Travel Africa by Africa Business Association

travel africa

Faces of Africa pages 34-37

Africa Business Association Publications June-July 2021

In This Issue… June-July ‘21

From the Publisher…

Industry News 6 7 8 9 10 10 11 12

United Airlines now Oﬀering Direct Flights to Accra, Ghana from Washington, DC Airlines to Start Weighing Passengers to Ensure Planes not too Heavy to Fly Air Senegal to Serve Washington and New York from September 2 A First-Ever Aerial Survey to Count Some 200,000 African Elephants Award Winning Africa World Airlines Charting Vaccines in Africa Why It’s Diﬃcult for African Travelers to Visit Other African Countries Private Consortium Takes Over SAA with 51% Stake, Gov't has 49%

Feature Stories 14 How One Woman Rediscovered Her Father’s Homeland, The Republic Of The Congo 31 Brenton Lindsey: The ‘First African American to Skydive’ Over Giza Pyramids 34 Black Doctor Turned Photographer Shares Stunning Photos of African Tribes

44 ‘Voluntourism Allows Me to Travel and Give Back at the Same Time’ 46 Meet the Woman Behind the Black-Owned Travel Company for Women Over 50 54 African Waves: Meet the Man Behind Senegal’s Black-Owned Surf Village 64 Cape Verde: The Achievements and Challenges After 46 Years of Independence 66 Child’s Grave is Earliest Known Burial Site in Africa

Travel Africa 18 10 African Islands to Know About 21 Bloomberg Oﬀers a “New” Seven Wonders of the World - here is the African Wonder

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Site 22 Afrochella 2021: Accra, Ghana 24 15 Best Places to Visit in Africa 32 Egypt Tourism Adds New ‘Holy Family’ Tourist Biblical Route 38 TravelNoire - We’re Going Home… 49 Singita Sabora, Tented Camp 53 Habitas Namibia 56 Nairobi National Park Expanded from 29,000 Acres to 78,000 Acres 68 Reaching Africa by Sea

Travel Resources

60 Traveling to an African Country? Here’s What you Need to Know 62 CDC Approves At-Home COVID Tests for International Travel

Columns 70 72 78 80 85 89

WORLD HERITAGE SITE Travel Africa Ski Africa Golf Africa African Cuisine! Republic of Cape Verde Events Around the African Continent and the World

50 Traveling to Ghana During Covid-19: What You Need to Know Before You Go 3 | ABA Publications | Africa TRAVEL | July 2021

Image credit: theplaidzebra.com

From the Publisher…

Publisher’s Message

ourism for Africa has clearly been aﬀected by the Covid pandemic in a way that changes the economic fabric of most African countries. Many countries that depend of international arrivals are suﬀering, airports and most tourism associated industries will have no clients until this pandemic is contained. The locally imposed lockdowns are decimating the local industry, (hotels, local transportation, tour companies and restaurants).

Ricky Muloweni

Publisher

As the continent goes through this diﬃcult period, it is also best to begin to strategize on the business model for a recovered Africa tourism industry. • Will Africa still go back to the same old infrastructure, where tour companies based overseas did the booking and took in a large chunk of the revenue or will the local African tour companies take up the challenge? • Will the international airline industry be required to pay local taxes in the nation of destination for each arriving passenger? • What will the tourism industry look like beyond 2023? • Will the African governments and local private sector in nations with massive tourism destination potential begin to work with investment companies overseas to develop and upgrade the tourism infrastructure? For the African countries that take up tourism as a key sector, the challenges of job creation for its citizenry will be minimal. The tourism industry cuts across many other sectors and is an eﬀective enabler of development in industries such as construction, health, technology, service, financial, public and many others. Prepare and plan for your next trip to Africa now. An investment in your life and in the lives of the people of the African continent waits on you. www.africabusinessassociation.com

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About the

Africa Business Association The Africa Business Association is an independent international business development organization. We oﬀer access to the latest resources, information, and best practices in advocacy and communications for the African Diaspora and the African entrepreneurs in Africa.

Africa Business Association

"Travel Africa" PUBLISHER/PRESIDENT Ricky Muloweni

ADVISORY BOARD

Earl 'Skip' Cooper, II, CEO, Black Business Association H.E. Sheila Siwela, Ambassador H.E. Kone L. Tanou, Ambassador

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Ricky Muloweni

LAYOUT/TYPESETTING Lion Communications

We work to help you have access to news and events as starting points for constructive conversations and calls to action. We seek to cut through the froth of the political spin cycle to underlying truths and values. We want to be so focused on progress that together we can provide a credible and constructive generation of Africans that take seriously our previous generations and act upon all their wishes, our hopes and aspirations to make lasting change for all future generations.

AFRICA BUSINESS ASSOCIATION NEWS 6564 LOISDALE COURT, SUITE 600 Springfield, VA 22150 USA 1-972-908-9312 aba@africabisinessassociation.org dawn@africabusinessassociation.org www.africabusinessassociation.org

Copyright © 2021 by Africa Business Association News All Rights Reserved. The posting of stories, commentaries, reports, documents and links (embedded or otherwise) on this site does not in any way, shape or form, implied or otherwise, necessarily express or suggest endorsement or support of any of such posted material or parts therein.

Image credits: Cover-https://travelnoire.com/blackdoctor-turned-photographer-shares-stunning-photos-ofafrican-tribes Publisher’s Message: africadreamsafaris.com

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Industry News

United Airlines now Offering Direct Flights to Accra, Ghana from Washington, DC By Parker Diakite

nited Airlines is making good on one of its promises of adding more direct flights to Accra, Ghana as Travel Noire previously reported. The airline now has direct flights to Ghana, Nigeria, and South Africa. The airline just launched its new service from Washington, DC to Accra, Ghana on May 14. It will operate three times a week from Dulles International Airport on Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday at 6:15 pm, arriving the next morning at 8:40 am. The return flights from Kotoka International Airport leave Accra on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday around 11:45 pm, with a return time at 6:30 in the morning the next day. United says its new nonstop service to Accra means the airline is the only U.S. carrier oﬀering the nonstop flight from Washington, D.C. The United States has more than 116,000 Ghanaians living in the country, making the US the third-highest Ghanian population in the world. DC is home to the second-largest population of Ghanaians in the

United States. “The National Capital Region is home to one of the largest populations of native Ghanaians in the United intellivoire.net States, and we are honored to welcome United Airlines’ new route from Dulles International to Accra, as we work together to forge an important new link between our two countries,” said Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority President and CEO Jack Potter. “Today, Accra joins nearly 40 other nonstop international destinations currently served from Dulles International, oﬀering our customers more global connectivity as demand for air travel continues to rise.” United’s latest route to Ghana come just two years shy from when the carrier announced nonstop routes to Cape Town, South Africa from Newark Liberty International Airport. https://travelnoire.com/united-airlines-directflights-accra-ghana View the celebration video at: https://twitter. com/i/status/1393302990501650434

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Airlines to Start Weighing Passengers to Ensure Planes not too Heavy to Fly By DeAnna Taylor

othing is more embarrassing than being weighed randomly. But, according to an outdated Federal Aviation Authority rule, US-based airlines may soon need to start sticking scales at boarding gates. The FAA requires carriers to calculate an aircraft’s weight and balance, and that number has to be within allowable limits for the plane. The measures currently being used to gather this data are outdated, so randomly weighing passengers at their gate or having them fill out a questionnaire before boarding could be implemented sooner, rather than later. If a passenger is asked to step on a scale at the gate, the actual number will be hidden from view of

others. International airlines already have similar measures in place, so this would only be new to carriers across the US. However, if the gate agent feels that the person did not accurately report their weight (as in listing a lower weight), they can correct the passenger’s form by adding 10 pounds to the original number listed. According to View From The Wing, Air Insight reviews the details of new documentation requirements for aircraft weight and balance contained in ‘Advisory Circular 120-27F’ that are pending. The FAA took public comment on their draft guidance last spring, and we’re reaching the point where final FAA action should take place. The FAA says that surveys should be done at airports representing at least 15% of an airline’s daily departures in the secure area of the airport (to ensure that connecting passengers are included) and should select passengers at random. This is voluntary and passengers have to be allowed to opt out, with airlines then selecting another passenger at random and not the person who is next in line. Luckily, the US program would be voluntary, and it would not have any major bearing on the customer boarding the flight. After all, it could be worse. Samoa’s airlines made the news for allegedly charging its passengers based on how much they weighed. How rude?! There is no oﬃcial date for the weight program, but it is said to come very soon. https://travelnoire.com/us-airlines-weighingpassengers-faa-rule

image credit: Nairaland

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Industry News

Air Senegal to Serve Washington and New York from September 2 Flight # HC417 HC417 HC418 HC418

From DSS JFK IAD JFK

Departure 0130 0830 2025 2355

To JFK IAD JFK DSS

Arrival 0600 1000 2155 1225+1

ir Senegal will start service to Washington via New York with two flights per week from September 2nd, 2021 with the schedule above on Thursday and Sunday:

Business and Premium Economy and 46KG in Economy (two pieces) and perks from our frequent flyer program, Teranga.

Competitive Fares, Easy and Fast Connections via our Hub in Dakar

“It’s with a great pleasure and pride that we are announcing this new milestone for our flag carrier Air Senegal, which is part of the strategy of our intercontinental expansion. In addition, the United States remains a high priority market for our diaspora, which is well represented in the area. With this new service, Air Senegal will make the US even more accessible for the West African Communities, and therefore strengthen the economic and socio-cultural ties between the USA and Senegal”.

Flights are already opened for sale since May 05, 2021 on our website www.flyairsenegal. com from/to Washington and New York to all the destinations operated by Air Senegal. Our schedule will also facilitate connections to Abidjan, Bamako, Conakry, Banjul, Freetown Ziguinchor, Cap Skirring, Praia, Nouakchott, Cotonou, Douala, Libreville, Casablanca …..

Comfort and Quality Inflight Service The flights will be operated by our second Airbus A330 neo widebody, equipped with 32 flatbed seats in Business Class, 21 in Premium E c o n o m y and 237 in Economy class. In addition to the Inflight WiFi service, our passengers will enjoy individual enter tainment, a baggage allowance of 64KG in

Ibrahima Kane, CEO of Air Senegal

https://flyairsenegal.com/en/air-senegal-to-servewashington-and-new-york-from-september-2

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Industry News

A First-Ever Aerial Survey to Count Some 200,000 African Elephants By Mbongeni Mguni

ive southern African nations plan to start the first-ever aerial survey next year of an area larger than California where more than half of the world’s African elephants live to get a more accurate idea of their numbers. The survey, using fixed-wing aircraft, of the

Kavango–Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area, which includes the Okavango Delta in Botswana and the Victoria Falls that lies between Zimbabwe and Zambia, is a step to help the countries better manage the animals, Nyambe Nyambe, the executive director of the zone known as Kaza, said. Namibia and Angola will also participate. “In the absence of data, it would be like fishing in the dark,” Nyambe said by phone from Kasane, in northern Botswana. “You need data and information on the elephants’ distribution,

numbers and migration patterns to better manage them. The countries where about 220,000 elephants live, most of them in Botswana and Zimbabwe, are having to deal with a host of elephant-related issues.

Big Four These nations together hold the biggest reservoir of elephants worldwide: ► Botswana - 130.0K ► Nambia - 22.oK ► Zambia - 26.0K ► Zimbabwe - 85.0K Sources: University of Pretoria, Namibian Ministry of Environment and Tourism, Zambian Tourism Ministry, Zimbabwean National Parks and Wildlife Authority

While endangered elsewhere, the number of the animals in southern Africa have surged in recent decades, resulting in an increase in sometimes fatal clashes with farmers whose crops they eat. Elephants also damage trees needed by other species to survive. Still, poaching is on the rise in some parts of Kaza, Botswana has attracted international criticism for allowing the resumption of African elephant hunts and oil exploration is taking place on the fringes of the conservation area in Botswana and Namibia. Governments across the region have argued with conservationists that the three million people who live alongside the elephants need to derive some economic benefit from their presence. The survey is expected to cost $4 million. www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-05-20/ how-to-count-220-000-elephants-airbornecensus-poised-to-start?cmpid=BBD052021_ CUS&utm_medium=email&utm_ source=newsletter&utm_term=210520&utm_ campaign=closeamericas

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Image credit: Kaza

Industry News

Award Winning Africa World Airlines

Charting Vaccines in Africa from Quartz Daily Brief

W A

frica World Airlines is a privately owned airline incorporated on the 15th of November 2010. It commenced its first revenue flight on the 21st of September 2012. The airline has consistently seen growth in both frequencies of flights and route network making it profitable. This is a great achievement for an airline that has been operating for only 7 years. Africa World Airlines became a full member of IATA in 2017 and is also IOSA certified. As part of our growth as an airline, we have signed partnerships with various International Airlines such as South African Airways, Emirates, Brussels Airlines, ASKY Airlines and Ethiopian Airlines. By doing this our aim of connecting more passengers will be achieved. Our commitment to our customers is evident in the awards that AWA has been humbled to receive through the years, including multiple “Domestic

hen news broke recently that the EU’s new vaccine passport does not include the Indian-made version of the AstraZeneca vaccine, called Covishield, public backlash was swift. The EU distinguishes between AstraZeneca’s Vaxzevria shot and its identical, Indian-made version—Covishield—which is the main vaccine distributed in Africa and India. The move effectively cut off many Africans and Indians from any prospect of visiting European countries, when travel eventually reopens. On July 1, a handful of European countries reportedly recognized the Covishield vaccine, offering hope that more countries in the bloc may likewise recognize the vaccine soon.

Airline of the Year”, “Best Airline in West Africa”, and “Best Passenger Experience” awards as chosen by the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIMG), Ghana Tourism Board, National Aviation Awards, and others. In 2019, AWA also received an award from Embraer in recognition of reliability in data quality, and were inducted into the CIMG Hall of Fame after being voted as “Best Domestic Airline” for 5 consecutive years. Africa World Airlines operates in five cities in Ghana; namely Accra, Kumasi, Tamale, Takoradi and Wa. AWA also serves Lagos and Abuja in Nigeria, Monrovia in Liberia as well as Freetown in Sierra Leone. It is expected that the airline will expand its operations to Cote D’Ivoire soon, with the dream of connecting Africa with the rest of the World. The airline is on course with its vision to becoming the “leading airline in Africa, delivering a world class service”. www.flyafricaworld.com

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Industry News

Why It’s Difficult for African Travelers to Visit Other African Countries By Isha Thorpe

rom the outside looking in, it may appear to many that African travelers who would like to visit neighboring African nations can do so easily. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. An article published by BBC News dove into the reasons behind the diﬃculty of intra-African travel and it’s quite the eye opener. According to the story, the majority of African travelers from countries all across the continent must obtain visas if they would like to visit another African country. The African Union (AU) was actually supposed to terminate the need for these visas in 2018. But that didn’t happen. Many African countries, South Africa for example, have even strengthened their travel regulations for other African travelers who want to come, while European travelers can visit South Africa with little to no diﬃculty. “Our leaders seem to go to ridiculous lengths to preserve and protect the colonial borders,” said Katchie Nzama, who’s a South African travel blogger who’s visited 35 African countries and has racked up a number of visas in the process. As of right now, the Seychelles is the only African country where visitors don’t need visas. This nation is one of only 22% of other African countries that don’t require the travel document. Many visas also cost a pretty penny. The

price of these visas serve as another o b s t a c l e for African travelers who want to explore other parts of the continent. “I’ve spent more money applying for visas than transport costs in my travels across the continent,” Nzama said. On top of all of this, flights from one African country to another are fewer than you may think. And when they are available, they are expensive. “Flying from Kenya to Namibia is the same price as flying to Thailand, and the cost to Dubai from Nairobi is way cheaper than flying to Morocco,” said Winnie Rioba, a Kenyan travel blogger. Rioba continued: “How will I convince an African traveler to go with me to Angola if the trip will cost as much as travel to five countries in Europe?” https://travelnoire.com/african-travelers-diﬃcult-othercountries Image credit: Dreamstime

African sunset Dreamstime 11 | ABA Publications | Africa TRAVEL | July 2021

Industry News

Private Consortium Takes Over SAA with 51% Stake, Gov't has 49% By Rédaction Africanews and AFP SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS will now be 51% owned by a private consortium, Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan announced Friday. At a virtual press conference, Gordhan said "The government has agreed that the financial partner will hold 51% of the shares and the government 49%." The Takatso consortium consists of the panAfrican investor group Harith Global Partners and the aviation group Global Aviation, Gordhan added. Africa's second-largest airline was placed on a safeguard plan in December 2019 to avoid bankruptcy. In April, the independent administrators in charge of its restructuring declared SAA solvent again. The 635 million euros restructuring plan was followed by a large-scale layoﬀ plan.

South Africa’s national airline was heavily indebted and unable to pay full salaries. The SAA has not recorded any profits since 2011. The airline has for years been surviving through public funds. Its situation was further compounded during the Covid-19 pandemic, with all operations being put on hold in September 2020. The company's major financial diﬃculties are largely attributed to mismanagement and corruption under former President Jacob Zuma. Zuma ruled the South African nation between 2009 and 2018 on the ticket of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party. www.africanews.com/2021/06/11/privateconsortium-takes-over-saa-with-51-stake-gov-thas-49 Image credit: eurasiareview.com

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1st Person Africa

How One Woman Rediscovered Her Father The Republic Of The Congo By Ayah A.

vid traveler Amina Mamaty has experienced many countries, but few trips carried as much meaning and personal connection for her as her recent trip to her father’s homeland, the Republic of the Congo. The 30-year-old casting producer was born and raised in Paris and moved to the U.S. alone at the age of 17. However, she will never forget that she is, first and foremost, an African woman. Now based in Brooklyn, Amina’s mother is Malian while her father hails from Congo-Brazzaville. Many people are not aware that there are two separate countries both called Congo. What was once one nation split after being colonized

by two diﬀerent countries. The Republic of the Congo, also known as CongoBrazzaville, was colonized by France; and the Democratic R e p u b l i c of Congo, also known as Congo-

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’s Homeland,

Kinshasa, was colonized by Belgium. Separated by the Congo River, there are both similarities and stark differences between the two countries, despite their shared roots. The nations use two separate currencies. And in terms of population, Congo-Brazzaville is much smaller than Congo-Kinshasa. In fact, the capital of Congo-Kinshasa alone, is home to 17 million people, while the entire Congo-Brazzaville has a total population of 5 million people. “We use different currencies,” says Amina. “Both Congos use French as its official language, as well as the local language, Lingala. However, when Congolese-Brazzaville people speak Lingala, they typically use a few words of French here and there in their sentences. CongoleseKinshasa people usually don’t.” Amina’s recent trip marked her return to the motherland in 16 years. Prior to this trip, she had only been to Congo once when she was 14, at an age where she was too young to truly explore and

appreciate the country the way she can now. “Now that I am older, I think it’s very important for people to know about their culture. It helps make sense of who you are and that’s a beautiful thing. This time I was able to ask questions, explore, and see where my father grew up. I was able to see my grandmother again and meet family members I never got to meet before.” One of the first things Amina noticed that was diﬀerent from before was that many more West Africans, such as Senegalese and Malians, have been migrating to Congo over the past few years. “They have opened a lot of businesses and built families with Congolese. It’s a beautiful thing to see. Usually people from the continent dream of going to Europe or the U.S., but this shows that Africans also migrate to other African countries.” Some of Amina’s favorite cultural elements she enjoyed in the Republic of the Congo were the amazing cuisine and the music. A huge part of Congolese culture, the main genre of music is called rumba, and Amina says it is impossible not to get up and dance when you hear it. “Let it be known that Congo has the best male dancers on the continent, hands down! They know how to move their waist! Pre-COVID, bars all over the capital used to have diﬀerent bands playing music all night long. It has changed a bit with the pandemic, but soon everything will be back to normal.” Another part of the country’s culture, which Amina proudly participated in, is a concept known

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to page 16

1st Person Africa

Pierre Savorgna Memorial

Grand Hotel de Kintele

Republic of Congo - from page 15 as La Sape. An abbreviation of the phrase “Société des Ambianceurs et des Personnes Élégantes” (French for “Society of AmbianceMakers and Elegant People”). La Sape is a unique subculture in both Congos in which individuals, known as sapeurs, dress to impress in imported luxury designer fashions. “La Sape is a lifestyle. I would describe it as European fashion with an African twist. It is a fashion movement, however, it’s not just about wearing nice suits. It’s the way they walk and talk, as well. It is about being confident regardless of your social status and circumstances. A lot of sapeurs don’t have much, but La Sape is what keeps them going. They’re taxi drivers, housekeepers, or gardeners by day, and sapeurs by night!” The sapeurs dress up and meet at bars or in the streets for best-dressed contests. Now, the Republic of the Congo has finally oﬃcially accepted La Sape, recognizing that it is a true aspect of Congolese culture. Each September, there is a festival hosted just for the sapeurs in which

they parade in the streets of the capital for the entire day. The sapeurs have become so popular over the years that people from all over the world come to Congo to see them for themselves and to photograph them. After spending time hanging out in Moungali with the sapeurs, Amina ventured to Kintele, a fairly new, up-and-coming neighborhood in the capital. “It is not as busy as other areas in the city of Brazzaville and definitely gives you a suburban feel. A lot of cute hotels are being built there to attract more tourists. Grand Hotel de Kintele is one of the most popular hotels in that area right now. It has a beautiful swimming pool with a view of the Congo River and is definitely a must-see when visiting!” Next, Amina visited the controversial Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza Memorial, a beautiful marble mausoleum/memorial built to honor the French-Italian ‘explorer’ as the ‘founder’ of Brazzaville. The memorial cost the country $10 million to build. Many Congolese are in favor of the memorial, and believe it is merited. Others, however, want

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an de Brazza

nothing more than to see it reduced to dust, wondering why a colonizer deserves such a memorial. Amina believes that although the memorial is beautiful, the money could have been put to better use elsewhere. “The money could have been used to renovate buildings or create better infrastructure for the people of Congo and the country. Because of how much it cost, I don’t think it would make sense to destroy it, but I think it should serve as something else. We should highlight our own people instead of celebrating outsiders who came in, hid behind the title of ‘explorer’, and changed the story of our land and people.” Amina also explored Sakana Island, a small island on the Congo River accessible by a short five to ten-minute speedboat ride. With its beach, villas, restaurant, and pool, the island makes for a great day or weekend trip for those looking to get away from the city life, which she absolutely recommends doing. “When you get out of the city, there are so many things to explore as far as wildlife, volcanoes, rainforests, etc. The scenery is out of this world

once you venture out. There are so many hidden gems to discover.” These are just a few of the many reasons Amina believes everyone should make it their business to visit the Republic of the Congo. “In a few years Congo is going to become extremely popular as a destination in Africa and I think the best time to go is now, while it’s still very much raw and not yet crowded. The wildlife is unmatched, the views are everything, and the music and food is absolutely amazing!” Next Amina is heading to Bolivia, as she works her way through her list of underrated countries she wants to visit. “I really want to inspire people to explore the world a little further. There are so many countries, such as the Congo, that are beautiful but not popular, and that’s where I want to inspire you to go!” You can follow Amina at @ missyounginternational. https://travelnoire.com/woman-rediscovered-therepublic-of-the-congo Image credit: Victoire Douniama

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More Destinations to Know About

10 African Islands to Know About By Parker Diakite

he growth expected to happen in Africa in the coming years will rank the continent as the second-fastest growing tourism region in the world. But one thing people fail to miss, are the African islands. Despite the increase, people are sticking to well-known destinations and missing out on what Africa has to oﬀer. From beautiful coastlines, white-sandy beaches, and some unique wildlife you can only witness in these destinations, here are 10 African Islands to know about.

1. Cape Verde Islands Located on the west coast of Africa, Cape Verde is one of the most well-known African island countries made up of 10 islands.

2. Comoros Comoros is a volcanic archipelago oﬀ Africa’s

7-Seal Island Photo Credit: falco

east coast, in the warm Indian Ocean waters of the Mozambique Channel. Located between Tanzania and Madagascar, The Comoros islands are often overlooked by tourists. The four main islands of the archipelago are referred to as the “perfumed islands” because of the fragrant plant life.

5-Mauritius Photo Credit: John O’Nolan

3. Lamu Island Founded in the 14th century, Lamu is the bestpreserved Swahili settlement in East Africa. Throughout the years, the island has been

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2-Comoros Photo Credit: @nana_ nakashidze via Twenty20

1-Cape Verde Islands Photo Credit: Henry James

4-Madagascar Photo Credit: Jialiang Gao

inhabited by Asians, Persians, Indians, Europeans, and Kenyans— so while it’s beautiful, the first thing you will notice is its unique blend of cultures first. Another interesting fact about Lamu is that there are no roads on the island, so you’ll hardly even find any vehicles.

Lamu Old Town has a ton of beautiful architecture and buildings, so be sure to start your visit with a tour.

4. Madagascar Madagascar known as the “big red island” is the largest African island situated in the Indian Ocean, and the fourth-largest island in the world. A visit to Madagascar will leave you speechless

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to page 20

More Destinations to Know About Destinations - from page 19 because there is truly nothing like it in the rest of the world. It is believed that almost 90% of the entire wildlife of Madagascar is found nowhere else on planet Earth.

5. Mauritius An islander once told renowned author Mark Twain that “Mauritius was made first and then heaven, and heaven was copied after Mauritius”. Located in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius oﬀers miles of sandy beaches, almost entirely 8-Seychelles Courtesy of Getty Images encircled by coral reefs. The crystal-clear waters are perfect for diving, snorkeling, and more. What makes Mauritius diﬀerent is there’s so much more than the beach. You can hike through the mountains and National Parks or explore the culture as it is a melting pot of African, European, and Indian influences.

6. São Tomé and Príncipe São Tomé Island is the largest and the most prominent island of São Tomé and Príncipe. Located in the Gulf of Guinea, oﬀ the west coast of Central Africa, this two-island nation, Africa’s secondsmallest, remains one of the least visited countries in the world. That’s good news for travelers because it means that a lot of the land and experiences remain untouched. Known as one of Africa’s “Best Kept Secrets,” the island oﬀers the best of both worlds when it comes to scenery. You can explore the endless beaches or visit Obo Park where you will find the island’s primary rainforests and exotic wildlife.

7. Seal Island Seal Island is a small landmass located a little more than 3 miles oﬀ the northern beaches of False Bay, near Cape Town in South Africa. The South African coastline oﬀers gorgeous

9-Djerba Island

Photo Credit: @smouker68 via Twenty20

views of the crystal blue Indian Ocean and glistening golden beaches. People travel to Seal Island to witness many variations of African seals with Cape Fur seals being the most popular.

8. Seychelles Situated towards the east of Kenya in the Indian Ocean, the Seychelles archipelago holds 115 paradise islands. Seychelles is an excellent destination for honeymooners and thrill-seekers wanting to snorkel and see the rare marine life. Seychelles is an island paradise that should not

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be overlooked. It boasts breathtaking, turquoise waters, and a backdrop of lush hills, boulders, or palm trees that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. Mahé is the largest, and busiest, island with luxury resorts, first-class restaurants, and a small capital city, Victoria.

9. Djerba Island Situated in the Mediterranean Sea right oﬀ the coast of South Tunisia is Djerba. The island is known for its eclectic population of residents and tourists, beaches, and picturesque villages.

The largest island in Africa, Zanzibar Island (or Unguja) is located oﬀ the coast of Tanzania. The African, Indian, and Arab influences make Zanzibar’s culture particularly interesting. Some of the best places to visit in Zanzibar include Stone Town, Changuu, Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park, Mnemba Island, and the Old Fort of Zanzibar. Other attractions here include the charming bazaars, mosques, courtyards, and stunning white sandy beaches. https://travelnoire.com/10-african-islands-toknow-about?item=9

10. Zanzibar

Bloomberg Offers a “New” Seven Wonders of the World - here is the African Wonder Site By Brandon Presser

Kelp Forests, South Africa

ecognized as the prominent backdrop of the Academy Award-winning documentary My Octopus Teacher, the kelp forests 10 miles south of Cape Town form a shallow underwater jungle more than twice as wide as the Grand Canyon—and a home to millions of creatures. The mammoth vines thrive where Atlantic tides give way to cold Antarctic currents; a phenomenon called upwelling, where two ocean layers slosh together, is key to their growth. Multiday group trips are led by record-holding free diver Hanli Prinsloo, co-founder of the local outfitter I Am Water Ocean Travel. On tank-free descents, she’ll point out kaleidoscopic critters such as spiky-finned rockfish and pearl-colored hottentots. Over sundowners at a private villa near penguin-filled Boulders Beach, Prinsloo will explain how, via photosynthesis, the seaweed captures gases from the atmosphere, making it a powerful agent against climate change. www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2021-05-28/ A free diver swims through a kelp forest oﬀ the explore-the-new-seven-wonders-of-the-world coast of South Africa. Photographer: Peter Marshall 21 | ABA Publications | Africa TRAVEL | July 2021

Celebrations

Afrochella 2021: Dec 26th–Jan 4th, 2021 Accra, Ghana By Jade Robinson, TravelNoire

frochella (www.historicalafrica.org) is the continent’s answer to Coachella. Taking over El Wak Stadium in Accra for the last three years, the festival is a true celebration of African culture across the diaspora. Besides musical line-ups with heavy-hitter Afrobeat artists like Wande Coal, the festival is a true mashup of Blackness — Ghana to the UK and everywhere in between. From art installations to community giveback sessions, the festival has become an end of year celebration for many. Plan to participate by seeking out your local tour planners and by visiting the Historical Africa website regularly along with the other Afrochella associated organizations and organizers. ► Historial Africa Cultural Center - www. historicalafrica.org ► Merch Foundation - https://afrochella.com.

All Events and Activities Historial Africa lists many of the International Black Art Festivals held around the World including Afrochella at www.historicalafrica.org/ events-activities. The events include: ► CurlFest 2021 - New Yor, NY; Atlanta, GA USA ► One Music Festival 2021 - Atlanta, GA USA ► Chale Wote Street Art Festival 2021 Atlanta, GA USA ► Yam Carnival 2021 - London, UK ► National Black Arts Festival - Atlanta, GA USA ► Dar’ Art 2021 - Dakar, Senegal ► African Dance Festival - California USA ► Something in the Water 2021 - Virginia Beach, VA USA

► Afronation 2021 - Portugal, Puerto Rico, Ghana ► Essence Festival 2021 - New Orleans, LA USA ► Afropunk Paris 2021 - Paris, France; New York USA; South Africa ► Afrochella 2021 - Accra, Ghana

Historical Africa Cultural Center We are a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, dedicated to promoting and exhibiting ancient Africa’s Traditions, Arts & Crafts, Music and Culture. Africa is a vast continent and a home to diverse populations, languages, ethnic groups and cultures. The originality of Africa’s heritage is ready to be promoted as her story is rich, valuable and significant to the development of humanity, and a source of unity to the entire world. It is to this end, that the Historical Africa Cultural Center is seeking to achieve the following objectives.

Our Grand Patron His Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi Ojaja II, The Ooni of Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria. The Ooni of Ile-Ife (Ọọ̀ni of Ilè-Ifẹ̀) is the traditional ruler of Ile-Ife in Osun State of Nigeria.

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This Nigerian town is seen as the cradle of the Yoruba people. The Ooni dynasties go back hundreds of years. Born at exactly 13.00GMT on the 17th of October 1974 to the family of Oluropo and Wuraola Ogunwusi of the Giesi Royal House, Agbedegbede Compound in the ancestral home of Ile-Ife; His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr) Adeyeye Babatunde Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojaja II), is the 51st Ooni of Ile-Ife.

Our Key Programs Historical Africa Cultural Center develops vibrant and dynamic cultural projects and programs. With our partners, we aim to make the center a creative community and a vibrant place of discovery, learning and exploration for all residents and visitors. African Art Galleries & Cultural Centers: The galleries and cultural centers will display unique African arts and sculptures, and promote vibrant & dynamic cultural projects, shows and theatrical plays. Also on display will be fashion and exhibitions of ancient occupational practices, such as textile weaving, that are still widely used on the continent. We will also maintain an online gallery and cultural center. Resource Centers: Our Resource Centers are

designed to provide information on all the countries in the five regions of Africa and the diaspora, i.e. demographics: population, tribes, languages, mineral deposits, business opportunities and family contacts, etc. This information can be viewed on our Digital and Virtual Displays. On a regular basis we will feature a diﬀerent region of the five regions and we will cover achievements and contributions of the Diaspora. At the Resource Centers, our Global African Family can meet, discuss and dialog with continental Africans and representatives of African Embassies. The Inspiration Park: The Inspiration Park will highlight the guiding principles of integrity, honesty, perseverance, tolerance, social harmony, understanding, love and spirituality in daily African life. Visitors will be able to tour the park to experience these principles in action and understand their specific application to solving community problems. It will be a unique and exciting opportunity to engage in an inspirational and interactive journey into Africa’s history, traditions, arts & crafts, music, culture and spirituality. A virtual version of the Inspiration Park is also in the works. www.historicalafrica.org/events/afrochella-2021

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Sites to Visit in Africa

15 Best Places to Visit in Africa By Carri Wilbanks and Becca Blond

1. Cape Town, South Africa

herever you wander in Africa, we promise you’ll leave with a new appreciation for the magic of this culturally rich, vibrantly colored, and welcoming continent that will have you wanting to return over and over. Plan your adventures with our list of the best places to visit in Africa. Note: Some businesses may be temporarily closed due to recent global health and safety issues.

1. Explore Cape Town, South Africa One of the most beloved destinations on the continent, Cape Town sits at the southern tip of South Africa, near where the Atlantic Ocean and Indian Ocean meet at the Cape of Good Hope. It is a culturally rich and visually stunning city that is very easy to fall in love with on a first visit. Table Mountain rises from the center of the city, while the striking Twelve Apostle rock formations beyond provide the backdrop for gorgeous whitesand beaches, like Clifton and Camps Bay, along its Atlantic Ocean coastline. There is so much to see and do in Cape Town. There are active adventures, like hiking to the

top of Lion’s Head to watch the sunrise. 4. Victoria Falls, Zambia, And important historic Zimbabwe explorations, like taking a somber trip to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was a political prisoner for 27 years before the Apartheid regime fell. The city is also home to a plethora of museums, galleries, local boutiques, and world-class restaurants and hotels. You’ll want to spend some time exploring the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, as well as the downtown around Long Street and Greenmarket Square. Slightly further afield, you can see African wild penguins at Boulders Beach or learn to surf in the beach town suburb of Muizenberg.

2. Go Back in Time in Zanzibar, Tanzania A visit to Zanzibar feels like stepping into another world, one where time stands still, and the only city, Stone Town, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The island in the Indian Ocean just off the

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3. Giza, Egypt

2. Zanzibar, Tanzania 5. Marrakesh, Morocco

coast of Tanzania is a place where Arab dhows (fishing boats) still ply the pictureperfect turquoise sea, and you can get lost in the beauty of Stone Town, wandering its narrow alleys past old mosques, vibrant bazaars, and riads with intricately carved doorways. Away from the hustle of the “city” (really it feels like a small town), the rest of the island is filled with gorgeous beaches where days are spent lazing on white sand or snorkeling and diving in the colorful coral reefs surrounding the island. These are still teeming with life and home to more than 500 marine species. Nungwi, at the northern tip of the island, is a favorite beach destination. There are a number of hotels and guesthouses here, including The Z

Hotel Zanzibar. The chic beachfront boutique hotel is set in a beautiful tropical garden, and all rooms come with floor-to-ceiling glass doors opening onto sea-facing balconies. The beds are draped in mosquito nets and have a romantic vibe.

3. Witness the Pyramids of Giza, Egypt Watching the sun rise or set over the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt from the back of a camel is an experience you’ll never forget. The pyramids and the Great Sphinx date back to the 26th century BCE and are Egypt’s most iconic attractions.

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Sites to Visit in Africa

7. Sossusvlei, Namibia

6. Gorilla Trekking, Rwanda

8. Sahara, Tunisia

Sites - from page 25 The Pyramids of Giza are easy to access from Egypt’s capital and largest city, Cairo, which is equally fascinating to visit. Set on the banks of the Nile River, Cairo is a chaotic and buzzy place that appears to never slow down, even in the dead of night. Here, ancient history meets a modern metropolis and there is much to see and do, with a visit to the Egyptian Museum at the top of most lists. Book one of the higher floor rooms at the Fairmont Nile City for sweeping views of the river and the Pyramids of Giza in the distance. This luxe hotel also has a rooftop swimming pool and restaurant with more mesmerizing vistas, and a spa for post-flight pampering. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Cairo

4. Experience Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and Zambia Visit Victoria Falls during the rainy seasons, when the water volume is high, and you’ll understand why locals call this impressive waterfall “The Smoke That Thunders.” The sound of water rushing over rock before dropping into a pool some 300-plus-feet below sounds like the roll of thunder, and the mist that spews back up resembles thick smoke. It is an impressive sight. Protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Victoria Falls is on the mighty Zambezi River and creates the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. The waterfall is not only impressive for its

dramatic drop but also for its length, which creates a 1.7-kilometer-long curtain of water as it drops. For the best views of the falls in full, you’ll want to explore the Zimbabwe side, where you can follow a walking trail (expect to get drenched when the water volume is high) to various viewpoints. On the Zambia side, you can get very close to the falls themselves and, if you’re brave enough, even take a dip in Devil’s Pool, which literally sits at the top of the falls before they tumble down, down, down. Both sides have lodging options, as well as restaurants. Accommodation: Where to Stay at Victoria Falls

5. Wander the Souks in Marrakesh, Morocco Beautiful Marrakesh in Morocco makes for the perfect introduction to this fascinating North African country that can actually be accessed via an overnight ferry from southern Spain. Marrakesh is located in western Morocco and is the country’s fourth-largest city and home. The

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6. Go Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda Trekking to see endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is on the bucket list for many animal lovers, and Rwanda’s Virunga Mountains are home to more than half of the remaining wild population on the planet. Volcanoes National Park is where the treks to see these majestic primates take place. You cannot just go on your own, but must join a guided trip that requires a permit. Rwanda is one of Africa’s smallest countries and its capital city of Kigali is heralded for being one of Africa’s cleanest. It is also located just 2.5 hours from the gorilla trekking, making this emerging tourism destination easy to explore. Read More: Top Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Rwanda

9. Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

7. Watch the Sun Rise over the Dunes in Sossusvlei, Namibia

10. Kruger National Park, South Africa walled Medina here dates back to the Berber Empire. Spend a day wandering its maze-like streets filled with souks (marketplaces) selling everything from spices to jewelry to brightly colored traditional clothing and slippers. With a Moorish minaret that is part of the city skyline, Koutoubia Mosque is one of the top attractions in Marrakesh, dating back to the 12thcentury. For a different perspective of this vibrant, chaotic, and very lovable city, book a hot air balloon ride for early morning. You’ll watch the sun set the rooftops ablaze as you float above Marrakesh. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Marrakesh: Best Areas & Hotels

Located in southwest Africa, Namibia is a one-of-a-kind destination that is often overlooked when planning trips to the continent. It shouldn’t be. The country is chockfull of adventures and landscapes you won’t find anywhere else on the continent, including the Namib Desert and Sossusvlei. Part of Namib-Naukluft National Park, Sossusvlei is a giant, flat salt pan surrounded by a sea of red and orange sand that has been sculpted into an otherworldly landscape of towering dunes and desolate valleys sprinkled with petrified dead trees. It is especially spectacular at first light, when the rising sun brings the dunes into focus and makes them glow. Other major attractions in Namibia include to page 28

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Sites to Visit in Africa 12. Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

11. Masai Mara, Kenya

Sites - from page 27 the Skeleton Coast, named for the skeletons of wrecked ships that crashed along the misty Atlantic Coastline here, and Etosha National Park, one of Africa’s best game reserves.

8. Find Serenity by the Sea and in the Sahara in Tunisia Facing towards Europe’s Mediterranean coastline, Tunisia is Africa’s most northerly country. It is a gorgeous, sun-soaked destination, where European and Arab influences blend together. Home to a beautiful stretch of beaches on the Mediterranean Sea, Tunisia is a popular vacation destination for Europeans seeking some winter sun. The island Djerba is a perfect spot to indulge. Afterwards venture into the Sahara Desert for more mesmerizing scenery. The desert covers much of Tunisia’s interior, but its most stunning section is known as the Grand Erg Oriental. Here, you’ll find a rolling sea of orange sand juxtaposed against a bright blue sky. Sightsee via dune buggy, on foot, or from the back of a camel. The town of Douz serves as the adventure hub for this area, and from here you can book the above mentioned excursions.

9. Summit Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania

With an elevation of 19,341 feet, Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro (“Kili” for short) is Africa’s highest mountain and also holds the world record for the highest single freestanding mountain (it isn’t part of a range). Rising from the plains of the Serengeti, it is a dormant volcano and creates a stunning backdrop for wildlife safaris in the region. Most people visit Kili to climb to its summit. It is especially popular because the trek involves no rock climbing expertise or mountaineering equipment. You also won’t face the extreme weather challenges of climbing other continents’ highest peaks, like Mt. Everest. You will need to be in good shape and adjusted to the altitude. The trek to the top takes a minimum of six days, and you will need to go on a guided excursion. Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Tanzania

10. Go on Safari in Kruger National Park, South Africa South Africa’s Kruger National Park is one of Africa’s oldest conservation areas and a top safari destination on the continent. The vast park, which actually extends into Mozambique to the east, is home to South Africa’s most diverse wildlife population. It is also surrounded by private reserves, like Sabi Sands Game Reserve, that animals can cross into and out of at will for an even more upscale safari experience. Kruger is also a safari destination within reach

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13. Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique

for many different budgets. As a national park, visitors can actually explore Kruger on self-drive safaris and then camp or stay in national park lodges. However, we recommend joining an organized game drive for the best shot of seeing the most animals, as you’ll be in an open vehicle and with guides who know where to look for the Big Five (elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, and rhino). Accommodation: Top-Rated Luxury Safari Lodges in South Africa Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in South Africa

11. See the Great Migration in Masai Mara, Kenya Every year, millions of wildebeest and other hoofed animals like zebra and gazelles migrate between Tanzania’s Serengeti and the Masai Mara in Kenya in what has become known as the Great Migration. The most dangerous part of this journey is crossing the Mara River, where many of the grazing animals get picked off by hungry lions and other predators. The crossing usually happens between July and August, but the timing can change with the year. Watching the Great Migration in real time is a dream for many wildlife enthusiasts, who plan safaris to this part of Kenya to coincide with it. Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Kenya

12. Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater on Safari in Tanzania Created about 2.5 million years ago, the Ngorongoro Crater is the largest inactive, unfilled, and unbroken volcanic caldera on the planet. Considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World (Victoria Falls is another), it is home to thousands of animals and is a top safari destination in Tanzania. It is also on one end of the Great Migration route, mentioned above, and during this time of year, massive herds of wildebeests, zebras, and other grazing animals can be seen here. Guests stay at lodges perched on the edge of the crater’s rim and then descend down for day long wildlife drives. All of the Big 5 African animals (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and Cape buffalo) can be seen down here, but one species you won’t see on the crater floor are giraffes. This is because they find the rocky descent too difficult, and there are few trees. This lack of trees also makes it very easy to spot wildlife while on safari, including the big cats.

13. Take a Beach Vacation to the Bazaruto Archipelago in Mozambique Off the Mozambican coastline in the Indian Ocean, the Bazaruto Archipelago Marine Park is home to a group of islands with some of the

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Sites to Visit in Africa

14. Okavango Delta, Botswana

of the country, the Okavango Delta is a top attraction. This large inland river delta floods during the rainy season and becomes a unique safari experience. That’s when you’ll get to explore the river in a dugout canoe, paddling past hippos and crocodiles while keeping your eyes peeled for elephants, giraffe, and other animals who come to the river to drink. The Moremi Game Reserve covers a large section of the Okavango Delta and is where many upscale safari lodges are located. Maun is the gateway town to the delta, and this is a good place to organize more budget-focused canoe and land safaris.

15. Discover the Beauty of Lake Malawi

15. Lake Malaqwi, Malawi

more beautiful beaches in Africa. Bazaruto Island is the main destination and offers a range of accommodations, from budget to luxury. But there are also deserted islands and others that are home to just one hotel or two. Besides brilliant white-sand beaches backed by coconut palms and sand dunes, these islands are also famous for their excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities. There is a thriving coral reef system protected by the park, and the turquoise water is warm and clear.

14. Traverse the Okavango Delta in Botswana

Spanning three countries, Malawi, Mozambique, and Tanzania, Lake Malawi is the third largest lake on the African continent at 29,600 square kilometers. It’s part of the African Great Lake system, and its age is estimated at about one or two million years. The majority of tourists visit the Malawi side of the lake, which is called Lake Nyasa in Tanzania and Lago Niassa in Mozambique. One interesting fact about Lake Malawi is that it is home to more kinds of fish than any other lake on Earth! Needless to say, fishing is very popular here. You can also swim and snorkel in the warm, clear water, but you’ll want to take a short course of a fast-acting antibiotic after doing so to protect yourself from bilharzia, which is found here. www.planetware.com/africa/best-places-to-visitsaf-1-36.htm

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Adventure Tourism

Brenton Lindsey: The ‘First African American to Skydive’ Over Giza Pyramids By Parker Diakite

renton Lindsey h a s jumped out of a plane nearly 600 times, but he’ll tell you one of the most memorable jumps is over the Giza Pyramids – making him the first African American to do so. “I’m still in awe,” Lindsey tells Travel Noire. “It didn’t even hit me until after I was done jumping over the pyramid.” Being the first African American wasn’t Lindsey’s intention. He was invited to jump over the pyramids as Egyptian tourism leaders try to bounce back from the effects of the pandemic. And they invited him for good reason. If you take a look at his Instagram, you’ll notice that he tries to make the extreme sport as fun as possible. He gets into character, brings props along with his jumps, dresses up as Santa Claus, or hardly dressed in clothes at all. It’s all his way of making jumping from a plane seem less scary. “Black people, we bring season to everything we do,” he says jokingly. He says not everyone in the industry agrees with his style. Yet, even with the side-eyes from

other divers who he says don’t take him seriously, he says the fun aside, he wants to end the notion that skydiving is not for people of color. “There’s this huge stigma that sky diving is a white people’s sport. From both sides, I’m frowned upon but I take pride in that because it opens the eyes of other people of color that we can do it, too, so why are we limiting ourselves?” Lindsey says in the next 10-to-15 years, he hopes to see more Black people skydiving. “We dominate in everything else, so why not this?” So, what’s next for Lindsey after achieving such a milestone? He says he’s planning his 600th jump and plans to do another life raft jump. You can follow his skydiving journey or contact him on Instagram. https://travelnoire.com/first-african-americanskydive-over-giza-pyramids

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New Tour Package

Egypt Tourism Adds New ‘Holy Family’ Tourist Biblical Route By Malik Peay

he journey of the ‘Holy Family’ biblical route throughout Egypt is being highlighted as a new tourist route for travelers to experience while they follow infant Jesus and his parents’ footsteps into Cairo. While the guided route starts in the Egyptian capital and runs through the ancient cities of Tanis, Tal Basta, and Ismailia; these are all expected to be historical cities Mary and Joseph traveled through to seek refuge after being exiled. The 9-day trek through Egypt is being used as a new tourist package to help reestablish the lack of tourists coming through the country in the past year. Days two through four take travelers around the visited holy establishments in Cairo. These sites are all sought after places that the Holy Family traveled to find safety — including the Tree of the Virgin Mary in Al-Matariya, The Church of the Holy Virgin in Musturd and the Church of the Virgin Maria in Bilbeis. After visiting these destinations, travelers will be guided out of the northern regions of Cairo and will have time to indulge in Egyptian cuisine and visit the various monasteries in the area. The religious institutions of Christianity based nearby are from the 4th century; the monastery of St. Macarius the Great, Monastery of St. Pisho, Paromeos Monastery, and the Syrian Monastery. On the fifth day of being on the route, tourists view Church of St. Sergius. This historical site

was where Jesus and his parent’s supposedly resided in Egypt and the Church was built on top of that site. Within the southern regions of Cairo, and being one of the oldest parts of the capital, Coptic Cairo is home to some of the most valued religious Egyptian relics. The Coptic Museum is a mustsee landmark that will be a pitstop during this day because it houses most of Egypt’s largest collection of religious artifacts.

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Following the 3-hour drive through the Nile Valley, to the province of Minya, travelers will be able to visit the Monastery of the Holy Virgin. This ancient church is mostly constructed by rocks and is historically believed to have been constructed in 328 AD by Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine on the refuge site where the Holy family sheltered for 3 days in a cave. Travelers will then head to the city of Asyut, where they will visit the religious institution of

the Holy Virgin, which resides on the location where the holy family stayed for half a year. The route will end in Cairo. Packages start at $1515. and include hotel stays, 8 served breakfast meals, as well as lunch and dinner meals. All transportation will be on Egypt’s bus system. https://travelnoire.com/egypt-tourism-holy-familybiblical-route

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Image credit: Spencer Davis

Faces of Africa

Black Doctor Turned Photographer Shares Stunning Photos of African Tribes By Ayah A.

laire Johnson has captured some of the most beautiful and captivating photos of African tribes. She has found that she is able to spread joy to those she photographs. A proud mother of two adult children, Claire is a medical doctor by profession, however, she is also a skilled photographer and FAA-certified licensed drone pilot. Claire has spent the last three years working remotely, consulting for a healthcare company while she explores the world, documenting her travels through photography. Before that, Claire practiced medicine in Florida and various other places around the world as an obstetrician. In fact, she has delivered babies and performed surgery in many countries. Working in countries such as Kenya, Ethiopia, and Chad, Claire began taking photos in her spare time when she was finished work. Some of the African tribes Claire has photographed include the Dassanach, Hamar, Silte and Mursi tribes. She photographed the Maasai tribe while living with them when she worked in one of their clinics. Claire has also taken photos of the nomadic Fulani tribe known as the Peul, which were featured on CNN Africa. Photographing the many people she met around the world, Claire discovered that she could bring more smiles and laughs with her camera and drone than she could through her work in medicine. “Although photography is not a critical lifesaving field like medicine, I could bring lots of joy and excitement and leave an impact in another way. In the Western world, we take for granted that we can see ourselves daily on our phones, in mirrors, and on cameras.” “Many do not have the same luxury where I have photographed. In addition to sharing what I’ve immediately photographed, I always bring an

Instax or Polaroid camera so I can give photos as gifts. They are greatly valuable. I have seen so much wonder from people being able to see what they look like. It is truly like looking within.” Claire recalls seeing the wonder on the faces

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of many African tribes members as they watched her launch her drone for the first time. Back in 2018, many tribes hadn’t seen one. After the initial apprehension came the excitement, followed by another level of excitement brought by seeing

themselves on the screen. “I have some great pics of everyone gathered around me looking at my camera screen as the drone is above us. I also love seeing that people of

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Faces of Africa - from page 35 all ages want to have their image to keep. Initially, I thought that it would only be young children who wanted an Instax photo. I remember the first time that an elderly tribesman walked up to me and pointed to my camera and then to himself, designating that he wanted a photo. We all have that desire no matter what, and it is a gift that we can all give during our travels.” Claire says she has learned a great deal by photographing people during her travels. She has learned that we, as people, are more similar

than diﬀerent. Despite our varying cultural backgrounds, the same things bring us innate joy. “Joy is readily available to us in the First World, and it’s not possessions. It’s human connection and experiences; those are most valuable and lasting. I’ve also seen that people of African tribes

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and others worldwide are just as intrigued by us as we are by them.” “You’d think that as an American dressed in plain clothing, I wouldn’t be as intriguing as a tribal member in all of her decadence, but the Mursi women were intrigued by me. They wanted to touch my hair and my body to see how it was similar to and diﬀerent from theirs. I appreciated that because in so many areas of the world, Westerners are intrusive when they travel. They treat locals like animals in a cage, which we should never do.” Claire says travelers can avoiding behaving intrusively by establishing a connection with people before attempting to photograph them. We can do this by sitting down for a meal with them and showing them photos of us and our families. We should get to know them

a bit and allow them the opportunity to get to know and feel comfortable with us. “I always create a connection before photographing, and of course, I always ask for permission. Once I have it, I photograph a lot and don’t ask every time. But I initially build a rapport and connection and don’t just jump out of my car taking pictures.” Having traveled to 100 countries, all 50 states, and see all seven New Wonders of the World, Claire has no plans to stop traveling anytime soon. She currently resides in the Eurasian country of Georgia, where she moved for geoarbitrage (moving to a place that has a lower cost of living while maintaining the same level of income.) She also plans to also spend several months in Croatia, Montenegro, and Turkey this year. “The Republic of Georgia is a beautiful and extremely safe country. I could wander late at night by myself anywhere in Tblisi and not have any problems. It’s extremely inexpensive like Southeast Asia, so that is the main draw. I love to hike and there are limitless opportunities. With three diﬀerent climates, you can go from mountains and snow to lush green to the beautiful coast land within hours. It’s also the birthplace of wine and the cuisine is delicious. My favorite area is Kazbegi which is an area engulfed in the Caucaucas Mountains.” To view more of Claire’s photography work, follow her at @daisyamongroses. https://travelnoire.com/black-doctor-turnedphotographer-shares-stunning-photos-of-africantribes

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TravelNoire - We’re Going Home…

Heading To Ghana? Here are Some Tips and Things to Do When You Get There

hether it’s your first time in Ghana, or you’re a returning traveler looking for something new to do, here are our tips for things to do when in this beautiful African country. Do Your Homework Heading to Accra? It’s best to do some homework before your big trip. Accra is a busy city, similar to NYC and can get quite loud and crowded. It’s also hot — very hot. Make sure to prepare yourself for the hustle of the city! There is always something to do, so be prepared to not get much sleep and to always be on the go. Locals usually hit up five or six spots during their nights out. How To Cool Oﬀ From The Intense Heat The heat of the city can get unbearable but the pool at La Villa Boutique Hotel is the perfect way to cool down. After swimming or relaxing, you can indulge in a delicious Italian meal at the hotel. If you want to chill by the beach, make plans to head to Busua Beach in the Western Region. You can get a quick 45-minute flight from Accra or embark on a six-hour road trip. Another place to cool oﬀ is in Takoradi, a town filled with beaches and hotels. You can also drive to Aburi and check out the Hillburi hotel, overlooking the city of Accra. An insider’s tip: head to Dixcove, along the western region of the country to spot dolphins! Where To Eat A great breakfast can be found at the luxury boutique hotel, Villa Monticello located in the Airport Residential Area. For local food, head to Bush Canteen located in East Legon. Serving up traditional foods like fufu is Dimaensa restaurant, located in the Abelenkpe district. Gold Coast Restaurant is another great spot for traditional food. Be sure to head there on

Friday nights for live music. Royal Senchi Restaurant has exceptional meals as well as a pool to relax by. Street vendors are the best choice when wanting to try dishes such as fried yams, plantains, white fish stew, and chicken fillets. Zion Thai is perfect to get your Asian food fix while some of the best sushi is located at the upscale Santoku. Where To Drink And Party Enjoy drinks with friends at a street pub named Republic and afterward head to Front/Back, a speakeasy that appears as a container from the exterior. Sky Bar 25 is where you’ll find the “who’s who” of Accra as well as a wonderful view of the city. Ace Tantra is a known nightclub and afterward, you can head straight to the BurgerBoyz, which is opened until 5 am to feed hungry people after the club. On Friday nights there is a party called Serallio, in an open-air atmosphere with dancing until the wee hours of the morning. Purple Pub is a great place to drink and enjoy chill vibes and a dope group of people. Where To Get Your Arts And Culture Fix The art scene in Ghana is on the rise. Jamestown is perfect for graﬃti and it’s annual Chale Wote Festival, a visual arts event taking place every August. BBnZ Live is a great place to meet and network with the young creatives and entrepreneurs of Ghana. Another great spot is Elle Lokko, a place where artists sell their work and a hub for local fashion and culture. Osu has lots of shops, restaurants and is a true

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Chale Wote

Experience the Beauty of Ghana, According to Bozoma Saint John

Palace. She was honored to be sitting in the presence of black excellence and the next generation of changemakers at the Jubilee House, the presidential palace and residence of President Nana Akufo-Addo. Bozoma also met with

he Year of the Return (2019) is Ghana’s campaign, declared by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, encouraging African descendants to come home to the Motherland. Involved in the campaign are celebs like Boris Kodjoe, Gabby Sidibe, Jidenna, Steve Harvey and Bozoma Saint John. Recently, Saint John documented her trip home to Ghana, sharing local hotspots, partying with Kofi Siriboe, and dining with royalty in fashionable threads. Check out Bozoma experiencing the beauty of Ghana below. Visit the Independence Square. Also known as Black Star Square, this monumental area is located in Accra and was commissioned for construction in 1957, the same year Ghana gained its independence. The Black Star Gate, Polish’d Nail & Beauty Bar the second-largest independence square in the world, symbolizes the essence of the people in Ghana. Normally empty, this huge Ghanaian basketball executive Pops Mensahsquare open to the public and now hosts special Bonsu, who plans to establish a professional celebrations such as military parades, concerts, basketball league in Ghana under the African occasional fashion shows, and national festivals. Basketball League and music exec and label It is also known as a memorial of the Unknown owner Tunde Balogun, helping to advance black Solider. industry executives. Gather Amongst Royalty at the Presidential see page 40

representation of being young and free in Ghana. Christie Brown is a great shop to pop into for designer Ghanaian items. Omanye House is an art gallery showcasing works by artists from Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Mali, and Togo. It also has a bar overlooking the ocean in the back. Makola Market is perfect for shopping with locals and taking in the culture of Ghanaians. It’s also a great place to purchase souvenirs. The Shop sells work from 400 artists and creatives in Ghana. There are also performances

and a cafe in this space and it’s opened 12 hours a day. Legon Botanical Garden is perfect to get your nature fix while the National Theatre oﬀers cultural productions. To find out more about Ghanaian culture and news, check out the Sincerely Accra podcast. Writer: Kelsey Marie https://travelnoire.com/ghana-tips-things-to-do Image credits: thesoleadventurer.com

39 | ABA Publications | Africa TRAVEL | July 2021

TravelNoire - We’re Going Home…

10 Of The Best Luxury Hotels in West Africa

est Africa is rich in art, food, and culture, and when combined with its welcoming atmosphere, oﬀers a vacation that is unmatched from the rest of the continent. Be sure to provide your one-of-a-kind experience with luxury. Here are some of the best luxurious hotel accommodations in West Africa. Ibis Lomé Centre – Lome, Togo Facing the Atlantic ocean, the Ibis Lomé Centre Hotel is located in the city center, in between the National Assembly and the Residence of the French Embassy.

Movenpick Ambassador Hotel – Accra, Ghana Set in Accra’s vibrant business district, Movenpick Ambassador Hotel is a stylish hotel that will provide a relaxing atmosphere and

Beauty of Ghana - from page 39 Savor the best Ghanaian Jollof and Chocolate. Bozoma was “shooketh” after she fell in love with the Ghanian Jollof, made with quinoa at a catered dinner. It was prepared by entrepreneur Femi Adetola of Madame Butterfly, an Asianfusion restaurant in Accra. She also enjoyed chocolate from the best chocolate makers in Ghana, Bioko Treats. Get Pampered and Polished at Polish’d Nail & Beauty Bar. Bozoma spent her self-care Sunday getting in

convenience. One thing you will love about your stay is the more than 2,500 pieces of Ghanaian art used to decorate this stunning hotel. Eko Hotel And Suites – Lagos, Nigeria Located in the heart of Victoria Island, Eko Hotel and Suites o f f e r s guests a perfect blend of relaxation, activities, and African tradition delicately infused to meet the highest international standards, according to the company’s website. NOOM Hotel Conakry – Kaloum, Guinea Staﬀ at NOOM Hotel Conakry staﬀ prides itself a quick workout, followed by some pampering at Polish’d Nail & Beauty Bar for a pedicure. Learn Adowa Dance. This was her first return to Akwamu after being crowned as the Odupomma (Queen) of Akwamu, accompanied by activist Colin Kapernick. The pair celebrated Queen Mother’s 55-year reign, amongst family and friends performing Adowa dance, created for people to express themselves using their hands and feet in costume. Writer: Rachel George https://travelnoire.com/experience-ghanabozoma-saint-john

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on being a place that combines business and pleasure. Inside the luxury hotel, guests will find African art and contemporary design, an Afro-fusion restaurant, and an infinity pool that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. The Royal Senchi Hotel – Akosombo, Ghana Situated about 90 minutes away from the capital city Accra, The Royal Senchi o f f e r s spectacular views of the Volta River. Le Wafou – Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire

From the scenery to the stunning African architecture, food, and more, you will fall in love with Le Wafou in Abidjan. Sheraton Lagos Hotel – Lagos, Nigeria The Sheraton Lagos Hotel is where you will find a hotel that oﬀers guests houses, suites, private

bathrooms, shops-on-site, a tennis court and a fitness center. Tang Palace – Accra, Ghana Feel like r o y a l t y during your stay at The Tang Palace Hotel in Accra. The hotel has nine diﬀerent room types that guests can choose from that are all beautifully furnished. Hotel Hilton – Yaoundé, Cameroon Located in the heart Ya o u n d e , Hotel Hilton is in close proximity to the National Museum, the zoo, and the National Craft Market.l Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City – Accra, Ghana Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City is the only fivestar luxury hotel in Accra. Conveniently located downtown, the property has more than 200 l u x u r y r o o m s , including 24 suites, and a spa.

41 | ABA Publications | Africa TRAVEL | July 2021

TravelNoire - We’re Going Home…

Lagos, Nigeria Restaurants: Best Local Cuisine

agos is one of the most populated cities in the world and is a melting pot of culture, therefore, it is also one of the mega locations in Africa for fine food. No matter what type of food you are craving, you can find it in Lagos. Villa Medici Villa Medici is one of the top places in Lagos for European culinary influences and is a favorite with locals and tourists alike. The menu has a French influence, including frogs’ legs and escargots for les hors d’oeurve. There are also fine wines to accompany your meal. The Jazzhole The Jazzhole is a great place to dine while escaping the buzz of the city but this is much more than a cafe. This is also an iconic record shop, and bookshop. The Jazzhole oﬀers almost forty varieties of tea, served in individual tin teapots plus you can get fresh sandwiches. While dining you can listen to live jazz and soul performances. The Yellow Chilli The Yellow Chilli features traditional African dishes with a modern twist is one of Lagos’ newest restaurants, The Yellow Chilli menu oﬀers exciting several options such as Isi-Ewu, and a yam pottage special with beef and snail. You can also get continental plates. The Yello Chilli combines the very best of local and international gastronomy. With several dining options, you are sure to find something you like at The Yellow Chilli. Bottle’s Restaurant If you are in the mood for some Mexican food Bottle’s Restaurant tops the list in Lagos. Bottle’s is known for their fajitas

and frozen margaritas, Although the food is great the fun doesn’t stop there. You will also love the atmosphere of Old Mexico. With great food and the Mexican theme, you’ll feel like you’ve taken a trip to Mexico. Eko Sky Restaurant and Lounge If you are looking to take a break from the busy streets of Lagos, the Sky Restaurant and Lounge is a good place to check out. They oﬀer fantastic views of the city and the Atlantic Ocean, along with great food. When you dine at the Sky Restaurant and Lounge you will have a menu selection that includes food from Nigerian, Asian, European and North American. To complement your dinner they oﬀer an array of fine wines. The great food and relaxing atmosphere should be this restaurant a the top of your places to try while visiting Nigeria. Bungalow Restaurant If you are looking for something comfortable but modern, you can’t beat the Bungalow Restaurant. They have been serving some of the best food in Lagos since 2004. The Bungalow’s menu includes everything from pizzas to burgers, and crepes, as well as fajitas. If you want some music with your meal, they feature live jazz music every Thursday. This is where you go when you love local food but are getting homesick for a good old-fashioned pizza. https://travelnoire.com/lagos-nigeria-restaurants-bestlocal-cuisine

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Best Things To Do In Lagos, Nigeria

hen visiting Lagos you won’t lack in things to do. This exciting and culturally diverse city oﬀers something from everyone. From exotic sights to delightful food and cultural activities, there is always something to do. New Afrika Shrine Though the original shrine was burnt down, this replacement is operated by Fela’s children is one of the best places to visit in the area. While visiting you will have access to snacks, wine, and ice cream. Terra Kulture If you are near Bar Beach, you might want to visit this arts center. The Terra Kulture Center is housed in a building with a high bamboo roof that also houses a traditional r e s t a u r a n t considered to be one of the best places to eat in Lagos. There are a number of great dishes to choose from such as the catfish with pounded yam, as well as spicy soup. FUNTOPIA In addition to an art gallery, a bookshop. There is also a theater. Quintessence Located in the gated Parkview estate is one of the most quaint shops in Lagos. Quintessence sells artworks and crafts, clothes and antique carvings and artifacts. If you want colorful clothes as a reminder of your vacation, this is the place to go. They carry a variety of clothes so you’ll have plenty to choose from. Freedom Park At one time this park was the Old Broad Street Prison and an instrument of oppression. Recently, it was converted to a cultural center and venue for events and concerts, as well as a museum. There

is also a food court and a market here. The history buff will also want to see the old prison structures that are still standing. Nike Art Gallery This gallery is operated by one of Nigeria’s most important artists, Nike Okundaye. Here you’ll find contemporary as well as traditional Nigerian arts. The beautiful soul of Nike is evident throughout the gallery. It isn’t unusual for her to drop in so if you’ll lucky you’ll even get to meet this famous artist. Lekki Market Lekki Market offers a rich variety of crafts from both Nigeria and West Africa. If you are searching for affordable gifts, this is an awesome place to shop. In addition to crafts, they sell fabric and clothes. Motherlan’ This outdoor venue is owned by popular maskwearing musician Lagbaja. This is a great place

to listen to some local musicians if you are looking to pass an hour or two. Funtopia Water Park Funtopia Water Park is a fantastic place to check out if you are looking for fun things to do in Lagos. This family park features both indoor and outdoor entertainment with a wide range of activities. The park boasts three giant water slides as well as three interconnecting pools, an arcade and computer center for games. You will also find a billiards center and table tennis, plus much more. https://travelnoire.com/best-things-lagos-nigeria

43 | ABA Publications | Africa TRAVEL | May 2021

Image credit: legit.ng

Travel and Serve

‘Voluntourism Allows Me to Travel and Give Back at the Same Time’ By Ayah A.

n voluntourism, travelers participate in volunteer work for humanitarian or charity organizations. Doing so enables one to travel for little to no cost. For author and social worker Tiffany Heard, this was the perfect way for her to combine her loves of budget travel and serving those in need. The Los Angeles native got her first taste of voluntourism in 2019 after being laid off from her full-time job. What initially seemed like a major setback turned out to be a blessing in disguise. No longer limited to just two weeks of vacation time a year, Tiffany found herself with the freedom to travel whenever she wanted to. It was then that she became intentional about seeking voluntourism opportunities. Faced with a reduction in income, it seemed like a sensible option. Working with an organization called All Hands and Hearts, she and a group of other volunteers traveled to the U.S. Virgin Islands to help build homes for people who had lost their homes in a hurricane. “There had been an awful hurricane that destroyed many homes,” Heard told Travel Noire. So we did things like mucking and gutting, removing everything to prevent mold, rebuilding, and painting. The goal was to make the homes safe again, so their owners could return to them. Some residents worked alongside us, so we had the opportunity to interact with them while finishing up the homes.” A year later, Tiffany went to Spain with a company called Diverbo. Her work on this trip involved teaching English to native Spanish speakers who wanted to gain a better grasp of conversational English. “We had several activities we did with the Spanish natives, including skits, job interviews, presentations, and even dance parties. All of these were very helpful in helping them learn in the most natural way. If you’re a native English speaker, and you love to talk, this is the perfect program for

you! This trip included nice hotel accommodations and three meals a day. It actually felt more like a vacation with new friends.” Tiffany highly recommends voluntourism and encourages others to apply for international volunteer opportunities. The process of signing up for a trip with a volunteer organization, she says, is fairly straightforward. “As a budget traveler, I look for the most cost-effective ways to travel. There are volunteer programs where you have to pay, but I look for free or lowcost programs via Google or Facebook groups. After finding an organization, you have to fill out an application to be accepted. Once you have been accepted, you will be provided with additional details about the program. Then you will be given information on how to proceed and how to travel to your destination.” Even when not on a voluntourism trip, however, Tiffany enjoys giving back and making a difference in any way she can. On her personal trips, she still dedicates a day to performing volunteer work. While in Ghana for the Year of Return, Tiffany and her friends visited an orphanage, where they donated snacks and money for school supplies for the children. “We went in and introduced ourselves and asked the kids to introduce themselves. They all told us what careers they wanted to pursue and then we had a fun dance party! It was magical having the opportunity to connect with them and seeing the sheer joy on their faces.” Tiffany later returned to Ghana on a solo trip and volunteered at a school to teach lessons during the summer. She is conscious about supporting local economies in other ways, as well, such as seeking out local artists, seamstresses, tour guides, photographers, etc. The act of volunteering and giving back, says Tiffany, is a reward in and of itself. She is grateful to be able

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to have a positive impact on people around the world and finds fulfillment in helping others. “I believe that in doing good for others, good karma is certainly returned to me in various ways. I am very blessed, therefore I feel it is my responsibility to be a blessing to others. It truly warms my heart to give back to those who are less fortunate and help make a diﬀerence where it is needed. It also increases my self-confidence, provides me with a purpose, allows me to gain experience, and helps me build a community and a network.” Tiﬀany’s upcoming plans include co-creating a children’s camp in Mexico. She is planning upcoming trips to Colombia, Ghana, and Tanzania. She recently began curating and hosting group trips and also released an adult coloring book titled Hues of Africa: Journey Between the Lines.

“I was inspired to create a travel-themed adult coloring book for several reasons: I needed to create a product that would help me pass time during long flights. I wanted people to learn more about Africa and be inspired to travel to the Motherland.” “Coloring reminds of being a little girl again, and I think we should all have an inner child with a limitless imagination. Coloring books are also known to reduce stress and anxiety. Some say that coloring is a form of meditation.” You can follow Tiffany at @sweettiffys and @ hues_of_africa, or subscribe to her YouTube channel. https://travelnoire.com/voluntourism-allows-meto-travel-and-give-back-at-the-same-time Image credit: Courtesy of Tiffany Heard

45 | ABA Publications | Africa TRAVEL | July 2021

Black-Owned Business

Meet the Woman Behind the Black-Owned Travel Company for Women Over 50 By Brunno Braga

his I Do For Me is a Black-owned travel company that provides international travel and cultural opportunities to African American women over 50. Owned by the Chicagobased entrepreneur Robin Joyce Tillotson, this Black-owned travel company intends to make a difference in the lives of many Black women in their prime. “We use the trips to help us identify what we want to manifest in our ‘second act’ of life,” Tillotson said. “For some that has translated into encore careers, starting new businesses or writing a book.” Travel Noire had the chance to catch up with Tillotson to learn more about her company’s activities and how it is helping women over 50 get more confidence in many aspects of their lives. Travel Noire: How did you come up with the idea of creating this Black-owned travel company? Tillotson: I decided to start the business because I was noticing that women age 50+ were doing for everyone else— grandchildren, aging parents, community organizations, spouses, etc. But, they were not doing anything that was just for them. Many would say continuously that they wanted to travel, and when I would talk to them a year later, they still hadn’t taken any steps to do so. A couple of women said they always wanted to go to Australia, and TIDFM’s inaugural trip was to Sydney, Australia. Now these same women who kept putting off travel now say, “when is the next trip? “ TN: What’s the story behind the company’s name?

Tillotson: The name of the company comes from a saying my mother would use when she would finally do something for herself after sacrificing her own desires. Whenever she would buy something for herself, she would then say, “now, this I do for me.” TN: What are the main profiles of your clients? Tillotson: My clients range from ages 50 through 78. Many of my clients are still actively engaged in the workforce – either through owning their own businesses or serving as administrators in government settings, as clinical therapists,

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attorneys and professional artists. Many have left lucrative careers to start small businesses that line up more with their values as they continue to evolve. Only a small portion of them are retired, and even they don’t see retirement as a time to sit in rocking chairs. But, they have used this new phase as a way to retool, RE-FIRE (versus retire) and rebrand themselves for the second act of their lives. TN: How many people have already used your services since you started? Tillotson: TIDFM has two practice areas; the

travel side and the travel consultation side. Since starting the business in 2015, I have escorted approximately 55 women in small groups of 8-12 to various destinations internationally. On the travel consultation side, I have worked with over 100 women to help them navigate through planning their initial overseas trips. This involves educating them on securing flights, selection of accommodations, identifying culturally unique restaurants, securing of passports/visas, making

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to page 48

Black-Owned Travel

- from page 47

recommendations on the daily excursions and sight-seeing, how to secure foreign currency and appropriate packing and other travel wisdom. TN: How many countries have you visited so far? Tillotson: We have visited 15 countries on all continents except Antarctica. Most of those excursions have taken place on the continents of Europe and Asia. TN: What were the countries that had the most successful experience among the groups who traveled with you? Tillotson: It would be a toss up between Vietnam and Bangkok. My clients have raved about how uniquely designed the itineraries are and that we are not just traveling to a country and sightseeing, but are providing tailor-made experiences that they won’t forget. My clients have been exposed to lantern making, along with having custom designed clothing made in Vietnam. They have played the game of Tejo in Colombia, have taken custom designed cooking classes in Bangkok and worked with business people in Spain to improve their conversational Spanish. TN: You mentioned that “we use the trip to further our self-exploration, which often springboards into identifying what we want to manifest in our second act of life.” How is this done? Tillotson: Many of those who sign up for a TIDFM excursion have not traveled overseas. There is often anxiety about going that distance, which like all anxiety comes from being faced with our comfort zones being disrupted and challenged.

Even though I spend quite a bit of time over the telephone with group members coaching them on anything ranging from how to keep your passport safe to recommendations on the type of walking shoe that is best for a long trip, I can still detect a great deal of nervousness. After having experienced walking across the Sydney Harbor Bridge, or riding in a Cyclo in super busy Hanoi, Vietnam, all the things that many of the women have said they would never do, are now a part of their travel repertoire. I often stand back from the group. I notice that the confidence now shows up in the way they handle culturally challenging situations, their ability to explore the destination on their own, and their excitement about wanting to sign up for the next TIDFM excursion. TN: What’s next? Tillotson: We are going to Ghana in July 2022 (Accra, Kumasi and Elmina/Cape Coast). So many of my followers have been asking when we are going to Africa. One even said to me ” Europe, Asia and Latin America are great, but when are we going home?” So because TIDFM is also about making people’s dreams come to fruition, I made Ghana happen. To find more info about This I Do For Me, visit the company’s official website and on Instagram. https://travelnoire.com/black-owned-travelcompany-for-women-over-50 Image credit: Black Hair, operationgroundswell. com

48 | ABA Publications | Africa TRAVEL | July 2021

Destination Tanzania

Singita Sabora, Tented Camp

e-opening 2020, return to the Serengeti Plains and rediscover Singata Sabora Tented Camp, Grumeti, Tanzania. Striking the perfect balance between the spirit of classic tented safaris and timeless modernity, Singita Sabora Tented Camp is located right on the Serengeti plains, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the camp’s unrivalled setting and maximising the thrill of sleeping under canvas. In the main lodge, a unique “Guest Deli” boasts wicker baskets and fridges filled with gourmet bites, from which guests can select treats to enjoy in their suites. There’s a separate pool area, two intimate dining rooms and an open-plan bar and lounge – all adding to Sabora’s understated look, which emphasises tailored luxury. Oﬀering superb game-viewing opportunities all

year round, the camp is also set on the Great Wildebeest Migration route; and guided game walks on foot further enhance experiencing the Serengeti plains up close. Featuring nine tented suites set close to the ground, the camp echoes the earthy colour palette of the bush, while modern interpretations of campaign furniture evoke the romance of East African adventures. Each immaculate suite oﬀers sweeping views, a meditation deck, a private fitness area and a secluded outdoor sala with daybeds and scatter cushions from where to marvel at the wildlife passing by. They also boast a beautifully curated kitchenette and dining area. https://singita.com/ lodge/singita-saboratented-camp

49 | ABA Publications | Africa TRAVEL | July 2021

Know Before You Go!

Traveling to Ghana During Covid-19: What You Need to Know Before You Go By CNN Staﬀ

f you’re planning to travel to Ghana, here’s what you’ll need to know and expect if you want to visit during the global coronavirus pandemic.

The basics Ghana reopened to international flights in September 2020. However, land and sea borders remain closed. All visitors must have proof of a negative test and take a further test on arrival.

What’s on oﬀer Ghana may be blessed with some of West Africa’s finest beaches, but it’s so much more than a place to sunbathe. Its coastal forts oﬀer an unflinching insight into the slave trade which was run by the British from these shores. The rambling Kejetia Market, in Kumasi, in the southwest of the country, is said to be the largest in this part of the continent, selling everything from jewelry to footwear. In the north, Mole National Park is the ideal place to see some of Africa’s most famous animals, including elephants, hippos

and warthogs.

Who can go

All visitors are now allowed into Ghana via Accra, as long as they have a negative test or Meet the resident elephants in Gha undertake a second test on arrival at Kotoka International Airport.

What are restrictions?

the

• Unless they are Ghanaian residents who are returning to the country after having been away for one week or less, all passengers

St George’s Castle, Elmina Ghana (Max Milligan/Getty) 50 | ABA Publications | Africa TRAVEL | July 2021

aged five and over must have proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure and also undertake an additional antigen test on arrival. This

to undertake the mandatory antigen test on arrival. • In April, Ghana began digital verification of Covid-19 test results, to combat the circulation of fake results. • Anyone testing positive on arrival will immediately be transferred to hospital for further assessment. Non-residents required to isolate in a government health facility must do so at their own cost, while for Ghanaians the cost will be covered by the state. • All passengers must complete an online health declaration form and may be asked to do so again on board before landing.

What’s the Covid situation? Ghana had registered 96,317 cases of Covid-19 and 796 deaths as of July 5. The US has moved Ghana to its Level 1 travel advisory, putting it among the world’s lowestrisk destinations, where travel is permitted and full vaccination is advised.

ana’s Mole National Park © Shutterstock

What can visitors expect? Masks are mandatory in public and when using public transit -- not wearing one is an arrestable oﬀense. This includes in places such as markets and car parks.

Useful links • Ghana Health Service • Ministry of Health health declaration form www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/traveling-toghana-during-covid-19-what-you-need-to-knowbefore-you-go/ar-BB1clnfU Image credits: ghanaculturepolitics.com, Matador Network

costs $50 per passenger for Ghanaians and citizens of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and $150 for everyone else, with results available within 30 minutes. Payment must be made online prior to boarding the flight to Ghana. • Ghanaian residents who have left Ghana for one week or less do not need to present a negative PCR test for departure, but still have 51 | ABA Publications | Africa TRAVEL | July 2021

Coastal Beach Accra

An African Desert Experience

ur Home in the Wild - Habitas Namibia is our home in Africa and a conservation project set in over 50,000 hectares of nature and wildlife. Join us on an unforgettable adventure to explore, learn and discover the unique wildlife, nature and culture of Namibia. Our Neighbors - Habitas Rise aims to preserve local culture and wildlife through education and employment opportunities, wildlife conservation and sustainable practices. Our Local Initiatives - Our mission is to preserve and protect those who were here before us. We are surrounded by diverse natural habitats and hundreds of rare species of wildlife such as rhinos, zebras, wildebeest and more. We provide a safe haven for endangered problem species by integrating these species on our reserve. Habitas RISE aims to support Namibia’s communities by empowering locals through job opportunities and hospitality training in partnership with Saira Hospitality. Habitas and Saira have partnered to employ locals, recruiting 70 people

Habitas N for hospitality training and hired 14 people to work full time. Dining - Our menu at Habitas Namibia is to showcase Namibia’s versatile cuisine in an refined yet rustic manner. Our dishes feature local ingredients paired with globally-inspired flavors. Our Rooms - Made from natural materials, each room is integrated into its environment and designed with comfort, sustainability and understated luxury in mind. Elevated above the savanna on top of the hill, each Safari Room is equipped with sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding landscape that connect you to nature and decorated with local crafts and custom-made furnishings. www.ourhabitas.com/namibi

Namibia

Surfing Africa

African Waves: Meet the Man Behind Senegal’s Black-Owned SurfVillage By Parker Diakite

abacar Thiaw, the man behind Senegal’s Black-owned surf village, has been surfing since he was six years old. His dad would take him to the beach where he watched his father go scuba diving. “My father would go out and get some fish or hang out with his friends. They were like family,” said Thiaw “I used to think as a child, ‘when I grow up, I would like to keep this legacy.’ Thiaw would give surfing lessons to people on the weekends and during his spare time, to help him pay through school. After graduation, he invested all of his energy into the restaurant and surf village he owns in Dakar called Copa Cabana Surf Village. “I wanted to bring a local Black-owned business to our community because everything here in Senegal is owned by the Lebanese or French people. For me, it’s very important that we have something to pass from generation to generation,” he told Travel Noire. He also wanted to put surfing in Africa on the map and change the face of an activity that has been too often, represented by non-Black faces. “We have a big surfing community here, but we don’t see the investment or advertisement that you may see in places like Hawaii or Australia. Here in Africa, we don’t have sponsors and that’s been the challenge. Growing up, I wanted to compete in surfing. I realized that surfing doesn’t sponsor children the way soccer does. It costs a lot of money.” That’s why he makes it his mission to help the children in his community surf without the cost barrier (Senesurf Surfboard Fund). 54 | ABA Publications | Africa TRAVEL | May 2021

When you book with Copa Surf Village, you will get a one-on-one session or you can choose to learn with a group. “We start out with an initiation of the beach before we go to the water. I show people all the basics that they need to know during surfing and after that we go surfing.

You can book with Copa Cabana for roughly $28. Find out more information including the Zero Waste anti-pollution campaign on the company website or on Instagram. https://travelnoire.com/man-behind-senegalsblack-owned-surf-village Image credit: Babacar Thiaw

55 | ABA Publications | Africa TRAVEL | May 2021

Nairobi National Park Expanded from 29,000 By BULLETIN REPORTER

he Nairobi National Park was recently expanded to almost three times its original size, Tourism CS Najib Balala announced. In a statement from the Ministry, CS Balala outlined that 32,000 acres that originally belonged to the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) had oﬃcially been transferred to Nairobi National Park. The Swara Plains Conservancy whose expanse goes into Machakos County gave up an additional 15,000 acres. The government further donated 2,000 acres of the Sheep and Goat Ranch which lies between the park and the donated lands to act as a linking corridor for the newly expanded park. CS Balala explained that the additional land will be dedicated to wildlife conservation as he oﬃcially inaugurated the task force on wildlife corridor connectivity between Nairobi National Park and the Athi-Kapiti plains. “I wish to take this opportunity to thank the two conservancies on behalf of the government and the people of Kenya for this wonderful gift that will ensure our unique biodiversity thrives

for posterity. This will be an essential wildlife corridor, for the animal population in the Nairobi National Park,” he stated. https://kenyanbulletin. 56 | ABA Publications | Africa TRAVEL | July 2021

0 Acres to 78,000 Acres

com/2020/09/25/nairobi-national-park-expandedfrom-29000-acres-to-78000-acres/ Image credits: fountaingatetours.com, penfamtours.com, kenya.revolucontent.com, behance.net

A Smart Ghana Repatriation Guide by Diallo Sumbry - Ghana’s first African American Tourism Ambassador - is an honest blend of personal experiences, lessons, and practical tips that provide a timely contribution to the “Back to Africa” renaissance sparked by Ghana’s 2019 Year of Return. A Smart Ghana Repatriation Guide oﬀers the reader an accompanying virtual experience with each chapter through the use of scannable QR codes imbedded in the text. The book features contributions from several guest authors, whose unique perspectives lend color and credibility to this most useful resource. Get yours at www.birthrightjourney.com/ asmartghanarepatriationguide.

57 | ABA Publications | Africa TRAVEL | July 2021

Travel - Be Safe

TSA: What to Know Befo Face Coverings and Social Distancing

TSA ofﬁcers ar required to we surgical masks and gloves.

Practice social distancing. 6 feet

TSA

Phased installa of plastic shiel at points of int between passe and TSA ofﬁce (e.g., checkpoin checked bagga drop-off, etc.)

Checkpoint ﬂoors have visual reminders of appropriate spacing. Travelers should wear face coverings. Travelers who require an accommodation due to a disability or medical condition should alert the TSA ofﬁcer.

Travelers may have to adjust their face coverings for IDveriﬁcation or remove for secondary screening.

Cleaning and Disinfecting 12 oz.

TSA is allowing one liquid hand sanitizer container, up to 12 ounces per passenger, in carry-on bags.

TSA ofﬁcers will change their gloves with each pat-down and upon passenger request.

New Explosives Trace Detection swab used for each person.

58 | ABA Publications | Africa TRAVEL | July 2021

Increased cleaning an disinfecting of frequen touched surfaces and screening equipment, including bins.

ore You Go

re ear

ation ding teraction engers ers. nt, age

Reduced Physical Contact

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Travelers keep possession of their IDs and boarding passes, place on the reader, and hold up for visual inspection.

TSA Website: www.tsa.gov/coronavirus

Remove belts and all items from pockets and put them in carry-ons instead of bins.*

TSA Safety Video: www.tsa.gov/videos/stayhealthy-stay-secure

Remove food items from carry-on bags and place in bin for screening.*

Travelers may be directed outside of the checkpoint to remove or repack items (e.g., laptops, liquids, gels, aerosols and large electronics).

d ntly security * Does not apply to TSA PreCheck™ members.

CDC Dashboard: www.cdc.gov/ coronavirus/2019-ncov/ whats-new-all.html COVID-19 Testing: www.cdc.gov/ coronavirus/2019-ncov/ symptoms-testing/ testing.html COVID-19 Travel Recommendations by Destination: www.cdc.gov/ coronavirus/2019-ncov/ travelers/map-and-travelnotices.html

Stay Healthy. Stay Secure. tsa.gov/coronavirus 59 | ABA Publications | Africa TRAVEL | July 2021

Trqavel Considerations - Pandemic

Traveling to an African Country? Here’s What you Need to Know By Tim McDonnell

he coronavirus pandemic has been harsh for Africa’s $50 billion tourism industry, with the fall-off in foreign visitors likely to knock out more than 6% of countries’ GDP on average in 2021, according to the UN. Last month, tourism officials and industry groups in South Africa launched a marketing campaign aimed at countering the blow to the country’s reputation from its association with a namesake Covid-19 variant. And on June 24, officials in Egypt—the continent’s number-two tourist destination, with more than 11 million annual visitors pre-pandemic—dropped the requirement of a negative Covid-19 test to enter the country for anyone who can show proof of vaccination. For travelers from the US and Europe, most of Africa‘s top tourist countries are largely open for business, albeit with quarantines and other measures in some cases. In all of these countries except Egypt, South Africa, Tunisia, and Mozambique, overland borders, as opposed to international airports, remain fully closed. Some, including Egypt and South Africa, remain on the UK‘s red list of countries that require a quarantine upon return. Here’s a breakdown of entry requirements for the top 10 tourist destinations in Africa (ranked by number of pre-pandemic annual visitors). In all of these countries except Egypt, South Africa, Tunisia, and Mozambique, land borders remain closed. This information was compiled from government sources by Shoreland Travax, a Wisconsin-based travel health consultancy, and is current as of July 7.

Morocco Morocco’s ports remain closed to cruise ships, except ferries from Sète, France and Genoa, Italy. With some case-by-case exemptions, noncitizens arriving from some countries are not

permitted to enter; those arriving from those countries with an exemption must quarantine at a governmentdesignated hotel for 10 days. Noncitizens arriving from any other country do not need to quarantine, but must present negative results from a PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival, unless they can show proof of vaccination with the AstraZeneca, Covishield, Gamaleya, Janssen/J&J, Moderna, Pfizer, Sinopharm, or Sinovac vaccine.

Egypt Non-citizens over the age of six arriving from some countries must present negative results from a PCR test taken within 96 hours prior to departure; for all other countries, the test must be taken within 72 hours of departure. Travelers with a QR code-based proof of receiving the AstraZeneca, Gamaleya, Janssen/J&J, Moderna, Pfizer, Sinopharm, or Sinovac vaccine, with the final dose received at least 15 days prior to arrival, are exempt from testing requirements. No quarantine is required.

South Africa Non-citizens arriving from any country must present negative results from a PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to departure. Travelers are required to download the country’s virus tracking app. No quarantine is required.

Tunisia Non-citizens arriving from any country must present negative results, with a QR code, from a PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to departure. All travelers except those arriving from Libya must quarantine at home or other accommodation for 7 days and undergo antigen testing 5 days after arrival. Travelers with proof of having recovered from Covid-19 within six weeks of arrival are

60 | ABA Publications | Africa TRAVEL | July 2021

departure.

Côte d’Ivoire All travelers must present negative results from a PCR test taken within five days of departure, and may be required to quarantine for up to 14 days with physical or electronic monitoring. In order to exit the country, all travelers over age 10 must present negative results from a PCR test taken within five days of departure.

Kenya

exempt from testing and quarantine requirements, as are those with proof of at least one vaccine dose.

Mozambique International airports are closed to passenger flights except those arriving from Ethiopia, Kenya, Portugal, Qatar, South Africa, or Turkey. All travelers over age 11 must present negative results from a PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival, and may be required to test again on arrival.

Algeria International airports are closed to passenger flights except those arriving from France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Tunisia, or Turkey, and non-citizens may enter only from those countries. These flights are few and far between. All travelers over age 12 must present negative results from a PCR test taken within 36 hours of arrival, and must quarantine at a government-designated hotel for five days with a PCR test on the fifth day, or for 10 days without a followup test.

Zimbabwe Non-citizens arriving from any country except India must present negative results from a PCR test taken within 48 hours of arrival, and quarantine at home or other accommodation for 10 days. Any traveler arriving from India must undergo testing on arrival, and then quarantine. In order to exit the country, all travelers must present negative results from a PCR test taken within 48 hours of

International airports are closed to passenger flights from India, and ports are closed to cruise ships. Non-citizens who have been in, or had a transit stop in, India in the last 14 days may not enter. All travelers over age 5, including those in transit through a Kenyan international airport, must present negative results, with a QR code, from a PCR test taken within 96 hours of departure. All travelers who have been in Brunei, Ireland, Kuwait, Pakistan, or Thailand within the last 14 days must quarantine in a government-designated hotel for 14 days. All travelers arriving from the UK must quarantine at home or another accommodation for seven days and undergo PCR testing 4 days after arrival. In order to exit the country, all travelers must present negative results, with a QR code, from a PCR test.

Uganda All travelers who have been in, or had a transit stop in, India in the last 14 days may not enter. All travelers over age 3 must present negative results from a PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure. Except those from designated countries3, all travelers must undergo PCR testing on arrival and quarantine at a governmentdesignated hotel until test results are available. In order to exit the country, all travelers must present negative results from a PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure. Vaccinated travelers from the designated countries are exempt from testing and quarantine requirements. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/traveling-africancountry-know-123022147.html Source: https://qz.com/africa/2032210/egypt-easescovid-19-restrictions-in-order-to-draw-tourists

61 | ABA Publications | Africa TRAVEL | July 2021

Our Health

CDC Approves At-Home COVID Test International Travel By Michelle Baran

raveling to the United States from abroad, or returning to the U.S. from another country, just got a little less complicated thanks to new guidance from the CDC regarding its testing requirement for international travel (www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/ testing-international-air-travelers.html).

In a May 7 update the agency stated that “international air passengers traveling to the United States can use a self-test (sometimes referred to as home test).” As of January 26, all international passengers age two and older flying into the U.S. (including returning U.S. citizens and permanent residents) must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test procured within three days before boarding their flight to the U.S. When the CDC first introduced the order in January and until the May 7 update, the tests had to be laboratory generated. Now, they can be self-administered tests as long as they meet these criteria: • The test must be either a viral antigen test or a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT), such as a polymerase chain (PCR) test, reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) test, or a transcriptionmediated amplification test. • The test must have Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). • The testing procedure must include a telehealth video call during which someone authorized by the manufacturer supervises the testing procedure. (Note that some FDAauthorized self-tests that include a telehealth service may require a prescription, according to the CDC.) • The telehealth provider must issue a report confirming the patient’s identity, the name of

the laboratory or healthcare entity, the type of test, and the specimen collection date. Numerous airlines as well as international hotels in destinations currently allowing in American travelers, including Mexico, Costa Rica, and the Caribbean, have introduced testing options and resources to help Americans fulfill the CDC testing requirement. But this self-test option could certainly make international travel a little easier. The CDC reminds international travelers that some countries may have rules or restrictions in place regarding the importation of COVID-19 test kits that are not authorized or registered there. “Travelers who are considering bringing a U.S.authorized test with them for use outside of the United States should contact authorities at their destination for information before they travel,” the CDC advises. So, what are the options for test kits for those who would like to try to bring one along? The problem with most at-home test kits is that the vast majority still require users to physically mail their sample to a laboratory. That’s fine if you’re in the United States, but obviously that’s not very plausible if you’re abroad and need a test result from within three days of flying to the United States. There is, however, one COVID-19 test kit we found that meets the CDC requirements and oﬀers the selftest option, produces results without a laboratory, and includes a telehealth service. The BinaxNOW Antigen home kit (www. emed.com/products/covid-at-home-testkit-sixpack?hsLang=en) is sold as a six-pack at eMed.

com. The BinaxNOW COVID-19 home test is one of the few tests on the market with FDA emergency use authorization that does not require the user to ship a sample to a lab (and it also doesn’t require a prescription from your healthcare

62 | ABA Publications | Africa TRAVEL | May 2021

ts for

provider). It’s a rapid antigen self-test designed to detect both asymptomatic and symptomatic COVID-19. It can be used for children as young as 2 when the sample is collected by an adult— those 15 and older can collect their own sample. “It was super easy,” says Bryan Kinkade, AFAR’s publisher, who recently used the BinaxNow home tests for himself and his family for a trip to Costa Rica. His one piece of advice is to make sure to have “a solid Wi-Fi connection” so that you can download the app and conduct the telehealth video call. “They walk you through the entire process,” he says, remarking that the test is very similar to a pregnancy test—after 10 minutes or so the results pop up on the reader. “The healthcare provider comes back on camera to verify the results that you hold up to the camera, and then you can instantly see [your] results in the app.” After getting his results, he uploaded them directly into the United app to check in for the flight back to the United States. “I repeated the process with my wife and son, and 45 minutes after we started, my son was walking back to the beach for an afternoon surf. We were down there with some friends who were stressed out all week hoping that the local clinic would be open, that there wouldn’t be a line or any issues getting results back quickly.” BinaxNOW was developed by health and medical diagnostics company Abbott. A trained telehealth

professional guides users through the at-home self-test via a video call using Abbott’s NAVICA mobile app, where they can also access their COVID-19 test results. The standard kit comes with two nasal swabs—the technique for sample collection is less invasive than the very deep nasal swab sample collection we’ve all heard horror stories about (if not endured ourselves). Some of the other at-home COVID-19 test kits on the market with the option to mail the sample to a laboratory include one from LetsGetChecked that American Airlines also oﬀers its customers, a saliva test made by Clinical Reference Laboratory and available through Walgreens Find Care (Walgreens also sells a home test kit made by Everlywell), and Pixel by Labcorp. It is worth checking for updates on these products in the coming days and weeks as the new CDC announcement could result in the developers creating a version that is compatible with the new self-test option. Vault also oﬀers a kit for travel to the U.S. from Mexico, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic with an international shipping option. Correction (May 11, 2021): The original version of this article mentioned that the BinaxNOW COVID-19 Antigen Self Test, available at Walgreens, satisfies the CDC’s requirement for international arrivals. That test does not meet the CDC’s requirements and is intended for personal use. The BinaxNOW COVID-19 Antigen Home Test, available on eMed.com and mentioned above, does meet the CDC’s requirements for international arrivals. www.afar.com/magazine/cdc-approves-at-homecovid-tests-for-international-travel

63 | ABA Publications | Africa TRAVEL | May 2021

Cape Verde: The Achievements and Challenges After 46 Years of Independence By Brunno Braga

uly 5th is recognized as Independence Day for Cape Verde. After being colonized by Portugal from 1460 to 1975, the African archipelago has made several strides, but it also has challenges ahead. Cape Verde is made up of a group of 10 islands in the Atlantic Ocean. Given its strategic position— linking Europe, Africa and South America— the islands served as a trading and supply post, with particular emphasis on the slave trade. Soon, the archipelago became a center of concentration and dispersion of men, plants and animals. Eventually, free Europeans and enslaved Africans merged into a single people, Cape Verdean. Creole emerged as the language of the local people, and the mixed ethnicities helped to create a unique culture. Food and music are two things that gained a special flavor and show oﬀ the best representation of the country. The most popular artist from the country is Cesara Évora, who is said to be the most respected African singer in the world.

Cape Verde Fighting Against Colonialism After World War II, Africa colonies began to fight for their independence. In Cape Verde, this was no diﬀerent. In 1956, Amílcar Cabral created the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC), fighting colonialism and starting a march towards independence. Aware of the fact that fighting against colonialism was also a fight against white European racism, Cabral once said during one of his speeches: “The colonists usually say that it was they who brought us into history: today we show that this is not so. They made us leave history, our history, to follow them, right at the back, to follow the progress of their history. In combating racism, we do not

make progress if we combat the people themselves. We have to combat the causes of racism. If a bandit comes to my house and I have a gun, I cannot shoot the shadow Nossa Senhora do Rosário church of the bandit; I have to shoot the bandit. Many people lose energy and eﬀort, and make sacrifices fighting shadows. We have to combat the reality of the material that produces the shadow.” On December 19, 1974, an agreement was

64 | ABA Publications | Africa TRAVEL | July 2021

Verdean people. Brazil, Portugal, USA, and now, some UAE countries are the main destinations. From the early 2000s onwards, the tourism sector became the most important economic activity. With breathtaking landscapes, beautiful beaches and amazing local cuisine, Cape Verde attracts visitors from Europe and other parts of the world. signed between the PAIGC and Portugal, establishing a transitional government in Cape Verde. This same government held the elections for a National Popular Assembly that on July 5, 1975, proclaimed Cape Verde’s independence. The cultural demarcation in relation to Portugal and the dissemination of nationalist ideas led to the archipelago’s independence in July 1975. In 1991, following the country’s first multi-party elections, a parliamentary democracy with all the institutions of a modern democracy was established decades after Cape Verde independence process. Since then, Cape Verde has been a country with social stability and peace, but dealing to overcome social problems that aﬀect the majority of the population. The country has experienced some social advancements, one of them being the opening of its first public university in 2008. However, today in Cape Verde, the emigration of its young male population is an issue. “Freely leaving the islands of Cape Verde to go to work and live abroad is seen by Cape Verdeans as an inevitability and also as a hope to “emigrate to survive,” Pedro Gois, a professor at the University of Coimbra told Travel Noire. For him, the continuous emigration of an important part of its population over the last century is the main singularity of the Cape

Blue Marlin Fishing Discover one of the most famous blue marlin fishing spots in the world. The Cape Verde islands in the Atlantic Ocean are located 600 km oﬀ the west coast of Senegal in West Africa. Turquoise waters, ideal sea temperatures between 23 and 26 degrees Celcius, and one of the world’s top ten coral reef biodiversity hotspots, all make this archipelago a unique place on earth. You can reserve a boat from March to December. Cape Verde is a year-round fishing spot and during the peak season, from March to July, it is not uncommon to have more than fifteen bites from blues per day! Besides the blue marlin there are yellow fin tuna, white marlin, sailfish, wahoo, dorado,and you can even try your luck with several diﬀerent shark species.

UNESCO World Heritage Site Cidade Velha (Portuguese for “old city”, also: Santiago de Cabo Verde) is a city in the southern part of the island of Santiago, Cape Verde. Founded in 1462, it is the oldest settlement in Cape Verde and its former capital. Once called Ribeira Grande, its name was changed to Cidade Velha in the late 18th century. It is the seat of the Ribeira Grande de Santiago municipality. Located oﬀ Africa’s northwest coast, this town was the first European colonial settlement in the tropics. Some of the meticulously planned original design of the site is still intact, including a royal fortress, two churches and a 16th-century town square. Today, Cidade Velha is an Atlantic shipping stop and center for Creole culture. The city became a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of Portuguese Origin in the World in 2009. https://travelnoire.com/cape-verdeindependence-day Image credits: Pinterest, tomscatch.com

65 | ABA Publications | Africa TRAVEL | July 2021

Bringing History to Life

Child’s Grave is Earliest Known Burial Site in Africa By James Gorman

A virtual ideal reconstruction of the burial position of Mtoto, a 3-year-old boy buried 78,000 years ago. Credit...Jorge González/Elena Santos

esearchers have identified the earliest known human burial in Africa at Panga ya Saidi, a cave near the Kenyan coast. A child, probably a boy of about 2-1/2 to 3 years old, was placed in a pit about 78,000 years ago, laid carefully on his side, curled up, likely with some kind of pillow under his head. Modern humans and Neanderthals buried their dead in Europe and the Middle East at multiple sites that have been dated as 120,000 years old. But little evidence of burial behaviors has been uncovered in Africa, the acknowledged origin of modern humans. One possible burial

in South Africa dates to about 74,000 years ago and another in Egypt to 68,000 years ago. The burial of this person the researchers named Mtoto, meaning “child” in Swahili, clearly shows intentional care that characterizes what scientists call funerary behavior, as opposed to merely placing remains at a distance from a camp. Maria Martinon-Torres, director of the National Research Center on Human Evolution in Burgos, Spain, and one of the primary authors of the report on the burial published recently in the journal Nature (www.nature.com/articles/s41586-

66 | ABA Publications | Africa TRAVEL | July 2021

The cave site of Panga ya Saidi, in southeastern Kenya. Credit...Mohammad Javad Shoaee

021-03457-8),

said that the way that the skeleton had collapsed indicated that something was placed under the head of the child. The torso appeared to have been wrapped in material that later disintegrated, “something like big leaves, like plants or perhaps animal skin,” she said. She said the covering, in addition to the digging of a pit and the apparent use of some sort of pillow for the head, suggested the “involvement of the community in putting the child in this very specific position.” The scarcity of known burial sites in Africa is puzzling, she said, and could be explained by the use of other practices for tending to the dead, or by a lack of suﬃcient scientific field work, or because the cultural ritual of burial practice evolved in modern humans elsewhere and came later to Africa.

The remains of the child, while clearly Homo sapiens, also showed some dental characteristics that were diﬀerent from other human remains, perhaps supporting the idea that modern humans evolved in more than one part of Africa, as small bands of people traveled and mixed with others, rather than in one particular place. Dr. Martinon-Torres thinks the Kenyan site may well yield more burials and more hints about how one of the most distinctive behaviors of humans originated and changed over time. “Humans are the only species that treat the dead with the same consideration, respect and delicacy, and if we even say tenderness, that we dedicate to the living,” she said. www.nytimes.com/2021/05/05/science/earliesthuman-burial-africa.html?partner=slack&smid=slshare

67 | ABA Publications | Africa TRAVEL | July 2021

Cruises are Coming Back

Reaching Africa by Sea Edited by ABA Staﬀ

Oce Iber

fter an extraordinary shutdown, cruise lines are ready to go. Only question is, which of the options and itineraries meets your travel and vacation needs.

Crystal Cruise Line The 62-passenger Crystal Esprit will return to the Seyhelles this December. The superyachtinspired ship oﬀers butler service with every suite,

plus a submarine for exploring the archipelago’s vibrant coral reefs. The submarine has the capacity to hold three people including the captain on 30-minute excursions. You can go as deep as 1,000 feet underneath the water and see sea life in a way that you can’t through snorkeling or diving. Explore the Crystal Esprit details on the

68 | ABA Publications | Africa TRAVEL | July 2021

Oceania Cruises The cruise line is promoting their 2022 excursions now. All of the details are on their website at www.oceaniacruises.com. The line touches Africa on the Crystal Esprit submarine continent’s north coast - Morocco. The Iberian Impressions 7-day excursion on the Nautica sails from Barcelona to Lisbon Crystal Cruise Line website at www.crystalcruises. starting in July 27, 2022. On July 30th, you spend com. Search Crystal Cruise lines site Destination the day in Casablanca. Guide - The Seychelles and Madagascar are www.travelandleisure.com found in the Indian Ocean grouping rather than Image credit: CNBC, www.oceaniacruises.com the Africa grouping.

eania Cruise Lines rian Expressions - Nautica

69 | ABA Publications | Africa TRAVEL | July 2021

WORLD HERITAGE SITE

Koutammakou, the Land of the Batammariba - Togo

he Koutammakou landscape in north-eastern Togo, which extends into neighbouring Benin, is home to the Batammariba whose remarkable mud tower-houses (Takienta) have come to be seen as a symbol of Togo. In this landscape, nature is strongly associated with the rituals and beliefs of society. The 50,000-ha cultural landscape is remarkable due to the architecture of its tower-houses which are a reflection of social structure; its farmland and forest; and the associations between people and landscape. Many of the buildings are two storeys high and those with granaries feature an almost spherical form above a cylindrical base. Some of the buildings have flat roofs, others have conical thatched roofs. They are grouped in villages, which also include ceremonial spaces, springs, rocks and sites reserved for initiation ceremonies. Koutammakou is an outstanding example of territorial occupation by a people in constant search of harmony between man and the surrounding nature. However, the Koutammakou cultural landscape possesses 70 | ABA Publications | Africa TRAVEL | July 2021

a particular characteristic. Indeed, the “takienta”, a basic family dwelling where technical, utilitarian and symbolic elements are combined, is unique. Although many dwellings of the region possess fairly strong symbolic dimensions, none possess such a close interrelationship between symbolism, function and technique. This particular type of dwelling, which owes its aesthetic aspect to the spectacular shapes, is the result of the creative genius of the Batammariba : « those who model the earth » or, by extension, « the good masons » according to the translation of some anthropologists. The Koutammakou, as an evolving living landscape, exhibits all the facets of an agricultural society working in harmony with the landscape and where nature underpins beliefs, rituals and everyday life. It comprises tangible elements such as sacred rocks, forests, houses, fields, sources of construction materials, wild and domesticated animals, as well as intangible elements including beliefs, craft techniques, songs, dances, traditional sports, etc. The Koutammakou landscape is an authentic reflection of a particular life style. No elements in the landscape are of any great age; rather, the overall landscape reflects the processes and practices that prevail over many centuries. In order to conserve its authenticity, these traditional practices must be maintained. Education, centralization of administrative power, religions, tourism, monetary system and the appearance of new needs have all exercised their influence. Despite these aggressions that tend to unsettle the Tammari society, very strong and motivated centres exist in all the villages that constitute this melting-pot where the essential elements of the Tammari culture mix and persist throughout time and space. Therefore, despite the threat of globalization, expressions of culture and identity persist. Thus, and in spite of the development of small urban centres, (almost all at Nodoba), it is always the original landscape that can be observed today, with villages in which the houses are each located in the middle of their cultivated plots, spaced out and independent. The natural space is also very present, even though it would be desirable that some of its elements be reconstituted – it should be noted that this mainly concerns the « neutral » natural areas. Indeed, the authenticity of all the sacred areas remains intact. https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1140/ Image credit: © CRA-terre Author: Thierry Joﬀroy

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Travel Africa Where To Go, What To Do

Festival National des Arts et de la Culture (FENAC) in December CAPITAL: Yaoundé www.cameroun-infotourisme.com

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

Kisantu Botanical Gardens, DRC

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 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

karly.be

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: +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

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The Comoros

www.embarege-londres.org

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

Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

Frère Gillet Botanic Gardens world-famous rare orchids (Kisantu) 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

Arena Blanca Pico Malabo Volcano (mountain climbing) Cascades of Moca CAPITAL: Malabo

Eritrea

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

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 www.legabon.org

The Gambia

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

73 | ABA Publications | Africa TRAVEL | July 2021

to page 74

Travel Africa

Libya

- from page 73

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

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

Kenya

Madagascar

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

The Mobee Museum

Fianarantsoa (Capital of Wine) Montagne d’Arbre National Park Queen’s Palace CAPITAL: Antananarivo

Badagry, Lagos State, Nigeria

www.madagascar-tourisme.com

Lesotho

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

Liberia

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

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

74 | ABA Publications | Africa TRAVEL | July 2021

Mauritania

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

Mauritius

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

Morocco

Todra and Dades Oualata, Mauritania Wall designing Pinterest Gorges Talassemtane National Park CAPITAL: Lagos Essaouira www.tourism.gov.ng CAPITAL: Rabat Republic of the Congo www.visitmorocco.com Loufoulakari Falls Mozambique Loango (main embarkation port for slaves) Maputo Elephant Park Congo Rapids Gorongosa National Park CAPITAL: Brazzaville Bazaruto Archipelago Direction Generale du Tourisme et des Loisirs, CAPITAL: Maputo Tel: 830 953 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

Reunion

Piton des Neiges Plaine d’Affouches Le Voile de la Mariée (The Bride’s Veil) CAPITAL: Saint-Denis ot.saint-pierre@wanadoo.fr

Rwanda

Cards From Africa, Kigali Parc National des Volcans Gorilla Trek Nyungwe Forest Canopy Walk CAPITAL: Kigali www.rwandatourism.com/

São Tomé & Principe

Bom Bom Island Deep Sea Fishing Humpback Whale Watching Agua Izé Plantation to page 76

75 | ABA Publications | Africa TRAVEL | July 2021

Travel Africa

- from page 75

CAPITAL: São Tomé www.saotome.st

Senegal

African Renaissance Monument Retba (Pink) Lake Maison des Enclaves (House of Slaves), Goree Island 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 www.welcometosierraleone.org

Somalia

Hargeisa National Park Neolithic Paintings Las Geel Indian Ocean Coastal Beaches CAPITAL: Mogadishu www.somali-gov.info/Tourism/index.html

Somaliland

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 CAPITAL: Johannesburg www.whitesharkfestival.org www.nelsonmandela.org www.zulu.org.za www.southafrica.net

South Sudan mikakuplanet.com

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

Bagamoyo Slave Trail Katavi Plains National Park Ngorongoro Crater Stone Town, Zanzibar CAPITAL: Dodoma

76 | ABA Publications | Africa TRAVEL | July 2021

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:

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

www.worldtravelguide.net/africa www.internationaltouristboards.com www.worldtourismdirectory.com/directory/africa/ index.html

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

Iles de Los, Conakry, Guinea 77 | ABA Publications | Africa TRAVEL | July 2021

Ski Africa

Overview: Skiing in Africa

here are currently 10 indoor and outdoor ski resorts set in the nations of Kingdom of Morocco, Republic of Egypt, Republic of Algeria, Kingdom of Lesotho, Republic of Namibia, and the Republic of South Africa. There are 4 unconfirmed ski resorts. The following facts provide an overview of the ski regions of Africa: Elevation of the Ski Resorts 70 m - 3268 m Elevation Diﬀerence max. 658 m in one ski resort Slopes 21 km (max. 10 km in one ski resort) Ski Lifts 23 (max. 7 in one ski resort) Ski Passes € 14.40 to € 30.74

Oukaimeden

www.skiresort.info/ski-resort/ oukaimeden The ski resort Oukaïmeden is located in the Marrakesh-TensiftEl Haouz Region (Morocco). For skiing and snowboarding, there are 10 km of slopes available. 7 lifts transport the guests. The winter sports area is situated between the elevations of 2,610 and 3,268 m.

Chréa

Afriski Mountain Resort, Lesotho

www.skiresort.info/ski-resort/ chrea/ The ski resort Chréa is located in the Province of Blida (Algeria). For skiing and snowboarding, there are 0.5 km of slopes available. 3 lifts transport the guests. The winter sports area is situated between the elevations of 1,460 and 1,550 m.

Afriski Mountain Resort

www.skiresort.info/ski-resort/ afriski-mountain-resort The ski resort Afriski Mountain Resort is located in the ButhaButhe District (Lesotho). For skiing and snowboarding, there are 1.8 km of slopes available. 2 lifts transport the guests. The winter sports area is situated between the elevations of 3,030 and 3,222 m. AfriSki, the only skiing resort in the Kingdom of Lesotho, is located 78 | ABA Publications | Africa TRAVEL | July 2021

3222 m above sea-level in the Maluti Mountains. It oﬀers a main Ski slope, a beginners slope and operates during the winter months.

Tiffindell

www.skiresort.info/ski-resort/ tiffindell The ski resort Tiffindell is located in the Province of Eastern Cape (South Africa). For skiing and snowboarding, there are 2.4 km of slopes available. 5 lifts transport the guests. The winter sports area is situated between the elevations of 2,700 and 2,930 m. Tiffindell is the highest resort in South Africa. It is nestling snugly on the slope of Ben McDhui (3001m), the highest pass in South Africa and the highest peak in the Cape. Within 15 acres of terrain, there are pistes suitable for all abilities. In an average season, Tiffindell is open for skiing and snowboarding in June, July

www.skiresort.info/ski-resort/ michlifen The ski resort Michlifen is located in the Meknès-Tafilalet Region (Morocco). For skiing and snowboarding, there are 1 km of slopes available. 1 lift transports the guests. The winter sports area is situated between the elevations of 1,880 and 2,060 m.

Ski Egypt

www.skiresort.info/ski-resort/ ski-egypt/

and August. It has slope-side accommodation available for 150 guests and many more day visitors in the surrounding valleys. There is a restaurant, coﬀee lounge, 2 bars, ski clothing shop and ski school. Non aspiring skiers join in to enjoy a unique experience, making snowmen, throwing snow balls or tobogganing, making it the perfect family holiday for young and old.

Matroosberg

www.skiresort.info/ski-resort/ matroosberg/ The ski resort Matroosberg is located in the Province of Western Cape (South Africa). For skiing and snowboarding, there are 2 km of slopes available. 2 lifts transport the guests. The winter sports area is situated between the elevations of 1,794 and 2,132 m.

Michlifen

The indoor ski resort Ski Egypt is located in the Mall of Egypt, 6th October City, Cairo (Egypt). For skiing and snowboarding, there are 0.6 km of slopes available. 1 lift transports the guests. The winter sports area is situated between the elevations of 150 and 180 m. With over 7,000 tons of snow, Ski Egypt is launching the first ski resort in Africa with the world’s largest indoor snow park, oﬀering everything from skiing, slope snowboarding, sledging and a Polar Express Train to a jolly kids area and a professional Ski School, all in a one stop, breathtaking experience for family and friends.

Jbel Hebri

www.skiresort.info/ski-resort/ jbel-hebri The ski resort Jbel Hebri is located in the Meknès-Tafilalet Region (Morocco). For skiing and snowboarding, there are 1 km of slopes available. 1 lift transports the guests. The winter sports area is situated between the elevations of 1,950 and 2,090 m.

Azrou

www.skiresort.info/ski-resort/ azrou The ski resort Azrou is located in the Ifrane Province of the FèsMeknès region (Morocco). For 79 | ABA Publications | Africa TRAVEL | July 2021

skiing and snowboarding, there are 1 km of slopes available. 1 lift transports the guests. The winter sports area is situated between the elevations of 1,800 and 2,000 m.

Ski Namibia

www.skiresort.info/ski-resort/ ski-namibia Options for Dune Skiing in the Namib Desert, Namibia (high dunes, breathtaking landscapes, long dune belt) are manifold. Not only the fast ski runs on the dunes bring the kick, but also the landscape and nature aspect are simply one-of-a-kind amidst the world’s oldest desert. For information and arrangements: www.ski-namibia.com, henrik@ ski-namibia.com, P.O. Box 8140, Swakopmund, Namibia.

Unconfirmed Ski Resorts

Cape Town, South Africa (In development, possibly) www.skiresort.info/ski-resort/ snowfun-cape-town-planned Kingdom of Morocco (mountain climbing resorts that may include skiing opportunities) www.skiresort.info/ski-resort/ djebel-bou-iblane www.skiresort.info/ski-resort/ hoher-atlas www.skiresort.info/ski-resort/ rif-gebirge www.skiresort.info/ski-resorts/ africa

Golf Africa

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

Anfa Royal Golf Club, Casablanca

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 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

80 | ABA Publications | Africa TRAVEL | July 2021

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

Nigeria

IBB Golf Course, Abuja IITA Golf Club, Ibadan Ikeja Golf Club, Lagos www.ikejagolfclub.org

Reunion

Golf du Bassin Blue, St Gilles les Hauts Golf Club de Bourbon, Etang 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_ MD_1821_DAKAR_OVERVIEW

Sierra Leone

Freetown Golf Club, Freetown

South Africa

Akasia Golf Clue, Pretoria www.akasiacountryclub.co.za Atlantic Beach Golf Club, Cape Town www.atlanticbeachgolfclub.co.za/ capetown/index.asp Bellville Golf Club, Cape Town www.bellvillegolf.co.za Benoni Country Club, Johannesburg www.benonicountryclub.co.za/pro/ Default.aspx Blair Atholl, Fourways Members of the Freetown Colf Club, Freetown, Sierra Leone

see Golf Africa on page 82

81 | ABA Publications | Africa TRAVEL | July 2021

Tiger Woods

from Golf Africa page 81 www.blairatholl.co.za Blue Valley Golf & Country Estate, Olifantsfontein www.bluevalley.co.za Bryanston Country Club, Bryanston www.bryanstoncc.co.za Centurion Country Club, Centurion www.centurioncountryclub.co.za Champagne Sports Resort, Winterton www.champagnesportsresort.com Clovelly Country Club, Cape Town 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 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 George Golf Club, George www.georgegolfclub.co.za Germiston Golf Club, Germiston www.germistongolf.com Glendower Golf Course, Johannesburg www.glendower.co.za Hermanus Golf Club, Hermanus www.hgc.co.za Houghton Golf Club, Houghton www.houghton.co.za Humewood Golf Club, Port Elizabeth www.humewoodgolf.co.za 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

82 | ABA Publications | Africa TRAVEL | July 2021

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 Malmesbury Golf Club, Malmesbury www.malmesburygolfclub.co.za Metropolitan Golf Course, Cape Town www.metropolitangolfclub.co.za Milnerton Golf Club, Cape Town www.milnertongolfclub.co.za Modderfontein Golf Club, Modderfontein www.mgclub.co.za Monks Cowl Coutry Club & Lodge, Winterton www.monkscowl.co.za Mossel Bay Golf Club, Mossel Bay

www.mosselbaygolfclub.co.za Mowbray Golf Club, Cape Town www.mowbraygolfclub.co.za Paarl Golf Course, Paarl www.paarlgolfclub.co.za Pearl Valley Signature Golf Estate and Spa, Cape Winelands www.pearlvalley.co.za Pecanwood Golf & Country Club, Hartbeesportt www.pecanwoodgolf.co.za Plettenberg Bay Country Club, Plettenberg Bay www.plettgolf.co.za Pretoria Country Club, Pretoria www.ptacc.co.za Randpark Golf Club, Randburg www.randpark.co.za Reading Country Club, Alberton www.readingcc.co.za River Club Golf & Conference Center, Cape Town http://riverclub.co.za Riviera on Vaal Country Club, Vereenigning www.rovcountryclub.co.za

San Lameer Club, South Africa southafricacheck.com 83 | ABA Publications | Africa TRAVEL | July 2021

see Golf Africa on page 84

from Golf Africa page 83 Royal Cape Golf Club, Cape Town www.royalcapegolf.co.za Royal Durban Golf Club, Durban www.royaldurban.co.za San Lameer Country Club, Margate www.sanlameer.co.za Scottburgh Golf Club, Scottburgh www.scottburghgolf.co.za Selbourne Golf Estate, Pennington www.selborne.com Silver Lakes Golf & Country 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, 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

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 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

The Gambia

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

Tunisia

84 | ABA Publications | Africa TRAVEL | July 2021

African Cuisine!

Republic of Cape Verde

he cuisine of Cape Verde is a West African cuisine largely influenced by Portuguese, Southern and Western European and West African cuisine. Cape Verde was a colony of Portugal from its colonization until 1975. Because the archipelago is inside the Atlantic Ocean, fish is very important in Cape Verdean cooking.

Cachupa

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs • 1 stick chorizo • 4 boneless pork spare ribs • 1lbs beef stew meat • 1 can of tomatoes • 2 cans red kidney beans • 2 cans yellow hominy • 1 sliced carrot • 2 sweet potatoes • 6 chopped garlic cloves • 1 chopped yellow onion • Olive oil • Red chili powder Directions: • Pour 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil into a cooking pot and sauté the onions and garlic. Add the tomatoes, seasonings, and the meat cut in larger dice. • Stir well, then add water to cover all ingredients. • Add the vegetables, as well as the beans and hominy, then give it a stir to mix all ingredients. • Cover and simmer for at least two hours, until the stew reaches the desired consistency. If you like it denser, the cooking time is about three and a half hours. • Serve with slices of sautéed chorizo.

Cape Verde-Caldo Verde (Portuguese Kale Soup) see page 86

Kale Soup

A staple of Cape Verdean culture, cachupa is more than just a national dish. Proudly prepared by locals for the most various occasions, this hearty stew can easily be defined as the Cape Verdean comfort food par excellence. Born as “food for the poor”, Cacupa also has a “food for the rich” version - Capucha Rica. Serves 4 Ingredients: 85 | ABA Publications | Africa TRAVEL | July 2021

African Cuisine! Cape Verde page 85

Octopus Stew

Serves 4 Ingredients: • 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil • 1 medium onion chopped • 2 cloves garlic minced • 8 cups chicken stock or mix of chicken stock and water • 4 medium potatoes peeled and cut into chunks • 1 lb. Linguica Sausage sliced • ½ pound chourico or chorizo crumbled • 4 cups Kale chopped or shredded • 2 Tablespoons lemon juice fresh • Salt and pepper to taste Directions: • Heat oil in a large soup pot to medium heat. • Add in the onions and garlic, cook until soft but not browned about 5 minutes • Add in the chicken stock or chicken stock and water combination • Add in the potatoes, salt and pepper to taste and bring to a boil. • Reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are soft about 20 minutes • Remove the pot from the heat and lightly mash the potatoes with a potato masher. • In another skillet, over medium high heat, cook the sausage, stirring until browned. • Add the meat to the soup pot making sure to include any brown crusty bits. • Simmer for five minutes then stir in the kale, and simmer for a few more minutes • Add the lemon juice • Ladle into bowls and enjoy with some Portuguese bread.

• Wash and cut octopus into small pieces. • Place octopus in a pot with two bay leaves and 3 tablespoons of oil. • Heat on medium. • Allow octopus to cook for approximately 20 minutes. • Add tomatoes, cloves of garlic, diced onion and hot pepper. • Heat on medium low until stew-like. Stir occasionally.

JAGACIDA (PORTUGUESE RICE) www.internationalcuisine.com/cape-verde-jagacida

Serve this Cape Verde jagacida with some octopus stew and a simple green salad for an authentic and delicious Cape Verde meal. Jagacida

OCTOPUS STEW (POLVO A MODO ZE DE LINO) www.internationalcuisine.com/cape-verde-octopus-stew

Please make sure to only use the freshest octopus or squid, it should not smell fishy at all. Serves 4 Ingredients: • 2 lbs. octopus or squid • 2 bay leaves • 3 tablespoons of oil • 2 to matoes or l tablespoon of tomato paste • 2 cloves of garlic • l onion • 2 hot peppers like habanero or similar seeded and chopped finely. Use as much as you like based on your heat tolerance Directions:

Serves 4 Ingredients: • 1 ¼ cup long grain white rice • 2 ½ cups water • 1 large bay leaf

86 | ABA Publications | Africa TRAVEL | May 2021

• 1 lb. Linguica sausage or turkey sausage equivalent • 1 tablespoon tomato paste • 1 cup frozen lima beans • 1 medium onion chopped • 2 cloves garlic minced • ¼ teaspoon white pepper • 1 tablespoon olive oil.

Ingredients: • 1 Romaine lettuce - cleaned well and chopped • 1 Cucumber - cucumbers sliced • 2 Tomatoes -cut to wedges • 1/3 cup white vinegar • 1 cups Olive oil • Salt to taste

Directions: • Heat the oil in a sauce pan and fry the sausage, season with salt and pepper • Add the onions and garlic stir until onions are tender but taking care not to burn garlic • Add water, tomato paste, bay leaf, and mix together well. • Add in the lima beans and rice stirring to combine, bring to a boil • Turn down to simmer and cover. Cook 20-30 minutes until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. • Remove the bay leaf and serve.

CAPE VERDE SALAD A simple salad with a light and refreshing dressing. Serves 4

Directions: • Put the lettuce, tomatoes and cucumber in a bowl. • Whisk together the oil and vinegar

Festival 87 | ABA Publications | Africa TRAVEL | May 2021

African Cuisine! • Dress the salad and toss with a touch of salt to taste.

GUFONG (FRIED PASTRY) www.internationalcuisine.com/cape-verde-gufong

This is a sweet fried pastry, somewhat like a doughnut, crispy on the outside, doughy on the inside and simply delicious. They are wonderful on their own but can be served with a drizzle of chocolate and powdered sugar. A perfect ending to our Cape Verde meal, enjoy these treats with a cup of coffee or tea for added pleasure. Serves 4 Ingredients: • 2 cups water • 1 cup sugar • 1 cup cornmeal • 1 cup flour • Dash of salt • Dash of baking powder • Vegetable oil for frying Directions: • In a saucepan combine the water and sugar and bring to a boil. • Once it is boiling add in the cornmeal until it is well mixed then add the flour. • Add a dash of salt and baking powder and continue mixing until everything is well combined.

Gufong

• Let the mixture cool. • Once the mixture is cool, take a small piece of the dough and roll them into small finger sized logs on a floured surface. • Heat up your oil in a frying pan or you can use a deep fryer • Cook until golden brown. • Drain on a paper towel • Serve warm. https://paulinaontheroad.com/traditional-capeverdean-food-cabo-verde-cuisine www.internationalcuisine.com/cape-verde-caldoverde/ Flag: Dreamstime

Barracuda Restaurante YouTube 88 | ABA Publications | Africa TRAVEL | July 2021

Events Around the African Continent and the World 2021 Retail In Africa Global Summit

Africities Summit

18 August 2021 Virtual www.retailinafrica.com

16-20 November 2021 Kisumu, Kenya https://africitieskisumu. co.ke

Future Leaders In Travel Retreat

Tropic Business Summit

29 August - September 1, 2021 Hilton Playa del Carmen, Mexico www.futureleadersintravel.com

2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference 1-12 November 2021 Glasgow, United Kingdom https://ukcop26.org

Africa Downunder 1-3 September 2021 Pan Pacific Perth, Australia www.africadownunderconference.com

13-16 October 2021 Hybrid Event Protea Hotel by Marriott Johannesburg Balalaika Sandton, Sandton, South Africa https://10times.com/tropics-businesssummit Youtube: https://lnkd.in/dirRSwc Facebook: https://lnkd.in/dpgFaxS

Afrochella 2021

Africa MICE Summit

9-11 September 2021 – Virtual Event https://africamicesummit.com

December 26, through January 4, 2021 www.historicalafrica.org/ events/afrochella-2021 Accra, Ghana

Image credit: revmade.com

89 | ABA Publications | Africa TRAVEL | July 2021

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Africa Business Association Publications March 2021

Travel Africa

Articles inside

Travel Africa

African Cuisine! Republic of Cape Verde

Golf Africa

WORLD HERITAGE SITE

Reaching Africa by Sea

Child’s Grave is Earliest Known Burial Site in Africa

Cape Verde: The Achievements and Challenges After 46 Years of Independence

CDC Approves At-Home COVID Tests for International Travel

TravelNoire - We’re Going Home

‘Voluntourism Allows Me to Travel and Give Back at the Same Time’

Meet the Woman Behind the Black-Owned

Traveling to an African Country? Here’s What you Need to Know

African Waves: Meet the Man Behind Senegal’s Black-Owned Surf Village

Black Doctor Turned Photographer Shares Stunning Photos of African Tribes

Egypt Tourism Adds New ‘Holy Family’ Tourist Biblical Route

Brenton Lindsey: The ‘First African American to Skydive’ Over Giza Pyramids

15 Best Places to Visit in Africa

Bloomberg Off ers a “New” Seven Wonders of the World - here is the African Wonder

Afrochella 2021: Accra, Ghana

10 African Islands to Know About

Private Consortium Takes Over SAA with

How One Woman Rediscovered Her Father’s Homeland, The Republic Of The Congo

York from September

A First-Ever Aerial Survey to Count Some 200,000 African Elephants

Air Senegal to Serve Washington and New

United Airlines now Off ering Direct Flights to Accra, Ghana from Washington, DC

Why It’s Diffi cult for African Travelers to Visit Other African Countries

Airlines to Start Weighing Passengers to Ensure Planes not too Heavy to Fly