Journeys With Heart, Purpose and a Little Adventure

06 February 2026 | View in browser

If there's one thing this week's stories have in common, it's movement — of people, ideas and the way we choose to explore the world. Travel, after all, is never just about where you go, but how you show up while you're there.   We start close to the heart with a look at romantic escapes designed for couples who value shared experiences. Think connection, curiosity and memories you'll still be talking about years from now. From there, the focus shifts to conservation at home, where a new pilot project in the Kruger National Park is giving recycling a much-needed boost; proof that smart partnerships can have a big impact on protected spaces.   Beyond our borders, global tourism is evolving too. Indonesia's move toward more ethical travel practices signals a growing shift in how destinations care for wildlife and communities, while Zanzibar's booming tourism sector shows how investment opportunities are expanding far beyond the classic beach-and-resort model. Back in Cape Town, or rather, a slice of it abroad, we explore a surprising cultural corner in Amsterdam that feels unmistakably local, reminding us how South African creativity continues to travel well. And for those already planning ahead, Franschhoek's 2026 calendar is shaping up to be one worth diarising, with events that celebrate food, wine and the joy of gathering.   Whether you're dreaming, planning or simply keeping an eye on how travel is changing, there's plenty here to inspire your next journey — near or far. TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter  Until next week!

6 romantic getaways for couples who prefer experiences Romance is not always found in luxury or perfectly styled rooms. It often grows through shared moments like drifting above a landscape at sunrise, spotting wildlife together in the early hours, or taking the long way through an unfamiliar town with no fixed plan. Read more

Recycling gets a boost in Kruger with new SANParks and Petco pilot A new recycling initiative is taking shape in Kruger National Park. Read more

Indonesia moves toward ethical tourism with elephant ride ban Indonesia has taken a major step toward more ethical wildlife tourism by banning elephant rides across the entire country. The policy, comes after mounting pressure from animal welfare groups and marks the end of a once-popular attraction for many visitors to Bali and beyond. Read more

Cape Town on a corner in Amsterdam In Amsterdam, a Cape Town-born restaurateur and a tight-knit team of South Africans are redefining hospitality abroad – not through nostalgia, but through warmth, openness and exceptional food. Read more

Zanzibar's tourism surge opens the door to investment beyond beaches and resorts Zanzibar's tourism sector is entering a new phase of growth, with rising visitor numbers, near-capacity hotels and expanding transport infrastructure exposing a widening gap in the island's experience offering beyond accommodation. Read more

Franschhoek's must-attend events for 2026 Tucked into the heart of the Cape Winelands, this small village punches far above its weight when it comes to world-class festivals, cultural gatherings, food celebrations and music weekends.   Read more

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