About Us

The Travel Thread is a proudly independent travel publication dedicated to the art of authentic discovery across Southern Africa, and occasionally beyond. It officially launched as a standalone platform on August 5, 2025, after spending its first three months under the banner of Africa InTouch News. From the beginning, it was clear that this publication had a voice and vision strong enough to stand on its own.

Where lekker meets latitude.

First introduced to readers on May 1, 2025, as the third publication in the iOlogue Media rollout (following Karoo Times and De Kaap Echo), The Travel Thread quickly carved out a space for meaningful, grounded travel journalism. Its mission is to explore not just the destinations, but the deeper stories that live in the landscapes, people, and moments that make Southern Africa unforgettable.

At the helm is veteran editor and seasoned traveller Mariana Balt, an award-winning journalist with decades of experience in South Africa and Namibia. Her eye for poetic detail, combined with a strong instinct for great storytelling, makes The Travel Thread more than just another travel blog. With Mariana's leadership, the content is enriched by her extensive travels, her skill as a photographer, and her journalistic integrity.

Founder and CEO of iOlogue Media, Anchen Coetzee, called Balt the natural choice for the role, citing her ability to capture the essence of both rugged adventure and refined escapism. “She brings a depth that only comes from living the stories you’re telling,” Coetzee said.

The Travel Thread is for the curious traveller, the nostalgic wanderer, the local seeking new paths, and the outsider looking in. Through photo essays, behind-the-scenes insights, and immersive storytelling, it highlights both iconic destinations and lesser-known gems, always with honesty, depth, and respect for place and culture. It is also a platform for anyone in the tourism industry who wants to share their stories, whether through firsthand accounts, guest articles, or features about unique offerings and experiences.

“Travel should be experienced, not consumed,” said Mariana. “We celebrate the road trip as much as the five-star lodge, the township tour as much as the wine estate visit. Whether it’s the slow beauty of a Karoo sunrise or the pulse of a coastal market, every journey has meaning. Our goal is to make each article feel personal and every destination worth the detour.”

Welcome to The Travel Thread, where each story is a stitch in the greater fabric of exploration.

For partnership, content and media enquiries, send an email to Anchen Coetzee at anchen@iologuemedia.com.

For editorial information, or if you would like Mariana Balt to review or write about your tourist establishment, email her at editor@thetravelthread.co.za.