Entries by Gugulethu Ntombela

Top 5 Game Reserves to Visit in Summer

Come summer in South Africa between December and March, Addo Elephant National Park, Gondwana Game Reserve, Hluhluwe Game Reserve, Pongola Game Reserve and Shamwari Private Game Reserve are the best reserves to visit. Whether you are planning on going on safari for the first time or you’re a returning game reserve visitor, we know that these […]

Island Hopping Yacht Cruise – Mozambique

If the thought of gorgeous beaches, a calming boat cruise and exploring beautiful islands sounds good to you, this is the article for you. Mozambique is a beautiful coastal African country, perfect for a vacation. Here is an account of my personal journey island hopping in Mozambique. Day 0 – Packing day I am excited. […]

Top 10 Free Things to do in Joburg

If you’re in town and are looking for some things to do in Johannesburg (affectionately known as Joburg to locals), here are a few ideas that will inspire you. The best part is that they are all free of charge! Take your family, your partner and some friends over to these places to have a […]

The Amazing Race: ‘’The Sardine Run”

Every year, between the months of May and July, the sardine run happens, where billions of sardines spawn in the cool waters of the Agulhas Bank and frantically swim northward along the east coast of South Africa. This is often a suicide journey for the fish, as they are preyed on by frenzied sharks, dolphins, […]

South Africa, a Unique Floral Kingdom

South Africa is a country rich in natural heritage, and South African flora is certainly something to revel in. There are parks where Mother Nature reigns as queen of beauty. There are so many places that are ideal for observing the local wildlife and these places will allow you to get to know the endemic […]

Travel Southern Africa Like a Star

What do Snoop Dogg, Clinton, Lennon, Bruni, Freeman, DeNiro and Ramsay have in common? They’re all famous, right, but not that’s not it! They all travelled in Southern Africa in the most luxurious hotels and lodges you can find. They travelled like stars. From the dynamic city of Cape Town, to the remote wildlife of […]

Meet & Greet Romain

Welcome back to our XO series ‘Meet & Greet’ where you get to know the staff member you’ve chatted to or the one who’s been at end five month long email conversation. This episode we meet one of our wonderful Travel By XO Travel Consultants, Romain Martineau.

Checklist for Safe Travel with Your Kids in Southern Africa

Travelling in Southern Africa with your kids can be a truly rewarding adventure and help you build lifelong memories, but it also requires a much more elaborate preparation. Safe travel is key. That’s why our team of experts (and parents) have decided to put this article together in order to help you optimise the chances […]

Top 7 things to do in Mozambique

Diving, dhow cruises, deserted islands, snorkelling and sunset cruises; Mozambique is a tropical paradise waiting to be explored. Here’s a few ideas of what to do when you visit… 1. Discover the Bazaruto Archipelago As a group of five islands in the Mozambique Canal, the archipelago is protected as part of the national park. Created […]