SEARCH EXPLORE ENGAGE ISSUE 04 JUNE 2018
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a publication of afro tourism
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Romance Romance
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4444
COVER STORY COVER STORY
CCoonnt teennt tss Cape Verde Cape Verde Islands Islands
Appreciating Appreciating African African Food Food
Features Features
2020 to take Amazing How to take Amazing 2626How Safari Photographs Safari Photographs 3434Mauritius Mauritius Surf Spots Best Surf Spots 6060Best In Africa In Africa Senegalese 100 100Senegalese Wrestling Wrestling National Serengeti National 116 116Serengeti Park Park HowHow to Stay Healthy to Stay Healthy in the in Heat the Heat
4848
UNTAPPED AFRICA UNTAPPED AFRICA
FUNFARE IN IN FUNFARE
Destination Wedding: Destination Wedding:
6464
Travelling Travelling in Mandela’s in Mandela’s Footsteps Footsteps
7070
SOUTH SOUTHAFRICA: AFRICA:
40 40
A DIFFERENT KIND OF PARADISE A DIFFERENT TYPE OF PARADISE
UNTAPPED AFRICA UNTAPPED AFRICA
78 78
A country with breathtaking canvas of rock, host to timeless echoes and exhilarating hiking trails. World-class cities with urban forest, landscape of incredibly scenicscenic beauty, with awesome landscape of incredible beauty, awesomepanoramic panoramicview view of of lushlush subtropical foliage andand a chance to gaze outout from God’s subtropical foliage a chance to gaze from God’s window when the haze of morning lifts the veil away from heaven.
www.afrotourism.com AFRICA 04 S.E.E www.afrotourism.com AFRICA 04 S.E.E
...as you the intrigue unfolds, the trumpet of ...aswatch you watch the intrigue unfolds, the trumpet of of elephants emerge from afrom stand of trees, backlitbacklit of elephants emerge a stand of trees,
WELCOME NOTE WELCOME NOTE
Afro fro Tourism waswas established to provide Tourism established to provide
AA
NEW ERA OF
OUR AFRICA SIMPLICITY
iriam iriamChiazor Chiazor
become the authority on travels in in become the authority on travels Africa, and aand one-stop shopshop for for Africa, a one-stop travellers on everything that relates to to travellers on everything that relates you are to orto from top African youtravelling are travelling or from top Africa
SouthSouth Africa, Mauritius, Morocco, Africa, Mauritius, Morocco, KenyaKenya and Mozambique, and Mozambique, remote parts,parts, we are to help by providing remote weprepared are prepared to help by providing
Chief Operating Officer
Of course, it’s not to achieve the said but with Of course, it’seasy not easy to achieve the vision, said vision, but with
And so it was grew,grew, with with the industry. And so it that was the thatcompany the company the industry.
the travel marketer in dealing with with changing consumer the travel marketer in dealing changing consumer We soon learntlearnt that travellers wantwant to gettobeneath the the We soon that travellers get beneath surface of theofplaces they they go. They wantwant to connect with with surface the places go. They to connect local local people. TheyThey wantwant to confront their their fear and people. to confront fearrenew and renew their their hope.hope. TheyThey wantwant to celebrate whatwhat we allwe have in in to celebrate all have
voice.voice. WithWith this inthis mind, Afro Afro tourism launched AFRO DEALS, in mind, tourism launched AFRO DEALS, the first Marketplace in Africa. We have also added the travel first travel Marketplace in Africa. We have also added visa advisory to our visa advisory toservices. our services. learning and informing, whichwhich you hopefully see reflected learning and informing, you hopefully see reflected things we publish. things we publish. success, and we daily daily to triumph at this success, andwork we work to triumph atfeat. this feat. TrustTrust us, asus, weasassure you of our efforts always. we assure you ofbest our best efforts always. @paparaZZiMimi MiriamMiriam Chiazor paparazzimimi paparazzimimi @paparaZZiMimi Chiazor paparazzimimi paparazzimimi
05 05
JUNE2018// JUNE2018//
Search Explore Engage
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CREATIVE AND EDITORIAL TEAM Media & Production Editor Research Analyst Creative Designer Intern
AFRICA
Omoniyi David icheal Usifo Chike Okoye Abraham Olujimi Sossou Veronica
BUSINESS TEAM COO Lead Marketing Representative Sales Representative Digital Marketing Business Development Chief Financial OfďŹ cer
Nkiru Osuji Adebanke Otubanjo Seun Adeola Sam Adeleke Olajumoke
DIRECTORS Chairman Vice Chairman Member Member
www.afrotourism.com
Chief Olufemi Adeniyi - Williams Olaleye Adebiyi Omowande Adeniyi- Williams axwell Ukpebor
S.E.E. Africa magazine is published by Afro Tourism West Africa Limited. Wema Terrace, Udi Street, Osborne Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos. H Tel: +234(0)700 TOURIS
ellemeade Lane, Alexandria, VA 22311, U.S.A T
www.afrotourism.com E- info@afrotourism.com otourist Instagr otourism
Afro Tourism is a Nigeria-based trav ompany with a niche in providing bespoke individual, group and corporate travel and holiday experiences within Africa and its surrounding Islands. Our network of strategic partnerships or helps us to guar We ar work with gov ate sector to Improve and promote any
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All rights reserved. No part of y be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or tr y form or by any means, electronic, photocopying or otherwise without the prior f the copyright owners, Afro Tourism. While ve been taken to ensure the accuracy of advice and inf reasonable pr given to readers, the editor, and publisher cannot accept responsibility for any damages or inconvenience that may arise from incorrect inf
06
S.E.E AFRICA
www.afrotourism.com
CONTENTS
CONTENTS
96106 96 106
THIS MAN THIS MAN CHANGED CHANGED ICT TRAINING ICT TRAINING
In a world where recognitions are reservedare mainly for mainly for reserved moneybags,moneybags, Richard Appiah Richard Appiah Akoto shows as a shining Akoto stands out as a shining example of example the can-do of spirit the resilience and of the African theyouth. can-do spirit of the African youth.
14 14
thatsome captures some of Africa’s past. On our book that captures essence of essence Africa’s past. On our book
TRA VEL TRA VEL TRENDS TRENDS
114 114
should view the world. Gadgets and tech arm you with the should view the world. Gadgets and tech will arm youwill with the skillneed thatto you need to capture travel experiences in nice skill that you capture your travel your experiences in nice you experience the funny experience of Halima when she you the funny of Halima when she boarded anboarded an
NIGHT AT AT NIGHT
Why people are some people Why are some called called night owls?night You’llowls? You’ll
88 88
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venture venture out and out and the fun that experienceexperience the fun that hides in the hides in the shades of shades of
brings youbrings the you the happeninghappening places for places the for the bestexperience nightlife experience best nightlife in Zimbabwe’s city of in Zimbabwe’s city of Kings: BULAWAYO! Kings: BULAWAYO!
9494
3434
22 22 BUSINESS BUSINESS Whether you or run a hotel or Whether you run a hotel simply put yourup apartment up for simply put your apartment for
7474
116116
will client boostbase. your client base. will boost your
Gear Gear for for TropicalTropical ClimatesClimates
3232
KENYA KENYA
9292
BUNGEE BUNGEE JUMPING JUMPING AT AT VICTORIA VICTORIA FALLSFALLS race. The heart race.heart The wildlife, thewildlife, sheer the sheer
size of Victoria Falls, and the Falls, and the FASHIONsize of Victoria FASHION
that courses through adrenaline adrenaline that courses through veins youthe peer over the your veins your as you peerasover ledge. ledge.
110110 07
JUNE2018//JUNE2018//
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EDITOR’S EDITOR’SNOTE NOTE
BEAUTIFULSHADES SHADESOF OFAFRICAN AFRICANSTORY STORY BEAUTIFUL
AA
largest of wildlife largest herdsherds of wildlife you’llyou’ll seekseek on a on a African African perspectives and stories which perspectives and stories which world of wonders, world of wonders, safari, places like Sudan and Egyptcan be safari, whilewhile places like Sudan and Egypt canexperienced be experienced in different African in different African endless wildlife, ancient endless wildlife, ancient display rich dynamic and dynamic a richa and blendblend of of countries. countries. cultures and amazing display cultures and amazing cultures and Pyramids. So, in riches cultures and Pyramids. So, in riches and and Guest Guest writer and renowned philanthrowriter and renowned philanthropeople. That’s people. That’s the the diversity, Africa hasrival, no rival, Africa has no that’sthat’s why why pist, pist, Bill Gates, enriches this edition Bill Gates, enriches this edition with with fairest got when I diversity, fairest I gotIwhen I no one can tell its full story. no one can tell its full story. a new framework for how to think about a new framework for how to think about asked people asked people to to One of the requests I frequently get One of the requests I frequently get the world. Read his story: “Why I want to the world. Read his story: “Why I want to describe Africa describe Africa in asin as to give an Africa perspec- stop talking days days is to is give an Africa perspecstop talking the “developing” world” aboutabout the “developing” world” few words as possible. thesethese few words as possible. tive to a particular It sounds a particular story.story. It sounds easy easy on Page on Page 6. Winnie 14. Winnie andand ToluTolu taketake us tous to Truth is, even the best tive to Truth is, even the best butburden the burden is enormous. is enormous. WhatWhat reallyreally Mauritius Mauritius us how to hold amd amd showshow us how to hold a a wordsmith around would wordsmith around would needneed moremore but the the African perspective? perspective? HowHow do I do I glorious wedding there. Thiery glorious wedding there. Thiery MaxMax givesgives a double-take to succinctly thanthan a double-take to succinctly (and(and is theisAfrican define it? This was the very dilemma define it? This was the very dilemma us hands-on tips on how to capture the us hands-on tips on how to capture the sincerely) capture the beauty of the sincerely) capture the beauty of the that Nancy Kacungira faced and was that Nancy Kacungira faced and was best pictures on a safari trip, while the best pictures on a safari trip, while the continent because its vast diversity. continent because of itsofvast diversity. forced to admit “I cannot tell the covercover to admit that:that: “I cannot tell the unveils South Africa in ways storystory unveils South Africa in ways do talk you about talk about Africa without forced HowHow do you Africa without African story”. story”. you have imagined. edition you have nevernever imagined. This This edition mentioning the people, the animals, mentioning the people, the animals, the theAfrican of a single African perspective goesgoes The The idea idea of a single African perspective to Senegal, Kenya and Zambia to Senegal, Kenya and Zambia to to beautiful sunsets and sunrises, beautiful sunsets and sunrises, the the or African story is emblematic of the or African story is emblematic of the unveil amazing culture, beaches and unveil amazing culture, beaches and pristine beaches, the lush green pristine beaches, the lush green single-story dilemma; it is an outsider single-story dilemma; it is an outsider safari experiences awaiting travellers safari experiences awaiting travellers landscape during the rainy seasons, landscape during the rainy seasons, the the ofcontinent the continent an attempt viewview of the with with an attempt to to who who countries, and dishes visit visit thesethese countries, and dishes out out sweeping savannas, the mysterious sweeping savannas, the mysterious sandwich 54 countries and over 54 countries and over two two untapped experiences in four four four untapped experiences in four deserts andthe allpure the pure gorgeousness deserts and all gorgeousness of ofsandwich billion people having the same billion people into into having the same African destinations—in African destinations—in the the it all?it all? perspective and telling the same I UNTAPPED and telling the same story.story. I UNTAPPED column. David’s column. Niyi Niyi David’s Of course, there’re the slums and the perspective Of course, there’re the slums and the have always told anyone who invited me have always told anyone who invited me Bulawayo: Dancing Queens in the of City of Bulawayo: Dancing Queens in the City ruggedness, just as have you have ruggedness, just as you the the for such an assignment that there was no for such an assignment that there was no Kings is an interesting exposé of the fun Kings is an interesting exposé of the fun skyscrapers andhuge the huge malls, skyscrapers and the malls, cafes,cafes, single African perspective or African African perspective or African happens in African nightclubs, that that happens in African nightclubs, whilewhile restaurants, museums and monuments single restaurants, museums and monuments Rather, are very Rather, therethere are very manymany Mojereola Mustapha writes an interestMojereola Mustapha writes an interestanywhere that that rivalrival thosethose you’llyou’ll find find anywhere else elsestory.story. African perspectives and African Stories ing love perspectives and African Stories ing love inDiary, her Diary, which storystory in her which inworld. the world. is Africa, a continent African in the This This is Africa, a continent can only tell some of them. canI only tell some of them. everyone should everyone should read.read. misinterpreted, mistrusted, oftenoften misinterpreted, mistrusted, and and and Iand Since an editor is no more than a Since an editor is no more than a This edition also provides interesting This edition also provides interesting misjudged. misjudged. custodian who listens to what the custodian who listens to what the activities, experiences and tips that activities, experiences and tips that couldcould 54 countries oncontinent the continent do not The The 54 countries on the do not community wants and articulates community wants and articulates its its you when you draw or adjust guideguide you when you draw up orupadjust a collective identity as some shareshare a collective identity as some and mindful of how the African youryour need;need; and mindful of how the African bucket list. is a bumper package; bucket list. It is aItbumper package; people think, country is very people think, eacheach country is very communities supported communities havehave supported this this you should and enjoy you should readread and enjoy everyevery pagepage of of different and beautiful its own different and beautiful in itsinown way. way. In In magazine, we have put together this magazine, we have put together this it. I am keeping a copy for myself as a it. I am keeping a copy for myself as a Namibia for instance, you’re greeted Namibia for instance, you’re greeted by by edition as a thank you to our readers, edition as a thank you to our readers, bucket list guide, I think you should do bucket list guide, I think you should do amazing people in a dramatic amazing people livingliving in a dramatic and dedicate it to display layers of and dedicate it to display layers of so too. so too. landscape, Kenya parades of the landscape, Kenya parades somesome of the
mmikeikeAlAlvinvin Editor Editor
www.afrotourism.com www.afrotourism.com AFRICA AFRICA 08 S.E.E 08 S.E.E
W W
@Imonide
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1
Niyi David explores the beautiful and enthralling continent of Africa with Afro Tourism® capturing colourful memories of places, cultures and events in words and images.
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2
TR ER WW RR I TI E SS Sam is a travel blogger, speaker, content creator, thought leader and pioneer in the emerging field of travel branding. An adrenaline-junkie, Sam’s appetite for adventure has driven him to the most daring heights and underbellies of Africa’s under-reported destinations. At Afro Tourism, he is in charge of government relations, corporate communications and business development. When Sam is not working, you'll catch him reading a good book and enjoying Nigerian Jollof rice. @samadeleke
sam.adeleke
4
@sam.adeleke
4
LAYOUT,DESIGN & FX
Chike has over 12-year experience in Entertainment, Media (Radio and Television) and Customer/Financial Services. He is currently a Media and Research Analyst with Afro Tourism. He is fluent in French and English and has uncanny taste for adventure.
Olujimi is a highly talented, driven and flexible graphic designer with a proven record of delivering creative and innovative solutions. Abraham is also skilled in high-end VFX Motion Design Modelling. With him, it always gets better.
WRITERS WRITERS WRITERS @blinkoye
Chike Okoye
@blinkoye
3
3
@abdogood
1
abraham Olujimi Gov
1
NIYI DAVID
2
@abrahamolujimi
2
SAM ADELEKE
3
3
CHIKE OKOYE
4
4
ABRAHAM OLUJIMI
JUNE2018//
09
CONTRIBUTORS PG PG00 70
GORDON GORDON TRIEGAARDT TRIEGAARDT
PG PG 00 42
JOHANNA JOHANNA READ READ PG 22 00 PG
PG50 00 PG
Nma NmaOkpara Okparaisisa afood food writer. She writer. Sheloves lovesfood, food, travels, travels,and andthe theadventures adventures she shegets getsfrom fromusing usingher her mouth. mouth.She Sheloves lovesthe the pureness purenessofoffood foodand andthe the journey journeyit ittakes takesher her through. through.She Shetells tellsher herstory story through throughher herpots potsand andpans, pans, and anddreams dreamsofofdining diningAfrica Africa with withher herreaders; readers;showing showing them themthe theexoticness exoticnessofofthe the African Africanculture culturethrough through food. food.
Gordon GordonTriegaardt Triegaardt isis aa travel travel consultant consultant and and CEO CEO of of Traveltroll Traveltroll Africa, Africa, aa company company that thatoffers offers travel travel to to over over 20 20 Africa Africadestinations destinations catering catering to to both bothleisure leisure and and business business travellers. travellers. Gordon Gordon isis based in Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South South Africa but frequently frequently travels travels across across the globe. globe.He He isis passionate passionate about travel traveland and reads reads aa lot. lot.
Johanna Read ReadisisS.E.E. S.E.E. Johanna Africa’s responsible tourism Africa’s responsible tourism columnist.She Shewrites writesabout about columnist. culturally,economically, economically,and and culturally, environmentally sustainable environmentally sustainable travel. Johanna Johannaisisaa travel. Canadianfreelance freelancetravel travel Canadian writer/photographerwho who writer/photographer contributestotoaavariety varietyofof contributes Canadianand andinternational international Canadian publications.You Youcan canfind find publications. more of of her herworks worksand andsocial social more media links linksatat media www.TravelEater.net. www.TravelEater.net.
MarkKevin KevinNdlovu Ndlovuis is Mark thethe founder and Executive founder and Executive Chairmanofofthethe Chairman SiyaphulaGroup Groupofof Siyaphula Companies.The Thegroup group Companies. has interests in Agriculhas interests in Agriculture,Energy, Energy, ture, Engineering,Travel Traveland and Engineering, Tourism.Mark Markhas hasover over Tourism. yearsexperience experiencein in 2020years business and hastravelled travelled business and has extensivelyacross acrossthethe extensively globe. globe.
MOJEREOLA MOJEREOLA MUSTAPHA MUSTAPHA
OLIVIA OLIVIA BALSINGER TAYLOR
AFROLEMS AFROLEMS
PG00 114 PG
PG 00 64 PG
PG PG 74 00
fondlycalled calledisisaa MJMJasasfondly management expertininthe the management expert field of aviation. Having field of aviation. Having started her career in the started her career in the industry as a cabin crew, industry as a cabin crew, she seeks to share funny, she seeks to share funny, yet inspirational stories yet inspirational stories with her audience in the with herthat audience in become the hope they can hope that they can become more comfortable with more comfortable with crossing continents and crossing continents and people. people.
OliviaTaylor is a freelance journalist Olivia Balsinger is a and editor living in Manhattan, New freelance journalist and editor living York. When she is not enjoying in Manhattan, New York. Whenlife she theenjoying "concretelife jungle," is isinnot in the she "concrete writing she abroad, experiencing jungle," is writing abroad,the experiencing world and the world and thetheincredible humans incredible humans that occupy it. that occupy it. Olivia Oliviahas has been been published published in in over over 20 has 20print printand and online online media media and and has visited visitedover over 90 90 countries. countries. Her Her passions passionsinclude include sustainable sustainable tourism, education and promoting tourism, education and promoting health access for all. health access for all.
Afrolems Afrolems isisan anAfrican Africanfood foodblog blog with a specialization in with a specialization inNigerian Nigerian Food. Food. Our Ourmain mainfocus focusisistotostylize stylize African food so it can be African food so it can be internationalized. We aim to internationalized. We aim to educate our followers with educate our followers with kitchen tips, Cooking Know-hows kitchen tips, Cooking Know-hows and interesting recipes from all and interesting recipes from all over Africa and just modifications over Africa and just modifications of recipes from other cultures. We of recipes otherforeign cultures. We also like to from play with also like to play with foreign recipes as well. recipes as well.
10 S.E.E AFRICA 10 S. E . E AFRI CA
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Travellers get so Travellers get so much more than just much travel tipsmore whenthan theyjust travel tipsinteract when they with interact us at with us at Afro Tourism. Afro Here is aTourism. mail Here is a mail form Lisa Steffen form Steffen about oneLisa of such about one of in such amazing benefits amazingwith benefits interacting us: in interacting with us: info@afrotourism.com
DEAR DEAR AFRO AFRO TO U R I S M TO U R I S M
II had had aa great great time time at at South South Luangwa Luangwa NP NP
II
t’s dark outside, not t’s dark outside, not we are booked on a we are booked on aI am Sunrise Game drive.
is joking aboutabout this. this. is joking is joking about this. joking Then weisdo more stopsthis. on the Then we doabout more stops on the
Then we do more stops onare the Then we do more onare the various birds we see. “There various birds we see.stops “There various birds we are are various we see. “There 5 different typesbirds of see. hornbills,” 5 different types of“There hornbills,”
typestypes of hornbills,” 5 different of hornbills,” Sunrise drive. I am 5 different excited forGame what South excited for what South he points out this bird in theinsky he points out this bird the sky
hethat points out this bird theinsky he points out this the sky and bird. We allWe soon and that bird. allinbird soon offer. I clap my hands and the andrealize that allWe soon and that bird. all soon offer.arrives I clap to myescort handsme andtothe realize he isbird. a for sure hebirder isWe a birder for sure porter realize he a birder forloves sure realize hehope is a hope birder forloves sure porter arrives to escort me to and we secretly he and we issecretly he we secretly hope he loves and we secretly hope he theand big animals just as much. the big animals just as much.loves some biscuits. It goes down some biscuits. goes down smoothly and wasItworth the
W W W.AF R O TO U R I S M . CO M W W W . A FR O TO U R I S M.C O M
smoothly andiswas worth wait. My jacket pulled on,the wait. My jacket is pulled on, camera in my pocket and I get
theSlowly big just scanning asjust much. theanimals big as much. Slowly we drive, scanning the weanimals drive, the Slowly we drive, scanning Slowly wewe drive, area and by now have all theall the area and by now wescanning have
area and by we have all and areaphotos and byof now weand have all taken photos ofnow every tree taken every tree taken photos of every tree and taken photos of every tree bird, finally we meet the Pukka bird, finally we meet the Pukkaand
bird, finally weindigenous meet the Pukka bird,indigenous finally we meet the Pukka my and I get – Zambia’s antelope. – Zambia’s antelope. to camera rub the in last ofpocket the sandman Zambia’s indigenous antelope. –the Zambia’s antelope. to rub the of the he indigenous tells a us Atbaboons, baboons, heus tells a away from mylast eyes. Wesandman are all At –the
At story. the tells a us a Atbaboons, the baboons, heus tells away as from He has Heanother has he another excited we my geteyes. onto We the are 4x4,all story. He has Heanother has another excited as we get onto the 4x4, story.story. himself. himself. talks and stops on the talks and stops on the
... a traveller’s guide to Africa ... a traveller’s guide to Africa
the 2the different typestypes of of 2 different thewaterbuck 2the different types of 2 different waterbuck and we listen and wetypes listenof
waterbuck and we waterbuck andlisten wewe listen carefully to each word as carefully to each word as we carefully to each word as carefully to each word take photos. We are on an take photos. We are onwe anas we
take photos. We are anon are take photos. Weon are an adventure and our are adventure andsenses our senses adventure our are adventure and oursights senses are awakened to and thetosounds, awakened thesenses sounds, sights
I realized the reason is: one, I realized the reason is: the one, the I realized the reason is: one, I realized the reason is: the one, the locals cycle and walk through locals cycle and walk through locals cycle and walk through locals cycle and walk through this area, and when they come this area, and when they come thisacross area, and when theythey come thiselephants area, and they when they come across the the elephants across the them elephants they them across the elephants they respect them by giving them respect by giving
respect them bySecondly, giving them respect them bythe giving right of way. right of Secondly, way. thethem right of way. Secondly, the right of way. Secondly, the elephants have have nevernever been been elephants
elephants never elephants never been threatened. Ithave wasIthave awas warm threatened. abeen warm threatened. It that wasItwe athat warm threatened. was a warm feeling knowing could feeling knowing we could awakened to thetosounds, sightssights awakened the sounds, feeling knowing that we could knowing that we could come sofeeling close to them and come so close to them and
we are told. It is show-and-tell we aresausage told. It tree is show-and-tell wait to seetomore We eagerly wait see more and the takes the We eagerly
Wewildlife, eagerly wait to see We wait tomore see and the We sausage tree takes the wildlife, the eagerly dangerous ones aremore the dangerous ones are next bow. are all very wildlife, the dangerous ones ones are are wildlife, the dangerous next bow. We are all very sun has that is being poured out to us, The morning The morning sunbroken has broken Thethrough morning sun has broken that is being poured out to us, through The sun has broken andmorning the grasses and and the grasses and through and the and and through andgrasses the grasses
shimmer and sparkle from from the the shimmer and sparkle shimmer and sparkle the shimmer and morning dew. There issparkle afrom slight morning dew. There is afrom slightthe
come sous close tofeeling them and come sous close to them and neither of feeling threatened. neither of threatened. neither of us of feeling threatened. neither us feeling threatened. photos. We met herdsherds photos. Wemany met many photos. We met herdsherds photos. Wemany met many gentlegentle giantsgiants of South Luangwa. of South Luangwa. gentlegentle giantsgiants of South Luangwa. of South Luangwa. plentyplenty of them all rubbing of them all rubbing plenty of tall them all thorn rubbing plenty of them all rubbing against the thorn trees against the tall trees
morning dew. There is road athe slight morning dew. There is is a slight against the tall thorn trees against the tall thorn trees in the and breeze inair the airthe and road is termites and red ants have their breeze stopping to chew on a leaf stopping to chew on aor leaf or breeze the and road is breeze inair the airthe and the the road is termites and red ants have their stopping to chew on a leaf or stopping to chew on a leaf or bumpy. Asinwe around the bumpy. Asturn we turn around two, some walking gracefully two, some walking gracefully bumpy. As we turn around the the bumpy. As we turn around two, some walking gracefully two, some walking gracefully corner we see the gentle corner we see the gentle we all wanted to see a kill. He across the road with their long across the road with their long corner we see the gentle corner we see the gentle we all wanted to see a kill. He across the road across the with road their with long their long elephants slowlyslowly walking, yes yes elephants walking, tries to convince us that he eyelashes. eyelashes. elephants slowly walking, yes elephants slowly walking, tries to the convince us that eyelashes. eyelashes. gentle. We came across so gentle. We came across so yes accepted challenge, andhe gentle. We came across so and gentle. We came across so accepted the challenge, and elephants that day many elephants thatand day mission is accomplished. We all many we spot Wolf Wolf or or we the spotPainted the Painted elephants that day and elephants that day and mission is accomplished. wedogs spot the Painted Wolf or or wedogs spot the Painted Wolf once I never ever felt afraid, formany once I never ever felt afraid, burst out laughing and hopeWe he allformany wild as they are also wild as they are also I never ever felt for once I never everafraid, felt afraid, burst out laughing and hope he for once wild dogs as they wild dogs as are theyalso are also
Zambia Tourism known, yes right in front of us.of us. the best SafariSafari I haveI have known, yes right in front the sunset best sunset known, yes right inenclosure front of us. theexperienced best sunset Imy have yes right inbut front of us. theexperienced best sunset I have Not inNot aknown, fenced enclosure ever inSafari myinSafari life. in a fenced but ever life. Not inNot a fenced enclosure but butTrust ever experienced inbeen mymany intaking a fenced enclosure ever experienced inlife. mymany life. roaming and full control me, I me, have been on roaming and taking full control Trust I have on
taking fullofcontrol Trust me, Ithrough have been onthis many roaming and full control Trust me, I have been onthis many of roaming theofarea. A pack oftaking wild dogs through Africa and theand area. A pack wild dogs Safaris Safaris Africa and of theofarea. A pack of wild through AfricaAfrica and this the area. A pack ofdogs wild dogs Safaris Safaris through and this must must have have been been a kill as theasone wildlife. I am not to to a kill the onemuchmuch wildlife. I amgoing not going must must have have been been a kill as theasone much wildlife. I am not going to to a kill the one much I am not going bore you with the leopard we bore youwildlife. with the leopard we bore you with the leopard wewith bore youfamily with the leopard we jaw. Then we spot or the of Lions with saw orfamily the of Lions jaw. Then we the spothyenas the hyenas saw jaw. Then weand spot the hyenas theorfamily of Lions with with saw the family of Lions jaw. Then we spot the hyenas saw or trailing behind above, trailing behind and above,
It was a warm feeling knowing that we could so close to knowing them andthat It wascome a warm feeling neither us feeling threatened we of could come so close to them and neither of us feeling threatened
trailing behind and trailing behind andas of giraffes sleeping, we we vultures are circling. I above, felt if as if towertower vultures are circling. I above, felt of giraffes sleeping, of giraffes sleeping, we we vultures are circling. I felt as if as if towertower vultures are circling. I felt of giraffes sleeping, become live on a screen. We We aboutabout 5 genets, owls, owls, baby baby become live on a screen. 5 genets, become live aand screen. We about 5 genets, owls, baby live on an aand screen. about 5 genets, owls, were allbecome so all excited yes I yes could go on; this were soon excited an We hippos, hippos, I could go on;baby this were were all so all excited and an so excited and an
hippos, yes I one could go on;go this hippos, yes I could on; So this was all in one Safari. So was all inSunset Sunset Safari. was all in one Sunset Safari. So was all in one Sunset Safari. So if youifwant to experience what what I you want to experience I
as weas video and take we video and photos. take photos. if you tomore, experience what I as weas video and take ifwant you tomore, experience I we video and photos. take photos.saw and maybe get toget saw and want maybe to what more,more, get toget to sawmaybe and maybe and that, not tonot miss and trying that, trying to out miss out saw and and that, not tonot miss and trying that, trying to out miss out only in Zambia. only in Zambia. only in Zambia. only in Zambia. and thrilled on witnessing this this and thrilled on witnessing andmagic thrilled on witnessing this this and moment. thrilled on witnessing magic moment.
magic moment. magic moment. That evening, we did That evening, weanother did another That evening, we That evening, we did SafariSafari drive drive and again weanother were anddid again weanother were
drive andin again we were drive and again we were notSafari disappointed, fact, itfact, was notSafari disappointed, in it was not disappointed, in fact, wasit was not disappointed, in itfact,
To book your Safari visit
To book your Safarior visit www.deals.afrotourism.com www.deals.afrotourism.com www.africantraxtravel.co.zaor www.africantraxtravel.co.za
13 13
JUNE2018// JUNE2018//
14-3000-00 compiled by: compiled by:
‘Bo se‘ Bose Olatunbosun Olatunbosun
BOOKS // MOVIES // TRAVE L TALKTALK // FITNE SS // TE//C HTE NOLOGY BOOKS // MOVIES // TRAVEL // F ITNESS C H NOLOGY
I
talk the developed thosethose are the talk about the developed When When areonly the two only two I about and developing worldworld all all options, you’re moremore likelylikely to to and developing options, you’re the time, but Ibut shouldn’t. thinkthink anyone who doesn’t have have the time, I shouldn’t. anyone who doesn’t My late HansHans Rosling quality of lifeofislife is Myfriend late friend Rosling a certain a certain quality calledcalled the labels “outdated” the labels “outdated” “poor.” “poor.” and “meaningless.” Any Any HansHans compares this instinct to to and “meaningless.” compares this instinct categorization that lumps standing on top a skyscraper categorization that lumps standing onoftop of a skyscraper together China and the and looking downdown at a city. together China and the and looking at a All city. All Democratic Republic of Congo buildings will look Democratic Republic of Congoof theofother the other buildings will look is tooisbroad to beto useful. But But shortshort to you they’re too broad be useful. towhether you whether they’re I’ve continued to useto use ten stories or 50or stories high.high. I’ve continued ten stories 50 stories “developed” and “developing” with with income. Life Life “developed” and “developing”It’s the It’ssame the same income. in public because therethere wasn’t a betterbetter for those in public because wasn’t ais significantly is significantly for those moremore accurate, easilyeasily on level 2 than level level 1, but1,it’s accurate, on level 2 than but it’s understandable hard hard to seetothat level level 4 understandable see from that from 4 alternative—until now. now. unless you know to look for for alternative—until unless you know to look I recently read read Hans’Hans’ new book I recently new bookit… it… Factfulness: Ten Reasons We'reWe're The four are just Factfulness: Ten Reasons The levels four levels areone justof one of Wrong AboutAbout the World—and insights in Factfulness Wrong the World—and manymany insights in Factfulness Why Things Are Better ThanThan You Youthat will you better Why Things Are Better thathelp will help you better Think. In it, In heit, offers a newa new understand the world… Think. he offers understand the world… framework for how think of theofbook is devoted framework for to how to think The bulk The bulk the book is devoted aboutabout the world. HansHans to tentoinstincts that keep us us the world. ten instincts that keep proposes four income groups seeing the world factfully. proposes four income groups fromfrom seeing the world factfully. (with(with the largest number of of These rangerange fromfrom the fear the largest number These the fear people livingliving on level 2): 2): instinct (we pay attention people on level instinct (wemore pay more attention to scary things) to thetosize to scary things) the size One billion peoplepeople live on level (standalone numbers One billion live on 1. level 1.instinct instinct (standalone numbers This is what we think of as of as oftenoften look look moremore impressive This is what we think impressive extreme poverty. If you’re on level they really are) to thetogap extreme poverty. If you’re on levelthan than they really are) the gap 1, you1,survive on less $2 a $2 a instinct (most(most people fall fall you survive onthan less than instinct people day and by walking two extremes). WithWith dayget andaround get around by walking between between two extremes). barefoot. Your Your food is cooked over overeach each one, one, he offers practical barefoot. food is cooked he offers practical an open fire, and most mostadvice aboutabout how to overcome an open fire,you andspend you spend advice how to overcome Reviewer: of your to fetch our innate biases. Reviewer: BILLBILL GATES of day yourtraveling day traveling to fetch our innate biases. GATES water.water. At night, you and At night, youyour and your children sleep sleep on a dirt argues that these instincts children on afloor. dirt floor. HansHans argues that these instincts by half the last he tells the history poverty by over half over thetwenty last twenty Instead, Instead, he you tellsabout you about the history makemake it difficult to puttoevents it difficult put events poverty years,years, but there was never a morning of hisofown He explains that that but there was never a morning his ignorance. own ignorance. He explains This This was awas breakthrough to me. a breakthrough to me.in perspective… in perspective… thesethese instincts makemake us human, and and instincts us human, The framework HansHans In other words, the world can can whenwhen The framework In other words, the world RATES DROP that overcoming themthem isn’t easy. “POVERTY RATES DROP that overcoming isn’t easy. enunciates is oneisthat me mebe both bad and That That “POVERTY enunciates one took that took be both bad better. and better. dominated classic Hans.Hans. He was INCREMENTALLY” dominated That’s That’s classic Healways was always decades of working in global the work Melinda decades of working in global idea drives idea drives the work Melinda INCREMENTALLY” headlines. kind,kind, oftenoften patient, and never newspaper headlines. patient, and never development to create for for and Iand do every day, and development to create I do every day,Hans and Hans newspaper Another remarkable thingthing aboutabout judgmental. If youIfnever met Hans or or Another remarkable judgmental. you never met Hans myself, and Iand could have have nevernever articulates it beautifully in in myself, I could articulates it beautifully Factfulness—and aboutabout HansHans watched one of hisofmany TEDTED talks,talks, Factfulness—and watched one his many expressed it in such a clear way. way.Factfulness… WithWith rare rare expressed it in such a clear Factfulness… himself—is that he refuses to judge will help you get sense of of himself—is that he refuses to judgeFactfulness Factfulness will help youaget a sense I’m going to trytototry usetothis exceptions, mostmost of theof the I’m going use this exceptions, anyone for their misconceptions. was special. I wishI wish I could anyone for their misconceptions. why he why heso was so special. I could model moving forward. miracles of humankind are are model moving forward. miracles of humankind writers would beat beat people up for how much I liked it. it. writers would people up tell for Hans tell Hans how much I liked Why Why does does it matter? It’s hard constructed things. it matter? It’s hard long-term, long-term, constructed things. MostMost their their ignorance, but he doesn’t. HansHans Factfulness is a fantastic book,book, and Iand I ignorance, but he doesn’t. Factfulness is a fantastic to pick if youif you Progress comes bit bybit bit. to up pickonupprogress on progress Progress comes by bit. even even resists goinggoing after after the media. a lot aoflot people read read it. it. resists the media. hopehope of people divide the world into rich We’ve cut the of of divide the world into rich We’ve cutnumber the number countries and poor countries. livingliving in extreme countries and poor countries. people people in extreme COPYRIGHT 2010 GATES NOTES, LLC.
FACTFULNESS FACTFULNESS
COPYRIGHT 2010 GATES NOTES, LLC.
Another remarkable thing about Factfulness—and about Hans Another remarkable thing about Factfulness—and about Hans himself—is that he refuses to judge anyone for their misconceptions. himself—is that he refuses to judge anyone for their misconceptions. Most writers would beat people up for their ignorance, butbut he doesn’t. Most writers would beat people up for their ignorance, he doesn’t. Hans even resists going after the media. Instead, he tells you about Hans even resists going after the media. Instead, he tells you about thethe history of his ownown ignorance. history of his ignorance. www.afrotourism.com AFRICA www.afrotourism.com 14 S.E.E AFRICA 14 S.E.E
WHAT IT MEANS WRESTLING CHOLDREN OFOF FRESHWATER WHAT IT MEANS WRESTLING CHOLDREN FRESHWATER WHEN A MAN FALLS WHEN A MAN FALLS WITH THE DEVIL AND BONE WITH THE DEVIL BLOOD BLOOD AND BONE
by
by NGIGI WAWA THIONG’O NGIGI THIONG’O
FROM THE SKY THE SKY KIRAN MILLWOOD HARGRAVE, KIRAN MILLWOOD HARGRAVE, by FROM by THETHE GUARDIAN INT’LINT’L GUARDIAN LESLEY NNEKA ARIMAH LESLEY NNEKA ARIMAH Reviewer: Reviewer:
by
by
AKWAEKE EMEZI AKWAEKE EMEZI
wa Thiong’o’s wa Thiong’o’s N gugi N gugi
was once a kingdom in this rittenritten with with stylistic was once a kingdom T he 12 stories in Lesley this Lesley W W stylistic O rïsha O rïsha T 12hestories Nneka Arimah’s debut brilliance and based on on powerful prison memoir of magic: “magi” suchsuch as as Nneka Arimah’s debut brilliance and based powerful prison memoir of magic: “magi” are varied and and the author's realities, this raw collection are varied the author's realities, this raw begins half an before his his Zélie’s mother couldcould raiseraise the the collection begins halfhour an hour before Zélie’s mother fantastical, but they are areand extraordinary debut somewhat fantastical, but they and extraordinary debut release on 12onDecember 1978.1978. A A deaddead and control the elements, release 12 December and control the elements, somewhat all rooted in our and and explores the metaphysics of of all rooted in need our need explores the metaphysics year year earlier, he recalls, armed fromfrom fire to tides. ThenThen one one earlier, he recalls, armed fire to tides. longing. The The stories havehave painful and being, plunging longing. stories painful identity identity and being, plunging police arrived at hisathome and and night, magic deserted them, police arrived his home night, magic deserted them, realities and creeping, dark,dark, the reader into into the mysteries realities and creeping, the reader the mysteries tooktook him to Kenya’s Kamiti and the werewere brutally him to Kenya’s Kamiti andmagi the magi brutally fairy-tale elements. TheyThey are are of self. Unsettling, fairy-tale elements. of self. Unsettling, Maximum Security Prison. murdered by a tyrannical king. Maximum Security Prison. murdered by a tyrannical king. mostly not of the hopeful variety, dark,dark, and and mostly not of the hopeful variety,heart-wrenching, heart-wrenching, There, Ngugi lives lives in a block ZélieZélie is leftisto mourn not only There, Ngugi in a block left to mourn not only but provide needle-sharp powerful, Freshwater dazzles but provide needle-sharp powerful, Freshwater dazzles alongside otherother political her mother, but the alongside political her mother, butbirthright the birthright reminder that that somehow hopehope is is with with ferocious energy and and reminder somehow ferocious energy prisoners, but he to give now now lost to her. A A prisoners, butrefuses he refuses to give of magic of magic lost to her. not anot right–that to even embrace, grace, heralding a right–that to even embrace,serpentine serpentine grace, heralding in toin the He decides encounter with with a rebel tohumiliation. the humiliation. He decides chance chance encounter a rebel believe, or dream that that things will will the arrival of a fierce new new believe, or dream things the arrival of a fierce to write a novel in secret, on princess sends her on a to write a novel in secret, on princess sends her on a be better is a privilege. The The literary voice. be better is a privilege. literary voice. toilettoilet paper – it is– aitbook that that dangerous journey that that will give paper is a book dangerous journey will give stories spanspan continents, histories stories continents, histories will become his classic, DevilDevil on on her the to restore magic leaving its reader lost lost will become his classic, herchance the chance to restore magic and futures, and futures, leaving its reader the Cross. – but–the will be and unsure of where to gotonext the Cross. butcost the cost willhigher be higher and unsure of where go next except backback to the to to Wrestling with with the Devil is Ngugi’s she ever imagined. except tobeginning the beginning Wrestling the Devil is Ngugi’s thanthan she ever imagined. readread themthem all over again. all over again. unforgettable account of the unforgettable account of the drama and challenges of living drama and challenges of living under twenty-four-hour under twenty-four-hour surveillance. He captures not not surveillance. He captures only only the pain caused by his the pain caused by his isolation fromfrom his family, but also isolation his family, but also the spirit of defiance and the the spirit of defiance and the imaginative endeavours that that imaginative endeavours Reviewer: Reviewer: allowed him to survive. allowed him to survive.
ASYLUM ASYLUM
BLACKSPELL BLACKSPELL
DAVID BANTA DAVID BANTA arcusarcus Low Low is a is a
Barry and his Barry andfellow his fellow inmates are receiving inmates are receiving doesdoes not seem to beto be not seem extensive effective. The The storystory is is extensive effective. experience with with set inset the experience infuture the future tuberculosis through 20222022 in a in a tuberculosis through around around his work for the country not named but but his work for the country not named Treatment Action with with clearclear references to to Treatment Action references Campaign. His novel, Africa, in a in a Campaign. His novel, South South Africa, Asylum, describes the the world that that is falling Asylum, describes world is falling adventures and and apartapart because of of adventures because thoughts of Barry climate change. thoughts of Barry climate change. Wilbert James, who who Largely mademade up ofup the Wilbert James, Largely of the suffers fromfrom a nodular that that James suffers a nodular journal journal James lung lung disease — a— thinly to write untiluntil disease a thinlycontinues continues to write disguised case case of of his death, the story disguised his death, the story advanced tuberculosis afterafter James has has advanced tuberculosis begins begins James — who is in is in already beenbeen confined — who already confined involuntary in the involuntary inPearson the Pearson confinement for his Quarantine Facility for for confinement for his Quarantine Facility disease. The The treatment disease. treatment two years. two years. African African M South M South writer with with writer
GrabGrab any any of these books, findfind a cool spotspot andand devour it! it! of these books, a cool devour
SIDOMEX SIDOMEX
Review Review er: er:
SpellSpell tells tells the story of a successful the story of a successful B lack B lack white tennis player who falls in love with
white tennis player who falls in love with a black lady lady he met a small African town.town. a black he in met in a small African But love isn’t isn’t always straightforward. This This is a is a But love always straightforward. beautifully weaved storystory and the Not Not beautifully weaved andending? the ending? whatwhat you expected. you expected.
“Once you you go black, it takes a miracle “Once go black, it takes a miracle to gotoback” go back” 15 15
JUNE2018// JUNE2018//
Latest Latest Movies Movies Popular Popular Movies Movies Travel Travel Collections Collections Genres Genres – Adventure – Adventure – – – – – – – – –
Comedies – Comedies Crime – Crime Drama – Drama Horror – Horror Mystery – Mystery Romance – Romance Sci-Fi – Sci-Fi Thriller – Thriller War – War Search... Search...
I AM I AM NOT NOT AA WITCH WITCH
SUPA SUPA MODO MODO
93 MINUTES 93 MINUTES
74 MINUTES 74 MINUTES
as Shula as Shulaas Police as Police OfficerOfficer as Leader as Leader
as Charity as Charity
StycieStycie Waweru Waweru
Nyawara Nyawara Nungo NungoNdambia Ndambia
This movie This movie is is aboutabout the story the story of nine-year-old of nine-year-old Shula,Shula, who iswho is accused accused of being of being a witch. a witch. She isShe is facedfaced with awith a choice choice of living of living as as a witch a witch in a camp in a camp that doubles that doubles as a as a tourist tourist attraction, attraction, or or tryingtrying to escape to escape and being and being turned turned into ainto goat. a goat.
StoryStory of a young of a young girl girl whose whose dreamdream of of becoming becoming a superhero a superhero is threatened is threatened by by terminal terminal illness, illness, inspiring inspiring her village her village to to rally together rally together to make to make her dream her dream comecome true. true. “The writers “The writers did andid an incomprehensible incomprehensible job job of making of making a movie a movie that'sthat's aboutabout a littlea girl, little girl, aboutabout family, family, and one and one what what community community actually actually means. means. It's It's weepy weepy without without beingbeing far-flung far-flung tragic,tragic, funnyfunny without without campcamp and it's and it's beautiful beautiful without without usingusing the premise the premise of theof the story story as a crutch, as a crutch, ” said” said
WRITER WRITER & DIRECTOR & DIRECTOR GenreGenre Rungano Rungano NyoniNyoni
G 76%76% 20172017
DramaDrama
G HD
CC HD
CC
www.afrotourism.com www.afrotourism.com AFRICA AFRICA 16 S.E.E 16 S.E.E 00 00
WRITERS WRITERS
GenreGenre
Wanjeri Wanjeri Gakuru, Gakuru, et al et al
DramaDrama
G 86%86% 20162016
G HD
CC HD
CC
Courtsey: Courtsey:
75%
2 hr 14 min
5+
2018
G HD
CC
T'Challa, the King of Wakanda, rises to the throne in the isolated, technologically advanced African nation, but his claim is challenged by a vengeful outsider who was a childhood victim of T'Challa's father's mistake. Find out what happens next.
GENRE Action/ Adventure/ Sci-Fi
STARRING DIRECTOR Ryan Coogler Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong'o, etc. PRODUCERS Kelvin Feige
FIVE FINGERS FOR MARSEILLES
WRITTERS Ryan Coogler Joe Robert Cole.
AVENGERS INFNITY WAR
120 MINUTES
Vuyo Dabula
134 MINUTES
Hamilton Dhlamnini
Kenneth Nkosi
DIRECTOR
Genre
Michael Matthews
Crime
G 72% 20182018
G HD
CC HD
CC
Mduduzi Mabaso
Aubrey Poolo
This is South Africa’s first classic western film. It speaks to South Africa's past, its present and its future, while also delivering a cracking action Western Film. “Twenty years ago, the young “Five Fingers” fought for the rural town of Marseilles, against brutal police oppression. Now, after fleeing in disgrace, freedomfighter-turned-outlaw Tau returns to Marseilles, seeking a peaceful pastoral life. When he finds the town under a new threat, he reluctantly fights to free it. Can he free himself from his past? Will the Five Fingers stand again?” asks Nikita Coetzee
Chadwick Boseman
Michael B. Jordan
Lupita Nyong'o
War is massively entertaining, deftly incorporating dozens of characters across multiple storylines with a kinetic flair. The Avengers and their allies must be willing to sacrifice all in an attempt to defeat the powerful Thanos before his blitz of devastation and ruin puts an end to the universe.
WRITERS
Genre
Christopher Markus et al.
Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
88%88%
2018
G HD
CC
JUNE2018//
17
TRA VEL TRA VEL TALK TALK 00-00
by: by:
Ha leemah A deniran Haleemah Adeniran
My MyFirst-time First-timeononaaPlane Plane
this journey? This This planeplane is is this journey? disappointment, Second disappointment, HowHow did did you you feelfeel Second again, havehave we we not moving again, Economy seat.seat. It was a bita bit not moving Economy It was when you you boarded an an when boarded parked somewhere? Or are parked somewhere? Or are we under the sea I we under the already? sea already? I kindakinda aircraft for the firstfirst aircraft for the looked outside; nothing…or looked outside; nothing…or like stretch my legs like stretch my legs time? In this piece, time? In this piece, already? aredead we dead already? kinda….how man man go dogonado na are we kinda….how Haleemah Adeniran Haleemah Adeniran (what(what Everyone was was fast asleep. Everyone fast asleep. can Ican say). *Shrugs I say). *Shrugs has taken place? Abi rapture has taken place? shares her her first-time shares first-time I occupied the window seat seat Abi rapture I occupied the window I excused myself and went to to I excused myself and went (for obvious reasons) even (for obvious reasons) even experience on an experience on an the toilet (3rd (3rd disappointthe toilet disappointthough that that was was not my though not my aircraft. SheShe is asis as seat.seat. aircraft. When the owner came, When the owner came, hilarious as she’s hilarious as she’s he didn’t back.back. eveneven bother he didn’t bother real!real!
SS
thoughts … I tapped different thoughts … I tapped just sat nextnext to me justdown sat down to me different o I finally got the o I finally got the my seatmate: my seatmate: opportunity to enter opportunity to enter et al… Excuse me sir, is is Excuse mewhat sir, what et al… Is this happening? Is aeroplane this aeroplane And And the plane tooktook off…light the plane off…lighthappening? beingbeing my first-time on a on a my first-time dimmed…some people werewere dimmed…some people plane, I hadI quite high high plane, had quite at me side side He looked atwith me with watching movies, sleeping, watching movies, sleeping, He looked Huh?Huh? WhatWhat dyu dyu eye ????? reading… of course, I wasn’t reading… of course, I wasn’t eye ????? imagined different things… imagined different things… doing mean? any, any, I wasI was basically doing basically mean? So my disappointment Sofirst my first disappointment just looking I want to know if weifare I want to know we are around like alike a Ehn,Ehn, just looking around was was boarding. I thought boarding. I thought convict that that just got convict just got we’dwe’d board via avia staircase or or released board a staircase the plane is moving, He said the plane is moving, fromfrom the prison… released the prison… He said so…like the way you guys so…like the way you guys “look“look at the of course, at screen the screen (the (the of course, board in Nigeria (like (like climbclimb aeroplane board in Nigeria in front of you, we are in front of you, we are is moving!) aeroplane is moving!) stairsstairs and enter plane), but Ibut I and enter plane), moving at the of over moving at speed the speed of over found myself on aon queue in in everywhere found myself a queue 600km/hr.” became silent; everywhere became silent; 600km/hr.” a tube and surprise a tube and surprise OkayOkay sir….Isir….I kept kept my my Hmmm, pin drop silence! And And I started pin drop silence! I startedHmmm, surprise… I sawI saw hostesses surprise… hostesses thinking, cool cool and kept praying in myin my and kept praying E waEo… thinking, waAbeg o… Abeg ushering us tousour ushering to our (please!), where are we? (please!), where are we? seats…waawu! seats…waawu! Where exactly are we Where exactly areon we on
www.afrotourism.com AFRICA 18 S.E.E www.afrotourism.com AFRICA 18 S.E.E
FITNESS
By Chantae Reden
W
hether you’re trekking through the sand dunes of Namibia or tracking the Big Five on a wildlife safari in Zimbabwe, you’ll need to stay healthy while the sun is shining brightly overhead. The last thing you want is to miss out on an
BE PREPARED
happy and healthy.
adventures start before sunrise,
sleepy and not thinking about the hot day ahead. The night before, pack a small backpack with water, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed that you know you’re going to need inside the backpack – like your wallet or your keys – so that you don’t forget it before you go.
“
”
Fortune favours a prepared mind.
Drink plenty of water before and during your excursion
While we’re out exploring, it’s easy to get distracted by the excitement of what is happening around us and we might forget to drink enough water. On a hot day, we obviously sweat more than usual The moment you wake up, drink two full glasses of water. Aim for drinking at least eight glasses throughout the day as you sightsee. It is also wise to drink plenty of water the evening before your big day choose fruits over salty snacks to give
Tip: backpack. This will leave your hands free to hold your camera, a pair of binoculars, or
20
S.E.E AFRICA
www.afrotourism.com
HOW TO STAY HEALTHY IN THE HEAT
Wear lightweight, breathable clothing
Avoid fabrics like polyester, viscose, rayon, and nylon because they tend to trap heat and moisture. Choose lighter-coloured clothing that is moisture wicking and reflects heat. Good fabrics mesh panels. Sleeves that can roll up help moderate your body temperature. If you can, choose clothing that boasts UPF
Tip: Wet a small scarf and place it over your face or dunk your hat in water before
Take breaks and seek shade
easy to act like we have an endless supply of energy to trek every trail, follow every animal, and take every picture. Before we know it, we’re dehydrated and feeling ill – causing us to cut our trip short. Remember that it’s okay to stop and seek shade. The more rested and regulated your body is, the more endurance it will have.
Don’t forget sunscreen
While lighter skin tends to burn easily, darker skin
to skin damage from the sun. Unfortunately, nobody is immune to the sun’s harshness. Look for sweat-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 to SPF 50 that blocks against both UVA and UVB rays (the rays that cause premature ageing, skin cancer, and sunburn). Apply the sunscreen at least thirty minutes
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BUSINESS BUSINESS 22 - 00 25 - 00 B y: Jo han na Read B y : Johanna Read
INSIDE INSIDE TOURISM TOURISM BUSINESS BUSINESS
patronage. youryour patronage.
CC
reating a hotel reating a hotel experience that appeals experience that appeals to travellers of different to travellers of different nationalities nationalities and and cultural backgrounds cultural backgrounds can be a challenge. can be a challenge. They They have have different expectations, different expectations, wantswants and needs, making it difficult and needs, making it difficult for for hoteliers to make design hoteliers to make design decisions and determine how to decisions and determine how to prioritize investments prioritize investments in a in a property. marketing property. EvenEven marketing can can be difficult, the hotel be difficult, as theashotel photophoto that attracts vacationers that attracts vacationers from from one country doesn’t one country doesn’t makemake someone of another nationality someone of another nationality as click they click through even even pausepause as they through the internet. the internet.
HOTEL STYLE FOR THE HOTEL STYLE FOR THE WESTERN EYE WESTERN EYE
BUSI ESS ESS BUSI Hoteliers, of course, Hoteliers, of course, knowknow their their markets and clientele markets and clientele best. best. But IBut I advice for hotels have have somesome advice for hotels catering to westerners. catering to westerners. My My comments are designed comments are designed for for independent mid-priced independent mid-priced hotelshotels
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with guests on vacation, less so with guests on vacation, less so to business hotels. Following to business hotels. Following of these tips might somesome of these tips might help help a hotel intoboutique the boutique bumpbump a hotel into the category, perhaps enabling a category, perhaps enabling a rate increase rate increase too. too.
And am whoI to amprescribe? I to prescribe? And who I’m I’m a Canadian visiting a Canadian traveltravel writerwriter visiting six continents annually. threethree to sixto continents annually. the few pastyears, few years, Over Over the past I’ve I’ve in hundreds of hotel stayedstayed in hundreds of hotel around the world roomsrooms around the world and and to thousands of travellers talkedtalked to thousands of travellers preferences. As the aboutabout hotelhotel preferences. As the Contributing Editor Contributing Editor of a of a magazine, I write articles aiming magazine, I write articles aiming to attract our readers to attract our readers — — predominantly the the UK, the predominantly from from the UK, US, Canada and Australia US, Canada and Australia — to — to the hotels our worldwide the hotels in ourinworldwide portfolio. portfolio.
Westerners Westerners often often findfind rooms with rooms with a lot a lot of of decoration decoration to to be be tootoo busy busy andand notnot relaxing. relaxing. MINIMALIST MINIMALIST ROOMS ROOMS Simple a minimalist Simple decordecor and aand minimalist style go a way; long bonus way; bonus style go a long — it’s— it’s onbudget. the budget. easiereasier on the PaintPaint walls walls a pale, neutral colour. a pale, neutral colour. Don’tDon’t decorate with framed prints; decorate with framed prints; they they look cheap, especially if oftenoften look cheap, especially if too high. Instead, hung hung too high. Instead, show show off off something a sense something local local givinggiving a sense of of weand, are, at and, the same wherewhere we are, theatsame helping the local economy. time, time, helping the local economy. a large on aor wall or HangHang a large textiletextile on a wall arrange baskets on a shelf. arrange threethree baskets on a shelf. Or, make your hotel a gallery Or, make your hotel a gallery and hang by local and hang worksworks by local artistsartists (make available (make pricesprices available too). too). You You likelylikely don’tdon’t need need muchmuch more.more. Westerners find rooms Westerners oftenoften find rooms a lot of decoration be too with awith lot of decoration to be to too busynot andrelaxing. not relaxing. busy and EvenEven moremore so after we unpack so after we unpack our our belongings. belongings. Be there’s sure there’s enough Be sure enough spacespace for for to unpack. Bedside guestsguests to unpack. Bedside tablestables on both theare bed are on both sides sides of theofbed essential, is a table or shelving essential, as is aastable or shelving for cameras and small for cameras and small bags. bags. Ideally, has two Ideally, everyevery roomroom has two luggage — otherwise luggage racksracks — otherwise somesome willtheir put their suitcase guestsguests will put suitcase on on the(dirtying bed (dirtying your white the bed your white and perhaps spreading covercover and perhaps spreading bed bed A closet with fewer bugs).bugs). A closet with fewer than than 10 hangers is paltry. should 10 hangers is paltry. They They should the same colour if all beall thebesame colour (even(even if plastic) the hotel plastic) or theorhotel lookslooks second-rate. second-rate. A desk is ideal, are two A desk is ideal, as areastwo revealing throughcomfortable revealing hotelshotels that, that, through comfortable for guests chairschairs for guests to to mistake or policy, mistake or policy, aren’taren’t doingdoingsit and sitchat and together. chat together. MostMost thorough changes. thorough linen linen changes. A A people people the ability to make want want the ability to make non-white bed triggers non-white bed triggers the the both both andintea in their coffeecoffee and tea their thought “hasbeen this been thought “has this quality counts and local room;room; quality counts and local washed?” washed?” teasbetter are better than mass market. teas are than mass market. is wonderful for anyone A fanAisfan wonderful for anyone disliking air-conditioning, disliking air-conditioning, and and hasadded the added of muffling has the bonusbonus of muffling sleep-disturbing sleep-disturbing noise.noise.
WHITE LINENS PERCEIVED CLEANER WHITE LINENS PERCEIVED ASAS CLEANER AND MORE LUXURIOUS AND MORE LUXURIOUS Resulting studies Resulting from from studies by by Westin hotels, Westin hotels, most most NorthNorth American and European American and European switched colourful hotelshotels switched from from colourful and patterned to white and patterned linenslinens to white the 1990s. in thein1990s. WhiteWhite beds beds and and towels brighten up a room towels brighten up a room and and it seem bigger. makemake it seem bigger. WhiteWhite reassures that their reassures guestsguests that their are freshly laundered linenslinens are freshly laundered
because they can’t hide stains. because they can’t hide stains. It fades evenly, so linens It fades moremore evenly, so linens looklonger. new longer. laundry look new Plus, Plus, laundry of all-white loadsloads of all-white linenslinens don’tdon’t be separated. have have to be to separated. was around only around It wasItonly 2005 2005 that that started manymany majormajor hotelhotel chainschains started washing bedspread covers washing bedspread covers after after Westerners everyevery guest.guest. Westerners are are occasionally rattled by exposés occasionally rattled by exposés
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LOTS OF POWER OUTLETS AND WIFI AS STRONG AS YOU CAN AFFORD It’s expensive tothem, add them, It’s expensive to add but but we’re pressed for time we want rooms with plenty hotelhotel rooms with plenty of of to charge devices while we’re easily-accessible power outlets away from the room. Until your easily-accessible power outlets are beloved A person are beloved by all.byAall. person on on hotel can accommodate this, be each side of the bed should each side of the bed should be be sure to inform guests so they can able to have phone able to have their their phone plan around it and not be stuck charging and reachable charging and reachable — — with uncharged devices. without needing to unplug without needing to unplug lampslampsWeak wifi is a major irritant. or move furniture. or move furniture. Explain to guests if your region Westerners withof lots of doesn’t have great wifi in the Westerners traveltravel with lots that needs charging stuff stuff that needs charging — — first place, but do everything you laptops, tablets, camera batteriescan to ensure your hotel’s signal laptops, tablets, camera batteries and more —we andwant we want and more — and is strong in every room. Moving convenient places to charge convenient places to charge from room to restaurant to lobby the same themthem all atall theatsame time.time. We We is, ideally, seamless without the understand conserving electricityneed to input new passwords. understand conserving electricity by using the keycard to activate Easy-to-remember passwords are by using the keycard to activate the room’s power, but when the room’s power, but when better than random numbers and
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letters, especially if the system boots users off and they have to re-login. Wifi should be free, but you could consider charging extra for upgraded bandwidth for movie streaming, if necessary. If your wifi is good enough, you might be able to get away with not having in-room televisions since so many westerners travel with a tablet and Netflix. Be sure to be upfront about it, but feel free to describe it as encouraging us to have a digital detox and focus on the destination.
Westerners travel with lots of stuff that needs charging — laptops, tablets, and more -- and we want convenient places to charge them all
LOTS LOTS OFOF THE ININ THE BATHROOM BATHROOM Few hotels anywhere Few hotels anywhere in thein the get lighting worldworld get lighting right.right. Especially weolder, get older, Especially as weasget guests lots of light guests want want lots of light in thein the bathroom, at the desk and in bathroom, at the desk and in the closet. Women the closet. Women in in particular lighting particular want want goodgood lighting around the bathroom mirror, around the bathroom mirror, which means bright lighting which means bright lighting the not sidefrom not from above. fromfrom the side above. The room can be dimmer, The room can be dimmer, but but toolights few lights a room too few makemake a room look dingy rather than look dingy rather than givinggiving ambience. Adding ambience. Adding higher-wattage higher-wattage light light bulbsbulbs you can’t add more helpshelps if youifcan’t add more fixtures. Make sure it isn’t fixtures. Make sure it isn’t overly complicated to turn overly complicated to turn onoff. and off. lightslights on and
A welcome of local it. A it. welcome drinkdrink of local juice juice is boutique; very boutique; drinking it while is very drinking it while doing an in-room check-in doing an in-room check-in is is even even moremore so. so. In countries where tap water In countries where tap water isn’t isn’t potable, consider providing potable, consider providing 1.5 L1.5 L bottles of water instead bottles of water instead of of smaller to reduce plastic smaller ones ones to reduce plastic usage. Better yet, refill usage. Better yet, refill glass glass bottles jugs (we’ll bottles fromfrom largelarge jugs (we’ll need you to reassure it’s not need you to reassure us it’susnot tap water). tap water). The addition of conditioner hair conditioner western guests The addition of hair MostMost western hotelhotel guests Hotels that loan guests Hotels that loan guests makes westerners perceive a would prefer locally-made westerners perceive a would prefer locally-made local local makes data-enabled mobile phones data-enabled mobile phones are are as nicer. soaps, shampoos and lotions. hotelhotel as nicer. soaps, shampoos and lotions. a dream, so we can use Google a dream, so we can use Google Be there’s sure there’s for both We don’t mass-market Be sure soap soap for both the the We don’t want want mass-market call you) we don’t MapsMaps (and (and call you) if we ifdon’t sink and the shower. Travellers brands in tiny plastic bottles sink and the shower. Travellers brands in tiny plastic bottles have a local SIM card. Hotels have a local SIM card. Hotels do appreciate cream shipped across an ocean. handhand cream and aand a shipped across an ocean. Feel Feel do appreciate providing complimentary airport providing complimentary airport of mouthwash. free put liquids in larger smallsmall bottlebottle of mouthwash. free to puttoliquids in larger transfer are ideal as it eliminates transfer are ideal as it eliminates Shaving kitstoothbrush and toothbrush containers - ideally Shaving kits and sets sets containers - ideally pumppump the need to arrive with local the need to arrive with local are nice (but can just be available bottles to help reduce the are nice (but can just be available bottles to help reduce the currency and worry about getting currency and worry about getting on request); combs a waste world’s plastic problem. on request); combs are aare waste of of world’s plastic wastewaste problem. lost or being overcharged. lost or being overcharged. money. information telling money. LeaveLeave information telling us us Lunch and dinner buffets Lunch and dinner buffets are are Bathrobes are prized. the products and sell Bathrobes are prized. LargeLarge soft soft aboutabout the products and sell considered second-rate, though considered second-rate, though towels are perceived as luxe, in your gift shop. towels are perceived as luxe, themthem in your gift shop. they’re finebreakfast for breakfast so long they’re fine for so long towels as budget. smallsmall roughrough towels as budget. as eggs can be cooked to order. as eggs can be cooked to order. sure there are hooks wall hooks MakeMake sure there are wall Too many buffets, though, Too many buffets, though, have have to encourage to re-use to encourage us to us re-use them.them. food that’s not kept hot enough, food that’s not kept hot enough, Slippers are nice, but be it’s sure it’s Slippers are nice, but be sure affecting not quality only quality affecting not only obvious they’re obvious they’re brandbrand new. new. If If perceptions but food safety. perceptions but food safety. Staff Staff not, don’t provide not, don’t provide themthem at all.at all. who are aware of and can who are aware of and can Leaving homemade cookies Leaving homemade cookies or or accommodate sensitivities accommodate food food sensitivities local candy is sure to please, as is local candy is sure to please, as is like gluten, dairy and are nuts are like gluten, dairy and nuts a small of anything locally a small gift ofgift anything locally welcomed. welcomed. made, especially youustell us made, especially if youiftell a local tradition related aboutabout a local tradition related to to
AMENITIES AMENITIES
MADE MADE BOOST BATH BOOST AA BATH AMENITIES AMENITIES THE BOUTIQUE THE BOUTIQUE CATEGORY CATEGORY
ENCOURAGE ENCOURAGE USUS BUY, DON’T TOTO BUY, DON’T TELL NOT TELL USUS NOT STEAL TOTO STEAL It’s awful that some guests It’s awful that some hotelhotel guests theyput canthe putbathrobe the bathrobe thinkthink they can in their suitcase to home. take home. in their suitcase to take Butwording the wording of many hotels’ But the of many hotels’ us who signssigns makemake thosethose of us of who wouldn’t dream of stealing wouldn’t dream of stealing feel feel suspect. Instead, invite suspect. Instead, invite us to us to purchase the items with words purchase the items with words like “Our guests love our like “Our guests love our amenities; if you’d like to it take it amenities; if you’d like to take home, prices are as follows”. home, prices are as follows”. better, us the thatlocal the local EvenEven better, tell ustell that arthandicrafts and handicrafts decorating art and decorating the room are for alsosale. for sale. the room are also Telling us about a tradition Telling us about a local local tradition or story encourages to buy or story encourages us to us buy more.more.
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By Max Therry
“THE BEST THING ABOUT A PICTURE IS THAT IT NEVER CHANGES, EVEN WHEN THE PEOPLE IN IT DO.” ― Andy Warhol
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Taking photos of moving animals whilst in a moving jeep for example, requires a certain skill.
A
safari provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness some of the world’s most fascinating and amazing animals in their natural habitat. Those who have embarked on a Safari in one of the many game reserves in Africa can count themselves truly blessed. Imagine travelling along the Okavango Delta in Botswana and seeing giant hippos grazing in the water. Or imagine camping in the bush in Kruger National Park in South Africa and waking up to see herds of Zebra and the majestic pride of Lions. If you are lucky enough to undertake a Safari, you will undoubtedly want to take some photographs to share your experiences with your friends and family and to create some memorable works of art. Safari photography can be tricky – taking photos of moving animals whilst in a moving jeep, for example, requires a certain skill. Hence, I have provided this comprehensive guide to help you prepare and improve your safari photography:
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Start with the necessities – a camera (obviously!), a couple of memory cards, a couple of batteries and a camera case.
RESEARCH THE LOCATION BEFOREHAND For many people, researching the location beforehand is part of the fun and adventure of travelling but for photographers, it can also drastically improve your shots. Let's say that you are visiting the Masai Mara in Kenya and you want to take some wildlife shots – read up on the national park and arm yourself with knowledge – where are the usual wildlife hotspots? What natural landmarks are there? What is the condition of the tracks/roads like? What transport is typically used? If you know this information, you will know what to look out for, and what you can expect when heading out on safari.
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TAKE THE CORRECT EQUIPMENT When embarking on a safari, you do not have the luxury of a studio full of equipment at your disposal. You will have a limited amount of space and carrying capacity, and you must try and pack as light as possible. Start with the necessities – a camera (obviously!), a couple of memory cards, a couple of batteries and a camera case. Take spare batteries and cards as you do not want to suddenly run out of power just as you are about to take that perfect shot of a leopard catching its prey for example. Other than the above, keep your equipment Spartan – you do not want to be bogged down with tons of camera equipment in the middle of a hot safari tour.
USE THE CORRECT CAMERA SETTINGS Understanding how to get the best out of your camera during a safari is of vital importance. The most important aspects of safari photography are generally shutter speed and ISO. As you will be frequently moving, and shooting wildlife that is also moving, you need to use a fast shutter speed. Consider shooting in shutter mode and using as quick a shutter speed as possible whilst still retaining an ISO of 400 or below. A fast shutter speed will allow you to capture movement with little to no motion blur and an ISO of between 100-400 will reduce background noise. Furthermore, consider your compositions and stay alert at all times. Some people have a tendency to shoot an animal in the centre of their lens – consider using the rule of thirds and framing your shots so that the animal(s) in question is in the left or right-hand third of the shot. Be creative and experiment with different angles and positions to see what you can produce. Consider practising shooting moving objects before your safari too so you can become accustomed to the shutter speed differences.
BE CONSIDERATE TOWARDS THE WILDLIFE It is our duty when on Safari (or during any interaction with wildlife for that matter) to respect nature and to cause as little distress and upset as possible. When embarking on your epic safari adventure, be sure to stay as quiet as possible. Furthermore, turn the flash off and shutter beep – small noises or flashes such as these could disturb the wildlife. Aside from these simple rules, your safari guide should talk you through other etiquette and provide a list of general DOs and DON’Ts – be sure to pay attention!
LEARN FROM YOUR TOUR GUIDE
The most important aspects of safari photography are generally shutter speed and ISO.
Safari tour guides can provide a wealth of information and can also improve your photograph greatly. Take time to talk to your guide and build friendship with them. If you are responsive and friendly, your guide will be more willing to help in return – they can point out interesting features and help you spot wildlife. Aside from the value they add to your photography, tour guides are also interesting people and can greatly improve your knowledge and understanding of the parks you visit.
your safari guide should talk you through other etiquette and provide a list of general DOs and DON’Ts – be sure to pay attention!
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When on Safari, you have to work fast because time is generally not a luxury.
TAKE MULTIPLE SHOTS FOR REDUNDANCY Usually, when you are taking photos, you have time to review each one and decide if you need to re-take them. When on Safari, you have to work fast because time is generally not a luxury. To avoid potentially taking a poor photo and having no backup, we advise taking multiple shots of the same composition. For example, a huge bull elephant is charging past your jeep in the distance – instead of just taking one quick snap, switch to multiple shot mode and take as many photos as possible. You do not have to worry about card space since you can always delete the low-quality photos afterwards – it is better to be safe than sorry!
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EDIT YOUR PHOTOS AFTERWARDS This is true for any trip you embark on but it holds especially true for safari photos. As you are working on the move, taking pictures on the spur of the moment and trying to enjoy the experience too, you have little time to review your work whilst outdoors. Once you have returned home, you can use post-processing software to sort through your pictures, and apply basic editing touches to your photos to enhance their quality: Straighten your pictures - if it’s hard to see if the horizon is positioned properly in a camera preview. Crop your picture to create a better frame and cut out all the unnecessary stuff. Remove distracting objects whether it’s dust, some accidental dirt on the lens or an unwanted person in the image, all of these can be removed in post-processing with tools like Photoshop, Luminar, GIMP... practically every other photo-editing software has this option.
Increase saturation and contrast slightly - it will improve the colours of your photo and make it brighter and more alive I hope you have found this information invaluable. If you take these tips into consideration, you should be able to take some stunning safari snaps. The most important tip we can provide, however, is to enjoy the experience – it is tempting to spend your time taking hundreds of photos, but ensure that you step away from the camera and immerse yourself in this life-changing experience.
taking pictures on the spur of the moment and trying to enjoy the experience too, you have little time to review your work whilst outdoors.
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#Style
FASHION 32 - 33
B y I b ukun Ayom i d e
Gear for Tropical Climate In a tropical climate, the mean temperature is at least 18 °C (64 °F). This means the atmosphere is typically warm. It is widely known that many African countries have tropical weather, so if your next holiday is going to be somewhere on the continent—and I suggest it should, or anywhere else with a tropical climate, I recommend that you make travel light your watchword. This is very key because a holiday is meant to be enjoyed and not endured. Besides, you don’t want to be responsible for killing the fun because you packed wrongly for the trip. Here are good reasons for you to travel light. I hope you find useful tips there too on what to pick.
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Clothes
Because it’s warmer—at least 18 °C (64 °F), you don’t want to get “cooked” by the heat. The weather is hot enough, the least you could do for your body is to let your skin kiss the little cool left in the wind. My take; beat the heat in breathable, light fabrics: comfy pants and T-shirts, at least a pair of long pants and long-sleeve shirts for safari should do. Make sure it is stylish enough to fit the occasion.
Accessories
You shouldn’t draw too much attention to yourself, but it does no harm if a new face tells you that you look great in those nice necklaces or that that scarf blends perfectly with your hair. Accessories need not be flashy and outlandish. If you must travel with them, keep it simple and personal. And be sure that the ones you travel with won’t break your heart if you lose them by mistake.
Shoes
Holidays are mainly for relaxing. They are time for sightseeing, beachcombing and dancing away the night. For all these, you don’t need anything clogging your movement and fun. Kick up your heels and pick up those comfortable, breathable shoes and sandals. You don’t want to keep playing catch up because the shoes hurt or they just won’t let you move as you want.
Bags
Yes, I want to be as organized as I could be when I travel, and I think you should too. Being organized helps you to keep tabs on your belongings and not lose anything when you are done. Organization starts with keeping your stuff in comfortable bags. Typically, I go for a slim, USB charging backpack (or bags without wheels) that is smart and spacious enough to keep everything I am travelling with where they belong. You should do the same.
Gadgets
You can’t bring all your friends on the trip but you can take the trip to them with a good camera. Thank goodness for good smartphones and super slim cameras, they help ease up space for many other necessaries, like powerful but tiny lenses, AI translators, adaptor, power bank, etc. Your taste and itinerary should guide your choices, but it’s better to limit the gadgets to what is absolutely necessary.
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MAURITIUS Your special day deserves an award-winning experience By Tolu Adetiran& Sossou Winnie
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DESTINATION WEDDING
Weddings are amazing moment being the unique occasion when two hearts officially become one, changing everything after the words "I do". This is why we must make it happen in places as glorious as the occasion itself—Y.O.L.O! Thinking of a perfect destination for your wedding? Let me introduce you to Mauritius.
M
auritius is a beautiful island nation located 2,000 miles off the southeast coast of Africa in the heart of the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. It’s a well-kept secret among honeymooners, hedonists and those who want to indulge themselves in romantic holiday and the good things of life. For soon-to-be couples, a trip to Mauritius is a romantic escape in time to experience intimate moments in perfect harmony: stunning blue Indian Ocean, perfect sandy beaches, breathtaking scenery plus almost year-round sunshine. Here is how the CNN describes it: “It's also one of Africa's great destinations, located in the middle of the turquoise Indian Ocean, inhabited by a multi-racial, peaceful people, covered in great golf courses, offering myriad water sports, mountain trekking, hunting, birdwatching, luxurious resorts, an old colonial capital, great food, three- and four-star hotels, one of the world's best botanical gardens, good nightlife, beautiful beach bars, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, one of the oldest horseracing tracks in the world, great sightseeing…” So what are you waiting for?
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Documents needed
Getting married in Mauritius is as easy as saying ‘I Do’ once you’ve taken care of the legality—and that’s even easier. Get the following documents ready (in English language translation and certified/stamped if need be) and you are good to go: 2 copies of your passports, 2 copies of birth certificates, 2 passport photos each, a Decree absolute (if divorced), Deed Poll (if name has changed), Death Certificate and previous marriage certificate if widowed.
Eighteen months to the wedding date is an ample time to get things started. A wedding planner based in or with footing in Mauritius will help you with plenty of the legwork
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Planning for the Big Day
Eager to walk down the aisle with your heartthrob in this tropical paradise already? Let’s get the planning on with a call to the perfect wedding planner. Eighteen months to the wedding date is an ample time to get things started. A wedding planner based in or with footing in Mauritius will help you with plenty of the legwork, especially in securing a nice resort for your wedding day and other necessary bookings. This is where it gets tricky; most resorts in Mauritius organize one wedding per day to allow the couple enjoy their wonderful day exclusively; so, with a wedding planner, you pass on the headache of booking and confirming a perfect day for your wedding. Good news, most resorts have expert wedding planners and offer wedding packages that include all basic vendors (Decorator, Hair Stylist, Makeup Artist, Photographer, Caterer etc.), while Afro Tourism can help you sort all logistic needs including getting the best resorts in the country.
When to arrive
With all these sorted, there’s actually nothing more to worry about. Just get to the tropical paradise of Mauritius and enjoy a wonderful time. Ensure you arrive with a working day or two to spare just to perfect the legality—most wedding planners will ask you to arrive at least three days
earlier to sort what they usually call “going for an affidavit” which essentially means visiting the Civil Status main office at Port Louis, an Attorney at law, the Supreme High Court of Mauritius and the Civil Status Sub Office, all for documentation and simple legal purposes.
Ideal setting
On the main day, your wedding will be performed by a licensed marriage officer and will be internationally recognized. We recommend a beachside wedding in the late afternoon, it is simply unbeatable! Picture yourselves taking the oath with the beautiful Indian Ocean sunset as a backdrop…it’ll be awesomely stunning!
Honeymoon
And when the event is done, you have the beautiful resort—and all of Mauritius, as your playground during the honeymoon. Don’t leave the island without loads of pictures for the memories. A picture of yourselves having candlelit dinner is a must; just as those of you two lazing by the beach, riding a quad-bike with the mountains in the background or just enjoying boat cruise with the stunning sunset on the horizon. The album is not complete without the ones where you share the Champaign after exchanging your wedding ring.
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TT
What’s What’sininititfor forAfrica? Africa?
By Mike By Mike AlvinAlvin
here are64 64 64 will winning it,past and the quarterall some, fell at thesome, quarter-finals ambassadors who are there are will get quarterpast the quarter- win win and lose some.opportunity opportunity to change herehere are here 64 are get willpast get the the win some, and and lose lose some. some. opportunity to change to change matches, 32teams, bookmakers are already hurdle in extra time—while a to sell African brand. matches, 32 teams, finals. But surprises are the However, while the mass the narrative about matches, matches, 32 teams, 32 finals. finals. But But surprises surprises are the are the However, However, whilewhile the mass the mass the narrative the narrative about about teams, 12 11 11 stock predicting no African painful penalty shootout loss It’s our biggest 1211 venues, stock ofand soccer, state of euphoria continues in opportunity Eastern 12 venues, 12 venues, stock of soccer, of that soccer, and I seeIand seeI see state state of euphoria of euphoria continues continues Africa Africa inAfrica Eastern in Eastern venues, 11 team will getapast the ended Ghana’s and Africa’s toEurope—Russia change the narrative 1 trophy! quite lot coming. game after game, nationsEurope—Russia Europe—Russia cities, cities, butcities, 1but trophy! 1but trophy! quitequite a lot acoming. lot coming. game game after after game, game, nations nations cities, but 1 quarter-finals. But surprises dream with the game a about Africa Eastern The Russia Already, we’ve andcorporate the corporate world specifically, specifically, and the The The Russia Russia 2018 20182018 Already, Already, we’ve we’ve seen seen in seen in in and and the corporate the world world specifically, andinand the the trophy! The are the stock of soccer, and I stalemate after extra time. Europe—Russia specificalFIFA World isMohammed Mohammed Salah one willraking beinraking in of millions of larger world. This FIFA FIFA World World Cup Cup is Cup is Mohammed Salah Salah one one will be will raking be millions in millions of larger larger world. world. This This is is is Russia 2018 FIFA World see quite a lot coming. It’s all a game though, you ly, and the larger world. the biggest sporting tournament transcendent figure that dollars because football is where governments, the biggest the biggest sporting sporting tournament tournament transcendent transcendent figure figure that that dollars dollars because because football football is is where where governments, governments, Cup is the biggest sporting Sadly, Mohammed Salah, win some, and lose some. This is where governments, this andbeauty itsdoes beauty not could master the mayhem as much a itsport as is a big football governing this tournament year this year and year and its beauty its does not notcould could master master the mayhem the mayhem on on on asHowever, much as much a sport a sport asthe as is ait big is aitbig football football governing governing this year and its does one of Africa’s biggest while mass football governing boards end with theend games. 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It club—something least USD9.5 million anyway, thebeen biggest event Russia andthat shoulder his team USD28 million and the player’s player’s rewards are anyway, anyway, the biggest thehad biggest event event that that that Russia Russia and and shoulder shoulder hiscould team his team toplayer’s see rewards the rewards bigger picture bystill USD28 USD28 million million and and theeach the are still are still thepulls FIFA World Cup have bred the club’s forthird-place participating, while the playing as a team. It is half planet’s our planet’s beyond beyond expectations. third-place team USD24 being being negotiated. pullsis pulls over over halfover half our planet’s our beyond expectations. expectations. third-place teamteam USD24 USD24 being negotiated. negotiated. anyway, the biggest winner will receive USD38 disgraceful to hear thatalso ourlearn humans together for one Soconfidence. So only far, only Cameroon million. team must humans humans together together for one forevent one far, So only far, Cameroon Cameroon million. million. Our Our teamOur team must must also also learn learn that pulls over half our Unfortunately, Mo Salah million; the runners-up, used the world purpose: to enjoy the beautiful (1990), Senegal (2002) Africa must, however, tobigger see the bigger picture purpose: purpose: to enjoy to enjoy the beautiful the beautiful (1990), (1990), Senegal Senegal (2002) (2002) and and and Africa Africa must, must, however, however, looklooklook to sportsmen see to the see the bigger picture picture planet’s together for Ghana could not justhave repeat the USD28 million and the abscond game of football. Ghana (2010) have beyond the cash, as there is cup by playing asIta is team. game game of football. of humans football. 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Football Football of the players donning the So far, only Cameroon made and lessons to be choices since they are in Egypt, Senegal, Morocco, painful penalty shootout Russia during association Egypt, Egypt, Senegal, Senegal, Morocco, Morocco, and and and painful painful penalty penalty shootout shootout loss loss loss visiting visiting Russia Russia during during the the theassociation association should should colours of five African (1990), Senegal (2002) and learnt atvisiting the event. Our the best position toshould adapt Tunisia. Yes, Africans are not ended Ghana’s and Africa’sevent event see themselves respect team Tunisia. Tunisia. 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position position to adapt to the the team the toexhibitions to exhibitions exhibitions tojewellery showcase to showcase thesethese start selling selling core core Africa Africa sumosumo sumo wrestling wrestling can grab canSenegagrab position to adapt theadapt team to team toand showcase these startstart selling core Africa wrestling can grab instance, traditional more spectacular beads that people from all over winning winning ways. parts of life. our of These life. our life. These These sports sports sports toworld. the to world. the world. Across Across international attention, attention, the This the reflect the depth and is very popular. In international leseattention, wrestling should. winning ways. partsparts of our towrestling the Across international the world will beways. in Russia. diversity of African culture, fact, Senegalese wrestlers all-round, money-spinning Beyond Beyond the games, thehowever, games, however, however, should should include include arts arts and and Western Western Western Africa Africa for instance, for instance, more spectacular spectacular Senegalese Senegalese African countries must, Beyond the games, should include arts and Africa for instance, moremore spectacular Senegalese thereby selling Africa a traditional sell out wrestling stadium tickets and sportshould. blends the This skills of therefore, we must we must bear bear inadvantage mind in mind that that crafts, crafts, textiles, textiles, beads beads andasand traditional traditional wrestling is very is very wrestling wrestling should. This we must bear intake mind that crafts, textiles, beads and wrestling is very wrestling should. This tourism destination to the earn as much—or even judokas, Greco-Roman of this big platform to millions millions of people of people from from all all jewellery jewellery that that reflect reflect the the popular. popular. In fact, In fact, Senegalese Senegalese all-round, all-round, money-spinning money-spinning millions of people from all jewellery that reflect the popular. In fact, Senegalese all-round, money-spinning world. more thanstadium their wrestlers, organize events such as the world the will will inbe in depth depth depth and and diversity diversity wrestlers wrestlers sell out sell stadium outlocal stadiumsportsport sport blends blends theand skills the skills of of overover the over world willworld be inbe and diversity of of of wrestlers sell out blends the skills of boxers together with African Soculture, far,culture, Africa has played soccer This judokas, is judokas, African Russia. Russia. African African countries countriesAfrican African African culture, thereby thereby tickets tickets tickets andcounterparts. and earn earn as much—or as much—or judokas, Greco-Roman Greco-Roman Russia. African countries thereby and earn as much—or Greco-Roman culture, isboxers a great catch-up in eveneven one sport that Africa cuisine/food, cultural and selling must, therefore, therefore, taketake selling selling Africa Africa astag-along a as tourism a tourism even more more than than their their localmust local wrestlers, wrestlers, andand and boxers must,must, therefore, take Africa asand a tourism more than their local wrestlers, and boxers the sporting world. It is work together to export venture to launch on a musical exhibitions to advantage advantage of big this of big this big destination destination toworld. the to world. the world. soccer soccer soccer counterparts. counterparts. is together is together together with African African advantage of this destination to the counterparts. This This is This with with African time to start selling core internationally. If Japanese global stage. showcase these parts of our platform platform to organize to organize events events So Africa far, So Africa far,has Africa has played has played one sport one one sport that that Africa Africa mustmust culture, culture, and and is a great is a great platform to organize events So far, played thatsport Africa must culture, and is a great Africa sports to the world. sumo wrestling can grab life. These should include such as African as cuisine/food, African cuisine/food, cuisine/food, catch-up catch-up and and tag-along tag-along in the in theworkwork together together to export to export venture venture venture to launch toon launch aon global a global suchsuch as African catch-up and tag-along in the to export to launch a on global Across Western Africa for work together international attention, the arts and crafts, textiles, cultural cultural and and musical musical sporting sporting world. It is It time to internationally. to internationally. internationally. If Japanese If Japanese stage. stage. cultural and musical sporting world. It world. is time tois time If Japanese stage.
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A DIFFERENT KIND OF PARADISE Michael-Alvin Usifo & Gordon Triegaardt (Travel Troll Africa):
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outh Africa is one of Africa’s top gems and a destination not to be missed on your travel bucket list. An adventure playground where you follow beach and bush along Southern Africa’s golden coastline of nature and sunshine. From diverse watersports, magnificent safari experiences and endless stretches of the beautiful Garden Route to thrilling views of jagged, lush mountains, star-studded desert skies, magnificent beaches lapped by two oceans and warm people, South Africa is astoundingly rich in diversity and enthralling for any traveller and visitor. In its many wonderful parks and reserves, rare and exotic animals including the Big Five
(lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino) create one of the continent's best safari experiences. In the epic wilderness at Kruger Park, you’ll catch nature just as it’s meant to be; with geology and time creating an Eden for animal and creation, while nature works out a system of checks and balances and a constitution that ensures diversity and robust good health. From roaring lions hungry to win a kingdom, to a go-away-bird chirping its distinctive chant in the trees, a dung beetle going about his business or an encounter with seals, whales or a great white shark along the coast, wildlife watching in South Africa teaches you to enjoy the big and little things of life. But it is not all about nature
For the most epic adventure contact Downhill Adventures.
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and safari, the rainbow country is a coat of many colours that caters to all kinds of travellers thanks to its diversity. There are wonderful cities to shop and holiday in, museums to visit, parks and forests to stroll through, wonderful shopping malls to spend money in, rocks to climb and endless list of activities like mountaineering, surfing and windsurfing, boating and yachting, bungee jumping, hiking, bridge swinging, desert walks, whale watching, sunset cruises, abseiling from Cape Town's iconic Table Mountain and so much more. And when you feel exhausted, there are endless stretches of pristine beaches to relax on and watch the golden sun setting over the horizon!
Then, there is the colourful, complex and tumultuous South African history, a crucial part of the country's identity. From the 2.2 billion year old Vredefort Dome, the world’s oldest and largest meteoric site that existed long before the dinosaurs roamed the earth, to the ancient realms of Shaka the Zulu; the battlefield of the Boers, British and the Zulu to the apartheid era, the dramatically horrendous past might not be for the faint-hearted, but it will help you understand the fabric of South African society and appreciate how far the country has come. One thing is certain, South Africa is a country you must see, and seeing it will make you fall in love with life and living all over again. It’s a microcosm of our beautiful world; with breathtaking canvas of rock, host to timeless echoes and exhilarating hiking trails. World-class cities with urban forest, landscape of incredibly scenic beauty, with awesome panoramic view of lush subtropical foliage and a chance to gaze out from God’s window when the haze of morning lifts the veil away from heaven. This is a country with nine provinces, 55 million people and 11 official languages where you almost can’t go wrong. Ready for the experience? Here are places you must add to that bucket list and tick off on your next holiday.
Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, Maropeng, Gauteng, South Africa
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South Africa is a country you must see, and seeing it will make you fall in love with life and living all over again. It’s a microcosm of our beautiful world; with breathtaking canvas of rock, host to timeless echoes and exhilarating hiking trails. World-class cities with urban forest, landscape of incredibly scenic beauty, with awesome panoramic view of lush subtropical foliage and a chance to gaze out from God’s window when the haze of morning lifts the veil away from heaven.
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T R AV E L T I P S
keep these at heart while visiting this paradise Pretoria, Cape Town, Bloemfontein Republic Rand 1,219,090 sq km 4,620 sq km 3,408 m 55, 091, 000 (2016 est.) +27 UTC +2 English, isiZulu, isiXhosa, Afrikaan, and a variety of Languages Must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival Required at the point of entry, for citizens of a number of countries Contact Afro Tourism to know if you need one keep up-to-date with routine vaccination, required vaccines change depending of prevailing circumstances Most parts of the country have warm, sunny days and cool nights. Rainfall generally occurs during summer (November through March) Light jacket for summer (raining season)
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GAUTENG WHERE TO GO
SOUTH AFRICA
G
auteng, the "place of gold" where golden sunrise follows golden dawn unveiling in turn a rare rhythm of life. It is South Africa’s smallest province but its commercial, economic and technology hub. What it lacks in size, it compensates with massive urban ambience, dynamic opportunities, pure inspirations and thrilling history captured from the jaws of time. Its pulsating hub is
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Johannesburg, a world-class metropolis with urban forest where good life never ends. Then there is Soweto and Pretoria, each destination offering a good slice of South Africa’s cosmopolitan creative energy. These cities are electric and alive and in the throes of urban rejuvenation. Ready for some shopping? Then hit the Gauteng province. Whether you stop in Pretoria or
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Johannesburg, the rainbow country’s economic hub has no shortage of shopping malls where you can find both local and international brands, from exclusive upmarket centres to mega mainland ones, Gauteng province has shops to lighten your shopping lists. And if sightseeing is your thing, be ready for memories! Pretoria, the administrative capital, is a vibrant cosmopolitan
city with a cosy air of luxury. It is home to historic architecture like the Union Building, the seat of government, where a visitor is rewarded with a panoramic view of this jacaranda city. In October, the view is amazing as the jacaranda trees that line Pretoria turn it into purple-blue when their flowers are in full bloom. Experience a youthful nightlife at Hatfield Square where
young students of Pretoria University pump youthful vibe into the various clubs, bars and restaurants; and there is the freedom park, a beacon of hope that sings with the joy of a young democracy. The park weaves the tale of South Africa from 3.3 billion years to present day, capturing the nation’s heart and soul in one breathtaking space.
Nelson Mandela's statue outside the Union Buildings in Pretoria
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Pretoria, the administrative capital, is a vibrant cosmopolitan city with a cosy air of luxury. It is home to historic architecture like the Union Building, the seat of government, where a visitor is rewarded with a panoramic view of this jacaranda city. In October, the view is amazing as the jacaranda trees that line Pretoria turn it into purple-blue when their flowers are in full bloom. Experience a youthful nightlife at Hatfield Square where young students of Pretoria University pump youthful vibe into the various clubs, bars and restaurants; and there is the freedom park, a beacon of hope that sings with the joy of a young democracy. The park weaves the tale of South Africa from 3.3 billion years to present day, capturing the nation’s heart and soul in one breath-taking space. 'Three Sisters' wall' at Maboneng. Credit: Iger Mars Graffiti
J
ohannesburg promises even more! The sprawling metropolis of over 8 million people, a city of fashion, can best be brought under your feet through the pedals of your convertible. Drive over the iconic Nelson Mandela Bridge to New Town near the CBD and take in the soothing urban air. Stop at the Neighbourgoods Market in Braamfontein on a Saturday and immerse your taste bud in every possible type of food you can imagine. It is a trendy place to kick off a nice weekend. Also visit the Maboneng Precinct on a Sunday and get more delicious food market time in, great coffee and a mix of art fair to tantalize and tease you as you discover the joys of Jozi Town. This area is a fantastic example of Joburg’s current rejuvenation and is a melting pot of Africa in one area. For more food and shopping adventures don’ t miss out on Rosebank and Sandton City: shopper and
foodie paradise! It’s easy to take freedom for granted while pedalling your convertible around the city; before the 1990s, it wasn’t so smooth no thanks to apartheid. Apartheid is a system of racial segregation that divided South Africa into white, coloured and blacks between 1948 and 1994, with the blacks occupying the lowest rung of the social strata. Things began to change from 1990 and by 1994 Nelson Mandela emerged as South Africa’s first black president. One of the best places to walk through this history is the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg. The museum is thoroughly absorbing and shocking as it preserves and presents the apartheid era in inspiring ways. You’ll find a special room there dedicated to the 1976 Soweto uprising and Nelson Mandela, be free to learn all about this dark page of the country’s past here. History buff and Lovers of
Dan Brown’s ‘Inferno’ and ‘Origin’ can even go out of town to find mind-blowing answers to the question: “Where are we from?” at the Maropeng Museum situated within the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site in Magaliesburg North-west of Johannesburg. Here, 4.17 million years old “Little Foot” and 2.3 million year old “Mrs Ples” wait to show you the era when man newly emerged from the shadows of the dinosaurs. Begin your tour with a boat ride through the ‘Elements’ of Fire, Water (and Ice), Earth and Air, and walk back in time to connect the missing link between apes and humans. It’s an educational tour of the birth of the planet, the development of DNA and life on Earth. Teleport back to modern Jozi and visit Lasede Cultural Village to immerse yourself in the cultural traditions of the
different peoples of Southern Africa. But don’t forget that New Town waits to treat you to world-class entertainment in its theatres and music venues, while Sandton beacons with amazing shopping opportunities and restaurants that offer glorious views of magnificent sunset. And there is the soul-lifting Soweto, with touching history, arts, crafts, colours and the only streets in the world to host the houses of two Nobel Laureates.
This area is a fantastic example of Joburg’s current rejuvenation and is a melting pot of Africa in one area.
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WESTERN CAPE
T
he scenery, the people, the food, the wine, the nature experience, the mountains, the forests, the beaches… just everything! Travel the world and hardly would you find a place as salubrious as Western Cape Province, especially its global city, Cape Town—a city nestled around a natural harbour in the foot of the majestic Table Mountain. The province is home to beautiful
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Winelands, amazing coastlines, historical cities, mesmerizing garden routes, hiking trails, and one of the most famous mountains in the world—the Table Mountain whose summit provides a great view of two World Heritage Sites: the Cape Floral Region and historical Robben Island. Western Cape’s most popular destination is Cape Town. The Mother City is a coming together of cultures, cuisines and
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landscapes, where sea and mountain create an unparalleled playground. Towns like Stellenbosch—an oak-lined university town, Paarl and Franschhoek add more colours to the province thanks to their miles of centuries-old scenic vineyards, mountains, old Cape Dutch architecture, farms and some of South Africa’s best restaurants, which all blend to create a wonderful wine route experience. If you have bought your ticket to Cape Town, start
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getting excited as the city waits to give you a thousand stories and a million experiences. When you arrive, breathe in the beautiful Cape Town air and soak up its magnificent views because you are in for a great time. From mountain biking to hiking; soaking up the sun on the beach to going head to head with great white sharks; kayaking, skateboarding, canoeing, jet skiing, scuba diving and surfing, Cape Town offers plenty of adventure to cover the day, and at sundown, you can take the sundowner on a cruise while watching the sun slip below the horizon. And the city’s climate is just perfect: warm, dry summer from October to April—the peak holiday time with busy beaches, vibrant nightlife and gloriously sunny cheer. Spring is around September—October, it’s when flowers come into full bloom, creating stunning views in the west coast. This is also when whales visit coastlines turning places like Hermanus into whale watching paradise. Many people come to Africa thinking of safari and the BIG FIVE. In Cape Town, prepare for the BIG SIX. Mathematically, that’s BIG ELEVEN as
your safari experience is completed with wine tasting, shopping opportunities, historical tour and a chance to visit the most south-western point of the African continent. Begin the experience where it’s easiest. Cape Town has a cultural fascination—if obsession, with food and drink thanks to its farming culture that stretches back centuries. From Michelin rated restaurants to street food kiosks, Cape Town offers accessible, affordable and good food that is served fresh, as fresh could be; any wonder why the city is called a foodie paradise. When you’re full and happy, hit the Big Six beginning with Table Mountain. The famous flat-topped mountain defines the city and has been voted as one of the Seven Wonders of Nature. Take a trip up the mountain in a cable car (during a good weather) for a 360-degree view of Cape Town and the entire peninsula. If you are lucky, you may even catch the spectacular sunset. Alternatively, you can hike up Platteklip Gorge to immerse yourself in the mountain’s rich biodiversity. At the Atlantic shore close to the Table
Mountain is the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, simply called the V&A by the locals, which attracts roughly 24 million visitors each year. It’s your one-stop spot for entertainment, shopping, and gastronomic adventure. Take a ferry trip around the harbour or a helicopter ride and cover the entire peninsula. V&A Waterfront is also where you catch a ferry to Robben Island, a former prison—now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where Nelson Mandela spent 18 of his 27 prison years. On the Island, a former inmate waits to share his experience with you. A beautiful city surrounded by nature, mountain, sea, and beautiful people, it’s impossible to have it all on a single trip, but you’ll do well to add to your itinerary, a visit to Cape Point, the most South-western tip of Africa, the beautiful, trendy beaches on the Atlantic side or the somewhat warmer family-friendly beaches on the Indian Ocean side, the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens on the slope of Table Mountain and the Winelands.
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SOUTH AFRICA
MPUMALANGA By Mark Ndlovu
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pumalanga, meaning place of the rising sun, has it all—from exhilarating wildlife, incredibly scenic landscape, secluded mountain retreats, ancient ruined cities, wild water-sports, iconic sports facilities and some of South Africa’s most diverse and vibrant cultural traditions. The province’s capital is Mbombela (formerly Nelspruit), but the thrilling experience lies further afield in the jaws of the amazing Kruger Park and the incredibly scenic beauty of Blyde River Canyon. Ready for a Safari experience of a lifetime? Mpumalanga is waiting to treat you to a superb time thanks to its unparalleled touristic portfolio that includes the wildlife haven of the world-renowned Kruger National Park and Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve; the scenic Blyde River Canyon, the world’s third largest and biggest green Canyon; God’s Window, three Rondavels, and amazing waterfalls. There is also history and heritage to be grasped at Pilgrims Rest, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and Barberton rock formations that date back 3.5 billion years. For Luxury safari experience, visit the Sabi Sand. The destination is home to some of the world’s finest and most exclusive private game lodges, which frequently host celebrities and politicians from around the world. Unlike many conservation areas that were founded over the years, the Sabi Sand has always been a wilderness area. Established in 1948, the reserve now consists of 65, 000 hectares of pristine bush. The land is unfenced between landowners, and shares a 50km unfenced border with the Kruger National Park, these allow complete freedom of movement for the game, while the perennial Sabi Sand River after which the reserve is named, provides a constant supply of water for the animals. There are 17 commercial lodges to choose
from: the world famous Lion Sands, Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge, Selati and Little Bush Camps, are amongst them. The popular route, however, is to go to the world-famous Kruger National Park. Kruger is synonymous with safari. The Park is not only one of the world’s greatest game reserves, it is also a global iconic tourist attraction. A game Park as big as Wales in the United Kingdom, Kruger Park stretches over 500 kilometres along South Africa’s North-eastern border with Mozambique and currently encompasses nearly two million hectares of primal Africa. Few visitors pass its gates without experiencing a true conservation showcase. There are few parks in the world today that offer anything close to the diversity of large mammals which the average visitor to Kruger can tick in a couple of days. Kruger has 24 rest camps and 17 private lodges offering a wide range of accommodation that is almost as diverse as its ecosystems. Mpumalanga is also a golfer’s paradise, with world-class golf courses set against some of South Africa’s most spectacular landscapes. It is home to the country’s number one private golf course, the exclusive Leopard’s Creek—a preferred tee-off course for the rich and famous, as well as the second home of international golf icons such as Gary Player and Ernie Els. Situated on the banks of the Crocodile River and bordering the Kruger National Park, Leopard Creek offers golfers the ultimate bushveld game. In December each year, it attracts the world’s top golfers who take part in the prestigious million-dollar tournament, the Dunhill Championship.
For more contact: Siyaphula Leisure Pty Ltd Southern, Central and East Africa Specialists +27 78 585 7684
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ZIMBABWE: COME WANDER THROUGH WONDERS SOUTH AFRICA: DREAM.DISCOVER.EXPLORE
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// HERE ARE SEVEN POPULAR ROUTES FOR VISITORS IN MPUMALANGA SOUTH AFRICA
Mpumalanga is also a golfer’s paradise, with world-class golf courses set against some of South Africa’s most spectacular landscapes. It is home to the country’s number one private golf course, the exclusive Leopard’s Creek
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his is the gateway to both Mozambique and Swaziland, it borders the southern reaches of the Kruger National Park. The historic mining town of Barberton offers wonderful insight into the early mining settlements of the region. South Africa’s �irst Stock Exchange was located here.
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his is the gateway to the scenic Blyde River Canyon, sawmilling village of Graskop, the historic mining town of Pilgrims Res and the village of Sabie, known for scenic waterfalls, mountain biking and its excellent forestry museum. Further east lies Hazyview and the gateway to central Lowveld, Sabi Sands and the Kruger National Park.
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GRASS AND WETLANDS:
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he highland grasslands are of international signi�icance. Notable for birding sites, with rare and endangered endemic species, the village of Wakkerstroom is one of the principal birding sites. Trout �ishing, hang gliding and mountain biking are the popular attractions. Jericho, Nooitgedacht and Heyshope Dams are well-known angling waters. The central town of Ermelo is an important agricultural centre.
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outh Africa’s foremost trout �ishing destination is set high on the temperate Mpumalanga escarpment. It is located on one of the more popular routes to the Lowveld and is an ideal stopover point for visitors.
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COSMOS COUNTRY:
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his important industrial, agricultural and mining region offers easy weekend access to visitors. The Grootdraai Dam is a popular water-sport destination. The town of Secunda is known for its vast fuel-from-coal plant, one of the largest of its kind in the world. It dominates the economy of the region along with numerous coal-�ired power stations.
CULTURAL HEARTLAND:
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his is home of the Ndebele people, noted for their artistic talents. The Loskop Dam Nature Reserve, Botshabelo Cultural Village and Mission Station are prime attractions. Further south lies the mining and industrial towns of Middelburg and eMalahleni.
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he Capital City, Mbombela (Formerly Nelspruit), is located on the R40 and is an excellent departure point and a perfect choice as a base for excursions to Kruger National Park, scenic Panorama route, Mozambique and Swaziland. There are lots of restaurants, lodges, hotels, shopping malls, golf venues and sporting arenas.
Mpumalanga is truly a world-class tourism destination, where a royalty treatment and unforgettable experience is guaranteed. 2016// NOVEMBER JUNE2018//
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SOUTH AFRICA
By Chike Okoye
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urban is a coastal metropolis, South Africa's third most populous city and a bubbling melting port of exotic culture. An hour flight from Johannesburg, or two-hour flight from Cape Town, and you will get to explore this largest subtropical city in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. Sunny side Durban is a potpourri of all races—the largest being the Indians, and the second most important manufacturing hub after Johannesburg. At an average temperature of 28°C, it’s an all-season holiday destination, with numerous touristic activities to keep you busy all year round. Hungry for an adventure? The golden mile, a stretch of sandy beaches, houses one of the biggest hub for adrenaline rushing activities in Durban—the uShaka Marine. At uShaka, you’ll get to the “bottom of the ocean”, experience interactive dolphin shows, seal and penguin presentations, and participate in cage diving with sharks and adventurous walk with dangerous creatures along the village walk. You can also shop for food and ethnic clothing or, better still, hang around and be serenaded by some young Zulu dancers. Within the uShaka Marine World is the uShaka “Wet N Wild” host to an array of water park activities, including the highest slide in Africa—the Drop Zone.
Umhlanga beach front, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
At 18.5m high and inclination angle of 45 degrees, Dropzone is not for the easily scared. You are either very adventurous, insane or both to attempt this ride…. I did! So, I guess I’m adventurously insane. Durban also has amazing shopping ambience, from Gateway shopping mall in Umhlanga to the Pavilion Shopping Centre in Westville, it’s a shop till you drop affair with the world’s top brands right at the chip of your credit card. Beyond Durban, the KwaZulu-Natal Province has thrilling history, culture and sightseeing for anyone so interested. You can follow the legend of the ancient Zulu kings from uKhahlamba—burial of spares, what the Boers called Drakensberg (Dragon mountains) escarpments, explore the battlefields of Boers, British and Zulu, negotiate the wetland of iSimangaliso, a World Heritage Site where turtle breed in November and give birth in January, or simply enjoy the coast, surfing waves, following leaping dolphins or diving with sharks. It’s a perfect destination for adventure, honeymoon, shopping activities, family getaway, nightlife, sunbathing and many more.
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SUNNY SIDE DURBAN
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SUNNY SIDE DURBAN
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am at uShaka Marine World, ready for a ride of a lifetime. It wasn’t so easy for me to decide to opt in for the ride, but I did, eventually. I passed by people queuing up with their tubes for the first slide and looked down my nose at them; saying “kids”. The next platform
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has the second slide, then I went for the third by which time, my heartbeat was beginning to race, not out of excitement but of fear. I gave the guard thumps up as I climbed onto the fourth platform and he reciprocated with a wide grin that stretched from ear to ear. Brethren, behold the city of Durban at my
feet. From the top of the highest slide, everyone on the ground looked like a miniature of themselves. The smile from the guard now makes perfect sense, my heart was no longer in its ribcage but in my mouth. All of a sudden, I was running temperature while simultaneously
EXPERIENCE
feeling very cold, I had a blinding headache and an urge to use the bathroom at the same time! “I will just turn back and tell the guard that I only wanted to see the view and take a bit of fresh air,” I thought; but what kind of chicken will that make me? With a courage the size of a mustard seed, I grabbed the bar by the slide and lowered myself in. I crossed my legs at the ankle and crossed my hands over my chest—the Wakanda style, a little gas escaped from my behind but it was too late to figure out how it smelt; swoosh, I slid off and was suspended in mid-air along the way, without any contact with the slide for what seemed like eternity. I dare not open my eyes at this point for the fear of a heart attack! Back in
contact, I splashed into the pool, the ride was over but my heart didn’t regain its rhythm until 30 minutes later. Maybe the slide is really not that extreme? (I laugh in Zulu). At the Moses Mabhida Stadium in central Durban, I had a life (and afterlife) experience with The Big Rush Big Swing, the world’s tallest swing according to the Guinness Book of Records. From the top of the stadium’s 220m arch, it was 3…2…1… Jump! As I plunged into thin air. Next, I found a place to chill out with a mouth-watering meal, and nice glass of wine. I needed to soothe those aching muscles, overstretched in the heat of adventure. Where else could that be but Roma revolving restaurant, one of the 37
revolving restaurants in the world. Located on the 32nd floor of John Ross House in the heart of central Durban, The Roma revolving restaurant offers a panoramic view of beautiful Durban. From the elevator, the unique voices of musicians like Andrea Bocelli and Luciano Pavarotti usher you into the elegantly furnished restaurant where you’ll take your reserved seat and the owner of the restaurant will set up your table, take your orders, serve and also follow up just to make sure everything is perfectly fine. Desserts are ordered the point-and-kill way that Nigerians order fish pepper soup. Here, the waiters walk around with trolleys loaded with dessert, all you have to do when he is by your table is point to
your choice. For Durban Nightlife, I went off to an exclusive underground nightclub in city’s Central Business District (CBD). Durban is the birthplace of Vosho, a dance step that requires rigorous squatting and the ability to balance flexibility and gravity. Combine Vosho and Gwara Gwara and you’ll become the cynosure of all eyes, and the fire that lighten up any South African party. I am still practising it after a couple of falls and a sprained ankle… I’ll describe Durban as a Genie in a bottle, but with multiple wishes. Just say it and its Durban!
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CATCH A WAVE AT THE BEST SURF SPOTS IN AFRICA
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frica is one of the world’s most underrated regions when it comes to surfing. However, with a coastline of over 19,000 miles, there are plenty of places to experience the sensation of riding the ocean’s energy beneath your feet. Some surf spots require a strong sense of adventure and expert-level skills to master while others offer plenty of surf camp spaces for beginners. No matter where you’re at in your surfing journey, we’ve discovered the top eight destinations to surf. By Chantae Reden
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TAGHAZOUT, MOROCCO Taghazout, Morocco, is a safe-haven for surfers of all abilities. Beginner surfers can catch their own wave at Immesouane or Hash Point, while the more advanced surfers often take turns riding the fast barrel of Killer Point. Taghazout became popular among surfers in the 1960s and has held onto its uniquely bohemian atmosphere with yoga classes, beach bonfires, and friendly vibe. For the full experience, check into one of the many friendly surf camps. A few of our favourites are Surf Berbere, Lapoint Surf Camp, and Salt Surf Taghazout.
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TOFO, MOZAMBIQUE Tofo, Mozambique, is a town set on a beautiful beach with clear blue water and soft sand. Beginners will love catching the mellow and friendly waves on the beach while the more adventurous surfers can paddle to the uncrowded wave at Tofinho Point. It’s not uncommon to see humpback whales, dolphins, manta rays, and more while you’re surfing in Tofo. Once you’re done catching waves, you can go swimming with whale sharks – the gentle giants of the sea. No board? No problem. The Surf Shack Tofo offers surfboard rentals and surf lessons from friendly instructors.
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N’GOR ISLAND, SENEGAL Imagine a destination where your worries won’t follow you? A place with peeling waves on Africa’s westernmost point. Despite being a spot that was featured in the classic surf film, Endless Summer, it’s not as crowded as one might assume. Here, surfers can enjoy the beginner-friendly waves at Yoff Beach or the famous N’Gor Right. There are over twenty surf spots around N’Gor Island and the Almadies, so there’s sure to be enough space for everyone. To meet fellow surfers, visit N’Gor Island Surf Camp, a clean and basic accommodation for travellers on a budget.
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SKELETON BAY, NAMIBIA Skeleton Bay in the Namibian desert is an incredibly powerful surf spot reserved only for the most adventurous and experienced surfers. Skeleton Bay hosts one of the world’s longest waves but has only become popular on the international surf scene within the past ten years thanks to its remoteness. Many believe it earned the name of Skeleton Bay because of the shipwrecks dotted along the coastline. The heat, the sand, the isolation, and the size of the waves intimidate most who dare to come here. It’s rare for the left-hand wave to work – but when it does, you can expect the longest barrel ride of your life. There are no surf camps near Skeleton Bay, and it’s best to only venture out with an experienced guide.
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DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA If you want a destination that’s sure to have great surf no matter what time of the year you visit, Durban is a top contender. Its sandy beaches, sunny weather, cafes, and lively city make it a must-visit destination overall. Both beginners and experts alike will be able to surf their heart out. New surfers can learn from the best with lessons from Living the Dream Surf School while the more seasoned surfers can head just south of Durban to the heavier reef breaks.
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JEFFREY’S BAY, SA Affectionately called J-Bay, this spot in South Africa is a popular destination for professional surfers and is even one of the main contest spots on the World Surf League Championship Tour. Supertubes, J-Bay’s heaviest and most famous wave, gets highly competitive with talented locals surfing it in its most massive conditions. Don’t let J-Bay’s reputation scare you away if you’re beginner. There are plenty of surf schools on the main beach of Jeffrey’s Bay as well as a handful of spots for intermediate surfers.
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ROBERTSPORT, LIBERIA With over 550 kilometres of coastline, Liberia has so many prime surf spots with waves ridden by some of the region’s most talented local surfers. The waves are so idyllic and consistent, simply watching them can be mesmerizing. Since this surf scene is relatively unknown, it’s best for intermediate or advanced surfers who know how to read the water’s conditions. The local accommodations like Nana’s Lodge and Kwepunha Surf Retreat have a safari-meets-surf ambiance, where the vibe is uniquely West African and set to the stunning backdrop of Grand Cape Mount.
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BUSUA, GHANA Many of Africa’s most talented up-and-coming surfers are hailing from Busua, Ghana, a small beach town that’s known for its wide sandy beaches and vibrant nightlife. The town is the site of a handful of surf competitions and typically has small, mellow waves that are ideal for perfecting tricks. Pop into Black Star surf shop or Mr Brights to rent a board, take lessons, or chat to the local surfers – who are often happy to share tips on where to paddle out for the best waves.
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TRAVELLING IN
MANDELA’S FOOTSTE PS By Oliv ia Balsing er
Nelson Mandela and his former wife Ms Winnie Madikizela-Mandela leaving jail after his imprisonment on Robben Island, Cape Town.
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South African Tourism
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considered it one of the greatest privileges throughout my career as a travel journalist to have an assignment in South Africa in 2018 — the year that makes the Centennial Year of Nelson Mandela. The legacy of this man continues to energize the entire country towards perpetual progress and unrestricted liberty. He was a hero who offered his own freedom to ensure the freedom of his entire nation — regardless of their ethnicity or skin colour.
FUNFARE IN
South Africa and the world beyond maintain that Mandela’s legacy will endure forever. Once a nation torn apart by racially-driven class division, South Africa is now a cosmopolitan nation far more tolerant and receptive to the humanitarian philosophies that Mandela preached and lived by. With these changes came a boom in tourism, because people from all over the world have the same resonance for this drastic social change of consciousness, and find a more stable environment to
explore in this truly beautiful and unique corner of the globe. South Africa is famed for its miles of undisturbed coastlines, for its colourful buildings in the predominantly Muslim Quarter of Bo’Kapp in Cape Town and for the numerous vineyards graciously dotting the countryside of Stellenbosch. The end of apartheid was one of the most significant political events to happen in the entire history of society. Although it has brought so much good to South Africa
and her people, it would be irresponsible to forget the pain that one man endured to ensure it. Mandela’s plight is a story of the phoenix rising, a man whose purpose was perpetually challenged yet never defeated, no matter how powerful the forces against him were. It is a tragic yet inspiring portrait of how compassion and perseverance can truly change minds, hearts, and eventually the world.
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Day 1
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y journey to discover Mandela’s legacy began in Johannesburg, the economic nerve centre of South Africa. Today, a visit to Johannesburg is an eclectic experience because the city projects its finest indigenous heritage, as well as its forward-looking vision of a city still considerably up-and-coming. It was here that I was able to understand the country’s controversial past, celebrate its inspiring transition and relish experiencing its new identity as a progressive urban hub. Johannesburg’s impressive progress stems perhaps from its hyper-awareness to illuminate its past: a past dotted by dark pages no doubt, but the city dwells rather on the positive side by focusing on the history and heroes of the era—especially the heroes of apartheid, without distracting from the realities of its heinousness. This year’s Nelson Mandela Centenary Celebration is another of such great opportunity. Although Mandela is celebrated consistently, particular attention will be placed on his selfless acts of valour on this Centenary Celebration throughout Johannesburg and Soweto, the city where he and his family lived. Soweto is an abbreviation for South Western Township inside the Johannesburg Metropolitan, and has become a successful tourist destination. Visitors can experience the township in a variety of ways, like bike tours and horseback. You can even get an aerial perspective with a 15-minute helicopter ride or a bungee jump from the top of the intricately painted Orlando Power Station cooling towers.
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Apartheid Museum, Johannesburg, South Africa
My most meaningful time in Soweto, however, was the sombre visit to the former home of Nelson Mandela, where he lived from 1946 to 1962, now known as the Mandela Museum. As I stood outside his house and saw scorch marks where the house was attacked with Molotov Cocktails, I felt chills. It is here you’ll find the humanity of South Africa’s hero—where you could see the yard his children played in and the bricks they would hide behind.
The next most comprehensive place to get an overview of Mandela’s tribulations is the renowned Apartheid Museum, which condenses the narrative to its core timeline from its veritable beginnings in 1948 to its triumphant end in 1994, when Nelson Mandela was elected president of the republic. Its programme delves into the catalysts and consequences of this dark era,
emitting a beacon of hope by illustrating its gradual ascent to liberation – a modern example of triumph in the arena of human rights. Perhaps the most emotive excursion for history buffs, however, is Constitution Hill, where the Old Fort Prison Complex once stood. It housed Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi when they were incarcerated in South Africa.
You can even get an aerial perspective with a 15-minute helicopter ride or a bungee jump from the top of the intricately painted Orlando Power Station cooling towers.
FUNFARE IN
Day 2 CAPE TOWN
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y journey in Mandela’s footsteps continued to Robben Island in Table Bay, just a few kilometres west of the coast of Cape Town. It was here, touring a prison known infamously as a centre of isolation and exile, that I was able to briefly experience the suffering of Mandela. This suffering was in the form of 27 years robbed of his family, dignity and even a name—4664 replaced “Nelson Mandela” and he was on the terrorist watchlist for his desire to revolt against hate. Life constrained to a thin straw mat in a cell no more than five square metres. The tours are not for the faint of heart—this living museum and current UNESCO World Heritage Site has not been entirely purged of the hatred and dirt found within the walls of the cells, especially Nelson Mandela’s. However, for an eye-opening understanding of South Africa’s tumultuous past and the price—and time—Mandela paid in order to create the South Africa of today, you should visit this place. As the political climate continues to shift to a more positive, inclusive trend in South Africa, we must remember that a man was stripped of his identity and locked up for years in order to create the order that exists today.
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TASTE OF AFRICA 70 - 75 B y N ma O kpara
Appreciating African Food 70
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heard that 2018 is the year for West African food to showcase itself but have you ever wondered why West African food; specifically, Nigerian food is not so appreciated by the people who matter - Us? If you watch the waves Chinese or Indian foods are making in the food industry, you’ll be dazed. Even I, cannot withstand it. But how many people will proudly tell you that they want to go to an African shop to buy African ingredients to make an African dish? Not many. Some will say African food is too spicy or that it takes too long to cook, or my personal favourite: “it’s not healthy.” Have you tried some Indian or even Caribbean recipes? You will be wowed by how long a “simple” Oxtail stew takes to cook or by how much ginger and shombo (chilli pepper) the Indians use in cooking or by how many times the Chinese deep fry their chicken. I remember when I started cooking, I started with Western foods AKA Continental foods; then I started fusing Western dishes with Nigerian dishes (I still do), but gradually I started going back to my roots. I got tired of the serenren (sluggish nonsense) and started cooking and presenting ‘real’ Nigerian food. While there are Chefs who like to show the different dynamics of African/Nigerian cooking, I kind of like the traditional aspects of our foods. There are days I may want a plantain cake or frittata, but basic golden fried plantains on some robust Jollof rice is everything. Not that there’s anything wrong with a frittata One of my favourite Chef is
Anthony Bourdain and one thing that makes me fall in love with his style of cooking/eating is the fact that he will try any food in its traditional state before making any comparisons to other foods. I like the new age food presentations but give me a clay pot anytime any day and watch me go to town. I know and understand that most of us are trying to make Africa/Nigerian food look “presentable” to everyone so they can like it, but how about showing them the real deal before whipping it into other aspects of what African/Nigerian food can be. More appreciation of our foods by the African/Nigerian people helps others understand our food culture. Teaching our children how to eat our foods and how to even source for it empowers the next generation. If you honestly visit the homes of some Africans/Nigerians, you would notice a trend where the children eat a different food from their parents; and when you ask why, they tell you “oh the kids don’t like how it smells” or my personal favourite: “there’s too much pepper in the food.” Even with this behaviour amongst the African/Nigerian community, there are some teenagers/ adults born in the diaspora who send me emails or DMs asking me how to cook a certain dish. One young lady was trying to “catch” a young Igbo man and wanted some authentic Igbo recipes. I don’t know what became of that relationship, but my point is, the more interest we show in our foods and food culture, the better accepted our foods are. There is an African/Nigerian saying that “monkey no fine but him mama like am.” Meaning, the monkey might be ugly but his mother loves him just like that. Eventually, people
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will begin to love that monkey because they have no choice. Think of African food. It may smell, it may be spicy, it may take long to cook, but the outcome is a savoury something that will knock out your senses and send you to foodie heaven. With West African Cuisine being tipped to be the next big food trend of 2018, I know that 2018 is midway already, and we kind of have a long way to go. But are we catching up? Absolutely, but a lot of areas need to be addressed especially when it comes to African/Nigerian restauranteurs.
Fufu: one of the most popular Ghanaian native food.
I like the new age food presentations but give me a clay pot anytime any day and watch me go to town.
makeitmorocco.com/in-fes/
Biryani: a popular food in Zanzibar
African/Nigerian restauranteurs NEED to pay close attention to a few things in their places of businesses for it to be successful. There is no African time when it comes to opening for business every day. As in, tardy opening should be cancelled. If I was a food critic, that would be a serious requirement to get an A+ or recommendation from me. It’s cute when we go late to parties saying, “Africans don’t keep to time.” But to run a successful business, your customers should not be waiting for your doors to be open hours after the designated opening time. Your wait staff must be professional. They must study and must have tried at least half of the foods in the menu to fully understand and explain these foods to the customers. The ambience and furniture must be inviting and up to date. Your bathrooms must be clean and working; and not a different temperature from the dining room especially when it’s cold. We eat with our eyes first so your Chefs must know how to give each customer “food-gasm” in a plate whether locally or continentally. I need to look at my food and instantly feel a pleasurable sensation in my mouth even before my first bite.
I believe that when we take ourselves and our food culture seriously, we will be able to tell our own story. Until then, may the odds forever be in our favour.
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Night Food Market at Zanzibar S.E.E AFRICA
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The greatest threat to our wildlife is the belief that someone else will save it. JUNE2018//
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SADZA AND PEANUT SOUP By Afrolems
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waziwai. Makadii Zvenyu? Do not be alarmed I have been told this means; “how are you” in Shona, a popular language in Zimbabwe. I met an Uber driver in San Francisco a few weeks ago that was educating me on the Zimbabwean culture and I definitely became more interested in the culture after my encounter with him. Of course, the conversation led to food and he told me about Zimbabwean food and, as expected, Sadza came up. I immediately started asking for recipes and looking things up and I saw Sadza was similar to Ugali in Kenya. For my Nigerian followers, this is a type of swallow made with corn-meal. How diverse we are and similar at the same time. I asked him for his favourite dish and he said it definitely had to be Sadza and Peanut soup with some Kale on the side. He said traditionally, pumpkin leaves are used but in America, it is quite difficult to find. He definitely recommended Sadza and Peanut soup for people that are newbies to the Zimbabwean cuisine. For my Nigerian friends wanting to try this, pumpkin leaves are Ugwu leaves. Hope you enjoy this simple dish.
INGREDIENTS 2 tablespoons of peanut butter
1/2 cup of chopped beef
(You can blend groundnuts yourself)
1/2 Bulb onino
2 cloves of garlic 1 tomato
Recipe for
Seasoning cubes
Sadza & Peanut Soup 1 74
IN A SMALL POT, HEAT UP ONE COOKING SPOON OF OIL AND FRY THE BEEF TILL BROWN. SEASON AS APPROPRIATE, REDUCE THE HEAT AND POUR IN SOME WATER AND ALLOW TO COOK FOR 15-20 MINUTES WHILE CHECKING TO SEE IF THE BEEF IS COOKED OCCASIONALLY.
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2
CHOP YOUR TOMATOES, ONIONS AND GARLIC AND ADD TO THE POT. STIR IN AND ALLOW TO COOK.
3
STIR IN YOUR PEANUT BUTTER AND REDUCE THE HEAT. POUR SOME WATER TO ALLOW THE SOUP LOOSEN UP A BIT AND COOK ON LOW HEAT. CHECK FOR SEASONING AND CORRECT AS NEEDED. ALLOW TO COOK ON LOW HEAT FOR ABOUT 15 MORE MINUTES. ADD WATER AS NEEDED TO CONTINUALLY LOOSEN SOUP.
Seasoning cubes (Traditionally, just salt would be used but the Nigerian in me added this)
Vegetables
1.5 cups of water
1 cup of Corn Meal
Handful of chopped onions
Method 4
FOR THE VEGETABLES, CHOP THE VEGETABLES AND SET ASIDE. HEAT UP THE TABLESPOON OF OIL, STIR IN THE HANDFUL OF CHOPPED ONIONS AND VEGETABLES. SEASON AND STIR FOR ANOTHER 1 MINUTE AND TAKE OFF THE HEAT.
for the SADZA,
BRING TO BOIL THE 1.5 CUPS OF WATER, STIR IN THE CORN MEAL AND CONTINUALLY STIR TILL A DOUGH IS FORMED. REDUCE THE HEAT AND COOK FOR 5-7 MINUTES CONTINUALLY STIRRING. ADD WATER AS NEEDED TO ENSURE IT COOKS PROPERLY. SERVE YOUR SADZA WITH THE PEANUT SOUP AND VEGETABLES JUNE2018//
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MORO
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ow many of us haven’t vowed to visit Morocco after watching Bogart and Bergman’s on-screen love story in “Casablanca”? And here you are, packing your bags for this trip. But you have to be ready to expect a lot more adventure in this colourful place, than you could have ever imagined. A passage between Africa and Europe, the land of Berbers, a former empire that used to knock at the gates of South-Western Europe, Morocco is a place with a flavour of its own, which can’t be found anywhere else in this world. That is why, more than 10 million tourists arrive here every year. Before you land in Morocco, remember to respect a certain dress code and forget about shorts and skimpy dresses, because, to the locals, they represent a lack of
respect for the Muslim traditions. But as long as you cover your shoulders and knees – regardless of your gender, you will avoid any embarrassment. It is impossible to describe the cascade of strong colours, smells, traditional sounds filling the streets and it is impossible to discover what Morocco has to offer in only one visit. Whether you decide upon Rabat, Marrakesh, Fez, Agadir, Tangier and stick to the crowded life of the city, or discover the stillness of the desert and its hidden oasis, Morocco will offer you an unforgettable experience. Due to the fact that it had been a French colony, the locals speak perfect French, but English is used often and at a high level, as well as dozens of other languages, which Moroccans have learned from the countless tourists coming from all over the world. What you will find most striking is the contrast of
HOLIDAY IN
OCCO By Trusty Travel
tradition and modernity that you can notice at every step: white medinas (towns) with busy and crowded bazaars, grand mosques, amazing palaces with exquisite architecture, where life ows undisturbed for centuries, and, at the other end of the extreme, wide boulevards, modern sky-scrapers, beautiful tidy buildings, hotels and clubs, just like in other countries of the world. But the trademark of Morocco is given by the scented gardens that provide you with shadow and lure you with the most pleasing perfumes in a cool atmosphere, protecting you from the African heat. Open your heart when a local merchandisers invite you to drink a glass of mint tea – the national drink, considered the beer of Morocco – which is, of course, a sample of the witty local humour, as it is well-known that Islam forbids alcohol. Also, indulge yourself in the craft of bargaining when you
visit the souq (bazar, local market) otherwise the merchants will feel a bit insulted. Besides, the merchants will appreciate your skills and deliberately lower their prices if you do. And what is a trip abroad without visiting historical artifacts and museums? Morocco has plenty to offer. From Roman and Phoenician relics of over 2500 years old, to Berber, Vandal and Arab terraces, to colonial powers, each corner of Morocco is replete with legends about warriors, conquerors, modern spies and heroes who remained in the collective memory and are awaiting a new visitor to fascinate and come back to life through the perpetual process of storytelling that will be continued through every visitor, after going back to his home country. For a Tour of Morrocco visit:
www.deals.afrotourism.com www.trusty-travel.com Phone +212 661677037 JUNE2018//
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AFRICA www.afrotourism.com 78 S.E.E 00 S.E.E. AFRICA www.afrotourism.com
UNTAPPED AFRICA
These Destinations will Give you
Bragging Rights
E
very holiday is both a feeling and an experience; and if it is one on an African soil, it may well qualify as a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Take a safari drive in the majestic Kruger National Park for instance, while in a 4x4 on a game drive, you bump into a lion charging at crocodiles for a share of the carcass of an impala, or a python engaging a leopard in a battle for survival. As you watch the intrigue unfolds, the trumpet of a large mammal draws your attention as a parade of elephants
By Micheal Usifo
emerge from a stand of trees, backlit by the setting sun. In Djama El Fna, Morocco, you inhale the delicious aroma coming from the stalls, listen closely to the sounds of music, and admire the mesmerizing beauty of the charming market. These are not daily experiences. Although it is impossible to show or tell you how amazing Africa is on the few pages of a magazine, I am sure I can do a bit of it. So, in this edition of Untapped Africa, let me show you four African destinations with untapped experiences that should make your bucket list. Enjoy.
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Want to get awestruck by nature? Then head to Maroantsetra where chameleons of various shapes, sizes and colours, streaked tenrec, tomato frog and the big-eared, bug-eyed aye-aye – a lemur that's also the planet's largest nocturnal primate, and others create a mystical nature’s haven. Madagascar’s Maroantsetra is the last paradise for a naturalist. A market town set near the mouth of the Antainambalana River, it serves as a cool spot to take in the languid charm of the big Antongil Bay and enjoy both river scenery and ocean views—including the rainforests of Masoala, the island of Nosy Mangabe, and the humpback whales that visit and give birth from July to September. You can’t be here and miss the lemur. They are Madagascar’s signature animal-life. They predate the monkeys and survived here because Madagascar split from the Indian peninsula around 88 million years ago during the prehistoric break up of the supercontinent, Gondwana. Lemurs have fluffy hair like black-faced foxes that had been put in a drying machine. Their body structure is like a cross between a monkey and a cat. To find a lemur in the forest, you have to open your ears before your eyes
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as they produce this loud humhum sound that easily gives them away. In an impressive forest though, that sound could be very scary. Nature lovers and adventurers will find Madagascar generally thrilling, even if it’s scary. It’s speculated that in Masoala peninsula, a surviving fragment of timeless Madagascar, 80 percent of the plants have no scientific name and that there are animals, including one black catlike beast, which have not been trapped or catalogued. Interestingly, the people have this wonderful openness that makes you want to come again. When I visited, I drifted off the usual tourist course to learn about the life and after-life beliefs of the Malagasy by visiting a graveside. Four years after burial, Malagasy people will exhume the bones of their dead loved ones, wash it and place them in a tomb above the ground. I was told it allows them to communicate with the dead—locals say it works if you believe it. If you visit, you’ll have an adventure—whether you plan to or not. Join a motorboat tour of Maroantsetra wetlands and the river to observe waterfront wildlife. Because it developed in isolation, Madagascar—the fourth largest island in the world, has a unique ecosystem that allows native plants and animals to evolve there. It thereby offers experiences you can’t get anywhere else; something like a fantastic, sort of Jurassic, feeling.
The country is located off the southeast coast of Africa, about 450 km (280 mi) east of Mozambique. Its animal and plant-life are extraordinary, with about 75% of them found nowhere in the world. The Masoala peninsula is Madagascar's largest national park, and one of the best places to interact with the unique, mostly endemic, animal and plant-life; and Maroantsetra is your best link to the peninsula.
MARO MADA
Diver feeding group of ямБsh.
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ANTSETRA GASCAR
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CAPE VERD
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UNTAPPED AFRICA
E ISLANDS
It is underrated, unknown and essentially untapped, but Cape Verde or Cabo Verde—a 10-strong clustered islands born of volcanic fury, is a quaintly exotic vacation destination off the West African Coast that should make your bucket list if it hasn’t done so already. Its beauty is in its mystery, its music, unique home-grown culture and gorgeous beaches. The Island nation is hidden about 350 miles West of Senegal in a place blessed with
incredible weather, picturesque scenery, and warm people. Still wondering where it is? Pick a map, let your gaze drift to Africa, look to the left of the continent—from Morocco, look further down through Mauritania to Senegal. Then turn your view 350 miles to the west. There you go, it’s Cape Verde! If you visit, you’ll be greeted by a nice blend of Brazilian, African and Iberian influences depicted in the
monuments, the music, the food and the culture. The archipelago has long been a mesh of cultures, history and races, and has produced its own unique culture from the diversity. The unique sounds of the batuque, funana, and especially the morna are some of the distinct musical styles that emerged from the diverse melting pot. On the streets, you’ll be greeted by the sound of morna—a melodic heritage that borrows from the three mother cultures. The lilting, rhythmic music usually waft softly from the doorways of the Islands’ bars and café, but is best enjoyed along with locally made grogue (rum) in a bodega along the waterfront of Mindelo—a pleasant picturesque small town, capital of São Vicente Island, where Cesaria Evora—the singer nicknamed the "Barefoot Diva" hailed from. Cape Verde is also West Africa’s answer to the Caribbean—just a lot cheaper and generally unspoilt. The archipelago has year-round sun than the
Canaries, alluring beaches and volcanic hiking routes. The CNN says: “volcanic peaks provide a dramatic backdrop to the archipelago's beaches and bays, waterfront towns spangled with pastel houses and hiking trails that meander across lava fields, along deep ravines and through the island's bizarre Dragon Trees”. Tourists can visit Sal or Boa Vista, though island hopping would give a broader perspective of the country. Sao Vicente is for music, Santao Antao for food, while Santiago is perfect for hiking. At Sal and Boa Vista, the beaches are arresting, while a good time can be spent touring the desert mirage, down-at-heel fish market and the rock arch and caves in Sal. If you want clear blue skies, a burst of instant heat, perfect white stand and tepid ocean, with a good dose of music, water activities and a sprinkle of exotic culture, then Cape Verde is for you.
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LIUWA PLAIN NATIONAL PARK, ZAMBIA
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UNTAPPED AFRICA
For a rare view of Africa, untouched; visit Liuwa Plain National Park in Western Zambia. The park is remote—a worthy candidate for the now clichéd tagline: ‘Africa’s best-kept secret', flat and endless. It’s the kind of place that gives you the guilty pleasure of being among the few people who have experienced such a wide open sky where you could pivot 360 degrees and have the impression of being under an upturned vast blue bowl. A vast pristine wilderness that blends nature and tradition, Liuwa National Park promises a truly great African bush experience, and will definitely thrill any ardent bush lover, safari-goer, twitcher and adventure junkies. Want to visit? Then come with an open mind and hunger for adventure and nature. Sue Watt says “striking antelopes found nowhere else on earth, the world’s quirkiest bird, Africa’s second-biggest wildebeest migration, and the legend of a celebrity lionesses (Lady Liuwa and Sepo). All these set amid beguiling backdrops of vast golden savannah and a labyrinth of lily-strewn waterways” are the rare wildlife safari riches that you should expect in this National Park. The best time to visit the Park is November—the beginning of the rains, when wildflowers carpet the plain creating a beautifully colourful landscape of huge, honey-coloured, grassy plains with its hundreds of flowers. This is
also when migrating birds arrive in their thousands, and the time for the great wildebeests' migration—yes, Zambia’s version of Masai Mara/Serengeti's great migration, the second largest wildebeests’ migration in Africa. At this period, the animals move from Angola or the northern park to the lush southern plains to feast on the fresh grasses. The park is famous for grazers like the blue wildebeests, zebras and antelopes. The top predators are the brown hyenas, though lions are just being introduced. Leopard, buffalo, eland, oribi, jackal and lechwe are some of the other animals that could be found in the park. If you visit, don’t ignore the people. The Lozi people who live on the plain are unique in Africa. They are legally free to live, fish and graze their cattle among the wildlife in the park. They are hospitable people and you’ll be moved by the legend of Mambeti and Lady Liuwa which they love to share with guests. If you’re lucky, you might witness Kuomboka, the Lozi people’s festival held in honour of the annual flooding of the plain. Kuomboka directly translates ‘to get out of water’ in the Silozi language. During this festival, the king moves his official residence to higher ground around Limulunga, away from the flood amidst serious pounding of drums in celebration of the festival on the riverbank.
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CAIRO, EGYPT 86
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UNTAPPED AFRICA
If your picture of Cairo is still all about pyramids and museum, it's time you visited again for an update. The pyramids are still alluring, but Cairo’s culinary scene, defined by a flurry of picturesque restaurants offering a sublime invitation to the senses, is a no-miss for the gourmets and general tourists. Food is as much an art as it is an experience, it is one of the best ways to experience a culture; and in Cairo, the restaurants are making eating a pleasure and cooking the ultimate in
chic. In 2014, the CNN asked: “Can Cairo street eats be the next global foodie phenomenon?” Fast-forward to 2018, you are biting off sharwama—meat or chicken cooked on a spit and sliced into a sandwich with veggies and sauce, and struggling to keep the juice from dripping...there you go, each bite of the dough is an affirmative answer to CNN’s 2014 puzzle. But shawarma is
to the Arab; you can taste the touches of each of this culture on the Egyptian cuisine—though there are still the richly Egyptian ones. Hop into one of the restaurants in downtown Cairo and ask for Macarona Bechamel (baked pasta). It is Egypt’s take on Italian lasagne, with this local variation made with spiced ground meat mixed with macaroni, smothered in bechamel sauce and baked – some even incorporate tomato sauce. Here is a caveat: this dish is delicious and really addictive! Alternatively, try Koshary — an odd-sounding but delicious medley of rice, lentils, noodles, topped with chickpeas, fried onions, tomato sauce and spices. Koshary is your perfect answer to: “what do Egyptians eat?” It is the most popular dish in Egypt, and my first and last meal any time I am in Cairo. Foodies in Cairo can’t miss this as no Egyptian food tour or guide is complete without Koshary. If you’re coming to Cairo, you can almost close your eyes and wobble into a good local restaurant in town. “Since 2011, more than 6,000 restaurants have opened across the city, new cuisines have been introduced, and with the rise of social media and foodie websites, people’s food knowledge and standards have changed,” says Marwan Taha, who founded Cairo Spots. not the only Egyptian The biggest trend of all, though, street food that has is the resurgence of Egyptian become international food – with a modern twist, takeaway fare: falafel and according to Chris Khalifa, kofta, both from Cairo, co-founder of Zooba, a popular have joined the global local restaurant chain in Egypt urban snack experience credited for making Cairo street too. food cool. However, it is not just My takeaway: Cairo is still as about the snack—and this engaging as always, but the food is where ‘amazing!’ gets in. scene has added moments so Cairo is at the crossroad awesome you realise why the of Africa and the Middle word was invented. The only East, and has been uncomfortable part, though, is influenced by its many the realisation that your holiday rulers from the Ottomans there must come to an end— but to the British, the French you can always go back.
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AT NIGHT 88 - 90
By Niyi David
The excitement was building up to a climax with each piece of fabric she peeled off her skin, and when her chest basket came off suddenly freeing her pair of naughty pillows, the male audience went gaga.
BULAWAYO: DANCING QUEENS IN THE CITY OF KINGS
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t’s no secret that Bulawayo is laidback and not as rambunctious as Harare, but if you do not inquire, you may miss out thinking it’s a ghost town when the sun goes down. I thought the same, after Mark and I found a club which didn’t offer much fun near our hotel. Instead, we turned back and settled for some Zambezis and cocktails at the in-house bar. It was June, Zimbabwean winter and the nights were freezing. Mark is South African and we had met in Harare, travelling together through the country until we arrived at Bulawayo. Our journey so far had made night-outs a no-no, because we were staying in lodges in game reserves and national parks. So it was pretty understandable why we were looking forward to some fun when we arrived at the City of Kings. With the temperature dropping to about 5°C in the evenings, it didn’t look like we were going to catch any fun…but we did…eventually, on our last night. It started off with the closing ceremony of the expo we came for. The legendary Zimbabwean artiste, Oliver ‘Tuku’ Mtukudzi brought the house down with his performance. It was past 22:00hrs when Tuku’s concert ended, but we weren’t ready to hit the sack yet. We were contemplating going to the in-house bar when Tinashe popped into the lobby. Where had he been? I wasn’t sure if I had seen him all day. T-nash, as I like to call him, is a Zimbo with a quirky smile. A quick catch-up between him and Mark, and their faces lit up with smiles. The three of us were soon in Tinashe’s car and in less than 10 minutes, we were on Fife Street. A brief discussion between my two pals, and I heard Mark say something like; “Much later,” which made Tinashe’s quirky smile grew even broadly and with a wicked tinge. We headed to a private area overlooking the dance floor inside the latest happening spot in the city, Club Connect. Here, we put up our feet and enjoyed our drinks while watching feet - shuffle, and bodies - swing, to the music.
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As the night wore on, I asked Tinashe if there were other night spots worth exploring and he grinned. I wasn’t too sure if his grin was inspired by my question, or the drink that was now resident in him. Well, he said something to Mark, who took a glance at his wristwatch and went on to down more drink. Shortly thereafter, Mark settled our bill, while Tinashe tried to fool around with one of the waitresses. I looked on, wondering where we were off to. We didn’t even leave the building before we arrived at the Private Lounge, because the two hottest spots in town shared the same edifice. Tonight, Private Lounge was alive and I could easily pick out several colleagues from the expo on the dance floor. “Everyone seems bent on having
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a ball tonight,” I thought. We went further in from the main dance floor, and then I realized why Tinashe had been all excited. Every guy in the dim-lit room (and some ladies too) was standing around a platform, ogling as strobe lights lit up the slithering girl doing her routine. The excitement was building up to a climax with each piece of fabric she peeled off her skin, and when her chest basket came off suddenly freeing her pair of naughty pillows, the male audience went gaga. Tinashe looked like he was on cloud nine. I looked away and spotted Mark sitting on a sofa in the lounge alone. He grinned as I joined him. A waitress was passing by, smiling, and Mark beckoned to her. She leaned close to hear him above the loud music of the ongoing performance, before sashaying off. The tease ended, but patrons who had filled up the lounge couldn’t wait to have the next performer. Tinashe sat next to me, his quirky smile looking weirder. The waitress returned with drinks in an ice bucket. Smilingly, she
leaned forward to open my drink and give me a generous view of her cleavage. My mouth felt dry. Even without leaning over, her skimpy top was barely restraining those twins. Tinashe smiled at her stupidly as she served him. She leaned towards Mark, whispered in his ear and left, glancing at me as she glided away. In the lounge, soft music played in the background, neutralizing the din coming from the main dance floor as the stage was being prepared for the next act. “She asked if you’ll like a lap dance,” Mark spoke softly with a mischievous hint. Tinashe guffawed. I bit my lip, reached for a bottle and drank slowly. “Why didn’t she ask me directly?” I wondered, as I look straight at Mark. “So you want a lap-dance?” Tinashe cackled. I shook my head. Mark chuckled; “I told her you are a pastor and not interested,” he finally said. I smiled at Mark and asked: “Aren’t you getting one? “Eish! Ha, my king. You know I’m married. I can’t do that,” Mark retorted.
I nodded and shot out my hand towards him, we fist-bumped, while I quipped “T-Nash?” with a wink. “If you pay for it, why not?” Tinashe said, still laughing loudly. I ignored him and turned to Mark, “When are we leaving?” It was past 02:00 hrs. “When you’re ready, my king.” He took a long draught. A new girl was on the platform, gyrating slowly to the tempo of the music as she worked her routine. It was time to leave. I stood up. “Can’t we go after this?” Tinashe asked. “No. We’re leaving. Or we’ll drive your car and leave you here.” I said. Tinashe beamed his quirky smile as Mark pulled him up. Suddenly, I felt a tingle shoot through me and turned to see the waitress beside me, smiling. Flustered, I tried to smile back as Mark settled the bill. As we walked off, I turned back and caught her eye. Maybe, I’ll return later today – or some other time – maybe, I won’t.
ALL South Africa
BRAIN TEASER
’Niyi David
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01. Delicious mix of curried meat & fruit with a creamy golden topping (7) 04. A discussion, conference or meeting (6) 06. Beach with South Africa’s tallest cast iron lighthouse (9) 09. Largest city in the province of KwaZulu-Natal (6) 11. Mama Africa (6) 12. Most popular national park/game reserve in SA (6) 13. A Xhosa variant was apparently Nelson Mandela’s favourite dish (9) 18. Zulu salutation meaning ’I see you’ (8) 23. South African BBQ (5) 27. Banknotes Balancing Rocks can be found here (7) 24. Birthplace of Jonathan Butler in Cape Town (7) 25. Town in Cape Town, birthplace of Brenda Fassie (5) 29. Madiba (7) 32. Beach in Port Elizabeth awarded Blue Flag status (8) 33. Well-known delicacy of whole, salted and dried mullet (7) 34. Yes! (4) 35. Northern Sotho language (6) 36. Most linguistically heterogeneous province (7) 37. South Africa’s biggest selling reggae artist (4)
1. Type of sausage which originated in South Africa (9) 2. Pidgin often used as a lingua franca in the mining industry (8) 3. Lliterally translated "small-pot food" (9) 5. Germanic language evolved from the Dutch vernacular (9) 7. Number of official languages in the country (6) 8. Jacob, the President (4) 10. Largest ethnic group (4) 14. Yvonne, Princess of Africa (7) 15. Southernmost big game, private reserve in Africa (8) 16. Miriam Makeba’s native name (7) 17. Traditional South African dish of meat cooked on skewers. (7) 19. Boys (6) 20. Prseident before Zuma (5) 21. 4th largest game reserve in southern Africa (11) 22. Prison island where Nelson Mandela was kept (6) 26. Second largest river in Africa that drains to the Indian Ocean (7) 27. Blue-Flag beach is known for shore-based whale spotting (7) 28. ’Big 5’ game reserve in North West Province, 90km north of Zeerust (7) 30. Second largest ethnic group (5) (6) 31. City of Johannesburg (4)
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LEISURE ACTIVITIES by:
O livia B a lsin g er
92 - 95 B y Chantae Reden
Bungee Jumping at Victoria Falls Bridge over the Zambezi River The entire atmosphere makes your heart race. The wildlife, the sheer size of Victoria Falls, and the adrenaline that courses through your veins as you peer over the ledge.
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“
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looked over the edge of the bridge. The drop was much higher than I’d expected. I started doing every relaxation trick I had up my sleeve. Deep breaths turned to hyperventilation. Calming thoughts made me wonder about how relaxed dead people must feel. Rationalization was trumped by the fact that it’s illogical to throw your body off bridges. “Jump with me!” I urged the other people in my group. “It’ll be fun.” Though many of them said they would join me in my adventure, they bailed out of the promise one by one. Some of them opted for the zip line or the gorge swing – but I stayed committed to the 111-metre bungee jump from the Victoria Falls Bridge. The bungee jump platform is located on the bridge that connects Zambia and Zimbabwe, right next to Victoria Falls – one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and a true sight to behold. The entire atmosphere makes your heart race. The wildlife, the sheer size of Victoria Falls, and the adrenaline that courses through your veins as you peer over the ledge. I’m not sure what I was expecting… but it wasn’t a simple, metal platform with a see-through metal grate. A crowd of people gathered and watched the jumpers. We braced ourselves for the screams. I signed a waiver, releasing liability and wondered if I should take a picture of it to send to my father who could check for loopholes. My family is riddled – some might say infested – with attorneys. We walked back to the platform and a man helped me slip into my harness. Out of my entire group, only one girl decided to jump with me – the smallest and shyest girl in the bunch. She showed no signs of fear. When she jumped, she didn’t let out a single peep. I inched to the edge of the platform. My stomach churned, and I barked at the guy who shoved a camera in my face. I might as well
have been suiting up for war. I wondered if this would be the last day of my life. The workers wrapped me tightly in cloth and tied a cord around the material. Then, they attached the bungee cord. Two men led me to the edge of the platform and told me to hold my arms out. I stared down at the canyon below. The Zambezi River looked like a tiny trickle of water running along a gutter. I inched my toes forward. “Keep going,” they said. I moved one millimetre. “Keep going,” they said – this time a little more impatiently. They urged me forward and guided me over the edge in a strangely comforting manner. Before I could realize it, my body tumbled through the air. “AAAAH!!!” I screamed. I could have also yelled an expletive but the blood-rush to my skull might have affected my memory, so I cannot say for sure. It felt as though all the birds fled the canyon and the fish darted to the depths from my shriek. All senses of orientation left me. The rope spun me around in circles and it felt impossible to tell up from down, left from right. After the first bounce, I trusted the rope and the following free-falls filled me with excitement and adrenaline. My fear transformed into pure bliss. I couldn’t believe that I’d jumped over the Zambezi River – one of Southern Africa’s most stunning icons. I felt alive. My heart raced and my fingers tingled. The rope eventually stopped bouncing and swaying. A man hanging from a bungee cord and a harness pulled me over to him. I couldn’t stop smiling, completely ecstatic that I’d survived the jump. The Victoria Falls bungee jump workers guided me to the underside of the bridge. They greeted me with huge smiles and showed me how to clip and unclip my harness along the bridge and back to safety. “I live another day,” I thought. I walked back to the top of the bridge and looked over the railing. While I was happy to have jumped, I was even happier to be standing back where I’d started.
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Bungee Jump Tips for doing the Victoria Falls Bridge
Don’t wear loose clothing. Athletic wear or jeans are a good option. You’ll want to tuck in your shirt before the jump, or wear one that clings to your body. Wear closed-toes shoes, not flip-flop. Is the Victoria Falls Bridge bungee jump safe? There has been one known instance of an accident on the Victoria Falls Bridge. The operation has been open since 1993 and there are 200,000+ jumps without incident to date. There are safety features in place to
ensure that your jump goes smoothly. However, if you have any sort of leg, back, heart, or neck issues, don’t jump. Most injuries from bungee jumping happen when people jump with a pre-existing injury, and you might experience whiplash. The force of the jump is intense and could cause issues. A few seconds of fun aren’t worth an injury – especially if you’re prone. If you’re not keen on the Victoria Falls Bridge bungee jump or want to do more, consider the gorge
swing or zip line. You can swing from the bridge instead of diving headfirst into the canyon. The zip line is the best option for those who want a bit of excitement, but nothing too extreme. There is also less risk of injury with the zip line as you’re carried across the gorge on a smooth ride. Friends who did these options loved it. There are plenty of adventure activities around the area, no matter what you’re into, you’ll definitely find one that’ll interest you.
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Somalisa Camp: from bathroom to bedroom.
The Ultimate Southern Africa Safari Lodge Guide Somalisa Expeditions
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s the largest natural reserve in Zimbabwe, Hwange National Park offers visitors unforgettable visions of some of the most exceptional, rare, and astounding wildlife in the world. Luckily, Somalisa Expeditions provides the perfect haven to live out your
expeditionary fantasies. With comfortable lodgings and a large roster of activities that allow you to explore the different pockets of this beautiful, natural paradise, Somalisa Expeditions is one of the most convenient yet authentic ways to experience Zimbabwe’s “most loved” national park.
The camp is set deep within the heart of the park, providing ample opportunity for phenomenal sightings of the park’s animals, such as kudu, sable, antelope, zebra, and wildebeest, as well as buffalo, giraffe, lion, leopard, hyena, and many others. The highlight of the National Park, however, is its elephant population. The pervading
presence of the herds has given the park its nickname of “land of the giants.” A canopy of Acacia trees lining the edge of a seasonal floodplain creates an exclusive vision for you from your temporary oasis in one of the majestic parts of the African continent.
Jaci’s Safari Lodge aci’s Safari Lodge offers its guests intimacy in the heart of the African bush. The lodge is easily accessible, about an hour’s flight away from Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo Airport, with transportation in the comfortable aeroplanes of Federal Airlines. Federal Airlines also boasts a world-class private lounge in O.R. Tambo, with food, drink and entertainment prior to takeoff. And once you make your landing at Jaci’s Safari Lodge, you will feel as though paradise has been found. It would be hard to avoid that sense of escape surrounded by the lush and verdant surroundings of South Africa’s natural beauty at Madikwe Game Reserve. The lodge’s policy is dedicated to preserving this area pristinely by employing sustainable practices and promoting community development. The adventure here begins each early morning, following the crack of dawn. Then, there is rest before it picks up again late afternoon, before sunset. The morning and late evening activities usually involve two optional game drives for the day. Each open-vehicle game drive lasts approximately two and a half hours. with the expertise of a game ranger to assist in plant, animal and bird identification. Because the property is a private reserve, rangers have the freedom and flexibility to drive “off road,” enhancing the possibility of
spotting wildlife, especially rhinos and elephants, up close. The ranger and tracker may even lead guests on a bush walk to attempt to be mere feet away from the wild animals. Guests may also opt to take a dip in the crisp cool waters of the pool or enjoy wildlife spotting from “The Hide”—a hideaway, true to its namesake, that looks out upon a local watering hole, perfect for taking photos. There is yet to be one thread out of place at Jaci’s Safari Lodge—with recent renovations providing this. The suites and treehouses boast spacious, airy interiors with a warm, contemporary decor that aims to incorporate elements of the pristine greenery outside into the dwelling space. It combines environment and elegance, offering the ultimate experience of transcendental tranquillity and modern comfort, with colours to match. Perhaps the most divine aspect of the lodges, however, are the “star beds,” located on the roof of the suites and atop “the hide”—which make for phenomenal stargazing and being one with nature. Time to drift to sleep from the comfort of your star bed, the bush surrounding you. The animals are hardly still, and soon it will be time to awake to another day of nature. That is life on safari for you.
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Linyanti Safari Lodge
Thula Thula Game Reserve
Thula Thula Safari Lodge
hula Thula Lodge is located within a driving distance from Durban in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal Province, in the heart of Zululand—where guest are allowed a unique beach and bush adventure. The lodge offers two entirely different experiences on the same piece of land—the Luxury Tented Camp and The Elephant Safari Lodge. One is more rustic in the bush, while the other is more comfortable. Both options offer guests intimacy in the heart of the African Bush What’s more, Thula Thula is a lodge that devotes itself to all the senses—seeing rhinos, elephants and warthogs up close, smelling dung up close, and even tasting up close. That’s right—the owner of the lodge is also a French-trained chef, Francoise Malby-Anthony. She and her team offer very unique
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cooking classes to bring these unique French and South African creations to life. There is a main lodge where delicious African-French cuisine is prepared to perfection and served in an open dining area. The communal dining is a spectacle in itself; it sits next to a pool and lounge area, where guests can soak up the tranquillity. Besides the culinary creations available, during your stay you will also have that chance to participate in once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, such as walks, guided by experienced guides eager to extend their passion for the bush. There is also plenty of adventure-driven activities, facilitated by local guides, as passionate as they are knowledgeable about the remote locale. These include game drives, visits to local Zulu communities and Boma dancing.
Linyanti Bush Camp, Bostswana
ue to its role as the sole provider of water during the dry months, the Linyanti marshes are recognized as one of the most desirable destinations in Northern Botswana. Bordering the western boundary of Chobe in the Chobe Enclave is the Linyanti Bush Camp — a secluded lodging experience for those who prefer privacy. It is an ideal destination that offers remarkable, year-round birding, as well as ample opportunity for elephant sightings, particularly during the winter months when herds migrate down the Linyanti River. Other common visitors include lion, sable, lion, leopard, and wild dog, as well as hippo and crocodile. Nestled in one of the more remote parts of Botswana, Linyanti Bush Camp is a place for those eager to get involved with the raw side of an African safari. A vast and varied amount of flora and fauna project a vision of the area as that of paradise. Become intimate with your environment in one of the camp’s spacious tents, which boasts comfortable beds, en-suite bathrooms with toilets, fixed showers, and hot water.
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Sun-kissed Senegal is the westernmost point in Africa and has a tradition of stable government and civilian rule. it's dramatic coastline, arts scene and culture make it an idyllic holiday destination.
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SEHEGALESE WRESTLING HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL TRADITION B y Niyi David
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he crowd had defied the unforgiving sun to be here. Their faces are as bright as the sun, an eloquent testimony to how joyful they are to watch their heroes—heavily built wrestlers, take the centre stage for an energetic bout. It’s an aspiration of thousands of youths in this West African city to one day mount the stage, knock out an opponent and watch with admiration as thousands of spectators sing their praises. Those who would not go all the way, however, never resist the urge to take the stand and watch fated heroes fight for glory in the ring. This is LA LUTTE SENEGALAISE, Senegal’s biggest cultural tourism product—a mixture of sport, tradition and religious belief.
It is hard to imagine any sport being more popular than football, especially on the African continent. The passion with which football is followed in Africa probably rivals the love for it by the undisputed king of the sport, Brazil—the five-time FIFA World Cup champion, and only country that has always qualified for the Mundial. Yet, somewhere in West Africa, Senegal to be precise, wrestling has stolen the top spot from the king of sports. Indeed, the WWE has made wrestling a global sports entertainment, but Senegalese wrestling predates the WWE – or WWF as it was previously called. This is an indigenous Senegalese wrestling-boxing combo, known as Lutte Sénégalaise or Lutte avec frappe – which translated from French means “wrestling with blows”.
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nown as ‘Njom’ by the Serer, and ‘Laamb’ among the Wolof, Lutte Sénégalaise takes it root from the wrestling tradition of the former. Njom is derived from ‘jom’, the Serer word for “heart or honour” and the principle covers a set of values and beliefs ranging from economic and ecological to social and personal ones. A cultural practice existing since the 14th century, Lutte Sénégalaise has been used as a preparatory exercise for war among the warrior classes. Also, it was a part of the initiation rites for the youth, and served as a test of masculinity to attract potential brides. Competing villages sometimes organize it as a post-harvest entertainment, while matches may be held by groups and communities in honour of revered leaders. Matches are accompanied by ‘kim njom’ chants, chorused by young Serer women as the djembe drums pound a pulsating rhythm, while the ‘mbër’ (wrestler), led by his marabout(s), performs the bàkk, a procedural dance that is part of a traditional ritual which borrows heavily from the Islamic Sufi mysticism.
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rize-money was introduced into the sport by the French colonial leaders in the early 20th century, a development that gradually evolved it from a community event into a commercial one. La lute suffered a setback during the First World War when more than 200,000 Senegalese soldiers were drafted in to the French army, with about 30,000 of them dying in the conflict. However, the sport recovered with its popularity and mysticism intact after the war. In 1924, a French film producer and avid boxer, Maurice Jacquin modernised it when he opened a cinema in Dakar and used the grounds to train boxers. This attracted several local wrestlers. With an influx of local wrestlers, Jacquin
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he rise of la Lutte Sénégalaise is a pointer to the fact that indigenous culture, if properly harnessed, can become a major tourist attraction and a significant economic cash cow, particularly for several African countries. Our continent is a hub of cultural diversity ranging from sacred traditions to a hybrid of customs, products of years of inter-ethnic interactions. Whichever form it takes, cultural tourism will always sell, as long as it is not deemed inimical to the interests of society and the world at large. Cultural events such as festivals are already major attractions in some parts of Africa. In the Kingdom of eSwatini, for instance, the annual uMhlanga (Reed Dance) is the biggest cultural event and major tourist attraction. The Vodun Festival in the Republic of Benin attracts thousands of visitors from
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across West Africa, Latin America: Haiti, Brazil, Cuba, and other Africans in the diaspora, while Africa’s biggest street party, the Calabar Carnival, continues to grow bigger as a celebration of a cultural kaleidoscope. Yet, there is so much more to explore apart from festivals and ceremonies. The growing success of La Lutte Sénégalaise is only the beginning of the evolution of Africa’s indigenous sporting culture. There is no reason why ‘ayo,’ cannot be as popular as chess; or ‘dambe,’ a single-fist boxing event organised in northern Nigeria, cannot become a global sport if properly packaged. It is happening in Senegal with la Lutte Sénégalaise, it can happen elsewhere and everywhere in Africa, if we just learn to appreciate our culture a little bit more.
tweaked his original idea by combining both combat sports—boxing and wrestling, to create the dominant version of la lute we have today. Despite the quick fame it gave the wrestlers, La lute had to wait for almost another fifty years before it started yielding a real fortune, this came on the heels of its formalization and coordination under a governing body in the 1970s. From then on, la lute has grown more popular than soccer in Senegal, attracting bigger sponsorship than any other sports in the West African country annually. Promoters sometimes pay the big stars as much as $200,000 per match, and some of these stars only fight twice or three times in a year.
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Our continent is a hub of cultural diversity ranging from sacred traditions to a hybrid of customs.
Promoters sometimes pay the big stars as much as $200,000 per match, and some of these stars only ďŹ ght twice or three times in a year.
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HEROES OF AFRICA 106 - 109 By I b ukun Ayomi de
APPIAH AKOTO
THE TEACHER
Changing the African Narrative One Photograph at A Time
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he teaching profession is not one of the most lucrative professions around, but some of those who find themselves there still put in their best to positively affect our world. One of such people is Richard Appiah Akoto—who on social media uses the nickname "Owura Kwadwo Hottish". Akoto is a 33-year old Ghanaian teacher who teaches Information and Communication Technology at the Betenase District Assembly Junior High
Appiah Akoto
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School (JHS) in the Sekyedumase municipality of the Ashanti Region, located over 240 miles from Accra, the capital of Ghana. To progress to high school, Akoto’s students have to pass a national examination that includes questions on Information and Communication Technology (ICT), but most of them have never seen a computer to start with, and the school had not had a single computer set since 2011. Confronted with this dilemma, Akoto had two
options to pick from: complain and do nothing or find a simpler means to help his students understand ICT—like some of his colleagues do. He chose the latter. Before each day’s lesson, Akoto devoted about 30 minutes to draw computer features and software on the blackboard, using multi-coloured chalk. He believed this would help his student to develop an interest in the subject and better understand it: “I wanted them to know or see how the window will
appear if they were to be behind a computer,” Akoto told Afro Tourism. This approach smacks of a cruel reminder that Ghanaian rural schools lack necessary equipment, but it is, nonetheless, a necessity designed to mitigate a huge gap. “There is no computer and I had no choice but to draw for them,” Akoto said. Akoto himself found this
funny... and ridiculous. During one of his ICT lessons, he snapped the picture of the Microsoft Word programme he had drawn on a blackboard to teach his students and posted it on social media with an accompanying caption: “Teaching of ICT in Ghana's school is very funny. ICT on the board paa. I love ma students so have to do wat will make them understand Wat am teaching. #committedteacher. #ICTontheboard. #Teacherkwadwo.” The post instantly went viral, with many people sharing it online. Rebecca Enonchong, a tech entrepreneur from Cameroon, shared the
image with Microsoft Africa on Twitter asking the company if it could supply the class with some computers: “Hey @MicrosoftAfrica, he’s teaching MS Word on a blackboard. Surely you can get him some proper resources,” she tweeted. Two days later, Microsoft Africa responded, promising Akoto a computer and access to
educational material: “supporting teachers to enable digital transformation in education is at the core of what we do. We will equip Owura Kwadwo with a device from one of our partners, and access to our MCE program & free professional development resources on http://education.microsoft.com” the company replied. Microsoft made good on its promise by inviting Akoto to attend the Education Exchange conference in Singapore, and handed over an ultramodern Information and Communication Technology (ICT) laboratory to the school about a month later. The laboratory has 27 brand new Dell laptops, one projector, 27 tables and chairs and three
years’ 3G internet connectivity. The company further provided 130 school uniforms and sets of mathematical instruments to the pupils. These are in addition to other donations that the school received following Akoto’s post. In a world where recognitions are reserved mainly for moneybags while a majority of the people who are doing their best to better our world in their little ways are easily frustrated and forgotten, Richard Appiah Akoto stands out as a shining example of the resilience and the can-do spirit of the African youth. His singular effort is a textbook of lessons that there is no little space to make a difference. Akoto has shown that no matter where we find ourselves, with a little more effort and dedication we can impact our world positively. Ordinarily, Akoto might have only caused a change in how ICT would be taught in Ghana’s rural communities,
but looked closely, his influence goes beyond the classroom. His singular effort had brought Sekyedumase, a rural community far removed from Accra, the Ghanaian capital, to global attention; this is destination marketing for tourism enthusiasts.
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CAPTURING KENYA’S WILD HEART The ambience was just as I expected when I arrived in Nairobi on my first trip to Kenya. The bustling city was alive with everyone going about their day with purpose. I stayed at a Hotel and was pleasantly surprised to look out of my hotel room at views
From the wilds of Africa’s most iconic playground, the Mara, to the picturesque beaches of Watamu and to the countryside of Laikipia, Kate Webster takes you into Kenya’s heart.
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across the Nairobi National Park. Yes, a national park where wild animals roam right next to Kenya’s largest city. While the city of Nairobi enticed me to explore, it was a quick in and out visit en-route to the Laikipia and Kenya’s Lady, Mount Kenya.
Laikipia and Mount Kenya A short 35 – 45-minute flight from the Kenyan capital of Nairobi and I was landing at Nanyuki airstrip in Laikipia. There are two other airstrips for scheduled safari flights into Laikipia: Loisaba and Lewa Downs, however, Nanyuki is the main airstrip. Upon arrival into Laikipia, you will notice a country-feel like none other in Kenya. Formerly a patchwork of large ranches, and still an important livestock district, Laikipia is now where some of Kenya’s most encouraging conservation success stories are unfolding. A designated World Heritage Site, the scenery surrounding Mount Kenya is breathtaking. It is a pristine wilderness with lakes, tarns, glaciers, dense forest, mineral springs and a selection of rare and endangered species of animals, high altitude-
adapted plains game and unique montane and alpine vegetation. To the north-east of the Great Rift Valley, and north-west of snow-capped Mount Kenya, the high plains of Laikipia are growing more popular as one of Kenya’s best safari regions. Much of the area here is managed to protect the wildlife, to promote a personal and small-scale approach to adventurous and often luxurious safari tourism, and to generate an income for the local Samburu and Ilaikipiak and Mokogodo Maasai communities. Laikipia has a diverse range of tourism facilities for travellers of all varieties, some of which have long been a part of the landscape. With the horizon view peaking with Mount Kenya, the tallest mountain in
Kenya and the second tallest mountain in Africa at 5,199 metres, I began the 30-minute drive south-east of the airport to my home for the next few days. It’s a resort set with the backdrop of magnificent views of majestic Mount Kenya. It was born of a love affair, and one that had all the ingredients of an epic Romance - a stunning older woman, a dashing aviator and, for their playground, all of Africa. Today, the place still holds a certain magic, felt radiating down from the mountain. A hospitality expert, Joseph Kanyiri explains the history of Mount Kenya. The peaks, when viewed from a distance, resemble the black and white plumage of the male ostrich. The black and white formations were actually rocks and glaciers on the peak area, hence it
was named the mountain “Kirinyaga” which in translation means – “the area of the ostrich”. Legend has it the ancient Kikuyu and Kamba people used the name “Kirinyaga” to derive the term for their god – Mwene Nyagasignifying the god who stayed at the top of Mount Kenya. The Kikuyu believe that Mount Kenya is a sacred place and they turn towards the direction of the mountain while praying or offering sacrifices. The Kambas pronounce it slightly differently, as “Kinyaa”. Because the Kambas were the first people to encounter the European explorers, the Europeans used the Kamba version to name the mountain, calling it Mount Kenya. The country was later named after the mountain.
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Watamu waves Having indulged in the mountains of Kenya, I was off to explore the one place I love most, the ocean and her beaches. It was back onto the small plane again on a trip to the beach area of Watamu. Some 25 km from Malindi Airport and 110 km from Mombasa Airport, the beach resort area of Watamu boasts white sand beaches with views out to the blues of the Indian Ocean that could easily be mistaken for a postcard paradise in the Pacific. When you think Kenya, you wouldn’t normally think of a beachside escape, however, Watamu balances that African feel with resort beach life just perfectly. I was delighted to settle into my home for the coming days at one of the Beach Clubs, which is an all-inclusive beachfront property located inside the internationally acclaimed Watamu National Marine Park. Here, coral reefs offshore break the swell, so the waves lap softly in a rhythmic lull caressing the beach. These very reefs provide a playground for marine life and
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sanctuary in the Marine Park that is considered one of the best snorkelling and diving areas on the coast of East Africa. With a prime location on the beach, there is ample offering of ocean activities, including diving, snorkelling, fishing and beach walks. Beyond the water activities, there is the quaint seaside town of Malindi to explore. Malindi town is situated on Malindi Bay at the mouth of the Galana River. Here, I wandered the streets freely, shopping at the local markets. The nearby ancient Gede Ruins is a must-see for any visitor to Kenya. This abandoned city, hidden from the world by tropical forest and isolation on the coast of Kenya, has great mysteries. The town was thought to have been founded in the early 13th-century, although considerable evidence to prove this continues to elude most scientists. But what has really baffled researchers is the well-established town’s mysterious abandonment and its incredible development. For a split second while walking around these ancient ruins, I felt I could have been teleported back in time.
The wild of the Mara Time was passing fast, so I got back on the plane on my final journey into Kenya’s wild and untamed frontier. The flight was where the excitement started, as I cruised over the Kenyan countryside speckled with townships and farms and expanses of terrain that was just empty. Not for the uneasy flyer, the flight took a few pit stops along the way, each time landing on a lonely runway which seemed in the middle of nowhere. My last stop was Olkiombo Airstrip in the Maasai Mara. Affectionately known as the Mara, this large game reserve in Narok County continues to the Serengeti National Park in Mara Region, Tanzania. The Maasai Mara was named in honour of the ancestral inhabitants of the area, the Maasai people. They described the area with cue taken from
its view when looked at from afar: "Mara," which is Maa (Maasai language) for "spotted," an apt description for the circles of trees, scrub, savanna, and cloud shadows that mark the area. Mornings in the Mara are the most memorable experience I had in Kenya. The sun’s golden glow blanketed the plains, its warmth still developing with each minute that passed. The sound of morning birds filled the air in a symphony of calls. The smell of the bush danced on the air, a sweet mix of florals, rustic earthy scents and petrichor from the morning dew. It didn’t take me long to grasp that this is a place of learning, where Africa teaches lessons that will change the way you view the world in one of the most incredible classrooms on the planet – the incomparable
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Maasai Mara. A place where lions and other big cats own the night; a place where hippos stake claim to vast territories; a place where we submit to the supreme power of wild Africa and take our lead from Mother Nature. As dawn breaks, there was a stirring happening. There was movement on the horizon and there seemed a sense of urgency to start the day. That supreme power of the wild was upon me. Giraffes walked gracefully across the plains, curiously stopping every so often to glance around and survey the area. Grand majestic elephants paraded slowly, the younger elephants trailing playfully behind. Wild dogs called in the distance, an excited chatter like that of children running off to play. Herds of wildebeest congre-
gated as if attending a morning board meeting. Mixed with them were dazzles of zebra and I am told these are the stragglers that did not venture on the great migration. An intense sensation of completeness engulfed me while surrounded by this wild rawness. I felt this was the heart of Kenya. From these plains, a lifeline that keeps the country’s heart beating; I gleaned what keeps Kenya alive and felt a beat that is rooted deep in the soil that supplies life to the age-old Baobab trees; a beat that echoes beyond the vast plains that feed such amazing and unique animals; a beat that lives on in the souls of those who live there and a beat that will always remain in my heart after my first visit to Kenya.
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Approximate travel time from Lagos to Nairobi is 5 hrs, 20 mins LAGOS, NG NAIROBI, KE
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Surprised, I collected it and walked towards the front galley. Of course, I knew who sent the note! There was a link, an opportunity to reconnect and get to know him!
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lot was running through my head all at once. How in the world could we be meeting here? I knew he had left the country right after the last time we saw each other in Lagos. I mean, I was certain he relocated as several attempts to get in touch with him weeks after proved abortive. “I miss you, so unbearably.” He muttered close to my ears. The feel of his breath so close to my facial skin brought me back from my deep thoughts. I stepped back and smiled, “Well, was it enough to make you come looking for me here? I missed you too.” All of the so-cool memories of unforgettable times flashed through my mind in seconds. Then, the pleasure of seeing him ceased. I could only recall the sad ending. But how could I also forget meeting him and all the life we spent together before Lasgidi separated us? Now, the memories were coming in like a flood. I could not help but recall all that happened between us in seconds. I alighted from the taxi and said, "Baba, thank you. Please, have your money and you can keep the change." "Ha, omo mi. Thank you o. Ose yi tan. O se gan ni o." "A kii dupe ara eni, Sir." I shut the door and made for my crew bag and travel case from the boot of the taxi. I took the first bag out and was struggling to lift the travel case out when I felt a hand on my shoulder; "Let me help, my lady." "Oh, thanks a million," I said. He was standing too close. "I am happy you offered to help. In fact, thank you! But step back a bit, you are too close." Like an unmovable rock, he stood gazing at me. I turned, stepping aside for him instead. He smiled, a really dashing one. Still standing so close, his woody scent all over me, he effortlessly lifted the travel case out of the boot in one fell swoop! He smiled and nodded in the direction of the security-manned revolving doors of the 5-star hotel. That smile melted all my reservations about his offered assistance. We moved in the direction of the door. He turned to me,
Love at first sight "My name is Cnkhuykwouuadrei, and do you thi n offer of able to accept a me?" friendship from
"Well, you have hbeouenghkit nand.d I wil give it a t next we see," let you know when I said. l ion for your help." "But thanks a mi I reached for the cases and walked through the doors to meet my colleagues for the brief meeting before our airport ride for the long flight to Dubai. “How do we see again if you do not tell me your name, nor give me a number I can reach you on? He asked, trying to catch up with me as I walked towards the lift with my travel bags. “I'm sorry, too late. I can’t stop to give you now. I would be late for my briefing. Keep your fingers crossed.” I said. I stepped into the lift and the door shut, separating the two of us... for life, I believed. Briefing time can be tough. With all possible scenarios during a flight
simulated by the crew and all activities planned; sometimes, we barely make it through in two hours. Today’s meeting seemed longer than usual. Finally, we headed downstairs to the bus and left for the airport. My mind stayed on that gentleman who had helped me with my luggage that evening. I wish I had two minutes longer to have gotten to know him. This night, I was positioned at the boarding door of the A340 aircraft. I would be working in business class. Summarily, eight-hour flight. It would be a long one, but thinking of the feathered pillow and the soft bed ahead, it would be worth it. For the next few days, we would be away in the Middle Eastern city. Boarding completed and the aircraft doors shut, the lead crew called out for the others to take their positions for the safety demonstration. That done, I walked through the cabin to secure passengers and their luggage. On the third row, an elderly man stretched his right hand towards me. In it was a note and he said, "Chuks said to give you this." All of a sudden, everything seemed possible, even flying on the wings! I felt that light, and was suddenly filled with excitement! Here was my second chance! I liked him! That was pretty obvious to me, even though we spent less than ten minutes and I barely gave him attention, I knew I liked him for being kind, polite and something about him that I am yet to lay a finger on.
There is love at first sight. I experienced it. JUNE2018//
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My Trip to
Serengeti By Sam Adeleke
When you visit a park as massive as the Serengeti National Park, you expect nothing less than an amazing encounter with African wildlife. That was exactly what I found when I was there a couple of months ago. “Serengeti”, which simply means “endless plain”, is truly endless in every sense of the word. It is the largest park in Tanzania. More than 25 species of hoofed animals and 530 bird species call it home, while many migratory birds from across the globe find their roasts there during winter.
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What to know when going for a Safari
W
e hopped into our safari vehicle after lunch and began our ride into the wide to explore the mighty Serengeti. One of the first things you are advised to do on a game drive is to never step out of the vehicle. You can’t answer the call of nature during the 4/5-hour long drive. You either do that before the drive begins or hold it until the drive is over. You should also hold your cameras, phones and other mobile equipment tightly so as to prevent them from acciden-
tally falling out of the vehicle. If anything falls, you’ll have to forfeit it. Wild animals are everywhere, most of them are skulking behind the bushes, waiting for the perfect opportunity to pounce on any prey – whether human or animal. After driving about half an hour, we came across the beautiful skinny gazelles of Serengeti. As our vehicle approached them, they scampered in all directions, galloping across the plains with reckless abandon. Those pretty animals were all shades of amazing. We also spotted
the Thompson Gazelles – a slightly different species of gazelle. They looked much bigger—and bolder thanks to their long hoofs and horns. After stopping to take pictures, we moved on. We drove for almost an hour without seeing anything. Our guide noticed that we were getting worried, and encouraged us to be optimistic: “the animals, especially the Big Five, are quite unpredictable. Unlike in the zoos, here in their natural habitat, they can choose to stay out of sight,” he said.
The encounter
H
e had barely finished speaking when we spotted a cheetah! “Don’t scream, a noise will scare the animals off,” he cautioned us as we were about to shriek. The cute cheetah was lounging under an Acacia tree with a full stomach— apparently, she had just had lunch and was having a siesta in the shade. She was so beautiful to behold. Without wasting time, we positioned our cameras and clicked away. After spending about thirty minutes admiring the earth’s fastest mammal from close range, we took off, now hoping to find lions. As we drove further, I spotted a large Acacia tree in the distance and jokingly suggested that lions
might just be playing in its shades. The driver laughed, paused and reached for his binoculars. Without saying a word, he reversed the vehicle and headed towards the tree. Lo and behold, we found two large, gorgeous lionesses sleeping peacefully in the shade of tree. We almost freaked out! But the driver calmed us down, assuring us that they won’t harm us. Our driver managed to park the vehicle just inches to the animals without waking them up—or so I thought until the lionesses opened their eyes, looked at us and just rolled back to sleep. Life must be so good in the
jungle! Watching these animals sleep, roll from side to side, open their eyes, look at us and go back to sleep was one of the most priceless experiences one can ever have. Seeing the lions changed everything as spotting other animals was easier afterwards. Later on, we saw a lovely tower of giraffes, cuddling, and a zeal of zebras having a great time. We even spotted a cute baby elephant walking swiftly behind her mum and the rest of her family as we rode across the massive park. At a point, our driver stopped the safari vehicle and looked up towards a pile of rocks
with his binoculars again. Guess what? He found a brown leopard camouflaging with the trees up in the rocks: what an amazing sight it was! Those of us with powerful lens took some shots while others just passed the binoculars to each other, relishing the sight. We moved on to watch some hippopotamuses wallowing in a muddy pool with their heads submerged. They were oblivious of our presence. We also saw a good number of buffaloes having the time of their life.
The High Point
T
he high point of our experience was the ‘murder’ of a zebra by a pride of lions. Almost all the safari vehicles being driven within the Serengeti converged around the scene of this epic sight. The zebra’s fresh carcass laid on the floor, while the lions who mauled it looked on from a distance. The deed had been done before we arrived at the scene but, interestingly, the lions were ‘shy’ to feast on their prey because of the crowd of witnesses: over 40 safari vehicles (parked at every corner) with cameras and eyes watching from all directions. After hesitating for a while, the lions sprang into action when they saw vultures flying in, and one by one, they descended on the carcass, until nothing was left of it. My Serengeti adventure ended with a night stay at a luxurious tented camp in the middle of the Serengeti. Concerned that a wild animal could stray into our tent at night, our host took us through a brief safety pep talk and assured us of the ever-present and watchful eyes of the Maasai warriors. The warriors’ presence notwithstanding, hyenas still roamed around our tents at midnight, and we heard their weird laughter at close range. But they did nothing to us. We slept, woke up and departed the Serengeti in peace. JUNE2018//
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Reflections: How to become a top holiday destination in Africa
We are back to the ‘80s, when everyone sought a quick fix for their economy. Now, tourism is the elixir. If attracting tourists is your goal, here are easy fixes.
In this piece, Usifo Michael-Alvin plays around African attitudes that obstruct the continent’s development.
I
t’s a mistake to think tourists care a lot about infrastructure: everyone simply wants experience! And experience means anything, it’s all about the nomenclature. You can call a rugged road, nature’s path; call a wild jungle: a pristine bush, call a barren wilderness: an amazing park, and scary desert: a dramatic landscape; tourists will rush it. It’s all about packaging. Tourism is about adjective—sweet words, the superlatives sell. If you promise more, you are better off. Globe-throttling tourists easily forgive and forget disappointing experiences, so if you are ready for tourism, JUST DO IT. You don’t need good roads, electricity, nice and affordable accommodation, well-maintained spots for holiday activities, good transport system, etc. Just organize symposium where experts will coin magical words peppered with the breathless paeans of praise, lavish adjectives and exclamations, and watch tourists troop en masse to your country. Fantastically corrupt countries don’t attract tourists. A nation must, therefore, be seen to be fighting corruption and other vices to boost its tourism.
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sTORY BY: Michael-Alvin Usifo A good model here is the world’s most populous black nation: a country of over 200 million people where the government is fighting corruption so fantastically that birds are singing that there are no records of recovered money or their tangible use. If tourists know that they will be safe, they might be lured to visit: even if it’s just for the guilty pleasure of being among the few people who have seen all the countries in the world. The easiest way to guarantee safety is to entrench democratic process and all its attendant freedoms and rights. I have found a model of democracy in Africa that’ll attract tourist. This model confirms that nobody loses an election against themselves. It allows the incumbent to manipulate the law to the detriment of everyone else.
Of course, the incumbent wins, after either jailing all likely oppositions or frustrating them to withdraw from the democratic process. A country’s president is its biggest marketer to tourists. His/her speech can determine tourist traffic. So, for speechwriters hoping to ride on a president’s status to market a country to a globe-trotting audience, statements like “our country is peaceful and sports-loving” could be a great marketing tool especially if the presenter is someone like President Pierre Nkurunziza of Burundi. Sports is tourism, and tourism is business. Mr Nkurunziza is such a sports-loving president that he even plays for his team in football tournaments. His sports-loving credential includes sending officials of a football
team, which rough-tackled him during a football match, to prison. You know in Burundi, tackling a president during a football match is a “conspiracy against the president!” But you’ll need such a credential to promote your country as a top destination for sports tourism. If, on the other hand, you are writing a script for the President of Nigeria, a man of renowned aversion to corruption, you must flavour the piece with lines that show that everyone else in the country is corrupt or (and) the country has lazy youth. Tourists like to hear the bitter truth! Ignore the luxurious holiday facilities provided by private individuals, and don’t mention the business opportunities in the country, talking about them would block the country’s window of foreign aids. Tourists also love sit-tight governments and leaders who plagiarize speeches. Garnish the presidential speech with unreferenced lines from other popular figures, add a line that suggests the president is God’s candidates. Justify his tinkering with the constitution and sit tight in office attitude with “he is doing a good job and that there is no alternative to him”. All these tips sell!