"Every journey begins with a single step"
Lao Tzu
For the Travel Southern Africa team, our journey began with an idea, then a single page, followed by many more pages filled with stories of adventure, culture, and discovery.
News & Trending
New Hope Spot Champion Takes Helm for Aliwal Shoal Hope Spot
[DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA] – Aliwal Shoal Hope Spot – one of South Africa’s most famous dive sites, a key tourism attraction, and a Marine Protected Area (MPA) – is located just 50 km south of Durban and 5 km off the coast of Umkomaas on the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) South Coast.
A Safari for Your Taste Buds - Kruger Station's Culinary Experience
Nestled in the heart of the iconic Kruger National Park, situated in the Skukuza Rest Camp, Kruger Station offers a culinary experience as bold and untamed as the landscape itself. Showcasing South Africa’s responsibly sourced rich venison heritage.
High Court victory for the Critically Endangered African Penguin
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
18 March 2025
Settlement secures biologically meaningful foraging areas for African Penguins for next decade to help bring the species back from the brink of extinction.
BirdLife South Africa and SANCCOB
ISSUE 1
APRIL – JULY 2025
With the launch of Travel Southern Africa, we invite you to journey with us through this breathtaking and diverse region. From the pristine beaches of KwaZulu-Natal to Namibia’s vast deserts, from exploring Cape Town like a local to discovering Malawi as a family-friendly destination, we take you there. We head out on safari, chase adventure in Victoria Falls, and uncover art, cuisine, and luxury escapes along the way.
But this magazine is about more than just places—it’s about the people we meet, the communities we connect with, and the stories that inspire. We explore how tourism can make a difference, sharing impactful conservation initiatives and meaningful community projects. These are the moments that stay with us long after the journey ends.
Travel has the power to connect us, to inspire us, and to remind us of the beauty in the world. In every issue, we’ll bring you stunning landscapes, hidden gems, and transformative travel experiences that celebrate responsible tourism.
So, whether you’re planning your next adventure or simply dreaming of new horizons, we hope these pages awaken your desire to travel and explore.
Welcome to Travel Southern Africa. The journey starts here.
Our Editor
Tessa Buhrmann
A dedicated advocate for responsible travel and conservation in Southern Africa. Tessa’s career began in 2005, encompassing a diverse range of tourism publications, from business traavel to local guides, and in 2008 founding her own publication, Responsible Traveller – demonstrating her commitment to driving awareness about conservation and responsible travel practices.
In addition to her editorial work, Tessa’s influence has extended to sub-editing prominent publications like Travel & Leisure in Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Botswana, where she has ensured that the industry’s messaging aligns with responsible and sustainable principles.
Contributors
SOPHIE BAKER
A freelance writer from Johannesburg, Sophie specializes in content marketing and travel writing. A passionate equestrian, she loves writing about all things equine, as well as travel and food — two of her greatest joys.
KIM BARNETT
With 25+ years in Zambia’s tourism industry, Kim fosters community collaboration and deeper traveller connections to Southern Africa. She’s on a mission to prove that Africa is never just a “once in a lifetime” experience, and that it always has more to offer.
DANIELLE CARSTENS
A South African wildlife photographer and instructor, Danielle leads small-group photo safaris across Africa. She also creates educational YouTube content, writes for travel magazines, and offers online photography and editing lessons.
LORRAINE KEARNEY
Lorraine once dreamed of leaving Africa — until she came to her senses. Now, she writes about her adventures across the region. Based in Cape Town, she happily spends her time eating, drinking, and writing about it all.
SARAH KINGDOM
An Australian-turned-African, Sarah is a mountain guide, travel writer, yoga teacher, and trail runner. Based on a Zambian cattle ranch, she regularly leads trips in India, Nepal, Tibet, Russia, Ethiopia, and Tanzania, where she climbs Kilimanjaro multiple times a year.
TRUDI MALAN
A journalist with a passion for conservation, Trudi has spent 24 years dedicated to saving the endangered African penguin. Through her writing, she sheds light on environmental issues, using her words to educate and inspire action.
LORRAINE RATCLIFFE
Originally from England, Lorraine spent 23 years in IT before becoming a homeopath. Now, with her children grown, she and her husband are embracing new adventures, exploring the world, and occasionally writing about their experiences.
CLAIRE ROADLEY
With 25+ years in travel and a deep love for Africa, Claire promotes sustainable hotels and safari lodges through her PR business, Umlingo. Based in the UK, she works with trade partners, tourist boards, and airlines — and occasionally writes about her travels and her clients.
