Author: Chukwu Godlove
Three years. That’s how long it’s been since I last set foot on South African soil. But after settling into our new life abroad, it was finally time to return to Africa to visit friends and family. Here’s why Africa pulls you back each and every time, from my own personal experience…Africa lures you back every time, Image Credit: Lion Sands Tinga LodgeAn Inevitable Return to African Soil After all this time, my spirit yearned for the soft, cool sand of the Cape beaches beneath my feet. I longed to sip flinty, Atlantic-kissed sauvignon blanc, and to lose myself in the…
For safari travellers, the adventure begins long before the game drive. Landing in Africa’s wildest corners often means touching down on remote airstrips where zebras, warthogs or even elephants might be your welcoming committee. Whether it’s skimming over Namibia’s glowing dunes or circling low over herds on the Maasai Mara, these fly-ins redefine the journey as part of the destination. Here are ten of the most thrilling safari airport landings across the continent — where the runway is often as wild as what lies beyond it. 1. Mfuwe Airport, Zambia Mfuwe International Airport/Lord Mountbatten/Wikimedia Commons Located on the edge of…
In a heartening win for African vulture conservation, twenty vulture chicks have hatched at Shamwari Private Game Reserve since the start of the breeding season on 1 July—marking a significant success for VulPro’s recently relocated Captive Breeding Programme. Image: Supplied With more births anticipated before the season wraps up in mid-August, this year’s hatchlings are a strong signal that the relocated vultures are thriving in their custom-built enclosures at Shamwari, following the largest vulture relocation ever attempted in South Africa. “Vultures only lay one egg per year during breeding season, that’s it,” explains Kerri Wolter, CEO of VulPro. “Cape Vultures…
Members of the Ekiti State Caucus in the House of Representatives have commended Cavista Holdings for its significant contributions to agriculture and tourism in the state. The federal lawmakers made the commendation during a recent visit to two of the company’s flagship investments — Agbeyewa Farms and the Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort and Conference Center. Members of the delegation, led by Hon. Femi Bamisile, included AVM Rufus Adeniyi Ojuawo (rtd), Hon. Olusola Fatoba and Hon. David Kolawole Akinlayo. The lawmakers were received by Cavista Holdings’ management team, including Olumide Olayomi, vice president/executive director of Cavista Holdings, Lanre Sharafa Balogun, General…
South Africa’s story is written not only in books, but in the land itself. From fossil-filled caves and flower-rich biomes to ancient kingdoms and political landmarks, these places reveal chapters of our human, ecological, and cultural legacy. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has officially recognised several South African sites for their outstanding universal value. Here are five South African UNESCO World Heritage Sites every traveller should experience at least once. iSimangaliso Wetland Park iSimangaliso Wetland Park/Martie Bloem/Unsplash In the heart of KwaZulu-Natal’s Elephant Coast, iSimangaliso Wetland Park lives up to its name — “miracle” in isiZulu.…
The United States has imposed temporary visa restrictions on citizens of Burundi, citing repeated violations of visa regulations and national security concerns. In a public statement posted on its official social media platforms, the US Embassy in Burundi wrote: “Every Burundian who travels carries the hopes of their family and community. Respecting visa rules isn’t just personal, it is national. “Sadly, due to repeated violations, US visas for Burundians are temporarily banned. Let us uphold the rules, because one person’s actions can close doors for an entire nation.” According to the US Department of State, the restrictions–effective since June 2025–are…
In a breathtaking display of musical unity, 1,276 young marimba players from schools across the Western Cape and Zimbabwe made history on Saturday, shattering the world record for the largest marimba ensemble ever assembled. Image: Supplied The spectacular event, held at Cape Town’s Grand West Arena, eclipsed the previous record of 505 players set by Guatemala, as per EWN. Western Cape Premier Alan Winde celebrated the achievement in an emotional Facebook post, exclaiming: ‘They did it!!! 1,276 marimba players – A new world record!‘ He praised the learners for their dedication, calling the performance ‘a moment of profound unity’ between South African and Zimbabwean…
Nairobi — The Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy (MKWC) has been named one of the world’s top travel destinations in Tripadvisor’s 2025 Travelers’ Choice Awards, placing it among the top 10 percent of listings globally. The recognition, based on visitor reviews over the past year, highlights MKWC’s growing appeal to eco-conscious travelers and its role in wildlife conservation. MKWC Head of Conservancy Dr. Robert Aruho said it affirms ongoing efforts to protect endangered species like the Mountain Bongo, which now number fewer than 100 in the wild. The conservancy has successfully bred four generations of the antelope and rewilded them into…
You can hear them before you see them — the deep roar of a lion echoing across the plains, or the silent shuffle of a leopard melting into shadow. For big cat lovers, these parks offer the best blend of thrilling sightings and soul-stirring scenery — from famous wildlife hotspots to wild corners few tourists ever reach. Sabi Sands Game Reserve – South Africa Leopard at Sabi Sands/Kurt Cotoaga/Unsplash Best for: Close-up leopard sightings, luxury lodges, reliable big cat tracking Sabi Sands remains unrivalled for regular, intimate leopard sightings. The animals here are well-habituated, which means you may watch them…
A growing wildfire threat is simmering beneath Cape Town’s picturesque urban greenery, and it’s not just climate change driving it. New research has revealed that some of the city’s most beloved exotic plants may be acting as kindling in fire-prone zones. Scientists from the University of Cape Town’s Department of Biological Sciences have found that ornamental plants, especially those not native to South Africa, possess flammable characteristics that dramatically increase fire risks in urban areas, as per the Mail & Guardian. Their study, set to appear in the September issue of the South African Journal of Botany, draws a direct line…