People are living longer than ever before – and not just longer, but healthier too. Since 1960, global life expectancy has climbed by nearly 40%, thanks to advances in healthcare and better management of chronic illnesses. For many retirees and semi-retirees, that means more energy, greater independence, and the chance to do more of what…
Heritage holidays are gaining ground in South Africa, with more travellers swapping traditional breaks for trips that trace their roots. This September, Heritage Month offers the perfect excuse to explore the places that shaped the country’s heritage, and your own. According to Marriott Bonvoy’s 2025 Ticket to Travel research, 75% of South Africans have either taken—or plan to…
Welcome to South Africa—land of rhythm, resilience, and remarkable beauty. We gather here in Mpumalanga, the “place of the rising sun,” where nature speaks in ancient tones and every sunrise reminds us of renewal. Let me begin with an African proverb: “When the roots are deep, there is no reason to fear the wind.” This…
Technology, flexibility and conscious choices are shaping how the world travels in 2026. While the desire for discovery remains timeless, the way people approach journeys, from planning and booking to experiencing destinations, is evolving fast. Corné Alberts, national marketing manager at ANEW Hotels & Resorts, highlights the travel trends that will define the year ahead:…
Not so long ago, a woman travelling alone was considered scandalous. In the 18th and 19th centuries, unmarried women were expected to be accompanied by a chaperone to preserve propriety and prevent ‘social ruin’. As for women being independent explorers, adventure seekers, or business travellers? Largely unthinkable, definitely scandalous. Even into the early 20th century,…
Multi-generational travel is booming, with MMGY Travel Intelligence finding that 86% of American travellers with kids are interested in travelling internationally in the next two years. But safari has long posed a challenge: How do you create an experience that excites grandparents, relaxes parents and delights kids, all at once? Marataba Safari Lodge, a luxury lodge within…
Our four-legged friends are part of the family and taking them on holiday if they generally get left behind can be a truly rewarding experience. Watching your dog discover new sights, sounds, and smells while you explore together, and having the time to play and give them the attention you may not always manage at…
Forget skydiving over a canyon, sailing the Greek Isles on a yacht, trekking Gorillas in Uganda or climbing Mount Kilimanjaro – ticking off yet another Instagrammable bucket list experience. This year, why not take a different approach to your holiday: one where the goal isn’t to do it all, but to do less, and enjoy…
From visitor accessibility and experiences to accommodation, the Sapphire Coast has come out tops at the 4th Durban Tourism Business Awards, showcasing the wealth of tourism options on this beautiful coastal stretch. Hosted at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in June, the awards honoured innovation and excellence within the tourism sector, with the…
Picture this: South Africa in July. The cars are packed, the kids are bundled up and the road trip playlists are getting their annual dust-off. Game driving season is in full swing, and it doesn’t matter if you’re heading to Hluhluwe, or the Kruger area, chances are you’ll want to capture the moment at every…
The incredible coastline, family-friendly activities, and incredible dining and retail options have seen Ballito become one of the country’s top holiday destinations. The great climate also means that, even in the winter months, Ballito continues to attract holidaymakers, with so much planned for June and July. “The KwaDukuza region is the ultimate coastal and cultural…
SATSA survey of over 4,200 travellers finds value-driven domestic market seeking affordable but unforgettable experiences More than 30% of South African adventure travellers are spending under R500 per person per day while demanding high-value experiences, according to groundbreaking new research from SATSA, the voice of inbound tourism in Southern Africa. The study, the most comprehensive…
While winter is usually a time to batten down the hatches, pull up the covers and settle into seasonal slumber, the colder months are actually a superb time to explore different corners of South Africa without breaking the bank or standing in a queue longer than a voting line to get a table at the…
For many people, a holiday isn’t truly a holiday unless the whole family goes with, and that includes their furry, four-legged members. But finding a resort that welcomes dogs can prove to be difficult. According to Shaun Lamont, Managing Director of First Group Hotels and Resorts, South Africa is still playing catch-up when it comes…
Kruger National Park, South Africa – Suspended 25 meters above the Sabie River, Kruger Shalati is an extraordinary feat of engineering, adaptive reuse, and architectural brilliance. This groundbreaking project has transformed a historic railway bridge into a luxury safari retreat—seamlessly blending heritage preservation with modern innovation. With no precedent for such an undertaking, the journey…
The Safari Guide of the Year Awards (SGOTY) has announced its top five finalists for 2025, showcasing Southern Africa’s most exceptional field guides. This prestigious recognition, founded in 2011 by Mike Karantonis in partnership with Field Guides Association of Southern Africa (FGASA), celebrates the expertise, dedication, and passion of field guides across Southern Africa. “For…
Some travel memories are shaped by the places we go, but often, the ones we remember most involve the people we meet along the way. Whether it’s a trip abroad or a local escape, forming unexpected friendships on a holiday can enhance the experience, whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple or in a group.…
Think you know vultures? Think again. The Cape vulture is one of South Africa’s most awe-inspiring – and endangered – avian giants. These feathered powerhouses are crucial to the ecosystem, yet many people know surprisingly little about them. Fortunately, the Bothongo Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve offers one of the best places in the country…
Two hundred years ago, elephants roamed freely across South Africa’s Eastern Cape. By 1989, that same land had been left barren – stripped of its wildlife, its forests overgrazed, and its future uncertain. But where others saw desolation, Adrian Gardiner saw promise. Now, best-selling author Dean Allen tells the remarkable story of the man who…
At first glance, the Karoo seems an unlikely place for high-end design and curated interiors. With its wide, arid plains and scattered windmills, the semi-desert heartland of South Africa has long been more associated with sheep farms and small-town stoicism than scented candles and silk linen. But in recent years, that perception has shifted –…
Voyage2Africa has launched its newly updated Tanzania Safari Travel Packages for 2025 – crafted for those who seek the soul of East Africa in its rawest, most majestic form. As safari interest continues to surge across the continent, recent data reveals that Tanzania ranks as the second-most desired African safari destination in 2024, following South…
Eswatini has further cemented its place on the responsible tourism map, following a significant double recognition that highlights the country’s growing role in sustainable travel. In the space of just a few weeks, Eswatini hosted the 2nd International Responsible Tourism Conference and saw its national tourism stand awarded “Most Responsible Stand” at WTM Africa 2025.…
For many South African holidaymakers, the Berg and the Bush have long been firm favourites for winter getaways, particularly for families during the June/July school holidays. Whether it’s the promise of snow, cosy log fires, and hot chocolate in the mountains, or crisp mornings on a game drive with a flask of hot coffee in…
There’s a certain magic to the African bush, an anticipation that builds the moment you start your journey. But why spend hours navigating pothole-riddled highways and unpredictable road conditions when you could be soaring above it all, arriving at your luxury safari destination relaxed and ready for adventure? Thornybush has partnered with Federal Airlines (FedAir)…
Customers travelling with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines can now use the new Share Item Location feature to privately and securely share the location of their AirTag or Find My network accessory with KLM customer service to more quickly locate lost or delayed bags and reunite them with customers. “At KLM, we continuously strive to improve…
Packing for a holiday? Whether you’re heading to the beach, the bush or abroad, the last thing you want is to be caught off-guard by one of life’s little surprises… especially if it means having to improvise on the fly. Most of us remember the obvious – chargers, swimwear, the usual. But there are a…
Tintswalo Siankaba in Zambia has completed a significant upgrade to its lodge facilities, now featuring air-conditioning in all guest suites. In addition to refurbishing the original swimming pool and sundeck overlooking the Zambezi River, the lodge has also introduced a second swimming pool for guests to enjoy. Located on two lush, forested islands, Tintswalo Siankaba provides a…
Tours and activities Napoleonic SitesBriars PavilionBuilt in the early 19th century, the Pavilion’s primary use was to house officers of the East IndiaCompany. When Napoleon arrived in 1815, he requested to live there until he moved to LongwoodHouse.Opening times: Monday & Friday 10:00am – 11:00am. No booking required.Guide price: £5 pp. Audio guide £2.Contact: BEPSP@helanta.co.sh…
For years, millennials were known as the ‘experience-over-possessions’ generation, favouring adventure and budget-friendly getaways rather than material goods. But, as the oldest millennials reach their mid-40s, their travel habits have evolved beyond budget back-packing. Juggling the complexities of careers, families, and economic realities, they’re now choosing shorter, smarter, and more meaningful travel experiences that balance…
