Author: Chukwu Godlove

There’s something special about a self-catering holiday. Food in a pan (for illustrative purposes) / Dan Edwards / Unsplash It’s the freedom to cook what you like, when you like; the ease of lounging in your own space; and the joy of living like a local, even if just for a weekend. In the Western Cape, self-catering stays range from chic coastal cottages to rustic farm getaways, offering travellers flexibility and affordability without compromising on comfort. Here’s a guide to some of the best DIY holiday destinations in the Western Cape: Cape Town and surrounds Atlantic Seaboard apartments If you’re…

This summer, Cape Town’s hospitality scene gains a striking new addition: The Cole, an ocean-facing boutique hotel by the Kove Collection, opening December 2025 in Sea Point. Image: supplied Perched at 1 Church Road on the Atlantic Seaboard, the property introduces 60 suites with sweeping views of both the Atlantic Ocean and the city’s iconic mountain backdrop. More than just a stay, The Cole promises a complete lifestyle experience, blending bold design, laidback luxury and Kove Collection’s signature flair for detail. Image: supplied Paul Kovensky, Founder and Managing Director of Kove Collection, stated: “This property will offer a sanctuary for…

South African cities are not just backdrops for life, but main characters in songs. From romantic crooning on vinyl to protest anthems, our major cities echo in lyrics. Each melody carries a sense of place, turning familiar skylines and hidden corners into music that lingers. Teddy Jansen/Unsplash Cape Town Cape Town’s dramatic setting, where mountains meet the sea, has sparked countless musical tributes. Local hip-hop star YoungstaCPT captures the city’s layered history in The Cape of Good Hope, name-checking neighbourhoods and landmarks while celebrating its vibrant culture. Jazz great Abdullah Ibrahim honours the city’s lively District Six in Mannenberg, a…

Cape Town’s fashion scene is as eclectic as the city itself—bold, diverse, and always a little unexpected. Thrift store (for illustrative purposes) / Darrien Staton / Unsplash For bargain hunters, style experimenters, and lovers of all things vintage, thrift shopping in the Mother City is a true adventure. Whether you’re after high-end retro, quirky one-offs, or budget-friendly bargains, Cape Town’s second-hand stores deliver treasures waiting to be discovered. Here’s your roadmap to the best thrift stores in Cape Town, broken down by area so you can plan your thrifting route. Cape Town CBD If you’re in the city centre, the…

Soweto is the cultural heartbeat that has pumped throughout South Africa’s history with music. Tiry Nelson Gono/Unsplash The story of Soweto’s music is a story of resilience and innovation. It is a story that continues to inspire artists around the world and one that still attracts eager tourists. Genesis When Soweto was formed in the 1930s, it became home to people from across South Africa who were forced to live on the outskirts of the city. In the midst of hardship, music became a powerful form of connection. The earliest sounds of Soweto were birthed by church hymns, traditional African…

When people think of traveling in Africa, images of safaris, ancient ruins, and vibrant cities often come to mind. African fabrics on display / Nyuso Za Nairobi / Wikimedia Commons Yet, there’s another thread that ties the continent’s history and culture together. From bold patterns to intricate weaving techniques, African fabrics are more than just beautiful designs; they are living stories of identity, heritage, and artistry. For travellers seeking a deeper connection with the places they visit, exploring Africa through textiles offers a unique cultural journey. Kente Cloth – Ghana Kente cloth / ZSM / Wikimedia Commons Perhaps the most…

South Africa has started to roll out a new AI-driven Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system. CHUTTERSNAP/Unsplash According to Business Insider, the new system aims to make travel to the country more secure and efficient for international visitors. The move is part of a broader digital transformation within the Department of Home Affairs. The ETA system is to enhance the overall travel experience while modernising border control processes. What is the ETA? The ETA will initially apply to travellers who intend to visit South Africa for 90 days or less. The system uses artificial intelligence to automate application reviews, conduct background…

Addis Ababa — The Ministry of Tourism emphasized that the government’s decision to allow motorized boats into Ethiopia duty-free marks a major step toward expanding the country’s water tourism potential. State Minister of Tourism, Seleshi Girma, told ENA that Ethiopia boasts a wide range of natural and man-made attractions, but tourism development has long been concentrated in only a few sectors. To diversify and harness the untapped potential of lakes and rivers, the Ministry of Finance recently granted duty-free privileges for the import of motorized boats. Keep up with the latest headlines on WhatsApp | LinkedIn Seleshi noted that the…

Craving Africa’s raw, soul-stirring energy, where nature’s uninhabited spaces beckon with hidden promise? There are plenty of things Africa teaches us when we let her. In this blog, we embark on a journey to explore how wild beauty rewilds the human spirit in singular ways. What Africa teaches you can only be felt, not explained, Image Credit: Ai Aiba Rock Painting LodgeAfrica’s Lessons, Wise and Ancient”You come to Africa to see the wild. You leave seeing yourself.” David Ryan, CEO of Rhino Africa, said this after returning from a desert trek safari in Namibia. His words linger, because Africa doesn’t just…

Visitors to South Africa often find themselves going to vibrant markets to find souvenirs to commemorate their trips and display on their shelves. Vije Vijendranath/Unsplash These are far more than just pretty things to look at or a way to say “I’ve been to SA”. Every souvenir carries imprints of local communities, traditions passed through generations and livelihoods sustained by creativity. A country shaped by craft South Africa’s cultural diversity finds expression in countless art forms. From the meticulous beadwork of Zulu artisans in KwaZulu-Natal to the intricate wire sculptures in Johannesburg’s townships, each item represents more than decorative skill.…