, self drive routes and reasonably priced accommodation while still providing exceptional wildlife viewing.Understanding how different parks manage conservation and visitor access can help travellers choose destinations that balance affordability with ecological value. The following reserves offer strong biodiversity, well developed facilities and opportunities to learn about wildlife management while keeping travel costs manageable. Etosha National Park, Namibia Etosha National Park is one of Africa’s most accessible and economically viable…
THE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has advised Ghanaians to avoid non-essential travel to and from the Middle East amid escalating hostilities that are raising serious security concerns. It has also urged Ghanaians residing in Middle Eastern countries to remain indoors, comply with directives from local authorities, and stay vigilant at all times. The Ministry further entreated Ghanaian nationals in affected areas to avoid large gatherings and sensitive locations, closely monitor official communications, keep travel documents readily accessible, and maintain contact with the nearest Ghanaian diplomatic mission. In a press statement issued on Saturday and copied to The Ghanaian Times,…
There are a few places on earth that can jolt the global economy overnight. The Strait of Hormuz is one of them. Source: Daily Sabah This narrow stretch of water, hugging Iran’s southern coastline, carries roughly a fifth of the world’s oil and gas. When it trembles, the world listens. And this week, it did more than listen. A weekend that spooked the markets According to BBC News, global oil prices surged after fresh strikes across the Middle East intensified fears over the security of the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude, the international benchmark, leapt by 10% on Monday to…
The UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority says the country’s airports and national carriers have handled approximately 20,200 passengers affected by recent flight changes. The United Arab Emirates has announced it will cover the cost of extended hotel accommodation for tourists unable to depart Abu Dhabi due to large-scale flight disruptions caused by the war that the United States and Israel are waging on Iran. The move is aimed at easing the hardship faced by travellers while authorities and airlines work to stabilise air operations. Keep up with the latest headlines on WhatsApp | LinkedIn In a letter issued on Saturday,…
Capitec’s latest travel offering unlocks 24 airport lounge visits a year for qualifying credit card holders, split evenly between domestic and international spaces. Image used for illustrative purposes/G. Edward Johnson/Wikimedia Commons As reported by The South African, cardholders must spend at least R1 500 on flights booked directly with an airline using their Capitec credit card to qualify. Bookings made through online travel agents or aggregators do not qualify. The programme is managed through DragonPass. Once activated, travellers can use lounge access at hundreds of participating lounges globally. Cardholders can also share lounge visits with companions. If a customer prefers dining…
Africa is a continent alive with wonder. Beyond its iconic safaris and sunsets, nature offers spectacles that defy imagination, writes Lee-Ann Steyn. From deserts where sand sings to lakes that glow pink under the sun, these phenomena are worth planning around. Understanding when and why they occur transforms a visit into a story you will never forget. Namibia’s fog deserts and singing dunes Namib Sand Sea/Joshua Kettle/Unsplash The Namib Desert along the Atlantic coast is one of the most unusual landscapes in the world. A cold ocean current meets the hot desert air, creating a persistent fog that extends inland…
Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) issued an advisory on 1 March 2026 warning of ongoing international flight disruptions linked to developments in the Middle East and the continued closure of United Arab Emirates airspace. Image used for illustrative purposes/Andy Mitchell/Wikimedia Commons According to ACSA, passengers scheduled to depart from South African airports to destinations in the Middle East and the UAE should not proceed to airport precincts until they have confirmed their flight status directly with their airline. The advisory applies across the country’s major international gateways, including O.R. Tambo International Airport, Cape Town International Airport and King Shaka International…
March marks a gentle turning point in South Africa’s travel calendar, writes Miriam Kimvangu. Magaliesburg/StormSigna/Wikimedia Commons The intense heat of midsummer begins to ease and popular destinations become more manageable without losing their energy. It is also the perfect excuse to explore places linked by a simple theme. This alphabetical journey through South Africa’s standout M destinations offers a practical guide to where to travel as the season changes Magaliesburg A short drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria, Magaliesburg offers a convenient escape into nature. Nestled within the ancient Magaliesberg mountain range, the area is known for hiking trails, river walks,…
Rivers play a central role in shaping South Africa’s landscapes, writes Miriam Kimvangu. Orange River/yakovlev.alexey/Wikimedia Commons This guide explores several notable river destinations across South Africa, focusing on their geographical significance, ecological value and visitor experiences. The Orange River The Orange River is the longest river in South Africa, originating in the Drakensberg Mountains of Lesotho and flowing westward to the Atlantic Ocean. Along its course, the river forms part of the border between South Africa and Namibia. In the northern regions, the river creates a green corridor through otherwise dry landscapes. This contrast supports diverse plant and animal life,…
After heavy rain on 24 February, nesting areas on Bird Island were inundated, washing away nests and leaving 46 vulnerable chicks exposed to the elements and without parental care. SANCCOB saves seabirds/Facebook The affected birds, primarily endangered African penguin chicks, were swiftly rescued and transported to the SANCCOB facility in Gqeberha, where teams are providing intensive support. Round-the-clock care includes regulated warmth, specialised feeding, routine health assessments and close monitoring to stabilise the displaced birds. Early intervention is critical at this life stage, when exposure, dehydration and stress can quickly become fatal. The rescue operation was a coordinated effort. SANCCOB…