Travel 2014 winter

Winter 2013 USD$5.04

Contents:

International Roots Festival Travel Industry News Africa’s Top Lodging Travel Africa Golf Africa

page 16 page 7 page 20 page 24 page 56

2 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Winter 2014

In This Issue…

Features

7 Travel Industry News 12 Marriott Launches MeetingsImagined 14 Mali Elephant Project 16 2014 International

Roots Festival, The Gambia 20 Africa’s Top Lodging (cover story) 24 Travel Africa Where to go, What to do 30 Not Your 3 O Ordinary A Africa Tour 3 Hotel 32 O Opening M Mauritius 3 Good 34 T Times in J Johannesburg Townships T

Riding the Singita Grumeti Range

3 Nigeria’s 37 W World 3 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Winter 2014

Heritage Site 38 Crusing the Coast of Africa 42 Tools for Travelers 48 I’m Black and I Travel Ethiopia: Rock of Ages 56 Golf Africa

Culture

60 African Cuisine The African Kitchen, Recipes from Safari Camps

by Josie Stow, Jan Baldwin 63 Book Reviews The World and Africa

by W. E. B. DuBis

Connecting the USA to West Africa and Beyond

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From the Publisher...

Earl “Skip” Cooper, II - Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Black Business News Group Sarah Harris - Associate Editor Narishima Osei - Production Manager Sarah Harris, Phallu Morgan - Graphics La Sandra Stratton - Content Administrator Lion Communications - Layout/Typesetting Black Business News Group P.O. Box 43159 Los Angeles, CA USA 90043 1-323-291-7819 info@blackbusinessnews.net www.blackbusinessnews.net View the publication at: www.bbala.org / Black Business News

W

elcome to the Winter issue of the Black Business News Group’s Travel Africa magazine. The focus for this issue turned out to be luxury.

The Africa’s Top Lodging report (page 20) features the Earl “Skip” Cooper, II establisments that repeat time Publisher/Editor-in-Chief and time again in the top 100 Black Business News Group polls and surveys. It’s time to experience the best the world has to offer. The plus, these sites are in Africa.

For those of you that love the cruise lifestyle and have the time (page 38), we found two extended tours that Cruise the Coast of Africa along the Atlantic coast, around the tip of the continent and into the Indian ocean. Seabourn offers four options aboard their luxury ship - 116 days, 46 day, 44 days, or 42 days. This is what retirement is all about.

And we describe two more challenging tours but well worth engaging in the adventure. Check out Note Your Ordinary Tour (page 30), sign up and have a great story to tell - for ever.

As always, we hope you enjoy the issue and find a destination that you just have to visit.

Remember to send your tour experience story to the Black Business News Travel Africa and maybe we will publish your tale. And thanks Feed the Cheetahs as the Cheetah for reading our Conservation Fund publication. 

5 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Winter 2014

6 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Winter 2014

Travel Industry News SmartPhone Now Your Hotel Room Key

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our smartphone is already your boarding pass, event ticket, and television. Soon it will also be the key to your hotel room, at least at two hotels in the United States.

marriott/mobile-check-in-marriotthotels-and-resorts.mi), with other

companies also considering the idea.  www.smartplanet.com/blog/bulletin/yoursmartphone-your-hotel-room-key/?tag=nl. e660&s_cid=e660&ttag=e660&ftag=TRE 4eb29b5

Promoting Namibia

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recent Prevue Spotlight ( w w w. p r e v u e o n l i n e . n e t ) was devoted to promoting incentive travel to Namibia.

Starwood announced plans to rollout a pilot program (www. spgpromos.com/new/?EM=VTY_ SPG_NEW_PROMOTION) that will

allow members of its preferred guest program to access their hotels rooms using smartphones at Aloft Hotel in New York City and Cupertino, California, later this quarter.

Starwood’s CEO Frits van Paasschen said: “We believe this will become the new standard for how people will want to enter a hotel. It may be a novelty at first, but we think it will become table stakes for managing a hotel.”

By the end of the year, the smartphone keys could be available at more than 100 Starwood properties.

Marriott has introduced mobile check-in services at a number of their hotels (www.marriott.com/

adventure in the Namib Desert.

The he Only In Namibia promotion said: Are you looking for a new destination to bring groups of outdoor enthusiasts? Are your incentive clients also newexperience seekers? Do you look to inspire your attendees in every meeting or incentive trip you plan?

It’s time to consider Namibia.

The h N New Y York k Ti Times recently tl awarded Namibia a spot on its coveted “Places to Go in 2014” list. The Adventure Travel Trade Association selected Namibia to host its 2013 Adventure Travel World Summit (ATWS), a wildly successful event that brought 750 travel professionals together for an amazing week of business and 7 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Winter 2014

Namibia’s cachet is growing all the time, and planners are increasingly turning to the destination for unique meetings, events of 50-75, and special incentive travel experiences.

Namibia naturally excels at board retreats, incentives and gatherings which require creative thinking and team building.

For more information on Namibia, please contact Jeremy Sampson (jeremys@sustainabletravel.org). 

Hosted Buyer Registration Opens

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osted Buyer registration for IBTM Africa, which is set to take place in the Cape Town Convention Centre, Cape Town, 28-30 April 2014, opened on January 23.

IBTM Africa will personally select 50 meeting professionals based on their business influence and buying power in the region, each of whom will be international senior decision makers from Europe, Americas, Middle East and Asia

see Travel Industry News on page 8

Travel Industry News from page 7

Pacific, representing corporations, associations and agencies.

Successful applicants will be able to take advantage of a number of exclusive benefits including a personal diary of approximately 36 business appointments with African & Indian Ocean MICE exhibitors, complimentary 4/5* accommodation and transfers, a substantial contribution towards international flights to Cape Town and access to a number of

exclusive networking events.

To find out more about IBTM Africa or to register to attend as a Hosted Buyer please visit www. ibtmevents.com/hosted or email ibtmafrica@reedexpo.co.uk. 

https://col129.mail.live.com/ default.aspx?id=64855&rru=inbox #n=424058071&rru=inbox&fid=1& mid=e62584c8-8daa-11e3-b32a00237de49baa&fv=1 

GBTA 2014

T

he Business Travel Event of the Year®. Network and learn with nearly 7,000 industry professionals eager to form connections and swap ideas.

Be a part of the production – come experience Business In Motion.

Business travel professionals from all facets of the industry and all parts of the world will gather, bringing their ideas, inventions, innovations and discoveries with them. 360 days of the year we all push forward in different directions, but July 26-30th, we will advance as one. Accelerate with us — come to GBTA Convention 2014 and experience Business In Motion.  www.gbta.org/Pages

SUCCESSFUL MEETINGS UNIVERSITY 8 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Winter 2014

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nternational Meeting Planners have the opportunity to meet directly with representatives from world’s top hotels, resorts, and CVBs to discover the value that these destinations offer for your upcoming program. M&C, Successful Meetings invite you to be their guest at The Conrad New York in New York City, NY, March 21-23, 2014.

Apply for Hosted Buyer status for the 2014 Successful Meetings University using the VIP Code DDA at: www.successfulmeetings. com/Events/SMU-International/ Home.

Accepted qualified planners (must plan INTERNATIONAL meetings) will receive: • Complimentary Roundtrip Airfare, • Accommodations, • All F&B, • Networking Events, • CMP Education Sessions.  https://col129.mail.live.com/default.aspx?i d=64855&rru=inbox#n=1591899440&rru=i nbox&fid=&st=from%3A%20meetings%20 and&mid=99243926-9d60-11e3-9288002264c195e2&fv=1

MARITZ TRAVEL COMPANY EXPANDS GLOBAL CAPABILITIES

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aritz Travel Company (www.maritz.com) – which includes Maritz Travel and Experient – is further evolving their global presence see Travel Industry News on page 10

AFRICA TRAVEL WEEK April 28-May 3, 2014

IBTM Africa

Cape Town International Convention Center Cape Town, South Africa 28th - 30th April 2014 www.africatravelweek.com

An event comprising of three co-located shows –

WTM Africa, IBTM Africa and

ILTM Africa encompassing Africa’s inbound and outbound markets for general leisure tourism, luxury travel and the MICE/business travel sector brought to you by Reed Travel Exhibitions (www.reedexpo.com)

2nd - 3rd May 2014

28th - 30th April 2014

Travel Industry News from page 8

with the addition of three Global General Managers (GGMs) in key international markets. These GGMs will be focused on identifying and building a Maritz Travel Company Global Meetings Network in Latin

www.jetcharters.com America and Mexico; Europe, the Middle East and Africa; and Asia Pacific regions. The addition of these GGMs confirms Maritz’s continued commitment to evolving its global efforts based upon current and future client needs and interests. Maritz Travel Company

has selected: • Eduardo Chaillo, CMP, CMM, CASE – Latin America and Mexico • Ben Goedegebuure, CMP, CMM, CASE – Europe, Middle

East and Africa • Ping He, CMP – Asia Pacific  www.maritz.com/Press-Releases/2014/ Maritz-Travel-Company-Expands-GlobalCapabilities.aspx?from={F7761035-E6F143C4-847E-4549BDDA49A0}

www.travel-42.com

10 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Winter 2014

Monrovia, Liberia www.rljkendejaresort.com

First-class amenities catering to international leisure travelers. For the business minded traveler, the RLJ Kendeja Resort & Villas offers full service business amenities along with meeting and function space for business and personal events. Amenities include ocean front beach, pool, spa, dining room, and relaxing bar.

SAFARI SUPREME The Finest in Safari Travel Enjoy an adventure of a lifetime.

Bring a friend, share a memory.

Sign up with: Julien Dothard P.O. Box 1736, Hollywood, CA 90078 E-mail: dothard@sbcglobal.net Phone: 1-818-419-8639 11 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Winter 2014

Marriott Launches MeetingsImagined on Pinterest

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arriott Hotels, the flagship brand of Marriott International (NASDAQ:MAR), has launched Meetings Imagined (http:// meetingsimagined.com), a firstof-its-kind concept that reinvents how meetings are planned, making them more visual, social, and purposeful. Featuring an online platform, MeetingsImagined.com provides expert tips, the latest meeting trends, and hundreds of inspirational images to spark creativity – all curated by the objective of the meeting. Using the website, customers can collaborate with hotels to design custom experiences or view signature experiences featured at the participating test hotels, as well as post favorites images on social media sites, such as Pinterest and Facebook.

“Marriott Hotels – the industry leader in hosting meetings – is on a transformational journey that will enable our guests to travel brilliantly,” said Paul Cahill, senior vice president of brand management, Marriott Hotels.

“While others may focus on just meeting logistics, Marriott is reimagining the experience for the next generation with its innovative Meetings Imagined concept that infuses a more sophisticated approach based on objectives and outcomes.”

Meetings Imagined is based on the belief that every meeting should inspire participants by being uniquely designed to achieve

specific objectives. The concept is the result of research showing key shifts in how the next generation customer works collaboratively and uses technology, both of which are seen as an integral part of how things are accomplished today.

After speaking with many of Marriott’s next generation customers and analyzing the over 40,000 meetings hosted at Marriott’s hotels yearly, seven purposes for meetings emerged: celebrate, decide, educate, ideate, network, produce and promote.

Rather than focusing just on dates, rates and room layouts, Meetings Imagined takes a holistic approach, honing in on the specific purpose of the meeting to create and design a more engaging experience, that reflects the changing way people are working today.

The site allows anyone planning a meeting or event to infuse creativity and purpose into their gathering down to the smallest detail. It offers tips for successful meetings from ice breakers, to foods and music to set the mood. MeetingsImagined. com features images some of the best experiences Marriott has hosted around the world. Planners can tailor food and beverage, setup, technology and experiences based on the ultimate goals of each meeting, to design more inspiring and engaging experience for attendees.

Five Marriott Hotels within the United States will be testing the new Meetings Imagined concept and cocreating with our customers, these 12 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Winter 2014

include: the Chicago Marriott O’Hare, Tysons Corner Marriott, Gaithersburg Marriott Washingtonian Center, Orlando World Center Marriott, and the Atlanta Marriott Marquis.

The concept is also available in Europe at the London Marriott Grosvenor Square, Paris Marriott Rive Gauche, Munich Marriott Hotel and the Amsterdam Marriott Hotel and will expand to more Marriott Hotels in 2014. To see specific Idea Starters from participating hotels and a full list of locations, visit MeetingsImagined.com.

Meetings Imagined is a continuation of Marriott Hotels’ innovation in technology, spaces and service, building upon the brand’s existing offerings: the Meeting Services App (Red Coat Direct) and Workspace on Demand. Additionally, with the expansion of its Mobile Check-In feature on the Marriott Mobile App, guests can now check-in to 350 Marriott Hotels properties in 19 countries globally, using their smartphones, and expects to offer check-out functionality in the first half of 2014. By the end of 2015, Marriott Hotels expects to fully introduce its Greatroom lobby concept to all hotels globally. The Greatroom lobby features an open and flexible lobby space for guests to use for business, leisure or time to themselves. They will be stylish, modern, comfortable and welcoming with all day menus for light bites and meals and full access to technology from Wi-Fi to power points.

About Marriott Hotels With 500 hotels and resorts in nearly 60 countries around the see Marriott Meetings Imagined on page 13

Marriott Meetings Imagined

from page 12

world, Marriott Hotels is evolving travel through every aspect of the guest’s stay, enabling the next generation to Travel Brilliantly.

Boldly transforming itself for mobile and global travelers who blend work and play, Marriott leads the industry with innovations, including

the Greatroom, Future of Meetings and Mobile Guest Services that elevates style & design and technology. All Marriott hotels participate in the award winning Marriott Rewards frequent travel program that allows members to earn hotel points or airline miles for every dollar spent during each stay.

For more information, visit www.

MarriottHotels.com. To join the ongoing Marriott conversation, like us on Facebook (Facebook.com/ 13 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Winter 2014

Marriott) and follow us on Twitter (Twitter.com/Marriott, @Marriott).

Visit Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) for company information. For more information or reservations, please visit our web site at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter. com. ď ‘ http://news.marriott.com/2014/01/ marriott-hotels-inspiring-meetingsfor-the-next-generation.html

Award Winning Preservation Program Mali Elephant Project

clean water for the people and for their herds of cattle.

Mr. Ganame was also able to convince the government of Mali to help finance the boreholes. The plan is so successful that over 70% of the communities have joined the program and the system of boreholes covers over 45% of the elephants range.

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he Gourma region of central Mali, south of Timbuktu, is home to a herd of 500 to 600 elephants, one of only two populations of desert-dwelling elephants on earth.

Each year, the herd treks 400 miles to reach Lake Banzena in the world’s longest-recorded elephant migration. Their range is also home to nomadic pastoralists from different clans. The clans and the elephants compete for the same resources.

The situation came to a head in 2009 when Lake Benzena, the elephants only source of water late in the dry season, was forecast to run dry.

Mr. Nomba Ganame, a native that more than 50% of the people living near Lake Banzena suffered from waterbourne diseases as a result of sharing the lake with elephants and livestock.

Mr. Ganame joined the Mali Elephant Project, an initiative of the Wild Foundation (www.wild. org), and was able to

of the Gourma region, was both moved to and ideally suited to help find a sustainable resolution for the regions wildlife and human populations.

While serving as a technical expert for the World Bank, Mr. Ganame used his vacation time to conduct a survey which revealed

persuade the local clansmen to give the elephants exclusive use of the lake water in exchange for the establishment of boreholes. These boreholes provide 14 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Winter 2014

The Wild Foundation nominated Mr. Ganame to receive the Environmentalist Award in 2013 and he was a Runner Up. Visits to the region to see the elephants may be arranged through Explore (888-596-6377), an Africa tour operator. The tour price begins at $2,800 per person, with a two-person minimum. ď ‘ Conde Nast Traveler 11/2013

PHGMEETINGS.COM PLANNING RESOURCES FOR THE WORLD’S MOST EXCEPTIONAL MEETINGS HOTELS. Preferred Hotel Group brings together over 700 individual meeting places. From breathtaking resort retreats to smart, city center hotels and boutique incentive experiences, find a unique solution to match every need. Explore the entire collection, find essential resources, access offers, and submit your RFP at PHGMeetings.com. Visit PHGMeetings.com to view properties in Cape Town, South Africa and Marrakech, Morocco.

2014 International Roots Festival, The Gambia Chaz Guest is US International Spokesman

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oted and talented artist Chaz Guest has been chosen as the U.S. national spokesperson for the upcoming 2014 International Roots Festival taking place in The Gambia, West Africa from May 9-17.

Guest was chosen because of his notability, his creative genius as an artist and because of his love for The Gambia and its cultural heritage and had attended the last Gambia Roots Festival in 2011.

It was during a precious occasion as a visiting American artist with President Jammeh that Guest suggested Gambia’s James Island be renamed Kunta Kinteh Island.

This indeed became a reality, and

the historic renaming ceremony took place during the last Roots Festival in 2011.

Guest was among many dignitaries and honored officials to attend along with a delegation from the United States.

The idea for renaming James Island came to him after viewing the slave dungeons there when he was moved to 16 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Winter 2014

tears. “In my reality, I knew how the dominant culture down through history named things and put their marks on them. But the island was not representative of the people who named it. I knew inside that I could not leave with the island still being called James Island,” he explains.

Guest believed that Kunta Kinteh, a young male inhabitant of the island who was captured and sold into slavery, should be honored because of the great resistance that he displayed during the inhumane slave trade that saw uncountable number of healthy black Africans shipped to America and Europe. Commissioned by the Gambian government, Guest has sculptured a replica of the statue that will be erected on the island in honor of Kunta Kinteh.

The replica of what he created with outstretched arms represents how the 30 feet Bronze statue will look as a monument on the island.

Guest has continued to support Gambia’s president in bridging the gap between Africans and

African-Americans through the Roots Festival because he believes that such a move is very necessary. The International Roots Festival, institutionalised

by President Jammeh in 1996, has attracted hundreds of Africans from the Diaspora to reconnect with their African ancestry and to immerse themselves in the culture.

President Jammeh wants Africans throughout the Diaspora to be

recognised for their contributions in spite of the trials and tribulations that their ancestors endured through the Transatlantic Slave Trade.

“I am promoting the Roots Festival to my colleagues, friends, and fans and supporters of my art in America because it is all about spreading the world to encourage people to attend,” says Guest.

A documentary on the Roots Festival entitled “Kunta Kinteh Island: Coming Home without Shackles,” was created by filmmaker Elvin Ross, where Guest was featured sharing some of his experiences and feelings about the Roots Festival, African culture and the renaming of Kunta Kinteh Island. Ross’ film captured the pride and spiritual essence of the Gambian people. A purpose of the film was also to instill a sense of pride about their African culture heritage in blacks around the Diaspora and to encourage them to attend the Roots Festival.

Prior to the 2011 Roots Festival, Guest presented a portrait that he painted of President Jammeh to him for which the president gave him a gold bracelet and two books from his personal library - one is called “The Gambia” the other is “Civilization or Barbarism”

by Cheikh Anta Diop. President Jammeh expressed that he was impressed by Guest’s talent as an artist and his willingness to assist with cultural heritage endeavors.

Guest is an excellent national spokesperson for the 2014 International Roots Festival, not only because of his ties to the Gambia and his love for the African culture, but also because as an artist, he has been recognised as a social change agent. Through fundraisers for charitable causes, and through his artwork representing the need for societal change, Guest has been an effective social entrepreneur.

Continuously inspiring communities through advocating the importance of education as well as through his art work, one of his platforms is to see more art education in schools.

He would like to make art a possible career path that is more accessible to innercity, high-risk youths.

As a celebrated artist, he has painted portraits of both Presidents Barack Obama and His Excellency Yahya A. J.J. Jammeh. His portrait of the late Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall hangs in the Oval Office of the White House. Fi Five off his paintings were purchased by American media mogul Tyler Perry.

Victoria Rowell, Norman Lear, Sidney Poitier, Denzel Washington, 17 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Winter 2014

Robert De Niro, Vanessa Williams and Naomi Campbell are among the celebrities who are private collectors of his artwork. Guest’s artistic creations hang in art galleries, institutions and public buildings throughout the United States, Asia and France. Some of his paintings are now widely recognised as very important works in the realm of figurative expressionism.

Because he creates original paintings, sculptures and drawings that are awe-inspiring, breathtaking and most of all thought-provoking, Guest has been labeled a creative genius. One of the most impressive things about some of his paintings is how he is able to achieve a three dimensional effect. His ability to put his inner conscious in his work in such a way that elicits intense emotional reactions in viewers is what sets him apart in his field.

The replica of the statue of Kunta Kinteh is a reflection of the creative genius of Guest.

The New York native, who calls both East and West Coast United States home, was honored to do the statue of Kunta Kinteh because he believes Kinteh was a real hero.

He also believes that art such as

this can be used to bridge cultures and bring people together. “I would like for my art works in some way to represent freedom, and promote see 2014 Roots Festival page 18

2014 Roots Festival

from page 17

global understanding and peace,” he says. “It is my hope that the art that I do will instill a sense of connectedness in everyone who is touched by it. I believe that the art process can be an avenue for people to learn to respect each other’s cultures. Through art, I can promote some of my beliefs about how society can take a look at itself and become better,” explains Guest. ”As US national spokesperson for the 2104 Gambia Roots Festival, Guest feels through this position, he can help to bring people together for the betterment of society. “This is an opportunity to promote culture, of which art is an integral part. So being involved with the Roots Festival is very much a part of who I am and what I do. I accept my responsibility for the power that I’ve been granted

Morocco has won the right to stage the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations. With this obviously comes also a logo which incorporated the African continent and Morocco’s star which is presented on their flag. The logo creation is a personal project by *aziDesigne and not the official logo (http:// azidesigne. deviantart. com/art/ Morocco-2015can-152683581)

as an artist, a social change agent, and as a sustainer and promoter of culture. This is my gift to future generations.” 

http://observer.gm/africa/gambia/ article/acclaimed-artist-named-usnational-spokesperson-for-2014intl-roots-festival

19 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Winter 2014

Travelogue

Africa’s Top Lodging…

Travel+Leisure Lists the Six (6) Best in the World “SAFARI CAMPS” Tanzania, South Africa, Botswana and Rwanda host the best Safari Camps in the world.

Most are repeat winners which means the managements and staff work hard to maintain their high standards. When you are ready for that safari experience, Go for the Gold.

Ride the Range at Singita Grumeti

Casual Dining at Sasakwa Lodge

Singita Grumeti Singita Grumeti Reserves in Tanzania has been named the best or one of the best hotels in the world since 2011 by the influential Travel + Leisure magazine in their annual World’s Best Awards.

Singita Grumeti Reserves consists of the Sasakwa Lodge, Sabora Tented camp and the Faru Faru Lodge. http://luxatic.com/singita-grumetireserves-in-tanzania-is-the-worlds-besthotel

Morning Pastries at Sasakwa Lodge

Phinda Private Game Reserve www.game-reserve.com/south-africa_ phinda.html

South Africa see Africa’s Top Lodging page 22 20 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Winter 2014

One view of the Sasakwa Lodge

Phinda Private Game Reserve, South Africa 21 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Winter 2014

Africa’s Top Lodging… from page 20

Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge www.governorscamp.com/propertydescriptions/silverback-lodge-parcnational-des-volcans-rwanda

Rwanda

Singita Kruger

Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge

http://singita.com/regions/singita-krugernational-park

Kirawira Luxury Tented Camp

South Africa

Kirawira Luxury Tented Camp www.serenahotels.com/serenakirawira

Tanzania

Mombo and Little Mombo Camps www.mombo.co.uk www.mombo.co.uk/little-mombo.aspx

Botswana  Kirawira Luxury Tented Camp

Singita

Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge

Singita Kruger National Park

Mombo & Little Mombo Camps

a Kruger National Park Mombo & Little Mombo Camps

Travel Africa

Algeria Tamanrasset Camel Trekking Sahara Dune Skiing The Turquoise Coast CAPITAL: Algiers www.algerie-tourisme.dz

Angola Fort Sao Miguel Slave Depot Calandula Waterfalls Palmeirinhas Beach CAPITAL: Luanda www.angola.org

Benin Lake Village of Ganvie Nakoue Lagoon Pendjari National Park CAPITAL: Porto-Novo www.benintourisme.com

Botswana

Camel Trekking

Okavango Delta Central Kalahari Game Reserve Transfrontier Park (Kgalafadi National Park) CAPITAL: Gaborone www.botswanatourism.co.bw

Burkina Faso International Arts and Crafts Fair, Oct-Nov Ranch de Nazinga game

Where To Go, What To Do reserve Mare aux Hippopotames CAPITAL: Ouagadougou www.ontb.bf

Burundi Chutes de la Kagera Waterfall Lake Tanganyika Craftwares Village at Giheta CAPITAL: Bujumbura www.burunditourisme.com

Cameroon Mandera Mountains (hiking, climbing) Bouba Ndjidah National Park Festival National des Arts et de la Culture (FENAC) in December

CAPITAL: Yaoundé www.cameroun-infotourisme.com

Cape Verde Baia das Gatas Festival Scuba Diving and Snorkelling at Boa Vista UNESCO world heritage old fort site at Cidade Velha CAPITAL: Praia Ministry of Tourism, Praia, Santiago:

Lions of Kenya 24 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Winter 2014

+238 615 697

Central African Republic Boali Waterfalls Manovo-Gounda St Floris National Park Lobaye Region CAPITAL: Bangui ministere_tourisme@yahoo.fr

Chad Camel racing in the Tibesti Mountains Galawa Beach on Grande Comore Lake Chad CAPITAL: N’Djamena Office du Tourisme, Tel: 01 45 53 36 75

The Comoros Climb Mount Karthala (active volcano) Nzwani Island Hot Sulphur Springs at Lac Salé CAPITAL: Moroni Comoros National Tourist Board Office, Tel: 269 73 3044

Travel Africa Where To Go, What To Do Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) Frère Gillet Botanic Gardens world-famous rare orchids Ruwenzori Range Virunga National Park CAPITAL: Kinshasa Ministère des Affaires Foncières, Environment et Tourisme, Tel: (+243) 8802093.

Côte D‛Ivoire (Ivory Coast) The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, Yamoussoukro Mount Tonkoui (mountain climb) Comoë National Park CAPITAL: Yamoussoukro www.tourisme.gouv.ci

Djibouti Gulf of Tadjoura (snorkling/ diving) Lake Abbé Lake Assal (windsurf on

wheels) CAPITAL: Djibouti www.office-tourisme.dj

Egypt (Kemet) Nile River Cruise, Aswan Temple of Ranses II, Abu Simbel Alexandria CAPITAL: Cairo www.tourism.misrnet.gov.eg

Equatorial Guinea

Ethiopia Rock Hewn Churches of Lalibela (New Jerusalem) Home of the Queen of Sheba, Axum African Union Headquarters, Addis Ababa TOTAL Great Ethiopian Race

CAPITAL: Addis Ababa www.tourismethiopia.org

Gabon Cathedral of St Michael in Libreville Lopé-Okanda Reserve National Park (gorilla) M’Bigou (gold mines/crafts)

CAPITAL: Libreville

Arena Blanca Pico Malabo Volcano (mountain

www.legabon.org

climbing) Cascades of Moca

Deep Sea Fishing, Atlantic Ocean Exhibition of the slave trade at Albreda and Jufureh Makasutu Culture Forest CAPITAL: Banjul

CAPITAL: Malabo www.embarege-londres.org

Eritrea Dahlak Archipelago Tour of Eritrea (bicycle race) Akordat CAPITAL: Asmara eritreantourism@tse.com.er

The Gambia

www.visitthegambia.gm

Ghana Cape Coast Castle Slave Fortress Mount Afadjato and Togbo Falls (Volta Region) Kakum Nature Reserve (tree-top walkway and stay in a tree house) CAPITAL: Accra www.touringghana.com

Guinea Kindia (cloth market) Kinkon Falls Îles de Los CAPITAL: Conakry www.ontguinee.com

Guinea-Bissau Bijagos Archipelago Cantanhez Natural Park Museum of African Artefacts CAPITAL: Bissau www.guineabissautourism.com

Kenya Mount Kenya National Park Tsavo West National Park Watamu-Malindi Marine Park CAPITAL: Nairobi www.magicalkenya.com

Lake Tanganyika, Shona Scupture, Burundi Zimbabwe

see Travel Africa on page 26

25 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Winter 2014

Travel Africa

Lesotho Bushmen Rock Paintings Ski Lesotho Highlands (www. afriski.co.za) Sehlabathebe National ParkCAPITAL: Maseru www.ltdc.org.ls

Liberia Sapo National Park Kendeja National Cultural Center Firestone Rubber Plantation CAPITAL: Monrovia www.micat.gov.lr

Libya Akakus Mountains (prehistoric rock art) Ubari Lakes (dune surfing) Leptis Magna (tribute to African Roman Emperor Septimus Severus) CAPITAL: Tripoli www.libyan-tourism.org

Madagascar Fianarantsoa (Capital of Wine) Montagne d’Arbre National Park Queen’s Palace CAPITAL: Antananarivo www.madagascar-tourisme.com

Malawi Lake Malawi Marine Park Nyika National Park Liwonde National Park CAPITAL: Lilongwe www.malawitourism.com

Mali Festival in the Desert Timbuctou La Boucle de Baoule National Park CAPITAL: Bamako

Where To Go, What To Do Mauritius

Reunion

Black River Gorges National Park Ile aux Aigrettes Nature Reserve Rodrigues Island CAPITAL: Port Louis

Piton des Neiges Plaine d’Affouches Le Voile de la Mariée (The Bride’s Veil) CAPITAL: Saint-Denis

www.mauritius.net

Rwanda

Morocco Todra and Dades Gorges Talassemtane National Park Essaouira CAPITAL: Rabat

Cards From Africa, Kigali Parc National des Volcans Gorilla Trek Nyungwe Forest Canopy Walk CAPITAL: Kigali

www.visitmorocco.com

www.rwandatourism.com/

Mozambique

São Tomé & Principe

Maputo Elephant Park Gorongosa National Park Bazaruto Archipelago CAPITAL: Maputo www.futur.org.mz/index-en.html

Namibia Mahongo Game Reserve Etosha National Park Skeleton Coast CAPITAL: Windhoek www.namibiatourism.com.na

Niger Agadez ‘W’ National Park Igouloulef CAPITAL: Algiers www.niger-tourisme.com

Nigeria Cross River National Park Emir’s Palace, Kano Benin City CAPITAL: Lagos

www.le-mali.com/omatho/index.htm

www.tourism.gov.ng

Mauritania

Republic of the Congo

Parc National du Banc d’Arguin Chinguetti, a holy city of Islam Oualata CAPITAL: Nouakchott www.tourisme.mr

ot.saint-pierre@wanadoo.fr

Loufoulakari Falls Loango (main embarkation port for slaves) Congo Rapids CAPITAL: Brazzaville Direction Generale du Tourisme et des Loisirs, Tel: 830 953 26 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Winter 2014

Bom Bom Island Deep Sea Fishing Humpback Whale Watching Agua Izé Plantation CAPITAL: São Tomé www.saotome.st

Senegal African Renaissance Monument

Travel Africa Where To Go, What To Do Retba (Pink) Lake Maison des Enclaves (House of

www.somali-gov.info/Tourism/index. html

Slaves), Goree Island

Somaliland

CAPITAL: Dakar sentouroffice@aol.com

Seychelles Marlin Fishing in Denis St Anne Marine National Park Aldabra CAPITAL: Victoria www.seychelles.travel

Sierra Leone Outamba-Kilimi National Park Freetown Peninsula Bunce Island, Slave Trading Station CAPITAL: Freetown

Hargeisa National Park Neolithic Paintings Las Geel Indian Ocean Coastal Beaches CAPITAL: Hargiesa www.somalilandgov.com (Ministry of Tourism & Culture 252-225-7917)

South Africa Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory & Dialogue, Johannesburg Great White Shark Festival, Cape Town/Gansbaai The Elephant Coast, Zulu Kingdom

www.welcometosierraleone.org

CAPITAL: Johannesburg

Somalia

www.whitesharkfestival.org www.nelsonmandela.org www.zulu.org.za www.southafrica.net

Hargeisa National Park Neolithic Paintings Las Geel Indian Ocean Coastal Beaches CAPITAL: Mogadishu

South Sudan Boma National Park Nimule National Park Nile River CAPITAL: Juba www.goss.org

Sudan Port Sudan, The Red Sea Gemmeiza Tourist Village Pyramids of Meroe CAPITAL: Khartoum www.sudan-tourism.gov.sd/english/ index.php

Swaziland Mkhaya Game Reserve Phophomyane Nature Reserve Usutu River (white-water rafting) CAPITAL: Mbabane www.welcometoswaziland.com

Tanzania Makonde People, Tanzania

Bagamoyo Slave Trail Katavi Plains National Park Ngorongoro Crater 27 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Winter 2014

Stone Town, Zanzibar CAPITAL: Dodoma http://tanzaniatouristboard.com/

Togo Koutammakou (World Heritage Site)

Whale Watching, Gulf of Benin Fosse aux Lions (Lions’ Den) National Park CAPITAL: Lomé www.togo-tourisme.com

Tunisia Desert Trekking from Douz Matmata (Star Wars film site) Sidi Bou Saïd CAPITAL: Tunis www.tourismtunisia.com

Uganda Mountains of the Moon (Mount Rwenzori National Park) Bwindi National Park (view gorilla) Source of the Nile,Owen Falls Dam, Jinja CAPITAL: Kampala http://visituganda.com/index.php

Western Sahara City of El-Aaiún Dakhla (surfing) CAPITAL: El-Aaiún dajla47@hotmail.com

Zambia Walking Safari, South Luangwa National Park Musi oa Tunya (Victoria Falls), Livingstone

Zambezi White Water Rafting CAPITAL: Lusaka www.zambiatourism.com

Zimbabwe Great Zimbabwe Lake Kariba Chizarira National Park CAPITAL: Harare www.zimbabwetourism.co.zw Sources: www.worldtravelguide.net/africa www.internationaltouristboards.com www.worldtourismdirectory.com/directory/africa/index.html

Helpful Travel Links very journey begins with a dream. TravelSmith, a travel gear retailler, offers some Quick Travel Links available on the website (www. travelsmith.com/TravelSmith/US/ TravelCenter/guide-quick-links/ landing-path) along with an array of clothing, luggage and accessories for travellers.

facts and figures for every country on Earth. www.cia.gov/cia/publications/ factbook/index.html CDC World Health Guide to safe food and water, vaccination requirements, and destination-specific health information. www.cdc.gov/travel/

TSA Carry-On Baggage Restrictions

Passport Health The largest provider of travel medical services in the U.S. with 165 locations nationwide. Travel Medicine Specialists provide the necessary immunizations, medications, and education to help you reduce the risk of becoming ill abroad. www.passporthealthusa.com

E

www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel

Get or Renew your Passport www.travel.state.gov/passport/get/ get_840.html

Airplane Seating Charts Graphic seat map charts for all types of planes. www.seatguru.com Worldwide Weather Browse weather and temperatures around the world, with quick and easy 5-Day forecasts. www.weather.com/activities/travel/ vacationplanner/ CIA World Fact Book Reliable sources of country maps,

Learn the Language On-line learning guides and phrasebooks for French, Spanish, German and Italian languages. www.bbc.co.uk/languages/ US Embassy Finder www.usembassy.state.gov/ Currency Exchange Rates www.bloomberg.com/invest/

Africa Travel Resources African Diaspora Tourism 351 California St, #950, San Francisco, CA 94104 1-800-466-2719 fas@blueworldtravel.com www.AfricanDiasporaTourism.com

I’m Black and I Travel!

GregGross@imblacknitravel

BlackGirlTravel

BlackGirlTravel.com (CST #209434740) is a registered Seller of Travel under the California Seller of Travel Law. www.blackgirltravel.com

Blue World Travel Corporation 351 California St, #950, San Francisco, CA 94104 29 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Winter 2014

calculators/currency.html State Department Travel Warnings www.travel.state.gov/visa/ americans/americans_1252.html Know Before You Go US Customs & Border Protection traveler information page. www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/ Free Destination Reading List www.longitudebooks.com/ Travel Insurance www.travelguard.com/ Michelin Route Planner Driving guide with maps and directions for road-tripping through Europe. www.viamichelin.com/ Zagat Restaurant Guides Find the top rated restaurants and bars wherever your travels take you. www.zagat.com Travel Medicine Clinics See Passport Health above. www.passporthealthusa.com ď ‘

1-800-466-2719 fas@blueworldtravel.com www.festivalatsea.com

Henderson Travel Service 7961 Eastern Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910 1-301-650-5700

Safari Supreme P.O. Box 1736, Hollywood, CA 90078 1-818-419-3639 dothard@sbcglobal.net

Not Your Ordinary African Tour from Condé Nast Traveler

R

eady to step outside of your Africa tourist comfort zone? Well consider these two opportunities for exciting and hands-on tourism.

elephants and Cape Buffalo and lots of rare monkeys just from the lodge’s observation deck.

WHAT TO FEAR: Gorrilla may charge, chimps may

IS THIS AN EXCLUSIVE TOUR?: No. But both camps only accommodate 12 people at a time. The safari tends to draw an international crowd, many of

Lowland Gorilla, Odazla-Kokoua National Park

EXTREME JUNGLE IN THE REPUBLIC OF CONGO WHAT YOU WILL DO: Explore on foot and by canoe the rarely visited Odzala-Kokoua National Park (www.odzalakokoua.com), in the heart of the Republic of Congo. The park is home to one of the few remaining populations of western lowland gorillas.

WHAT YOU WILL SEE: In addition to the treks to view the gorillas, you’ll see herds of

yowl, but your guides have been trained to work specifically with dangerous game and will keep you safe. What do you have to do?

Obey the guides instructions and always follow their lead.

IS THIS AN EASY TOUR?: No. Be prepared for long treks and wading knee-high through shallow rivers. You will, however, be able to recuperate in style at the end of the day at the newly built luxurious Langa and Ngaga camps (www.luxurysafaricamps. com/odzalacamps.html).

30 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Winter 2014

whom are photographers and journalists (great conversation, too) Most visitors take the three day package) HOW DO I GET THERE?: Book your safari through Wilderness Safaris (www. wilderness-safaris.com) (27-11807-1800).

SAVING CHEETAHS IN THE REPUBIC OF NAMIBIA WHAT YOU WILL DO: Volunteer at Namibia’s Cheetah Conservation Fund (www. cheetah.org), a collection of

farms in the red-rock region of the Waterberg Plateau (www. waterbergnamibia.net) that houses more than 50 injured or orphaned big cats. You will help nurse sick cheetahs back to health and see recuperated cats being released back into the wild.

WHAT TO FEAR: There is virtually no danger to volunteers. Many of the cheetahs are quite tame and used to human contact.

IS THIS AN EASY TOUR?: No. The work hours can be long and the temperatures can be extreme. If you are not physically

Cheetah Conservation Fund

Babson House, Waterberg Plateau

Ngaga Camp, Odazla-Kokoua National Park 31 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Winter 2014

fit you can help with administrative tasks. Volunteers are housed in the comfortable rustic, colonial-style Babson House (www.namibian. org/travel/lodging/private/ babson-house.html).

IS THIS AN EXCLUSIVE TOUR?: No. Thousands of visitors arrive each year from Europe, South Africa, and the United States.

HOW DO I GET THERE?: Contact the Cheetah Conservation Fund (www.cheetah.org) (26461-237-294) to volunteer any time during the year. ď ‘ www.condenasttraveler.com

HOTEL OPENING: The Westin Mauritius Turtle Bay Resort & Spa Mauritius, Balaclava 190 Rooms & Suites 4 Meeting Eooms Business Center Ballroom (maximum capacity 200 persons)

www.starwoodhotels.com Located at a pristine beachfront in the historic Turtle Bay of Balaclava on the North West coast of Mauritius, offering captivating views on the turquoise waves of the Indian Ocean, nestled in lush tropical gardens and surrounded by sugarcane fields and mountains the hotel will feature nearly 340 square meters of ultra-modern event space, including a ballroom, two meeting rooms and a fullyequipped business center.

Also offering five dining venues, The Heavenly Spa

by Westin™ and Westin WORKOUT® to complete the exclusively equipped rooms and suites.

The Westin Essence

Immerse yourself in the Westin Essence. It’s how we transform every aspect of a stay into a revitalizing experience. From our world-renowned Heavenly® Bed to our delicious SuperFoodsRx™ dishes and energizing WestinWORKOUT Fitness Studio, each of our signature offerings has been specially designed with a better you in mind.  https://col129.mail.live.com/default.aspx?id=64855&rru=inbox#n =424058071&rru=inbox&fid=1&mid=e62584c8-8daa-11e3-b32a00237de49baa&fv=1

32 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Winter 2014

33 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Winter 2014

Good Times in the Johannesburg Townships

by Tshepo Tshabalala

I

t’s Saturday night and hoards of young black professionals are jostling to enter Jack Budha in the Mamelodi township, cajoled by the voguish mise en scène, thumping house music DJs, the diverse blend of people and thick purses waiting to be flattened by dawn the next day.

While this scene would not be out of place in any big city, what sets it apart is its location: Mamelodi township, just on the periphery of the capital city of Pretoria in South Africa, and about 39 miles (63km) from the country’s economic hub, Johannesburg.

Before apartheid ended nearly 20 years ago, townships were racially segregated, underdeveloped living areas built on the periphery of towns and cities.

They were reserved for black Africans only and hardly had adequate services like electricity, roads and clean water.

These areas are characterized by some of the most desperate poverty in South Africa with the largest township, Soweto, lying 20 miles (32.5 km) southeast of Johannesburg.

New Opportunities Emerging But now, formalized, upmarket township-based restaurants and pubs are becoming a trend for young black people in South Africa as their spending power is at a healthy rate. Historically, black South Africans were barred from getting well-paying jobs or studying degrees that would empower them to get jobs beyond teaching, nursing and the like.

Today things have changed in many of the townships where the young people are able to hang out on plush leather couches in these neighborhood establishments along tarred roads, street lighting and clean water.

Lebo Motshegoa, director of Foshizi, a township research agency, says there have been a number of lifestyle outlets which have in the past opened and closed, making it difficult to quantify the numbers of these upmarket restaurant and pubs in townships. But he also notes that in the country’s biggest township, Soweto, restaurants and pubs located on Vilakazi Street, have become a tourist attraction.

Vilakazi Street, which has been home to two Nobel Peace prize recipients, the late, former president Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, has always drawn fans and tourists

to their former homes, but now is attracting those just looking for a lunch date with friends and family. As more and more tourists flock to this street, more businesses are set up, four-roomed houses are broken down or renovated, making way for a new restaurant or pub.

“However, it is evident that the likes of Vilakazi street in Orlando East [a neighbourhood in Soweto] are enjoying the most lifestyle restaurants with five proper restaurants all black-owned operating in that street.

The significance of this is that pre The World Cup in 2010, only two existed: Nambitha and Sakhumzi, and now three new ones have opened and all three are a force to be reckoned with because they are not a scene of tourists but the local emerging market,” he says.

It’s quite a turnaround given that the country’s black majority fought for decades for the freedom to escape the townships built by the oppressive white-minority apartheid government to warehouse the workers who built the country in the continent’s richest state.

Under apartheid, Thabo Moatshe, founder of Jack Budha, would not have owned such an establishment, since black people, among other restrictions, were prohibited from selling alcohol or entering licensed premises. “It was illegal for people to have drinking halls. During that time, locals would have been arrested as it would have been seen as an illegal gathering,” says Motshegoa.

When apartheid ended in 1990 leading to the first multi-racial democratic elections four years later, black Africans were free to live where they pleased, with the more affluent leaving for the leafy suburbs once reserved for whites.

But now these young middle-class black professionals are returning to townships for restaurants and clubs considered to be the hottest in the country, pushing aside the shebeens, traditional drinking establishments where locals would usually down cheap booze on broken furniture under harsh lighting or where political meetings were held.

This growing class of primarily young people wear clothes and accessories with conspicuous name brands and drive specific luxury cars. Many of them

34 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | winter 2014

see Good Times on page 36

Photos: Kelebogile Masedi

Good Times from page 34

reside in suburbs but return to the townships to lunch there with a glass of wine.

In 2003 Moatshe traded two minibus taxis for capital and started by buying furniture from a pawn shop for the restaurant and pub now operating in the heart of Mamelodi township. “I was tired of always having to drive to Johannesburg to party and then having to drive back to Pretoria, so I decided to open a restaurant/pub in the township for people like me who want to have a good time, but near home,” he says.

Going into its 11th year of operation, the business has about eight full-time staff members and 13 part-time employees including DJs, bouncers and car guards.

“The nature of my clients I have are young professionals who often come to Jack Budha around 4pm onwards. 90% of my clients are party animals, people who want to be here at night and have fun,” Moatshe adds.

Restaurants and pubs like Jack Budha were seen as the final stop on the way home for many revelers who still enjoy carousing in the city.

But with new operating laws put in place, it makes it difficult to keep them running. Motshegoa says the construction of malls housing well-known bars and national restaurants dilutes profits because of this increasing competition to their small businesses.

Back at Jack Budha, it’s nearly 2 a.m., revelers start heading out home as ladies hang on their boyfriend’s arms with smudged makeup, and heels in hand.  www.smartplanet.com/blog/globalobserver/in-south-africa-onceimpoverished-townships-becometrendy-night-spots/?tag=nl.e662&s_ci d=e662&ttag=e662&ftag=TRE38 3a915 36 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Winter 2014

Nigeria’s Sukur Cultural Landscape: A World Heritage Site

T

he Sukur Cultural Landscape, with the Palace of the Hidi (Chief) on a hill dominating the villages below, the terraced fields and their sacred symbols, and the extensive remains of a former flourishing iron industry, is a remarkably intact physical expression of a society and its spiritual and material culture.

Sukur is located in Madagali local government area of Adamawa State of Nigeria along Nigeria/ Cameroon border, some 290 km from Yola, the Adamawa state capital of north eastern Nigeria. It is a hilltop settlement which stood at an elevation of 1045 m. The total land area covered by the site is 1942.50 ha with core zone having 764.40 ha and the buffer zone 1178.10 ha respectively.

Sukur is an ancient settlement with a recorded history of iron smelting technology, flourishing trade, and strong political institution dating back to the 16th century.

The landscape is characterized by terraces on the farmlands, dry stone structures and stone paved walkways. The terraced landscape at Sukur with its hierarchical structure and combination of intensive and extensive farming is remarkable.

In addition, it has certain exceptional features that are not to be found elsewhere, notably the use of paved tracks and the spiritual content of the terraces, with their ritual features such as sacred trees.

The revered position of the Hidi

as the political and spiritual head of the community is underscored by the magnificent dry stone architectural work of his palace, in and around which is a concentration of shrines, some ceramic. The villages situated on low lying ground below the Hidi Palace have their own characteristic indigenous architecture. Among its features are dry stone walls, used as social markers and defensive enclosures, sunken animal (principally bull) pens, granaries, and threshing floors.

Groups of mud walled thatched roofed houses are integrated by low stone walls. Of considerable social and economic importance are the wells. These are belowground structures surmounted by conical stone structures and surrounded by an enclosure wall.

Within the compound are pens where domestic animals such as cattle and sheep are fattened, either for consumption by the family or for use as prestige and status symbols used in gift and marriage exchanges.

The remains of many disused iron-smelting furnacescan still be found. These shaft-type furnaces, blown with bellows, were usually sited close to the houses of their owners. Iron production involved complex socio-economic relationships and there was a considerable ritual associated with it.

World Heritage Site Criteria Criterion (iii): Sukur is an exceptional landscape that graphically illustrates a form of land-use that marks a critical stage in human settlement and its

relationship with its environment.

Criterion (v): The cultural landscape of Sukur has survived unchanged for many centuries, and continues to do so at a period when this form of traditional human settlement is under threat in many parts of the world.

Criterion (vi): The cultural landscape of Sukur is eloquent testimony to a strong and continuing spiritual and cultural tradition that has endured for many centuries.

Integrity: The boundary contains all the key elements of the cultural landscape.

The traditional terraced system of agriculture and its associated ritual systems are still flourishing.

However, the traditional buildings are vulnerable to changes in materials and techniques – particularly the thatched roofs that require frequent maintenance.

Authenticity: The key features of the cultural landscape have not been significantly modified since they were laid down. The way in which they have been maintained since that time has been in traditional form using traditional materials and techniques.

The cultural components are still actively present among the community since they are part of their living culture. The stone structures in form of houses, farm terraces and walkways still remain the most distinct feature of Sukur landscape. The regular observance of festivals and ceremonies are evidence of cultural continuity.

These events have become more attractive due to the involvement of local and state governments. ď ‘ http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/938

37 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Winter 2014

Seabourn Cruises Touch Africa’s Shores

T

he second of Seabourn’s new class of ships, Seabourn Sojourn, was built at T. Mariotti yard in Genoa.

Her debut was on June 6, 2010 in the middle of the River Thames in London. Like her sisters, Seabourn Sojourn enchants her guests with an array of public areas scaled to encourage a relaxed sociability.

One of the most unusual features of Seabourn Sojourn and her sisters is Seabourn Square, an ingenious “living room” that replaces the traditional cruise ship lobby with a welcoming lounge filled with easy chairs, sofas and cocktail tables. An enclave in its center houses knowledgeable concierges discreetly seated at individual desks, ready to handle all sorts of business or give advice and information.

The ship’s shops are conveniently located just off the Square and it has its own open terrace aft. The Spa at Seabourn is the largest on any ultra-luxury ship, 11,400 square feet encompassing indoor and outdoor space over two decks.

A variety of open terraces are scattered over seven decks, offering places to gather with a few friends or spend an isolated hour with a book. Seabourn Sojourn offers six whirlpools and two swimming pools, including the Pool Patio, with a pair of large whirlpool spas and a “beach” style pool, a casual Patio Grill and the Patio Bar. On the sun deck above sits Seabourn’s popular open-air Sky Bar. High atop Deck 11 is a Sun Terrace with 36 tiered double sun beds. Just aft of that is The Retreat, with shuffleboard courts

and a nine-hole putting green. The panoramic Observation Bar on Deck 10 offers 270° forward views over the sea. The Club is a lively spot for dancing before and after dinner, while the larger Grand Salon is used for dancing as well as lectures, production vocal shows, cabaret performances and classical recitals.

For more details on the features and amenities of these lovely ships and the cruises visit www. seabourn.com.

Extended Explorations: Regionally-Focused Alternatives for Long-Cruise Aficionados Seabourn has crafted Extended Explorations, a novel way for travelers to enjoy longer cruises on the line’s award-winning small ships, with the added luxury of a wide range of choices regarding where and when they sail. The new, linked itineraries allow guests to explore more extensive regions of the globe in depth, and at greater savings, during voyages lasting from 28 days up to 116 days.

For those seeking a more transformative experience with a deeper dimension of discovery, we offer longer voyages enhanced with added values such as: • Seabourn Conversations speakers of regional and cultural interest • Wines produced in the region to enjoy on board* • Menus featuring distinctive regional cuisines • Special events celebrating local cultures and arts • Frequent overnight stays in selected ports 38 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Winter 2014

• Optional mid-cruise Seabourn Journeys to area highlights • Surprise pillow gifts • Combinable with other sailings for an additional 10% savings

116-day Africa & Southeast Asia Exploration Ship: Seabourn Sojourn Departure Port: Barcelona, Spain Arrival Port: Cape Town, South Africa Departure Dates: Nov 19, 2014 Accommodations: Ocean View Suite Veranda Suite Penthouse Suite Owner’s Suite

46-day African Holiday Exploration Ship: Seabourn Sojourn Departure Port: Barcelona, Spain Arrival Port: Cape Town, South Africa Departure Dates: Nov 19, 2014 Accommodations: Ocean View Suite Veranda Suite Penthouse Suite Owner’s Suite

44-day African Holiday & Indian Ocean Exploration Ship: Seabourn Sojourn Departure Port: Cape Town, South Africa

116-Day Africa Crise

Arrival Port: Singapore Departure Dates: Dec 21, 2014 Accommodations: Ocean View Suite Veranda Suite Penthouse Suite Owner’s Suite

46-Day African Holiday

42-day African Holiday & Indian Ocean Exploration Ship: Seabourn Sojourn Departure Port: Cape Town, South Africa Arrival Port: Singapore Departure Dates: Jan 4, 2015 39 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Winter 2014

Accommodations: Ocean View Suite Veranda Suite Penthouse Suite Owner’s Suite www.seabourn.com

www.airnamibia.com.na

41 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Winter 2014

Tools for Tourist & Business Travelers Free Conference Calls

T

he Free Conferencing Corporation’s (www. freeconferencecall. com) flagship products are FreeConferenceCall.com, FreeConferencing.com, FreeConferenceCallHD.com.

Free Conferencing Corporation’s pioneering all-digital network is built on proprietary media servers using both PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) and advanced VoIP-based (Voice over Internet Protocol) services to deliver highquality audio conferencing services at the best pricing available.

ViberOut lets Viber users from all over the world make calls at low rates from smartphones to landlines or mobile numbers, even when they are not Viber numbers.

ViberOut is currently available on iPhone and Android devices, with support for other platforms coming soon.

Can I use Viber to make international calls?

StartMeeting is a new audio and web conferencing service that incorporates state-of-theart features including screen sharing of files, spreadsheets, presentations, and other content; cloud-based meeting recording and playback; and a customizable online Meeting Wall. StartMeeting offers customers audio and web service for significantly LESS than similar services.

StartMeeting Studio allows users to create a presentation with audio and desktop content, and share it via email or upload to the web for the world to see - all for free.

FreeConferenceCall.com International provides high-quality service in dozens of countries in Europe, Latin America, Asia, and Africa (Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa). In addition, unlimited free screen sharing of desktop content in real-time can sync with the international conference call.

Within these countries or between them, conference calls are available for the cost of a regular domestic (in-country) call with no additional fees.

Free Conferencing Corporation supports all of its services with 24/7 live customer support year-round.

FreeConferenceCall.com is based in Long Beach, California USA.  www.freeconferencecall.com

Free Calls Anywhere!

W

ith Viber (www.viber. com) you can make free phone calls and send text, sticker, photo, voice and video messages for free to any device that has Viber installed, on any network, from your Android, iOS, Desktop and other devices.

What is Viber and why should I use it?

Viber is a mobile application that allows you to make phone calls and send text messages to all other Viber users for free! Viber is available over WiFi or 3G. Our sound quality is much better than a regular call.

Once you and your friends install Viber, you can use it to talk and message as much as you want. Talk, message, and talk and message some more - for free!* You can also call any number that doesn’t have Viber at low rates using ViberOut (https://account.viber. com).

What is ViberOut? 42 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Winter 2014

Yes, it doesn’t matter whether you and your friends are on the same network or even in a completely different country, you can talk and text as much as you want! Just make sure your friends have Viber.

How do I get started with Viber?

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Black Cultural Travel Made Easy http://soulofamerica.com/international-guides.phtml 43 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Winter 2014

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Kuramo Waters, Victoria Island, Lagos | Nigeria Phone: +234 1 277 2700 | Fax: +234 1 270 4071 E-mail: reservation@ekohotels.com | info@ekohotels.com Website: www.ekohotels.com 44 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Winter 2014

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I’m Black and I Travel! …on the radar!

GregGross@imblacknitravel

“ETHIOPIA: Rock of Ages” This is a blog entry from I’m Black and I Travel! Enjoy.

Some of Christendom’s holiest sites are in northern Ethiopia, where African Christians hewed cathedrals out of — and down into — mountains. But although

they’ve stood for a millennium, their survival is not guaranteed.

If you’re a Black American curious about your African origins, a Christian who wants to go deeper into your religious heritage, or just amazed by the building skills

of the ancients, Ethiopia belongs on your list of must-sees.

I’m talking specifically of central and especially northern Ethiopia, home of that country’s rock churches, houses of Christian worship, each of them carved out of a single, massive red volcanic

rock that remains anchored in the earth where its builders found it.

Why am I bringing this up during Black History Month? First, because not all Black history was made in the United States. And second, because these churches remind us why preserving our 48 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Winter 2014

history matters.

Too much of that history — including the exact techniques to create these remarkable churches — has already been lost.

These churches are not what come to most people’s minds when they speak of “the seven wonders of the world.” They should be. This place sits high on my list.

ROCK vs. STONE We tend to use the words interchangeably, and why not?

After all, they’re one and the same, right?

Actually no, they’re not.

A stone is rock that has been cut, trimmed, smoothed, polished or otherwise modified by man for use in some form of construction. Rock is the raw material from which stones are made.

Another defining attribute of stone: It’s been moved.

Think about all this implies when you see the term “rock church.”

By far, the most famous of these rock churches are in the town of Lalibela, north of the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa. The town

name honors the king who had them built.

According to legend, when Old Jerusalem was overrun by Muslim armies in 1187, preventing Ethiopian Christians from making pilgrimages there, King Lalibela decided to build a New Jerusalem in Ethiopia, even going so far as to rename a local river Jordan, after the Biblical river of the same name.

Europeans would not learn of the existence of these incredible

structures for another 400 years.

These are the ones you’ll find at Lalibela, on both sides of Ethiopia’s Jordan River, most of them connected by a maze of tunnels: • Bet Medhani Alem (House of the Saviour of the World) • Bet Mariam (House of Mary) • Bet Maskal (House of the Cross) • Bet Denagel (House of Virgins) • Bet Golgotha Mikael (House of Golgotha Mikael) • Bet Amanuel (House of

Emmanuel) • Bet Qeddus Mercoreus (House of St. Mercoreos) • Bet Abba Libanos (House of Abbot Libanos) • Bet Gabriel Raphael (House of Gabriel Raphael) • Bet Lehem (House of Holy Bread) • Bet Ghiorgis (House of St. George) The churches on one side of the river represent the earthly Jerusalem. Those on the other side represent the heavenly Jerusalem 49 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Winter 2014

spoken of in the Bible.

These aren’t rough caves gouged out of the sides of mountains with crude tools and bare hands.

We’re talking structures chiseled and smoothed from living red volcanic rock, multiples stories tall, with smooth, perfectly vertical walls, precise corners, stairs, ceremonial p a s s a g e s and drainage channels.

What appear to be crown moldings ring the exteriors in ornately carved stone.

Windows are carved elegantly into the rock walls. And the entire structures are cut deep into the rock, their roofs level with the ground.

Some are wide enough to contain five aisles.

Their interiors are no less fascinating.

Several feature ancient paintings and murals on their walls depicting Biblical and see I’m Black and I Travel on page 50

I’m Black and I Travel

Aksum, itself a World Heritage Site.

Heritage is in Danger

other religious scenes, all of them centuries old.

The importance of Lalibela as a holy place to Ethiopian Orthodox Christians is as much a thing of the present as of the past. These are living churches, with real congregations and still in use. Of the roughly 10,000 people who call the town home, about 1,000 are priests.

And every year, it is one of the most important sites for the country’s celebration of Timket, the Ethiopian celebration of the Epiphany, when John the Baptist baptized Jesus Christ. For

But there’s another reason you need to see Lalibela rock churches, one that adds some urgency to the matter: There’s no telling how much longer the world will have them.

Before they made it onto the UNESCO World Heritage List, their drainage ditches filled up with dirt over the centuries, exposing them to water damage. New building nearby and the toll taken by tourism are all doing damage.

The murals and reliefs inside many of the rock churches have been damaged, some to the point of being no longer recognizable.

And at Bet Amanuel, the entire church is in danger of collapse.

many Ethiopians, this is a place of pilgrimage.

After all that, perhaps the most surprising thing about Lalibela is Ethiopians apparently consider it only the second holiest site in the country. The most venerated ground is the ancient city of

Whenever we’re talking about ancient, historically vital but physically fragile places, it’s tempting to urge folks not to visit them at all, knowing the harm that even the most well-intended and tightly organized tourism can do.

In the end, though, I can’t do that.

from page 49

50 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Winter 2014

Because no amount of pics, videos or writings can match experiencing a place like this for yourself. The eyes aren’t just “windows to the soul.” They’re conduits.

Which is why you need to see the rock churches for yourself…before King Lalibela’s “rock of ages” is lost to the ages.

IF YOU GO A visit to Lalibela is neither easy nor cheap.

You first will need to fly into Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa (ADD). Currently, the only US air gateway to Ethiopia is Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). The only US carrier currently flying to Ethiopia is United.

Ethiopian Airlines, the national flag airline of Ethiopia, is generally considered among the best in Africa. Lalibela has a small airport (LLI).

Ethiopian is the only airline that serves it, with smaller propeller-driven aircraft.

The alternative is to take a bus or drive, which could take two days or more through the rugged countryside.

Once in Lalibela, getting down to the churches themselves — and back up again — can be challenging due to the steep, rough steps and the altitude, more than 9,000 feet above sea level. There are volunteers helpers to assist tourists with the steps.

There also are guides at Lalibela, who are considered expensive but very much worth the cost.

You’ll find several useful tips in this Wikitravel (http://wikitravel. org/en/Lalibela) article.  This entry was posted in African Travel, Heritage Travel, Independent Travel, See the World 02/10/2014 by imblacknitravel

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Golf Africa www.golfworldmap.com/africa/#9.622414142924805,17.05078125,3

Botswana Gaborone Golf Club at the Gaborone Sun Hotel Phakalane Golf Estate Hotel Resort www.phakalane.com

Egypt Alexandria Sporting Club, Alexandria Cascades at Soma Bay Golf and Country Club www.residencedescascades.com

Dreamland Golf & Tennis Resort, Cairo www.dreamlandgolf.com

Golf City, Cairo Katemeya Heights Golf & Tennis Resort, Cairo www.katameyaheights.com

Madinat Makadi Golf Course, Madinat Makadi

Mena House Golf Course

www.madinatmakadigolf.com

Mena House Oberoi Golf Course, Cairo www.oberoihotels.com/oberoi_menahouse/index.asp

Mirage City Golf Club, Cairo www.golf.jwmarriottcairo.com/golf

Steigenberger Al Dau Beach Hotel, Hurghada www.steigenbergeraldaubeach.com

Kenya Karen Country Club, Nairobi Kiambu Golf Club, Kiambu Leisure Lodge Beach & Golf Resort, Mombasa Muthaiga Golf Club, Nairobi Nyali Golf & Country Club, Mombasa www.nyaligolf.co.ke

Railway Golf Club, Nairobi Royal Nairobi Golf Club, Nairobi The Golf Park at the Jockey Club of Kenya, Nairobi Windsor Golf Hotel & Country Club, Nairobi www.windsorgolfresort.com

Mauritius Ile aux Cherfs, Trou d’Eau Douce Le Paradis Hotel & Golf Club, Le Morne Peninsula www.paradis-hotel.com

Legend Golf Course, Poste de Flacq www.bellemareplagehotel.com

Links Golf Course, Poste de Flacq www.princemaurice.com

One&Only Le Saint Géran Golf Course, Poste de Flacq http://lesaintgeran.oneandonlyresorts. com

Shandrani Golf Club, Blue Bay www.shandrani-hotel.com

Troux aux Biches Golf Club, Troux aux Biches www.trouauxbiches-hotel.com

Morocco Anfa Royal Golf Club, Casablanca Cabo Negro Royal Golf Club, Tetouan Royal Golf of Dar es Salam, Rabat 56 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Winter 2014

www.royalgolfdaressalam.com/english/index.cfm

Club Med les Dunes, Agadir El Jadida Royal Golf Club, El Jadida Fes Royal Golf Club, Fes Marrakech Royal Golf Club, Marrakech Meknes Royal Golf Club, Meknes Mohammedia Royal Golf Club, Mohammedia Settat University Royal Golf Club, Settat Tangier Royal Golf Club, Tangier

Nambia Keetmanshoop Golf Course, Keetmanshoop Okahandja Golf Club, Okahandja www.okahandja.net/sport/default.html

Orandjemund Golf Club, Oranjemund Rossmund Golf Course, Swakopmund Tsumeb Golf Club, Tsumeb Walvis Bay Golf Course, Walvis Bay

Golf Africa www.golfworldmap.com/africa/#9.622414142924805,17.05078125,3 from Golf Africa page 56

Windhoek Country Club Resort, Windhoek www.windhoek.co.za

Nigeria

MD_1821_DAKAR_OVERVIEW

www.champagnesportsresort.com

Sierra Leone

Clovelly Country Club, Cape Town

Freetown Golf Club, Freetown

South Africa Akasia Golf Clue, Pretoria

IBB Golf Course, Abuja IITA Golf Club, Ibadan Ikeja Golf Club, Lagos

www.akasiacountryclub.co.za

www.ikejagolfclub.org

www.atlanticbeachgolfclub.co.za/ capetown/index.asp

Reunion Golf du Bassin Blue, St Gilles les Hauts Golf Club de Bourbon, Etang

Atlantic Beach Golf Club, Cape Town Bellville Golf Club, Cape Town www.bellvillegolf.co.za

Benoni Country Club,

www.clovelly.za.net

Crown Mines Golf Club, Johannesburg www.g-i.co.za/clubs/?c=274

Darling Golf Club, Darling www.darlingtourism.co.za/sportdetail. htm#golfclub

De Zalze Winelands Golf Estate, Stellenbosch www.golfdezalze.com

Devonvale Golf & Wine Estate, Stellenbosch www.devonvale.co.za

Durban Country Club, Durban

Lost Palace Golf Course South Africa

www.dcclub.co.za

Durbanville Golf Club, Durbanville www.durbanvillegolfclub.co.za

East London Golf Course, East London www.elgc.co.za

Emfuleni Golf Estate, Vanderbijlpark www.emfulenigolfestate.com

Fancourt Hotel & Country Club Estate, George www.fancourt.co.za

Gary Player Country Club Golf Course, Sun City www.suninternational.com/Destinations/Resorts/Golf/Pages/Golf.aspx

Sale les Bains www.golf-bourbon.com/spip/spip. php?lang=en

Club du Colorado, La Montagne

Senegal Golf de Saly, Mbour www.golfsaly.com/intro/presentation_fr.htm

Golf International du Technopôle, Dakar Le Méridien President Resort & Golf Club, Dakar www.starwoodhotels.com/ lemeridien/property/overview/index. html?propertyID=1821&EM=VTY_

Johannesburg

George Golf Club, George

www.benonicountryclub.co.za/pro/ Default.aspx

www.georgegolfclub.co.za

Germiston Golf Club, Germiston

Blair Atholl, Fourways

www.germistongolf.com

www.blairatholl.co.za

Glendower Golf Course, Johannesburg

Blue Valley Golf & Country Estate, Olifantsfontein

www.glendower.co.za

www.bluevalley.co.za

Hermanus Golf Club, Hermanus

Bryanston Country Club, Bryanston

www.hgc.co.za

www.bryanstoncc.co.za

www.houghton.co.za

Centurion Country Club, Centurion

Humewood Golf Club, Port Elizabeth

www.centurioncountryclub.co.za

www.humewoodgolf.co.za

Champagne Sports Resort, Winterton 57 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Winter 2014

Houghton Golf Club, Houghton

see Golf Africa on page 58

from Golf Africa page 57

The Country Club Johannesburg, Rivonia www.ccj.co.za

Killarney Country Club, Johannesburg www.killarneycountryclub.co.za

Kingswood Golf Estate, George www.kingswood.co.za

Kleinmond Golf Club, Kleinmond www.kleinmondgolfclub.co.za

Kloof Country Club, Kloof www.kloofcountryclub.co.za

Knysna Golf Club, Knysna www.knysnagolfclub.com

Koro Creek Bushveld Golf Estate, Nylstroom www.korocreek.com

Langebaan County Estate Golf & Leisure, Langebaan www.langebaanestate.co.za

Leopard Creek Country Club, Malelane www.leopardcreek.co.za

Lost City, Sun City www.suninternational.com/ Destinations/Resorts/Golf/Pages/Golf.

aspx

Plettenberg Bay

Malmesbury Golf Club, Malmesbury

www.plettgolf.co.za

www.malmesburygolfclub.co.za

www.ptacc.co.za

Metropolitan Golf Course, Cape Town

Randpark Golf Club, Randburg

www.metropolitangolfclub.co.za

Reading Country Club, Alberton

Milnerton Golf Club, Cape Town

www.readingcc.co.za

www.milnertongolfclub.co.za

River Club Golf & Conference Center, Cape Town

Modderfontein Golf Club, Modderfontein www.mgclub.co.za

Monks Cowl Coutry Club & Lodge, Winterton www.monkscowl.co.za

Mossel Bay Golf Club, Mossel Bay

Pretoria Country Club, Pretoria

www.randpark.co.za

http://riverclub.co.za

Riviera on Vaal Country Club, Vereenigning www.rovcountryclub.co.za

Royal Cape Golf Club, Cape Town www.royalcapegolf.co.za

www.mosselbaygolfclub.co.za

Royal Durban Golf Club, Durban

Mowbray Golf Club, Cape Town

www.royaldurban.co.za

www.mowbraygolfclub.co.za

Paarl Golf Course, Paarl

San Lameer Country Club, Margate

www.paarlgolfclub.co.za

www.sanlameer.co.za

Pearl Valley Signature Golf Estate and Spa, Cape Winelands

Scottburgh Golf Club, Scottburgh

www.pearlvalley.co.za

www.scottburghgolf.co.za

Pecanwood Golf & Country Club, Hartbeesportt

Selbourne Golf Estate, Pennington

www.pecanwoodgolf.co.za

www.selborne.com

Plettenberg Bay Country Club,

Silver Lakes Golf & Country

58 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Winter 2014

Golf Africa www.golfworldmap.com/africa/#9.622414142924805,17.05078125,3 Stellenbosch www.steenberggolfclub.co.za/ Framework/index.asp

Umdoni Golf Course, Pennington www.umdonipark.com

Umhlali Country Club, Umhlali www.umhlalicountryclub.co.za

Westlake Golf Club, Cape Town www.westlakegolfclub.co.za

Wingate Park Country Club, Pretoria www.wingateparkcountryclub. co.za

Swaziland Royal Swazi Spa Country Club www.suninternational.com/ Destinations/Resorts/RoyalSwaziSpaValley/FacilitiesActivities/Pages/Golf.aspx

The Gambia Fajara Club, Fajara www.smiles.gm/fajara.htm

Tunisia Djerba Golf Club, Midoun www.djerbagolf.com

El Kantaoui Golf

Course, Port El Kantaoui www.portelkantaoui.com.tn/ golf

Flamingo Golf Course, Monastir www.golfflamingo.com/english/flamingo.htm

Golf Citrus, Hammamet from Golf Africa page 58

Club, Pretoria www.silverlakes.co.za

Somerset West Golf Club, Somerset West www.somersetwestgolfclub.co.za

St Francis Bay Golf Club, St

Francis Bay www.stfrancisgolf.co.za

St Francis Links, St Francis Bay www.stfrancislinks.com

Steenberg Golf Club, Cape Town www.steenberggolfclub.co.za/Framework/index.asp

Stellenbosch Golf Club, 59 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Winter 2014

www.golfcitrus.com

Palm Links Golf Course, Monastir www.golf-palmlinks.com/english/ presentation.htm

Tabarka Golf Course, Tabarka www.tabarkagolf.com/en/index.htm

Yasmine Golf Course, Mannamet www.golfyasmine.com/en/index.php 

African Cuisine!

The African Kitchen Josie Stow, Jan Baldwin

Recipes from Safari Camps va vanilla pod in half and place it in a jam jar filled with brown sugar ccrystals. Leave for several days to aallow the flavor to develop.)

Sweet Potato, Onion and Thyme Pancakes

T

he African Kitchen offers some great outdoor meals and preparation guidelines like how to move the “braai” from the Bush to the Backyard to the Kitchen. So, if you are not ready or able to take part in the Safari adventure, please take time to enjoy these camp-style meals.

Whiskied Jungle Oats with Vanilla Brown Sugar Ingredients: 2¼-3½ cups of milk 1 cup of rolled oats ½ tsp salt 4 tbsp whipped cream 4 tbsp vanilla brown sugar 2-4 shots of whiskey (or Amarula liqueur) Directions: 1. Bring the milk to the boil.

2. Whisk in the rolled oats, salt and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until thick - if you prefer your oatmeal thinner, gradually add more hot milk until the desired consistency is achieved.

3. Spoon into individual serving bowls, place a large dollop of cream in the center of each and sprinkle with the vanilla brown sugar.

4. Drizzle the whisky over the top and serve. Serves 2 (to make vanilla brown sugar, split a

Ingredients: 3 eggs eggs, lightly beaten ½ cup of milk 2 tbsp olive oil 1¼ cup of flour 12 oz sweet potatoes, peeled and coarsely grated 2 onions, thinly sliced 2 tsp dried thyme Sunflower or peanut oil for frying Salt and freshly ground pepper Directions: 1. Combine the eggs, milk and olive oil in a small bow.

2. Place the flour in a large bowl and slowly stir in the egg mixture until a smooth batter is formed.

3. Add the sweet potatoes, onions and thyme, season and mix well.

4. Pour a little oil into a frying pan and heat until hot but not smoking.

5. Place a small ladle of the pancake mixture in the frying pan and press into shape, then repeat with more of the mixture until the base of the pan is full.

6. Fry for about 2 minutes on both sides until the pancakes are golden brown.

7. Remove and drain on paper towel before serving. Makes 16 cakes

Zulu Cabbage Ingredients: 1 small white cabbage 1 onion 1 green bell pepper 60 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Winter 2014

2-3 tsp sunflower oil 1½ cups or 12 oz canned tomatoes, chopped with juice reserve 1 tbsp mild curry powder Salt and pepper Directions: 1. Slice or chop the cabbage, onion and bell pepper as preferred.

2. Heat the oil in a frying pan and

Zulu Cabbage saute the onion and bell pepper until they are soft and the onion is translucent.

3. Add the cabbage, cover and cook until it begins to wilt.

4. Add all the remaining incredients and cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally and adding a little water if necessary to prevent sticking.

5. Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary before serving hot.

Serves 6-8.

Kingklip & Shrimp Kebabs in Chermoula with Lemon Ingredients: 1½ lbs thick kingklip or halibut fillet 18 raw shrimp 3 lemons, quartered Lemon leaves

African Cuisine Chermoula: 1 cup olive oil ½ cup fresh lemon juice 1 onion, grated A bunch of parsley, chopped 6 cloves garlic, crushed 1 tbsp paprika 2 tsp ground cumin ½ tsp cayenne pepper Salt and pepper Special equipment: 6 skewers Directions: 1. In a bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for the chermoula until smooth and set aside.

2. Skin the kinglkip or halibut fillet and cut into 1-inch cubes.

3. Split the shrimp down their backs and remove the dark intestinal thread.

4. Add the kingklip and shrimp to the chermoula and let them marinate for about 2 hours in the refrigerator.

5. Thread the kingklip and shrimp onto the skewers, alternating them with the lemon wedges and leaves.

6. Braai (grill) the kebobs over medium-hot coals for 8 to 10 minutes or until cooked, turning and basting with the leftover

marinade from time to time.

7. Serve immediately with lemon wedges. Serves 6.

Kelewele Ingredients: 6-8 plantains or green bananas, peeled 1 tbsp flour 2 tsp cayenne pepper, or to taste 5 tsp ground ginger 2 tsp paprika Vegetable oil, for deep-frying Salt Special equipment: Deep-fryer or large, heavy-based saucepan Directions 1. Slice the plantains or bananas diagonally, about 1/8-inch thick.

2. Mix the flour, cayenne pepper, ginger and paprika together in a bowl.

3. Lightly dust the plantains in the flour mixture and shake off any excess.

4. In the deep-fryer or large saucepan, heat the oil to 375°F and fry the plantains in batches until golden brown.

5. Drain on paper towels and serve.

Kelewele may also be dusted with a spicy flour mixture and deepfried. Serves 8.

Iced Rooibos and Mango Tea

Ingredients: 2 rooibos teabags 2¼ cups of boiling water 1 cup mango juice 2 tsp honey Ice cubes Directions 1. Place the rooibois teabags in a pitcher and pour in the boiling water.

2. Allow to infuse for 2 to 3 minutes.

3. Remove the teabags, stir in the honey and leave to cool.

4. Add the mango juice and sweeten the mixture further if necessary.

5. Pour the cool tea over ice and serve.

BONUS: This recipe is not from The African Kitchen but it reads like a great taste around the camp fire.

Swinging Safari Ingredients: 6¼ ounces Amarula cream liqueur 3 ounces Cointreau liqueur 1¼ ounces Vodka Ice cubes Directions: 1. Add all ingredients into cocktail shaker.

2. Shake and strain into a tall glass with ice cubes. 

http://wildafricacream.blogspot.com

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Pan-African CHILDREN’S FUND

people-to-people, church-to-church initiative to contribute to a better future for the children of Africa Please send your contribution to:

Pan-African Children’s Fund P.O. Box 8386 Los Angeles, CA 90008

323-733-1048 pacf@westa.org

The KARIDERM products for hair care, body care and facial care are made from certified organic shea butter, offering all the benefits of this African green treasure.

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Good Reads The World and Africa: An Inquiry into the part which Africa has played in world history

by W. E. Burghardt Du Bois

T

oday it is almost universally assumed that history can be truly written without

W. E. Burghardt Du Bois

reference to Negroid roid peoples. I believe this to be scientifically unsound und and also dangerous for logical social conclusions. ns.

Therefore I am seeking in rs this book to remind readers n, in this crisis of civilization, ca of how critical a part Africa n has played in human t, history, past and present, and how impossible it iss to forget this and rightlyy explain the present plightt of mankind.

I still labor under the difficulty of the persistent lack of interest in Africa so long characteristic of modern history and sociology. The careful, detailed researches d peoples into the history of Negroid th need d have only begun, and the for them is not yet clear to the thinking world. I feel compelled nevertheless to go ahead with my interpretation, even though that interpretation has here and there but slender historical proof.

If, out of my almost inevitable mistakes and inacuracies and false conclusions, I shall have at

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On the continent and in the U.S.A. 63 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Winter 2014

l least clearly l l stated d my main i issue i - that black Africans are men in the same sense as which European and yellow Asiatics, and that history can easily prove this - then I shall rest satisfied even under the stigma of an incomplete and, to man, inconclusive work. ď ‘ www.amazon.com/The-World-AfricaW-Bois/dp/0717802213

Black Business News International Edition www.blackbusinessnews.net World Business & Philanthropy International Edit

ion

Black Business News

Serving the Globa l African Economic Community

Fall 2008 USD$5.00

Contents Corporate Givin

g: EOY charita opportunities in health, education, ble housing, and more.

Tourism: Investm

ent in Africa’s tourism industr y is active, all across the contine vital and is evident nt.

Feature Articles: “Strategies For Cons Engagement with tructisve the African Diaspora” “Diaspora Enga gement: Remittances & Beyond” Investment ProƤ le: Moyo District

of the Republic

of Uganda

Professional Direc

tory

Charitable Inves

tments

Rev. Leon R. Perry , III in Ghana with

see Corporate Giving recently orpaned twins page 21

Online Videos Offer Businesses the Basics of Exporting

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A new series of 12 online videos offer exporters another tool in learning about the technical aspects of exporting and dealing with the intricacies of trade rules and paperwork.

In these videos, viewers see Trade Information Center (TIC) trade specialists, explaining how to fill out a NAFTA Certificate of Origin.

The presenters in the videos all do customerfacing work for their Department of Commerce agencies and, thus, are intimately familiar with the subject matter of each video.

The 12 export training videos are available on the Web at www.census.gov/foreign-trade/aes/ exporttraining/videos. Each video runs about three or four minutes and can be viewed online or downloaded for off-line viewing.

For additional sources of export counseling, contact the Trade Information Center at 1-800-USA-TRAD(E) (1-800-872-8723); www. export.gov.

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ASSIST THE PEOPLE OF SOUTH SUDAN Sudan Sunrise Help Build Schools in the South Sundan www.sudansunrise.org

S

outh Sudan is the most underdeveloped region of the world today. 85% of the population in South Sudan is illiterate. Only about 7% of teachers in the south have any professional training, and it is not uncommon to visit a school where the teachers themselves have not been educated beyond fourth grade. Some 1.5 million children who should be in school are not, due to lack of schools. The majority of schools that do exist consist of a chalkboard under a tree. Read about the camapign and contribute to the program to build over 41 schools at www.sudansunrise.org.

Southern Sudan Literacy Project (SSLP) Build a Primary School • www.thehopealliance.org/?q=node/77

T

he Southern Sudan Literacy Project (SSLP) is designed to build a Primary school in Dongchak Payam, Duk County, Southern Sudan. Solomon Awan, who was one of the “Lost Boys from Sudan,” now lives in Salt Lake City, Utah.

He desires to help the village he is from, Duk Padiet. Villagers are just now returning after so many years of war and genocide. During the Spring of 2008, Solomon traveled back to his home village where he was reunited with his mother and sister. He met with the village community and agreed that the education of their children is the most critical need. We hope to finish building the school before the 2011 rainy season. To further this goal, SSLP has partnered with Hope Alliance, allowing our donors the benefit of a tax deduction. Please help SSLP accomplish this worthwhile project: send donations to The Hope Alliance (www.thehopealliance.org) For further information please contact: solomonawan@ yahoo.com.  65 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Winter 2014

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Blue World Travel Corporation

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