Elfi

The Underground Jazz Scene of Johannesburg – Finding the city’s hidden rhythms.

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Johannesburg, South Africa’s economic powerhouse, is a city of contrasts and constant transformation. While its skyline speaks of financial might and urban development, beneath the surface beats the heart of a vibrant underground jazz scene that continues to evolve, challenge, and inspire. This hidden musical ecosystem carries the legacy of South Africa’s complex history while […]

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A Day in the Life of a Shangaan Village – Understanding traditions firsthand.

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The Shangaan people, also known as Tsonga, have a rich cultural heritage deeply rooted in southern Africa, particularly in Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. Their vibrant traditions, distinct language, and unique way of life offer fascinating insights into indigenous African cultures that have adapted over centuries while maintaining their core identity. Dawn in a Shangaan

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Africa’s Only Ski Resort in Lesotho – Yes, you can ski here!

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Lesotho, a small mountainous kingdom completely surrounded by South Africa, might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of skiing. However, nestled in the majestic Maluti Mountains lies Afriski Mountain Resort, the only operational ski resort in Africa (outside of Morocco’s Atlas Mountains). This unique destination offers visitors the rare

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Abseiling Down Table Mountain, Descend 112 meters off Cape Town’s iconic flat-topped mountain, with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Robben Island

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Abseiling Down Table Mountain: A Vertigo-Inducing Adventure Not for the Faint-Hearted Let me start by saying that I’ve done some questionable things in my life. Eaten questionable street food in Bangkok. Attempted to befriend a clearly disinterested cat. But standing at the edge of Table Mountain, about to willingly throw myself off it? That’s a

Abseiling Down Table Mountain, Descend 112 meters off Cape Town’s iconic flat-topped mountain, with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Robben Island Read More »

Kayaking with Hippos & Crocodiles in iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Paddle through the St. Lucia Estuary, home to over 800 hippos and Nile crocodiles, while exploring lush wetlands

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Kayaking with Hippos & Crocodiles: The Wild Heart of iSimangaliso Wetland Park Picture this: You’re gliding through mirror-like waters, morning mist dancing above the surface, when suddenly a massive bubble eruption appears 15 feet away. A hippo’s nostrils break the surface, eyeing you with what can only be described as barely-contained tolerance. Your paddle freezes

Kayaking with Hippos & Crocodiles in iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Paddle through the St. Lucia Estuary, home to over 800 hippos and Nile crocodiles, while exploring lush wetlands Read More »

Making Friends on the Road: A Guide to Local Hospitality – Embracing connection while traveling.

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Traveling to new places offers more than just sightseeing and tourist attractions. The true essence of travel lies in the connections we make along the way. Whether you’re backpacking through Southeast Asia or road-tripping across America, engaging with locals can transform an ordinary journey into an extraordinary adventure full of authentic experiences and meaningful relationships.

Making Friends on the Road: A Guide to Local Hospitality – Embracing connection while traveling. Read More »

West coast Lobster right on the beach

A Floral Wonderland and Beachside Delicacies: My Journey to the West Coast and Namaqualand

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As we drove North from Cape Town, I could hardly contain my excitement. I had heard tales of the vibrant floral displays of Namaqualand, but nothing could have prepared me for the breathtaking spectacle that awaited. This journey promised not only a visual feast but also a culinary adventure that would linger in my memory

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The Most Bizarre Modes of Transport in Southern Africa – From donkey carts to dugout canoes.

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Southern Africa is a tapestry of diverse landscapes, from sprawling deserts to lush deltas, creating unique transportation challenges that have spawned some of the world’s most unconventional travel methods. While modern cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town boast sophisticated transit systems, venture beyond urban centers and you’ll discover a fascinating world of traditional and improvised

The Most Bizarre Modes of Transport in Southern Africa – From donkey carts to dugout canoes. Read More »

Shark Cage Diving in Gansbaai, Come face-to-face with great white sharks in the “Shark Alley” near Cape Town. Secure in a steel cage, you’ll witness these apex predators up close in their natural habitat

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Into the Deep: My Heart-Pounding Adventure Shark Cage Diving in Gansbaai I’ve always considered myself somewhat adventurous—hiking trails, maybe a zipline here and there—but nothing could have prepared me for the moment I’d find myself suspended in a metal cage, face-to-face with a 15-foot great white shark in the infamous Shark Alley of Gansbaai. Let

Shark Cage Diving in Gansbaai, Come face-to-face with great white sharks in the “Shark Alley” near Cape Town. Secure in a steel cage, you’ll witness these apex predators up close in their natural habitat Read More »