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South Africa named the world’s top adventure destination for 2018

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South Africa has been named the top adventure travel destination in the world for 2018, beating popular destinations like Iceland and New Zealand in Virtuoso International Luxury Travel’s annual rankings.

Global luxury travel network Virtuoso deemed South Africa the world’s number one adventure destination for 2018.

Advisors from Virtuoso-affiliated travel agencies in North America, Latin America, Asia-Pacific, the Caribbean, Europe, Africa and the Middle East were polled, drawing on their expertise and client requests to offer insight into 2018’s biggest trends.

Along with top adventure destinations, travel tips and top emerging destinations the report also determined the five must-take trips for 2018:

Embracing the cold weather:

Seasoned travelers in search of fresh destinations are setting their sights on chillier climes. Iceland continues to surge in popularity, placing high in several Luxe Report categories this year. Cruisers are enthusiastic about Alaska, and adventurers about Antarctica and the Arctic. One trip of a lifetime mentioned by Virtuoso’s expert advisors includes seeing the Northern Lights.

New Destinations:

Exploring new destinations is the year’s top trip motivator, and travelers are embracing the opportunity to push beyond their comfort zone. Virtuoso advisors suggest that people check out at least one new place
a year, and challenge themselves to try something unexpected during their sojourn: swim with marine life like dolphins or mantas, go zip-lining or ballooning, or take a helicopter tour.

Read Also: Tourists in Algeria Battle Beach Umbrella Mafia

Connecting with family through travel:

After topping the list of trends since 2010, multigenerational travel has firmly established itself as a travel niche. Following close behind is travel with immediate family, also a consistent trend that will carry forward in 2018. Whether renting a European villa for a celebration with loved ones, cruising to the Galapagos Islands, or snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef, a family trip creates lifelong memories, strengthens bonds, and plays a pivotal role in childhood education.

Experiencing Africa:

From culturally rich South Africa, also 2018’s top adventure destination, to the wilds of Botswana and Kenya, to the souks of Morocco, Africa is one of the world’s most diverse continents. Virtuoso’s advisors say a safari is an integral part of the African experience, particularly with wildlife preservation a priority for today’s sustainably savvy travelers.

Be a traveler rather than a tourist:

Immersive experiences not found in a guidebook or brochure, opportunities to meet locals, wandering neighborhoods and making spontaneous discoveries are the best ways to experience a destination, according to Virtuoso advisors. Whether it is wine tasting, or learning a traditional craft or a new language, travelers will be seeking out the true culture of that area they are visiting.”

Culture

MohBad: Police arrests, detains Naira Marley over death of Afropop star

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Operatives of the Nigerian police in Lagos have arrested and detained singer and label owner, Azeez Fashola,
also known as Naira Marley, in connection with the “suspicious” death of his former signee, Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as MohBad.

The arrest of Naira Marley was confirmed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Benjamin Hundeyin, who said it was in line with the avowed determination of the force to get to the root of the mysterious death of the 27-year-old MohBad who died on September 12.

Hundeyin, who made the announcement on his X account, said Naira Marley, who owns Marlin Record where MohBad was signed to before they had a fallout, was one of the persons of interest in the investigation.

“Azeez Fashola aka Naira Marley has been taken into custody for interrogation and other investigation activities,” Hundeyin’s tweet said.

Before his arrest, Naira Marley, who was out of the country at the time of the death of MohBad, had vowed to return to Nigeria to clear his name and help the probe into his former signee’s demise.

“I’d like to share that I’ve just arrived back in Lagos, Nigeria to assist the authorities with the ongoing investigation,” he tweeted on arrival on Tuesday.

“It’s important I do my part for Imole. I’ll be meeting with the police with hopes for the truth to be uncovered and for justice to prevail.”

The Afropop music star’s death has continued to throw up lots of controversies, sparking widespread protests and speculations.

The demise and hurried burial of the talented young artiste had seen protests in several Nigerian cities, prompting the Lagos State government to invite the police and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) to open an investigation into his death, with the first action being the exhumation of his body for an autopsy.

The suspicious circumstances surrounding his death also led to a trending hashtag, #justiceformohbad on social media platforms, while many Nigerians have called for an investigation into the death of the music star.

Others have also called for the arrest and prosecution of his former mentor, Naira Marley, with whom MohBad said he had a public feud following his departure from Marlian Records last year.

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Netflix documentary sheds light on 30-year-old Zimbabwe school mystery

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A recently released Netflix documentary titled “Encounters” has shed new light on a 30-year-old school mystery that occurred in Zimbabwe in 1994.

The extraordinary event happened in a school in the southern African country where over 60 children claimed to have seen strange beings and a Unidentified Flying Object (UFO) that landed near their playground.

The schoolchildren had described the beings as having large heads, big eyes, and wearing tight black suits, adding that they felt a telepathic communication from them, warning them about the dangers of technology and the future of the planet.

According to reports, the accounts of the students were met with scepticism and disbelief at the time, but the Netflix documentary has more or less corroborated the astonishing encounter, just as the witnesses who are all adults now have continued to maintain their stories.

The new documentary has now given them a chance to share their memories and feelings about what they saw and how it affected their lives.

The documentary, according to movie aficionados, is a groundbreaking move for Zimbabwe as the world is now set to witness the “mysterious and awe-inspiring encounters that unfolded in 1994 through the lens of a captivating Netflix documentary titled ‘Encounters.’”

“This unique film not only delves into the unexplained phenomenon that occurred at a Zimbabwean school but also showcases the nation’s rich cultural tapestry and the resilience of its people,” a media platform in the country wrote in a review of the documentary.

“Now, almost 30 years later, the Netflix documentary titled ‘Encounters’ revisits this remarkable event and tracks down the witnesses, who are now adults living in different parts of the world,” the platform wrote.

“The documentary gives them a chance to share their memories and feelings about what they saw and how it affected their lives. The film also explores the broader context of the phenomenon, featuring other cases of close encounters from around the world and interviews with experts and researchers.

“The documentary is a groundbreaking achievement for Zimbabwe, as it is the first of its kind to focus on such an event in the country. It is also a rare opportunity for the world to hear the voices of Zimbabweans who have a unique and compelling story to tell.

“The film challenges the stereotypes and prejudices that often surround Zimbabwe and its people, and invites viewers to see them in a new light. The documentary is not just a mere exploration of the paranormal but also a testament to the resilience and spirit of Zimbabwe.

“It paints a vivid picture of a nation that embraces its past, no matter how unconventional, and allows its citizens to tell their stories without fear of ridicule.

“Thanks to ‘Encounters,’ the witnesses have been tracked down and given the opportunity to revisit those perplexing moments. Their stories are now being shared with a global audience, shedding light on an event that left an indelible mark on their lives,” it added.

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