Author: Chukwu Godlove
IN SHORT: A Facebook post claims that at a high-profile forum on African development in August 2025, Japan announced a plan to resettle migrants from Nigeria, Tanzania, Ghana and Mozambique. This is false – what was announced was a plan to promote cultural exchange and partnerships. A post circulating on Facebook claims that at the Tokyo International Conference on African Development, also known as Ticad, Japan created a special visa programme to resettle African migrants. The claim alleges that four Japanese cities have been designated as “hometowns” for migrants from Nigeria, Tanzania, Ghana and Mozambique, supposedly to fill labour shortages…
When the festive season rolls around, many travelers dream of sandy beaches, glittering cities, or snow-capped mountains. Nile River cruise / Gijs Jakobs / Unsplash But for those seeking a journey that combines history, adventure, and timeless scenery, there’s nothing quite like the Nile River. Flowing through Egypt and beyond, the Nile has shaped civilizations for thousands of years, and during the festive season, it offers a unique blend of relaxation, cultural immersion, and winter sunshine. Why choose the Nile for the festive season? December and January are some of the best times to visit Egypt. With cooler daytime temperatures,…
For black people living in South Africa during apartheid, simply moving around the country was a fraught activity, let alone crossing its borders. This was especially the case for black women, who were “rock bottom of the racial pile”, as South African writer Lauretta Ngcobo expressed it. Coming to power in 1948 and ruling for over 40 years before democracy in 1994, the white-minority apartheid government took various race-based policies to extremes. An emphasis was on trying to control movement, keeping the black majority “in their place”. From the 1950s, the state extended pass laws, targeting black women. It also…
The Eastern Cape Parks & Tourism Agency (ECPTA) has revealed the dates for its 2025 Free Access Week, offering both locals and tourists free daytime entry into some of the region’s most beloved nature and game reserves. Zebra / Wolfgang Hasselmann / Unsplash From 4 to 12 October 2025, visitors will be able to explore several of the Eastern Cape’s iconic natural reserves without paying gate entry fees. This yearly programme aims to strengthen ties between people and the region’s rich ecological heritage, while also encouraging sustainable travel and nature-based tourism. By removing entrance fees for day visitors, ECPTA hopes…
Authorities have called for the upgrade of infrastructure at Zimbabwe’s liberation war heritage sites in neighbouring countries and their integration into educational curricula, tourism linkages, and history projects to promote inter-generational knowledge transfer. Speaking at a post-Cabinet media briefing yesterday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere stated that a recent tour of liberation war heritage sites by Vice President Kembo Mohadi generated recommendations emphasising the need for interventions to safeguard the liberation legacy. “Cabinet received and noted the report on the Tour of Liberation War Heritage Sites in the Republics of Angola, Tanzania, Zambia, and Mozambique by…
Coffee and coffee culture in South Africa is as diverse as its landscapes. Barry Bierman/Unsplash Cape Town & Winelands Cape Town sets the national standard for specialty coffee. Baristas here are experimental, embracing alternative brewing methods such as V60, AeroPress, and nitro cold brew. Weekend mornings bring a relaxed atmosphere as locals linger over flat whites in a variety of settings. The nearby Winelands adds a rustic charm, where vineyard cafés pair micro-roasted beans with fine pastries and scenic mountain backdrops. Cafés to Try Truth Coffee Roasting: Steampunk décor, award-winning precision roasting. Origin Coffee Roasters: Pioneers of Cape Town’s third-wave…
Johannesburg and Durban have been confirmed as the host cities for Africa’s two flagship tourism trade shows, Meetings Africa and Africa’s Travel Indaba (ATI) for the next five years, starting in 2026. Meetings Africa, the continent’s leading business tourism platform, will mark its 20th edition at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, from 23-25 February 2026. Africa’s Travel Indaba, which focused on leisure tourism, will take place from 11-14 May 2026 at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban. Both events serve as critical economic levers, generating leads, promoting investment, and boosting intra-African trade and connectivity. The Meetings Africa…
When people think of South Africa’s wildlife, the “Big Five” and safari game drives usually come to mind. Penguin colony at Boulders Beach / Journaway Rundreisen / Unsplash But the country offers far more than lions, elephants, and rhinos. Beyond the safari, South Africa has a wealth of unique, ethical, and often surprising animal encounters that allow visitors to connect with nature in unexpected ways. From waddling penguins to curious meerkats, here are some of the most memorable wildlife experiences to add to your itinerary. Penguins at Boulders Beach (Cape Town) Thank you sign at Boulders Beach / Nolabob /…
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has officially placed Uganda on its 2026 visa ban list, effectively barring Ugandan citizens from applying for tourist and work visas to the Gulf state. The restriction is part of a broader list affecting nine countries, including Afghanistan, Libya, Yemen, Somalia, Lebanon, Bangladesh, Cameroon, and Sudan, according to a recent UAE immigration circular. Nationals already living in the UAE with valid visas are not affected, and authorities have described the ban as temporary, although no date for lifting it has been confirmed. Follow us on WhatsApp | LinkedIn for the latest headlines The timing of…
As the days grow longer and the sun lingers a little later, South Africa’s waterways give travellers a chance to experience safaris from a different perspective. Arthur Hickinbotham/Unsplash These water-based safaris offer a refreshing way to connect with nature and are perfect for the warmer months ahead. Blyde River Canyon Boat Cruise In Mpumalanga, the waters of the Blyde Dam cut through one of the largest green canyons on earth. Visitors will get tp board a spacious pontoon boat and drift past sandstone cliffs while hippos and crocodiles soak up the sun along the shoreline. Guides share stories of the…