1. Africa's third Park Hyatt touches down in Joburg
Housed in a meticulously restored 1930s colonial mansion originally influenced by Sir Herbert Baker, Park Hyatt Johannesburg opened its doors (July 2025) in the leafy Melrose Estate, steps away from the Rosebank district. While having a bite at the hotel's restaurant, Room 32, we were surprised by how compact it is, learning later on that this boutique property features only 31 guest rooms. One standout detail is the sound of birds continuously played in the open-air courtyard, designed to encourage local birdlife to return to the ecosystem disrupted during construction. Additionally, the heated pool offers a unique experience by playing music underwater – ever dreamed of swimming alongside whales? Now you can. We look forward to a stayover soon! Interested? Book here.
2. Sustainable seasonal tourism on South Africa's west coast
From Fri, Aug 22 – Sun, Sep 14, the Namaqua Flower Beach Camp invites you to experience the breathtaking Namaqua wildflower bloom on South Africa's West Coast. Designed to protect the region's incredible biodiversity, this SANParks-sanctioned seasonal camp, managed by Chiefs Tented Camps, operates for just four weeks each spring and features zero permanent structures and operations, designed to leave the delicate ecosystem undisturbed. When the flowers fade, the camp packs up, letting nature recover completely for the rest of the year.
Keen to learn more about this bloom during your camp amongst the wildflower profusion? Between Fri, Sep 5 – Fri, Sep 12, two familiar faces in South African gardening media, Tanya and Izolda Visser, will spend time at the Namaqua Flower Beach Camp hosting informal garden chats and leading guided wildflower walks. Visit the website www.flowercamps.co.za for all booking enquiries.
3. A map lover’s treasure: James Findlay at The Cape Town Club
Photo: @thecapetownclub.
In the business of buying and selling rare and collectable books for more than two decades, James Findlay is one of South Africa's foremost book traders. His store, James Findlay Collectable Books & Antique Maps, which you'll remember from its time at Joburg's historic Rand Club, has moved to The Cape Town Club at 18 Queen Victoria Street. Next time you're in the Mother City, pop in for a visit.
4. Ocean awareness and action
SAVING SOUTH AFRICA'S SEAS
A short film titled SPOILED, produced by WILDTRUST and The Green Connection, reveals that 90% of South Africa’s oceans are at risk due to offshore oil and gas activities. Filmed along the Northern Cape and Wild Coast, it features voices from affected communities and experts calling for the protection of marine heritage. The campaign also includes an interactive platform at stopthespoil.co.za to support public action. Watch the film online here.
MAPPING MARINE PROTECTED AREAS
As part of Marine Protected Areas (MPA) Day, the Oceanographic Research Institute launched easy-to-use digital maps showing all of South Africa’s Marine Protected Areas within 40 nautical miles of the coast. Created by Drs. Bruce Mann and Ryan Daly and available on Google Earth, the colour-coded maps clearly outline zones, rules, and restrictions. They help protect marine biodiversity, support sustainable fishing, and enable the public to better understand and contribute to the conservation of vital coastal ecosystems. Download them here.
5. Authentic neighbourhood stories with Jozi My Jozi Walks
We're thrilled for the return of #JoziWalks as Jozi My Jozi Walks – a series of free, citizen-led walking tours around the city on the weekend of Sat, Sep 27 – Sun, Sep 28, 2025. This much-loved initiative is back after a four-year hiatus and seeks to connect Joburgers with the people and places that make this city of ours so unique. The full lineup of this year's tours will be announced soon – stay tuned.
6. Africa's five safest countries, ranked
Midway through 2025, Rwanda ranks as the safest country in Africa, according to Numbeo data highlighted by Business Insider Africa. With a high safety index of 73.6, Rwanda tops the list, followed by Tunisia, Zambia, Sudan, and Ghana. These rankings reflect more than just low crime – they signal strong governance, community well-being, and social stability. For locals and travellers alike, that means safer streets, greater freedom of movement, and a more secure environment for business and everyday life.7. Dispatches from the Groot and Klein Karoo
A week-long escape in the magical Karoo was just what the doctor ordered. We never pass up an opportunity to visit the charming town of Nieu-Bethesda, a happy halfway point on our road trip, where we renewed our annual membership to Helen Martins' Owl House (following in the footsteps of a friend of Johannesburg In Your Pocket, @2Summers, who also made a pilgrimage of late). From our base at Die Waenhuis we explored this storybook town, walking along the water furrows, stocking up on reading material at Dustcovers Bookshop (easily one of our favourite second-hand bookstores in the country), and slotting in with the locals for drinks at Boetie's Pub. Follow @nieubethesdatourism on Instagram.
Next, we made our way towards the gateway village of De Rust. Nearby, nestled in the Swartberg mountains, is Numbi Valley, where we checked into a cosy cob house for the remainder of our trip. Pared-back and perfect is all we can say. The seasonal veggie basket, garden tour, and pizza oven are a must. (When you visit, say hello to the chickens for us.) Book a stay at Numbi Valley here.
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