Stellenbosch's Stay and Play summer is turning up the heat

Stellenbosch unveils a summer of fun: Stay and Play in South Africa’s culinary and wine capital and discover cool eateries, wine safaris and family-friendly adventures over the festive season.Summer is here, and Stellenbosch is ready to stay and play! From November 2024 to March 2025, this picturesque town in the heart of the Cape Winelands offers an exciting blend of summer experiences for families, foodies, wine enthusiasts and culture vultures. 
“We’re inviting everyone to discover the magic,...

Garden Town Stellenbosch blooms in 2024

As lovers of gardens and green spaces, we can’t wait to immerse ourselves in a botanical wonderland as Garden Town Stellenbosch returns from 25 October to 3 November 2024.This annual celebration promises an enchanting blend of horticultural beauty, cultural richness, and community spirit that reflects Stellenbosch’s warm hospitality.The 2024 festival introduces an exciting new highlight: Garden Town Classics, an open-air concert set against the historic Stellenbosch Town Hall on 2 November. This...

5 passport pitfalls that could wreck your holidays flagged by travel experts

Did you know that a seemingly innocent souvenir could turn your dream holiday into a nightmare? Flight Centre South Africa’s travel experts are warning travellers about five passport mistakes that could invalidate your travel document and potentially cost you thousands of rands – derailing your long-awaited getaway.“Your passport is more than just a travel document – it’s your key to exploring the world,” says Lynette Machiri, Customer Experience Leader at Flight Centre South Africa. “But there...

South Africa’s niche travel market set to surge by 2025

Chantal Gouws, general manager at Flight Centre Independent (FCI), says: "We're seeing a marked increase in requests for specialised itineraries. From marine conservation expeditions along the Wild Coast to mindfulness retreats in the Drakensberg, travellers are looking for holidays that reflect their passions."This trend is not isolated to South Africa. Globally, the adventure tourism market, valued at $366.7bn in 2022, is projected to reach $4.6t by 2032, according to Allied Market Research. M...

Celebrate World Elephant Day 2024 with a safari on the Chobe River

Did you know that world elephant day arrives on August 12, 2024? What better way to celebrate than with a trip to see these massive marvels in their natural habitat in Africa? And one of the best places to catch sight of these gentle giants is along Africa’s legendary Chobe River.
As winter tightens its grip across Southern Africa, the Chobe River region of Namibia and Botswana transforms into a stage for one of nature’s most extraordinary spectacles. Here, thousands of African elephants, driven...

Coolcationing beyond skiing

Trade snowsuits for adventure and wellness 

Ski trips are a classic winter getaway — especially for the snow-starved South Africans — but there’s a diverse, wild and wonderful world beyond just skiing. As 2024’s travellers seek out new and unique travel experiences beyond the sun-soaked beach, a refreshing new trend continues to make waves — coolcationing. Named by Conde Nast Traveller as a key travel trend for 2024, the coolcation holiday sees travellers increasingly seeking out cooler clim...

Expert advice on how South African travellers can navigate Ireland’s new visa requirements

Ireland’s Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee, announced new visa requirements for South African and Botswana nationals on July 8, 2024, which come into effect from Wednesday, July 10.According to the new rules, nationals from both countries will be required to obtain a visa before travelling to Ireland. A transit visa will also be required if you are intending to transit through Ireland en route to another destination.“This is a carefully considered decision which will bring Ireland into closer...

Stay and Play in Stellenbosch this winter

Stay and Play this winter thanks to a host of hot new restaurants, wine and accommodation, plus the highly anticipated Wine Town Stellenbosch.

Stellenbosch is turning up the heat with an exciting lineup of new restaurants, tasting rooms, outdoor adventures, Travelstart travel packages and luxury accommodations this winter. The Stay and Play Winter campaign returns this year to invite you to explore the region’s hospitality and wine culture, with special offers to stay longer and experience more...

4 reasons to consider a wellness family retreat in Africa’s Eden

Africa’s Eden and the Chobe region is the ideal destination all-year round and is great for a family wellness escape into the wild.The region offers comfortable temperatures and stunning scenery with incredible game-viewing opportunities. It also offers river safaris, which are a relaxing alternative to bumpy game drives.According to Kate Powell, General Manager of Sales and Marketing at the Zambezi Queen Collection on the Chobe River, river safaris offer something really special and unique for...

Re-imagining the 2024 travel bucket list

From TV-show-inspired binge travel to following your music heroes across the globe, travel for 2024 is all about the inspirational experienceForget predictable planners – it’s time to reinvent adventure with the hottest 2024 travel trends. From binge-worthy holidays to artful escapes, culture-rich journeys beckon this year.But it’s not your cookie-cutter cultural travel. Think Netflix, Swifties, and chasing new galleries and restaurant openings across the globe.“Immersive pop culture expeditions...

Catching tigers on a faraway island in Namibia

‘Fishing is full of surprises,’ says Kennedy Ilunga, Front of House Manager at Ichingo Chobe River Lodge. Kennedy, I soon discovered, lives up to his reputation.

Long before my speedboat transfer pulled up at the little “dock” at the lodge, I had already heard tales of the ever-smiling Kennedy. With genuine warmth, Kennedy and the team of staff (all local Namibians) turn an already unforgettable adventure into something that keeps visitors coming back year after year....

What does Women's Month mean to you?

Bonnie Smith, general manager at FCM South Africa:Resilience and fortitude and juggling-of-balls successfully. Twenty twenty-one is a celebration of all of us: what we have collectively and individually gone through – and are still going through. A celebration for being brave every day, continually, when the world is changing around you. A celebration of sisterhood and knowing that we are all going through this together.Sharmila Ragunanan, group marketing executive at Dream Hotels & Resorts:It s...