Category: News

The South African government’s ambition to bring Formula 1 (F1) racing back to the country remains alive, according to Tourism Minister, Patricia de Lille. Discussions with motor racing authorities are underway, with hopes to secure a return of F1 racing, which has been absent from South Africa since 1993.

To date, only two African countries – Morocco and South Africa – have hosted a Formula One race. The last F1 race was held at Kyalami Race Track in Johannesburg in 1993 and was won by Alain Prost.

The return of Formula 1 to South Africa has the potential to attract a new wave of international travellers to the continent, many of whom may incorporate the event into broader African travel experiences. It would also mean a considerable boost for the development of tourism infrastructure.

By positioning F1 as part of an “expanded safari circuit,” the country could offer unique dual experiences, combining world-class motorsport with iconic wildlife tourism, further enhancing Africa’s appeal as a multifaceted destination.

Record Attendance in 2023

In 2023, Formula 1 saw record-breaking attendance, with over six million spectators across all 22 races. Some of the best-attended events included the British Grand Prix, which drew 480,000 fans, and the Australian Grand Prix, which attracted 444,600 people. The US Grand Prix in Austin also saw 432,000 attendees.

The total number of fans who attended Formula 1 races in 2023 was 6,150,000 – the first time in the sport’s history that the total attendance figure has passed six million and a massive 400,000 more than in 2022.

Kyalami to Return to the F1 Calendar?

South Africa’s previous efforts to host an F1 race were stalled due to the country’s close ties with Russia. However, in September 2024, Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie met with FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem and Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

According to the Minister, authorities are “one step closer to bringing it [Formula 1] to South Africa” following this “extremely good meeting.” Kyalami and its stakeholders are coming to the party, too.

“The iconic Kyalami has taken proactive steps by engaging the services of Apex Circuit Design (Apex) to prepare a roadmap for FIA Grade 1 accreditation, a requirement to host a modern Formula 1 event,” the venue says. “Apex is an award-winning motorsport engineering consultancy responsible for the design and delivery of the world’s best racetracks.”

Following on from this, Minister McKenzie has already met with the Kyalami and Apex teams to learn more about these plans.

“Whilst negotiations with various role players, including Formula 1 owners, Liberty Media, continue tirelessly behind the scenes, South Africans can be rest assured that there will be a suitable home for the return of Formula 1 Kyalami,” the venue adds.

UFC in Africa?

Following his recent victories, including his title win over Sean Strickland and title defence against Israel Adesanya, UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis has inspired momentum for a UFC event in South Africa, especially in Cape Town. City officials, led by Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, are proactively developing plans for a temporary roof at Cape Town Stadium to meet UFC’s indoor venue requirements, with an estimated cost of R30 million (US $1,655,000).

Although still awaiting government approval, this project could be completed by March 2025, aligning with UFC President Dana White’s expressed interest in bringing UFC to Africa, especially given du Plessis’s rising influence and fan base within South Africa.

Du Plessis, with his local and international fanbase, could leverage his influence to draw significant attention to the event. His recent fights have already raised South Africa’s profile in the MMA world, with local and international brands supporting him. Hosting the event in South Africa would mark the UFC’s first in Africa, enhancing the continent’s role in the global MMA landscape and setting the stage for further investments and international sporting events.

UFC President Dana White, alluding to Dricus du Plessis’s rising success, remarked: “If Dricus becomes the world champion, it’s a no-brainer. We will go to South Africa. Africa has been on my radar for a long time.”

The global appeal of F1 races has hordes of fans travelling from various countries and contributing to significant tourism and hospitality revenue in host cities. These figures highlight F1’s potential to draw new travellers to regions like South Africa if it reintroduces a Grand Prix, especially as part of an expanded safari circuit, blending motorsport tourism with Africa’s unique travel offerings.

Likewise, Du Plessis, with his local and international fanbase, could leverage his influence to draw significant attention to South Africa. His recent fights have already raised South Africa’s profile in the MMA world, with local and international brands supporting him. Hosting the event in South Africa would mark the UFC’s first in Africa, enhancing the continent’s role in the global MMA landscape and setting the stage for further investments and international sporting events.

As 2025 approaches, African countries are accelerating their outreach to digital nomads, recognising the economic and developmental benefits of tapping into the remote workforce.

By implementing structured, flexible remote work visas, African nations are positioning themselves as premier destinations for digital nomads who bring significant spending and contribute to economic diversification. Remote work and digital nomadism continue to expand globally as professionals seek out destinations with attractive climates, cost-effective living, and diverse cultural landscapes.

African countries like Kenya, Namibia, Mauritius, and South Africa have responded by launching or expanding digital nomad visa programs to attract skilled professionals who can work independently of local employment markets.

This trend is increasingly shaping Africa’s reputation as a forward-thinking destination ready to accommodate the growing location-independent workforce. Here’s a closer look at key countries pioneering these efforts and the anticipated economic impact.

Kenya: Bridging Tourism and Tech Innovation

Kenya recently unveiled plans for a digital nomad visa, with a focus on high-earning remote workers. Applicants must have an annual income of at least US $55,000 and demonstrate self-sufficiency. This move aligns with Kenya’s ambition to increase its tourist arrivals to five million annually by 2027.

As part of this initiative, Kenya is also enhancing its internet infrastructure, particularly in urban hubs like Nairobi and Mombasa, to meet the connectivity expectations of tech-focused remote workers. With its robust tech startup culture and increasing connectivity, Kenya is well-positioned to attract nomads in the tech and creative sectors, fostering innovation and knowledge transfer in its growing digital economy.

Namibia: Opening Doors with a Straightforward Visa Program

Namibia introduced a six-month digital nomad visa in 2022, allowing applicants to live and work remotely within the country under transparent financial requirements (approximately US $2,000/month).

This visa is renewable, attracting digital nomads looking for a simpler, flexible lifestyle in Africa. Namibia has successfully leveraged its appeal as a destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers, positioning digital nomads as extended tourists who spend on local goods, services, and accommodations for longer periods, thus supporting the tourism sector in a sustainable way.

Mauritius: A Pioneer in Digital Nomad Visas

Mauritius stands out as an early adopter, launching its Premium Travel Visa in 2020. This one-year visa appeals to remote workers seeking stability in a tropical setting. With a moderate income requirement of $1,500 per month, Mauritius has been successful in encouraging longer stays by both digital nomads and extended tourists.

This visa program has enabled Mauritius to attract diverse talent from around the world, contributing to a more stable revenue stream for local businesses, especially outside of traditional tourist seasons.

South Africa: High-Skilled Labor as a Growth Strategy

South Africa’s approach to digital nomadism emphasizes economic growth via skilled immigration. The new Remote Work Visitor Visa requires applicants to earn at least ZAR650,000 annually, ensuring that incoming residents have the spending power to boost local markets. South Africa sees these professionals as key contributors to its broader economic landscape, particularly in sectors like tech and business services.

Additionally, South Africa’s government is exploring visa process improvements to make applications smoother and more transparent, reducing delays and potentially widening the appeal for remote professionals seeking short-term residency.

The Economic Impact of Africa’s Digital Nomad Trend

Boosting Non-Seasonal Revenue

Digital nomad visas bring in higher, more consistent spending compared to short-term tourism, as remote workers are likely to rent accommodations, dine locally, and engage with community services. By attracting long-term residents, African countries can mitigate the impact of tourism seasonality, ensuring steady economic benefits that bolster the local service and hospitality sectors throughout the year.

Driving Infrastructure Development

The demand for reliable internet, co-working spaces, and other amenities has incentivised governments to invest in modern infrastructure. Kenya’s expansion of fiber optic networks exemplifies how countries are developing their digital capacities to attract remote workers. This expanded infrastructure not only benefits digital nomads but also supports local communities by enhancing connectivity and creating lasting improvements for the national economy.

Knowledge Transfer and Innovation

As digital nomads, especially in tech and entrepreneurial fields, settle in African countries, they bring knowledge, expertise, and potential for cross-border collaborations. These professionals often integrate into local innovation ecosystems, particularly in hubs like Nairobi and Cape Town. By promoting skill-sharing and innovative projects, digital nomadism can drive development in Africa’s tech sectors and stimulate local entrepreneurship, creating more inclusive, knowledge-driven economies.

Promising Path to Growth

Africa’s digital nomad visa initiatives offer a promising path to economic diversification, attracting high-value talent and building a reputation as a modern, adaptable continent. With successful implementation and targeted infrastructure investments, these programs could not only reshape Africa’s tourism industry but also create sustainable economic growth that benefits local communities.
As African countries streamline and refine these visa processes, they are likely to see increased global attention from skilled professionals, positioning the continent as a compelling destination for the digital workforce.

As a species, the white rhino is under extreme pressure, mostly as a result of poaching for their horns and the illegal wildlife trade. Southern white rhino reached a record low of 30-40 individuals in the 1930s, but thanks to conservation efforts their numbers bounced back to 20,000 animals by 2012. 

This number, however, has declined to below 13,000 today. Now an ambitious project is underway to rewild 2000 captive rhinos over the next decade.

African Parks, a conservation NGO that manages 22 protected areas in partnership with 12 governments across Africa, has recently acquired what was once the world’s largest private captive rhino breeding operation.

The 7,800-hectare property in the North West province of South Africa holds 2000 white rhino at present – that’s up to 15% of the world’s remaining wild population.

The organization’s extensive experience in effectively managing protected areas and carrying out wildlife translocations at scale puts them in a unique position to help avert a conservation crisis, with rhinos being a species in rapid decline.

3 DAYS

Elephant Kingdom with a Chobe – Savute Safari

Southern Africa Botswana Chobe Savuti

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Kruger Park Safari in Private Concession

Southern Africa South Africa Kruger Park

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Delightful Cape Town & Kruger Safari

South Africa Manyeleti Game Reserve Cape Town

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In previous projects, African Parks has successfully brought rhino back to Rwanda, Malawi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. 

“We fully recognize the moral imperative of finding a solution for these animals.” Peter Fearnhead, CEO of African Parks

In one of the largest continent-wide rewilding endeavors ever to occur for any species, the previous operation’s breeding program will be phased out and the remaining 2000 rhinos will be rewilded to well-managed and secure areas across Africa.

Plans for the animals include establishing or supplementing strategic populations. The project will conclude once all the rhinos are released into the wild, thereby de-risking the future of the species.

“The conservation sector is delighted that African Parks can provide a credible solution for this important population, and a significant lifeline for this Near Threatened species,” said Dr. Mike Knight, Chairman of the IUCN Africa Rhino Specialist Group.

Name – Julian Brookstein

Date of Birth – 09 August 1979

Qualification – Zimbabwean Professional Guide

Place of Birth – Harare, Zimbabwe

Julian was born and raised in Zimbabwe and is a third generation Zimbabwean. His interest in the outdoors and wildlife began at an early age when he used to attend junior guiding camps in the school holidays. He has grown up keeping everything from scorpions to rats as pets. It was at age eleven that Julian told his parents he would be a guide. After completing his schooling and attaining a diploma in Agriculture in Zimbabwe, Julian went to South Africa to further his studies and attained a diploma in guiding and lodge management. After completing the diploma he returned to Zimbabwe.

He started his career as a canoe guide on the Zambezi River guiding multi-day trips in the Zambezi National park, also working as a whitewater Rafting guide on the rapids below the Victoria Falls. Due to the downturn in tourism, Julian went to the UK in 2002 and began working on a cruise ship. He worked at sea in the galley of the liner and climbed to the position of Chef De Partie, third in command to the head chef.

During this time he travelled extensively throughout Europe. With a burning desire to come home and get back into the bush, he returned to Zimbabwe and began working for Wilderness Safaris. He managed and guided in their camps in Mana Pools and Hwange National Park. At the beginning of 2011, Julian joined Camp Hwange as part of the new management team.

Julian holds a Zimbabwean Professional Guides license. As a Zimbabwean professional guide, he is well versed in all aspects of the African bush and has gone through rigorous training and exams, both practical and theory. It is this and a passion for the bush that make guests as enthusiastic as he is.

Source from Safari Talk.

Boasting over 20 years of safari guiding experience, Discover Africa had the priviledge of chatting to Singita‘s acting head guide, Chantelle Venter, who is currently plying her trade in the wildlife-rich Kruger National Park.

When is the best time to visit the Kruger National Park?

The Kruger National Park is an excellent all-year round safari destination, however, travelling in certain periods of the year does offer certain perks and opportunities. The best game viewing can be done during the winter months of May to September. This is also known as the dry season, as Kruger will receive very little rain during this time.

What makes the game viewing superb is the lack of vegetation, making the wildlife much easier to spot. Also, the wildlife within the Kruger National Park will congregate around water holes, making them easier to find. Summer is the wet season for visitors travelling to the Kruger National Park. The park will receive lots of rain, and one can witness the birth of newborn wildlife, while predators such as lion, leopard and cheetah look to take advantage of the vulnerable young animals.

 

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What wildlife can I see at the Kruger National Park?

The Kruger National Park is home to all the Big Five species. All of Africa’s big cats can be found here, and there are plenty of buffalo, elephant and buck. Giraffe meander along gracefully and you might even be lucky enough to spot a pack of African wild dogs. Other rare species include the pangolin, black and white rhino, golden mole and riverine rabbit. Look out for the African black-footed wild cat; a small but highly effective nocturnal predator. Birdwatching is also excellent here, in fact the Kruger is home to 500 bird species; more than half of the birds recorded in South Africa. Chinspot Batis by Warwick Tarboton from his book Guide to Birds of the Kruger National Park

Keep up-to-date with the happenings in Kruger by following these handy Facebook accounts:

• Singita
• Kruger Sightings
• Kruger Park Magazine

Include a trip to Kruger National Park in a thrilling safari in South Africa.

Find out more here.

Jon-Erik Munro is a South African photographer living in Cape Town. With a keen interest in photography for as far back as he can remember, Jon-Erik’s passion was sparked by his grandfather who was a keen photographer and artist.  After finishing matric he went on to study photography at City Varsity.

Now, years later, having worked for well-known lodge photographer David Rogers, he has gained invaluable experience in the realm of managing image libraries, colour correcting images, and of course, taking brilliant photographs. Jon-Erik has also worked on numerous design projects for various well known organisation. Cape Point, Two Oceans Aquarium, and most recently the Waterfront Boat Company are to name but a few.

Meet Jon-Erik Munro in the interview below

1. What sparked your interest in photography?

I think it was my grandfather.  I remember when I was much younger watching him work with his slides.  He used to paint a lot and would go out and shoot off a roll of film so that he would have a reference for his paintings.  I remember his study was always full of albums of prints, and other photographic equipment. Once he heard that I was studying photography he would send me all his old equipment for me to use.  I still use most of it.

2. What kind of photography are you most passionate about?

I thoroughly enjoy landscape photography; I also enjoy interior photography.  One of favorite spots to practice my landscape photography would be up in the  Karoo.  Our family has a house on Touwsberg Private Game and Nature Reserve and it’s a great place to work on some landscape.  You get fantastic sunsets there and paired with those iconic windmills is a recipe for some stunning images.

I always carry my camera around with me.  You just never know when a great photo opportunity will present itself, and you can walk away with a brilliant shot.  I have taken some great landscape images just simply walking around Kalk Bay harbour in the evenings.

3. What is the simplest thing that has ever inspired you?

Sometimes something as simple as good light can be the perfect bit of inspiration for a great photo, and gets the creative juices flowing.  One thing leads to the next and before you know it you have a great image or even a great series. 

4. If there was one African destination you could photograph, what would it be?

It probably will sound a bit cliché to most, but I would love to take a trip to Kenya and take some time to photograph the migration and the Masai.  From what I’ve seen it looks like the migration is an amazing event and there are plenty of photographic opportunities no matter where you look.

5. What’s the dumbest question anyone has ever asked you about photography?

I always get asked how many megapixels my camera has and then when I give them an answer they seem amazed and tell me it must take some amazing photos!  Then you have to go into a brief explanation telling them it’s not really the megapixels that make a great photo!

6. What is the most unusual thing you’ve taken a photograph of?

I think one of the more unusual and interesting things I have had to photograph is an oilrig being towed out of Cape Town harbour, up to the Congo.  It was one of those last minute jobs, where the client calls, permits are organised and you have to be there within the hour.

Earlier last year I was also asked to photograph spare parts that this engineering firm creates for generators and air compressors!

I don’t think any job could be classified as boring, but definitely unusual.

7. Why do photographers need Photoshop?

I would say many photographers over the last few years have moved over to Lightroom.  Lightroom is a powerful archiving tool, and it also lets you do all sorts of adjustments to your images.  Over the years Lightroom has become more and more powerful.  The latest version of Lightroom has a book-making module where you can create a coffee table book and upload your book straight to Blurb.com.

I do think though that photographers can’t use Lightroom alone, and using Photoshop to make your final adjustments to an image is a good idea.  Some of the features in Photoshop are a bit more sophisticated than Lightroom, which gives you a bit more control.  So I think photographers can use Lightroom and Photoshop together to create some fantastic images.

8. Complete this sentence: Because of photography…

Photographers have been able to bring certain subjects to others who might not necessarily be able to see them otherwise.

I would also say because of digital photography, being able to take a photo has become more accessible for people who might not have had access to resources like a film lab in the days prior to digital photography.

9. Are there any websites or online communities you upload your photos to?

I upload quite often to 500px, an online community that is relatively new. There are some amazing photos on the site.  I also upload to my Facebook page, Jon-Erik Munro Photography, as often as I can.

10. Any tips for taking a good photo on a safari with an average camera?

Yes! Get to know your camera back to front and inside out.  No matter what kind of camera you have, whether it is an advanced SLR or a simple point and shoot, learn the settings and familiarise yourself with how to access them.  There is nothing worse than missing that once in a life time shot because you don’t know how to set up your camera correctly.

One suggestion that was given to me was to put your camera in a black bag and practice setting the ISO, the aperture etc. without looking.  Also, carry your instruction manual in your camera bag.  You never know when you might need to look something up.