Author: Chukwu Godlove
The conservation world is grieving the loss of Bongi, a six-month-old baby rhino who passed away after a courageous battle with illness. Despite tireless care and unwavering love from the team at The Rhino Orphanage (TRO), little Bongi’s body was too fragile to survive. Image: The Rhino Orphanage/Facebook Just days ago, TRO shared Bongi’s story — a baby rhino found in critical condition, rescued by dedicated volunteers and veterinarians who travelled long hours and poured everything into his recovery, as reported by Good Things Guy. Believed to be suffering from a viral infection, he was met with around-the-clock attention, medical…
From 12 October 2025, the European Union will begin phasing in its long-anticipated Entry/Exit System (EES), replacing traditional passport stamps with biometric checks for non-EU travellers — including visitors from South Africa and the UK. Photo by cottonbro studio/ Pexels The system, designed to tighten border security while making future travel more efficient, will capture fingerprints and facial scans of travellers upon arrival. It will be introduced gradually over six months and is expected to be fully operational by April 2026, as previously reported by IOL. Digital borders and biometric booths Instead of having your passport manually stamped, the EES…
Benin City — The owner of a hotel under construction at Idumoza community, Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area, identified as Andrew Isesere, has been crushed to death after the building collapsed on him. It was gathered that more than 20 workers at the site narrowly escaped death, with some sustaining injuries. The remains of the deceased owner were reportedly pulled out of the rubble on Sunday morning. Eyewitnesses said the building collapsed last Friday while the owner was inside. Those who spoke to journalists attributed the collapse to the quality of materials used by the owner, who was…
Taking kids on safari might sound daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Across Southern Africa, a number of lodges and reserves have created experiences that are safe, exciting, and genuinely enriching for children. Whether it’s a malaria-free location, a fenced camp, or a flexible approach to game drives, these properties know how to balance comfort and conservation with family-friendly fun. What makes a safari family-friendly? Image used for illustrative purposes/Megan von Haartman/Unsplash Malaria-free zones For many parents, malaria risk is a dealbreaker. Thankfully, several excellent reserves—like those in the Eastern Cape, Waterberg, and Madikwe—offer Big Five viewing without the…
A tragic incident involving wildlife has claimed the life of a South African National Defence Force (SANDF) member during a border patrol operation in Limpopo. Herd of elephants used for illustrative purposes/Glen Carrie/Unsplash Private Xavier Raynard was discovered dead near the entrance to the Madimbo military base on Sunday. According to SANDF spokesperson Prince Tshabalala, Raynard had been carrying out routine patrol duties as part of Operation Corona, the military’s border security initiative. “Early indications suggest that he may have been fatally trampled by a herd of elephants whilst conducting a routine patrol in the area. His service weapon was…
Image: Supplied Behind the scenes at the Two Oceans Aquarium lies a world of possibility, not just for visitors but for the next generation of ocean guardians. Welcome to the Aquarium’s Ocean Campus: A dynamic, interactive learning space where marine science leaps off the page and into the hands of curious learners. Set in the heart of the Two Oceans Aquarium, Ocean Campus classrooms are unlike any other. At the centre of each desk, a miniature ecosystem lies: Urchins, anemones, and sea stars wait to introduce learners to their fascinating world. Passionate educators project the lenses of their microscopes onto…
Do you dream of misty mountains and eye-level gorilla encounters? Or endless savannahs where millions of wildebeest run wild? Maybe otherworldly desert landscapes call to your camera lens. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned adventurer, Africa’s safari regions each offer something distinct. From East Africa’s big skies to Southern Africa’s bushveld secrets, this guide will help you match your safari destination to your travel style. Uganda—For the introspective explorer Impenetrable Forest, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda/Max Christian/Unsplash Best for: slow travellers, wildlife lovers, and nature enthusiasts Uganda is the soul-stirring option, where safaris feel like intimate pilgrimages rather than…
There’s a special kind of thrill in steering your own course through the African wilderness, without a guide or convoy in sight. Self-drive safaris allow you to slow down, stay longer, and stumble upon unforgettable sightings at your own pace. Here are eight lesser-known parks across Southern and East Africa where the self-drive safari spirit is still alive and untamed. 1. Gonarezhou National Park – Zimbabwe Chilojo Cliffs, Gonarezhou National Park, Zimbabwe/Ralf Ellerich/Wikimedia Commons Tucked into Zimbabwe’s remote southeast, Gonarezhou is as wild as it gets. The name means “Place of Elephants,” and it delivers—expect close encounters with giants against…
Need a wild escape without the hassle of cross-country planning? South Africa is dotted with reserves and game farms close enough to the city for a spontaneous Friday-to-Sunday trip. Whether you’re after a full Big Five experience, a peaceful nature stay, or just a break from screens and sirens, these wilderness weekenders tick the box—all within a three-hour drive from Johannesburg, Cape Town, or Durban. Near Johannesburg: From Dinokeng to Waterberg Young giraffe in grassland in the Dinokeng Game Reserve/JMK/Wikimedia Commons Dinokeng Game Reserve, Gauteng This is Gauteng’s pride when it comes to Big Five game viewing. Just over an…
Posted on 1 August 2025 By Lee-Ann Steyn Tags:African safari, big cats, Great Migration, Lion Kills, Mara Magic, Masai Mara, Michael Laubscher, Nature Unfiltered, Once in a Lifetime, Predator vs Prey, Raw Nature, Safari Guide, Safari Moments, Wild Eye, Wildebeest Crossing, wildlife sightings Private guide Michael Laubscher just had what can only be described as a once-in-a-lifetime safari spectacle in Kenya’s Mara Triangle. Screenshot from Michael Laubscher’s Instagram video In just 3.5 hours, he witnessed 10 lion kills, a thundering crossing of 60,000 wildebeest, and the kind of raw, unfiltered wildlife drama that most safari-goers only dream of. The action…