A NARRATIVES PR PUBLICATION

Location: Clay Dubai

Photographer: Sheena R Golani

MUA: Osamu Ketufor Nkengfack

Winnie Couture Salon

Editorial Yvonne C. Mtengwa Founder/Editor-in-Chief info@travelessencemag.com

Creative Direction

Lucy Nkosi lucy@lucynkosi.com

Social Media

Elena Kavalaris Elena@hazelfeather.com

GENERAL ENQUIRIES info@travelessencemag.com www.travelessencemag.com

Particularly excited about this Issue after what was yet another epic Summer of exploration for many, with clear signs that revenge travel is in fact a real thing. This is also spurred on by a genuine desire for more of us to consider the opportunities that come with researching ways in which to make exploration and remote working more of a prominent feature in our daily lives – if at all possible!

Travellers are also naturally seeking authentic experiences, sustainable tourism, and digital detox destinations, with Africa and the Middle East, continuing to enchant globally minded explorers of all ages with its diverse landscapes and vibrant cultures. With the topic if climate change management, and ongoing discourse on how tourism dollars can provide meaningful experiences to travel consumers, it’s safe to say we can expect a surge in eco-tourism and immersive safaris and coastal excursions, with conversations around how to ensure sustainable practices that benefit communities while reducing carbon footprints associated with the upward movement of all traveller segments.

— IBN BATTUTA

Also to note is that this year, the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference or Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC, more commonly referred to as COP28, will be hosted in our home city of Dubai 28th at the Expo City from November 30th to December 12th - a big one on the city’s events’ calendar since Expo 2020. In a city readying for world and thought leaders converging for this event, we too find ourselves keen to understand how the conversations trickle down to consumers brackets, particularly those invested in travel and tourism. Will we see continued growth in the revival of in- ternational travel, perhaps a focus on wellness retreats, adventure tourism or MICE travel? Are we moving from buzzwords to clearly defined frameworks that support a better world for all? Needless to say, we will have our ears to the ground, and keep engaging with the hospitality, travel and lifestyle experts to get their take on what’s been hot for travel in 2023!

We hope you enjoy connecting with content from more of the cool destinations our team has experienced over the past few Summer weeks, from South Africa, Zimbabwe and the breathtaking Maldives Islands – a first for us to venture into and share on from beyond Africa and the Middle East! Thank you for staying the course with us! We are because you are!

Yours truly,

Cover Story

08 |Thando Magumise: Ntombi Couture Founder on bringing African inspired couture to the UAE.

Editor’s Pick

14 | Family bliss in paradise: Why Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa should be your next island vacation destination

By Yvonne C Mtengwa

20| Highlands House Boutique Guesthouse: A Perfect Haven in Zimbabwe’s Sunshine City

By Yvonne C Mtengwa

24 | Take on Hatta!

10 reasons why this outdoor destination is a call for enthralling adventure

Taste-makers

30 | Capturing Adventures Through the Lens: The Journey of Michael & Caroline Randall’s Travel Photography

36 | Spotlight on Singita: Celebrating African Heritage through Creativity

54 | Africa's Fiery Giants: Exploring the Continent’s Active Volcanoes

58 | Quick trip around The Kingdom of Eswatini: Top 10 Places to Experience

ISSUE 23 | JULY - AUGUST 2023

44 | First look at Wilderness Usawa Serengeti

Pulse Of The City

70 | Habitas AlUla - An Oasis of Ethereal Beauty

76 |Africa's Most Artistic Cities: A Kaleidoscope of Creativity and Culture

80 |Ajman's Hidden Gems: Unveiling the Emirate’s Enchanting Attractions

86 | KIZA's Era of Afrobeats and African Flair: Celebrating a Decade of Redefining Pan-African Dining and Entertainment in Dubai

92 | Discover the Quintessential Blend of Elegance, Art, and Breathtaking Views at Delaire Graff Estate

96 | Explore the Vibrant Charms of Dubai's Creekside District

Adventures In Wild Africa 70

44 | Rwanda’s Tourism, Culture and Governance and more: Why you should visit more than once

By Prince Tonye T.J.T Princewill