Explore hidden gems and fun activities right in your backyard.
Discover inspiring places, near and far, and plan your next adventure.
Stay informed and safe with practical advice and updates from our roads.
Real stories, tips, and hacks from travellers to make your next trip smarter and more memorable.
By Gugulethu Tshabalala Lady Grey is one of those towns you hear about in passing, and then when you finally visit, you wonder why no one insisted you go sooner.
By Gugulethu Tshabalala Under the wide, forgiving skies of the North West lies Bloemhof — a town that moves to the rhythm of the river, where strangers wave as if
By Gugulethu Tshabalala Every year, South Africans are gifted the opportunity to reconnect with nature without opening their wallets. SA National Parks Week is back this September 2025, inviting citizens
By Prashirwin Naidu Weekend escapes are the perfect remedy for rest, recharge and to indulge in good food. This one came with a little extra romance. Hand in hand with
By Gugulethu Tshabalala Set along the North Coast of KwaZulu-Natal, just 140 km from Durban, Mtunzini is a quiet coastal village with a name that means “a place in the
By Gugulethu Tshabalala Tucked away in the vast plains of the Eastern Cape’s Karoo, Steytlerville may seem like just another quiet dorp at first glance, but spend a little time
By Prashirwin Naidu In the world of motoring, we are spoilt for choice. With so many incredible destinations and driving experiences, it is easy to become a little picky. But
By Gugulethu Tshabalala A quiet treasure on the N6 worth more than a stopover.Tucked away in the southern Free State, about 130 km from Bloemfontein, lies Smithfield a small town
By Gugulethu Tshabalala Tucked away in the Magoebaskloof mountains lies Haenertsburg, a misty village that feels like a fairy tale. This tiny town in Limpopo is one of South Africa’s
By Gugulethu Tshabalala Lady Grey is one of those towns you hear about in passing, and then when you finally visit, you wonder why no one insisted you go sooner.
By Gugulethu Tshabalala Cradled between the Langeberg Mountains and the fields of the Overberg, Swellendam is a town where the past breathes effortlessly into the present. Founded in 1745 and
By Gugulethu Tshabalala In province of Mpumalanga, best known for its famous Panorama Route and the gateway to the Kruger, lies a lesser-known gem: Dullstroom. Nestled more than 2000 metres
By Gugulethu Tshabalala Tucked away in the Magoebaskloof mountains lies Haenertsburg, a misty village that feels like a fairy tale. This tiny town in Limpopo is one of South Africa’s
By Gugulethu Tshabalala Winter travel in South Africa doesn’t have to mean flocking to the usual suspects. When the temperatures drop, some of the country’s most underrated destinations truly come
By Gugulethu Tshabalala When it comes to cruising, most imagine vast cruise ships, the size of hotels, navigating through open seas. But some of South Africa’s most unforgettable journeys happen
By Gugulethu Tshabalala Every year on 22 April, Earth Day reminds us to cherish and protect our planet. It’s about making mindful choices, from what we consume to how and
By Aurelia Mbokazi-Kashe Some places leave a lasting impression, Rooiberg Lodge in the Klein Karoo is one such treasure. Before setting foot as part of the Jeep Wrangler launch earlier
By Gugulethu Tshabalala Gauteng may be experiencing a rainy summer, with showers expected throughout the week, but that doesn’t mean water activities are off the table. In fact, South Africa
By Prashirwin Naidu A palace away from home – that’s precisely how I’d describe my escape to the Radisson Safari Hotel, one of South Africa’s most exciting new hospitality gems.
By Aurelia Mbokazi-Kashe Every year, Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) hosts a special event during Women’s Month to celebrate women in the automotive industry. It has become a highlight on
By Aurelia Mbokazi-Kashe Hoedspruit, in the heart of Limpopo, is a small town where life moves at a slower pace. It’s known as the gateway to the Kruger National Park,
BY Sipho “Alphi” Mkhwanazi Mpumalanga seems to be calling my name so often that I think it only makes sense to start considering a second home in that area. We were summoned
BY Sipho ‘Alphi’ Mkhwanazi The moon has been playing ringa-ringa-roses with my emotions and I realised, maybe it’s time for yet another timeout. And before you call me a chakra king, yes,
BY Mabuyane Mabuza Many of you may be aware that I wear a few hats, including that of a farmer. The South African grain season starts in September, for land
BY Motlatsi Kekana Monate Game Lodge, in the heart of Limpopo – a short two-hour drive from the bustling cities of Pretoria and Johannesburg – is a peaceful haven away
BY Motlatsi Kekana Nestled within the heart of the Limpopo province, the Waterberg AfriCamps proved to be an idyllic retreat, offering a perfect blend of rugged charm, creature comforts, and breathtaking
BY Aurelia Mbokazi-Kashe Once in a while, one stumbles across a discovery so precious that they immediately fantasise of a bright future of fun-filled holidays – the stuff where love,
Victoria Falls, one of the world’s most famous natural attractions, offers visitors a striking combination of natural beauty and cultural significance. Recently, renowned radio personality Carol Ofori embarked on a
Jacaranda FM’s beloved radio personality, Danny Painter, recently returned from a “life- changing” trip to the breathtaking city of Abu Dhabi, and she’s encouraging everyone to add this magical destination
A short 3.5-hour flight from Johannesburg, Zanzibar is a paradise island and a popular destination among South Africans. It offers the chance to relax on white sandy beaches, experience diverse
Lungile Hadebe, an international English teacher from Estcourt, KZN, is theperfect example of balancing work and pleasure. She teaches English as asecond language in China and spends much of her
BY Gugulethu Tshabalala Madimo Mimo Mokgosi is a resilient content creator, liver transplant survivor, and advocate for people with Lymphedema. Her passion for lifestyle, motoring, and travel shines through in her
BY Aurelia Mbokazi-Kashe Stacy Heinlein, from Detroit Lakes in Minnesota, USA, is a busy wife and mom of four. She wears many hats as an Inner Alignment Coach, Reiki Practitioner,
This cold weather got me reminiscing about my last summer holiday. I did something out of the norm for myself and joined a pre-planned girl’s trip for a group of
BY Aurelia Mbokazi-Kashe Namibia has earned a spot as one of the most diverse holiday destinations in the world. As one of the largest and yet least populated countries, it
BY Gugulethu Tshabalala Tapiwa Risai Kahari is a digital content creator and travel blogger on her platform, Risai Wanders. She is also a photographer and a vlogger. A former lawyer,
By Staff Writer Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) recently celebrated the achievements of the nation’s agricultural community at the annual Farmer of the Year Awards Gala, an event that recognises
By Prashirwin Naidu Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) has completed a landmark first year as the exclusive global exporter of the Volkswagen Polo- and it’s a year marked by record-breaking success
By Mabuyane Mabuza Although I don’t have a clear memory of the Leyland brand, the name does ring a faint bell from my childhood. At the recent launch of Ashok
It’s official, the BMW X3 has been crowned the 2025 South African Car of the Year, and the celebrations have not stopped … or the debates, depending on which side
By Prashirwin Naidu Mahindra South Africa is on a roll! In fact, it easily owned the month of February. Hot on the heels of its 20-year celebration in the country,
By Aurelia Mbokazi-Kashe The automotive landscape is shifting, and South Africa is navigating its unique path within this global transformation. As the global automotive industry evolves, South Africa is charting
By Aurelia Mbokazi The year began with a sharp focus on the motoring industry’s future at Toyota South Africa’s eighth annual State of the Motor Industry (SOMI) event, held on
By Prashirwin Naidu In what could be viewed as a bid to drive sales and get vehicles off showroom floors and into consumers’ garages, GAC Motor South Africa, a recent
With the country’s electricity supply seemingly stabilising, South African motorists are showing a growing interest in electric vehicles, according to various studies. As the EU’s 2035 ban on new petrol
By Aurelia Mbokazi-Kashe At the rate new motoring manufacturers keep popping up, you’d be forgiven for losing track of who’s who. While the names may blur, the upside for South
By Aurelia Mbokazi-Kashe With the influx of new car brands entering South Africa, it’s easy to lose track of who’s who. So, when Stellantis announced its partnership with China’s Leapmotor
By Prashirwin Naidu Volkswagen has come out guns blazing with the new Transporter T7, and if you ask me, it’s a bold and daring move. Why daring? Well, remember the
By Mabuyane Mabuza Audi South Africa has been in hibernation these past few years, but that’s about to change, if the brand’s head honchos are to be believed. Last week
By Aurelia Mbokazi Stellantis SA is an exciting player in the motoring industry, boasting a diverse portfolio of nine brands that cater to different markets and driving needs. At their
By Mabuyane Mabuza South African car consumers seem to be catching up to the plug-in hybrids. On the other hand, car manufacturers are also expanding on this attractive engine offering.
By Prashirwin Naidu The Suzuki Dzire has quietly become something of a phenomenon in South Africa. It’s been flying under the radar, yet consistently delivering, selling in bucketloads and earning
By Prashirwin Naidu I had been looking forward to the refreshed Isuzu Mu-X launch in the Western Cape — and it didn’t disappoint. Isuzu has given the Mu-X a smart
By Aurelia Mbokazi-Kashe Hyundai has come a long way since it first entered South Africa during the country’s early days of democracy. Back then, it was a newcomer met with
Hello Mabs I’m not sure if my shocks are worn out. How do I tell? Mabs Answers: Good question! Worn shocks can make your drive unsafe without you even realising
Hello Mabs I’ve been eyeing luxury cars, but servicing costs scare me. Are they worth the investment locally? Mabs Answers Luxury cars are beautiful to drive, but they do come
Hello Mabs I live in a coastal town, and I worry about rust. Which cars resist corrosion the best? Mabs Answers: Coastal air is lovely, but brutal on cars. Rust
Hello Mabs My new car has a fancy infotainment system. It looks cool, but I’m worried it’s distracting. Are these systems really safe? Mabs Answers: You’re right to be cautious;
Hello Mabs I recently drove on gravel roads in Mpumalanga and nearly lost control. How should I handle driving on rural roads safely? Mabs Answers: Gravel roads can be tricky,
Hello Mabs I’m thinking of importing a car, but I hear it can get expensive to service here. Is it really worth it? Mabs Answers In most cases, importing a
Hello Mabs I’m looking to buy a bakkie that won’t lose value quickly. Which brands or models hold their resale value the best? Mabs Answers This is a good question,
Hi Mabs I want to buy a car with low mileage, but some dealers seem dodgy. How do I verify the real kilometres? Mabs Answers:You’re absolutely right to be cautious
Hi Mabs Growing up I used to watch my dad check the car every morning to ensure it had sufficient oil, water, and the works, before leaving home. I’ve had
By Staff Writer We have officially survived the first week of December, and the holiday season has become very real. This coming weekend, many South Africans will wrap up work
Revved Up With Itu Motoba Do you find yourself pressing an imaginary brake when someone else is behind the wheel? Do you offer “helpful” driving tips no one actually asked
By Staff Writer We’ve entered the month of December, and while many South Africans are gearing up for holidays, shopping and travel, criminals are also out to make a quick
South African motorists often overlook one of the most reliable safety resources available to them: the men and women working at service stations nationwide. Open 24 hours and trained to
By Staff Writer South Africans drive some of the most diverse cars in the world, and not all offer the same level of protection. Before you buckle up, here’s what
By Prashirwin Naidu My heart feels heavy as I write this. Where does one even begin? It was an early, bright blue morning when I found myself hurrying to the
By Aurelia Mbokazi-Kashe Last Thursday, on our way to Durban, what should have been a smooth drive turned into a gruelling experience. We were stuck for over four hours on
By Staff Writer The recent drop in road crashes and fatalities over Easter — with collisions down by 32.5% and deaths reduced by 45.6%, as reported by the Automobile Association
Revved Up With Itu Motoba I enjoy buying books, bags, and car accessories. Strange combination, I know — but hear me out. Black Friday is one of my favourite times
By Mabuyane Mabuza Though the world has changed and is changing rapidly right before our eyes, for both good and bad, one can never take away the best changes or
By Mabuyane Mabuza There’s something audaciously theatrical about the Lexus GX550 the moment it fills your mirrors. A hulking silhouette carved with Lexus’s modern design cues, its once-ornate spindle grille
By Prashirwin Naidu When the invite for the facelifted Renault Kiger launch landed on my desk, I was keen, caffeinated, and ready for another escape into the world of new-car
By Mabuyane Mabuza If Volvo XC90 were a person, it would be that quiet, beautiful girl in class, the one who says less and lets her beauty speak for her.
By Mabuyane Mabuza When I found out what BYD stands for, I chuckled and thought, here we go again, the Chinese are on brand. You cannot expect anything but a
By Aurelia Mbokazi-Kashe Parys is the kind of place that invites you to slow down and sink into its laissez-faire charm. By day, the “big boys and girls” head for
By Prashirwin Naidu This one’s for the lovers of big-bodied SUVs — the segment South Africans know, love, and trust. These three are perennial favourites, each with its loyal fan
By Mabuyane Mabuza “You have been distracted, please pay attention.” Take your eyes off the road for more than two seconds, or even grip the steering wheel awkwardly, and you’ll
By Aurelia Mbokazi-Kashe Over the years, Renault has quietly carved out a space for itself at the affordable end of South Africa’s motoring market. From the Clio and Megane to
By Staff Writer Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) recently celebrated the achievements of the nation’s agricultural community at the annual Farmer of the Year Awards Gala, an event that recognises
By Prashirwin Naidu Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) has completed a landmark first year as the exclusive global exporter of the Volkswagen Polo- and it’s a year marked by record-breaking success
By Mabuyane Mabuza Although I don’t have a clear memory of the Leyland brand, the name does ring a faint bell from my childhood. At the recent launch of Ashok
It’s official, the BMW X3 has been crowned the 2025 South African Car of the Year, and the celebrations have not stopped … or the debates, depending on which side
By Prashirwin Naidu Mahindra South Africa is on a roll! In fact, it easily owned the month of February. Hot on the heels of its 20-year celebration in the country,
By Aurelia Mbokazi-Kashe The automotive landscape is shifting, and South Africa is navigating its unique path within this global transformation. As the global automotive industry evolves, South Africa is charting
By Aurelia Mbokazi The year began with a sharp focus on the motoring industry’s future at Toyota South Africa’s eighth annual State of the Motor Industry (SOMI) event, held on
By Prashirwin Naidu In what could be viewed as a bid to drive sales and get vehicles off showroom floors and into consumers’ garages, GAC Motor South Africa, a recent
With the country’s electricity supply seemingly stabilising, South African motorists are showing a growing interest in electric vehicles, according to various studies. As the EU’s 2035 ban on new petrol
"Xploreza’s motoring section keeps me in the know. The reviews are honest, and the car-buying advice helped me choose my first ride without breaking the bank."
"I love the travel stories on Xploreza! They make planning family getaways so easy, from finding hidden gems to keeping the kids entertained and safe on the road."
"Xploreza keeps me in the know, from trying new recipes at home and thinking bigger about small-scale farming, all learnings from their practical agriculture and lifestyle content. I even found my new go-to coffee spot thanks to one of their reviews."