Zeldi Smulders

You've likely heard the saying "Go where the wind takes you". But for one individual, these words were taken to heart and transformed into action. In this month's Channels for Change, we follow Jerrie de Kop, a professional kitesurfer bringing awareness to the ecological dangers the Kilimanjaro area faces, in the documentary ‘Follow the Wind’.

When it comes to national parks and private game reserves in South Africa, there are key differences that influence your wildlife encounter and overall experience. Let's delve into these distinctions to help you plan the ultimate expedition.

Workout4Wildlife is an annual fundraiser supporting wildlife conservation. The event in 2023 allowed us to sweat for a cause, raise funds, and increase awareness. Led by renowned CrossFit athlete Lukas Esslinger, this initiative unites the fitness community in an online competition. Measure your skills against top CrossFit figures while supporting conservation efforts.

Experience adventure, wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes in one remarkable destination. Discover famous game reserves teeming with the Big 5 and an array of magnificent species. But a South African safari is more than wildlife spotting—it's an immersive cultural journey. Join us as we explore everything you need to know about safaris in South Africa, from when and where, to the what and wow.

Home to more wildlife than any other wetland on earth, the ever-changing Okavango Delta is certainly an intriguing setting for a classic wildlife documentary. Its wildlife are bound together by this place that they call home and in this month’s binge, we follow the stories of the prides, the packs, and the herds of this amazing land. Follow along to explore the magnificence of Botswana in this month’s Channels for Change pick: Surviving Paradise: A Family Tale.

It seems everyone is going on about Botswana, but should it even be on your bucket list of places to visit? See for yourself. Here are 17 reasons why visiting Botswana is a terrible idea.

In this blog, you'll find all the information you need to decide where to go on safari, which safari destination is best for you, and why. We'll compare the wildlife, scenery, and more so that you can make an informed choice and choose the perfect safari for you. Learn more about affordable African safaris in some of the best safari destinations in the world, and how to plan for it so that you can book an unforgettable safari in Southern Africa. Read on to discover more about the unique safari experiences that South Africa and Namibia offer.

Make the most of your self-drive safari experience and learn how to stay safe with these safari tips and tricks. Read on and get ready to self-drive into your next thrilling experience.

MORE Family Collection inspires visitors to rediscover the awe-inspiring joys of life found in nature while staying in classic lodges and hotels tucked away in some of the most pristine and breathtaking parts of Southern Africa. They believe exploring a destination while giving back creates a more meaningful journey. Discover how this family-owned and -managed group makes this a reality.

Welcome to the Drakensberg, where rugged mountains rule! Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just getting started, the Drakensberg has something to offer everyone. Read on to find all the information you need to plan an unforgettable hiking experience in the majestic Drakensberg Mountains of South Africa.

Climbing temperatures, extreme weather conditions, ice caps melting, and sea levels rising. This month’s focus for Channels for Change, The Climate Planet Film, is about how our world’s climate has been disrupted significantly by various factors. This documentary captures one of the greatest political, economical and technological challenges of today, and we’re not out of the woods yet.

KwaZulu-Natal is full of varied landscapes and unique experiences with sustainability taking a position of prominence in various aspects of its offerings, including many of the stunning accommodation options. Discover our list of top sustainable stays in KZN for an impactful South African adventure.

Looking for a spot on the beach or within the unspoiled bushveld? Find out where to stay in KZN to make your next holiday unforgettable with our list of top unique stays that are both stunning and eco-conscious. Discover KwaZulu-Natal and book a unique stay with Viatu.

For this edition of Channels for Change, we’ve absorbed the words of travel writer Holly Tuppen and discovered more than anticipated: how to travel with a purpose. Tuppen’s Sustainable Travel: The essential guide to positive impact adventures advises on how to make a difference while still experiencing the beauty of the world.

Kruger National Park is famous for its incredibly varied landscapes, diversity of wildlife and Big 5 sightings, and deservingly so. In this Kruger National Park guide, you will find out all you need to know about this famous South African site so that you can start planning the ultimate safari getaway.

The choices we make as travellers impact not only people and the environment but also the world's wildlife. Wildlife experiences can be highly gratifying but even more so when done ethically. Fortunately, there are many possibilities for having nature-based experiences without harming animals. Read on to learn about ethical animal activities to inspire your future wildlife tourism experiences.

Our world has some truly amazing wonders to see, but many people have yet to experience one particularly marvellous sight: watching whales in their natural habitat, the ocean. Read on to find the best places to spot whales in the Western Cape and add whale watching to your must-experience list.

The notion of sustainable travel has been getting some well-deserved attention from the world, but with that, travellers are also getting overloaded with (mis)information. We certainly don’t want travellers to get burdened with discouraging misconceptions when it comes to travelling sustainably. Here are some of the most believed myths about sustainable travel debunked.

Agriculture is not only one of the world's largest industries but also one of the most destructive. Even so, there are those who have new hope that farming can go a different route. A breath of fresh air, the award-winning and critically acclaimed feature documentary, The Biggest Little Farm, invites viewers to learn more about regenerative agriculture and what it means to inspire a community.

Whether you are looking for a rugged, adventurous or luxury malaria-free safari, you can’t do better than going to South Africa. Yes, it is possible to avoid malaria areas in South Africa and, no, you will not have to give up on an authentic safari experience. Read on to find out how!

Wait, there’s a difference between African wild dogs and hyenas? Yes, hyenas and wild dogs are not the same animals! No need to worry if you did not know this. In this article, you will learn how to distinguish between these fascinating animals. Read on to master the art of telling an African wild dog and a hyena apart.

Directed by Matt D’Avella, this documentary zooms in on modern-day overconsumption and the environmental, social and psychological effects of compulsive consumerism. To turn things around, The Minimalists, Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus, are on a mission to help people live meaningful lives by reminding them of what’s really important.

Each of the properties of Namibia’s Big Sky Lodges has a passion for what they do – a practical approach to sustainability that benefits the land, wildlife and community – and it shows! Find out more about how this group puts their sustainability philosophy into action.

Although it is indeed home to the famous Table Mountain, this park has much more in store for nature-lovers and thrill-seekers alike. Find out more about it in this complete guide to Table Mountain National Park.

Your safari journey begins from the exact moment you start travelling to your wild and wonderful destination. It’s made up of all of the amazing experiences you have, from the places you stay at, to the activities you take part in. This guide is here to help you understand African safari tipping etiquette along the way.

Franschhoek is a place of exquisite nature, art, and history. This highly cultured town forms part of the Cape Winelands region and is also known as the culinary capital of South Africa. Here are our top 7 things to do in Franschhoek!

The town of Franschhoek—translated as 'French corner'— is a picturesque exhibit of culture and history accompanied by culinary prestige. Set in a valley with views of the surrounding mountains and vineyards, people come from far and wide to visit this exquisite town.

With a history extending over 300 years, Stellenbosch is the second oldest town and European settlement in South Africa after Cape Town. Combined with mountain backdrops and vineyards, the spectacular features adorning this beautiful town is what many keep coming back to.

Welcome to the Rainbow Nation, a melting pot of geographical, cultural, historical, and natural splendour! Whether you are searching for the Big 5 in the wide-open savannah, surfing the famed waves along the azure coastline, ascending the dramatic peaks of the Drakensberg, or sipping top-class wine between the vineyards, you will find an adventure worth sharing. Here’s a compact guide to inspire and steer your travels in South Africa, the land of never-ending beauty and adventure.

The Cape Winelands reside in a series of valleys and due to the area’s biodiversity, you will find everything from fynbos to the marvellous countryside to admire. This area yields celebrated South African wines and supplies them to the world. But you can witness it for yourself. Wine down 😉🍷(pun intended) and discover a complete guide to the Cape Winelands.