Summer 2019
Stand Beside
Xhosa King Sandile at the
“Long March to Freedom� Memorial Contents: Travel Industry News Long March to Freedom Memorial Safari Namibia African Cuisine - Namibia African Slavery: The Dutch Connection World Heritage Sites
page 7 page 10 page 56-57 page 84 page 62 page 50-51
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In This Issue… 5
From the Publisher…
Columns 7 59 86 94 98 102 106
Travel Industry News Travel Services Directory Travel Africa Where To Go, What To Do Ski Africa Cruise Africa Golf Africa African Cuisine!
Feature Stories 10 16 30 72 80
The “Long March to Freedom” is at Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, Maropeng, South Africa Female-run Safari Property in the Serengeti is Shaking up the Status Quo PCMA and Business Events to Help Eradicate Human Trafficking Evita Robinson is Disrupting the Travel Industry The Woman Behind the Women Who Will Lead and Conserve Africa
Travel Africa 22 38 40 48 50 52 54 56 60 61 68 78
Namibia Upsets Japan, New Zealand to Secure Top Travel Destination Awards Inside Afro Nation: The Multi-Continent Music Festival You Don’t Want To Miss Why You Need to Visit Egypt This Year Egypt Opens 105-Mile Hiking Trail in the Red Sea Mountains 5 Things To Know About Cape Town’s BoKaap District Mombo Camp: One of the Best New Hotels in the World: The Stay List Rare Black Leopard Captured in New Images from Kenya Best Things To Do In Lagos, Nigeria Jack and Ferdi Launches the First AIPowered App for the Bleisure Traveler The Black Travel Box Must-Have Photo Accessories for Your Smartphone Protect Yourself From Common
Pickpocketing Techniques
Travel Resources 26 64 74 76 77 92
Airbnb’s ‘Black Travel List’ How to Get an International Driver’s Permit How to Zoom Through Airport Security This Year Clear Members Can Now Go Through Airport Security Without Showing ID or Scanning a Boarding Pass What to Do If You Lose Your Passport While Traveling Can You Bring Food on a Plane? Your Guide to Airport Security and Food
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Connec ng the USA to West Africa and Beyond
From the Publisher…
T ‘Long March to Freedom’ exhibition based
he South Africans have added another jewel to their tourism crown with the life-sized statues in
the
at Maropeng, Cradle of Humankind, our featured storied in this issue. The Cradle of Humankind im Maropeng includes an excellent museum which traces the history of mankind, offers tours that take you on the experience of early mankind living in undergriound caves (damp, very damp), restaurants and hotels nearby and gift shops.
Very few statues are designed for the viewers to be as upclose and personal as those in the Long March exhibit. Visitors are free to take pictures of themselves standing along side these historc people. Details are in the article and we hope that you enjoy the photos and get the feel of the site. Add Maropeng, Cradle of Humankind to your Africa Travel Bucket List. You won’t reqret it.
Earl “Skip” Cooper, II
Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Black Business News Group
www.bbala.org
La Sandra Stratton - Content Administrator Lion Communications - Layout/Typesetting
Earl “Skip” Cooper, II - Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Black Business News Group Sarah Harris - Associate Editor Narishima Osei - Production Manager Sarah Harris - Graphics
Black Business News Group P.O. Box 43159 Los Angeles, CA USA 90043 1-323-291-7819 mail@bbala.org www.bbala.org View the publication at:
https://issuu.com/blackbusinessnews
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Travel Industry News
20 Top Airports in USA will be Using Facial Recognition Systems
I
n March 2017, President Trump issued an executive order expediting the deployment of biometric verification of the identities of all travelers crossing US borders. That mandate stipulates facial recognition identification for “100 percent of all international passengers,” including American citizens, in the top 20 US airports by 2021. Now, the United States Department of Homeland Security is rushing to get those systems up and running at airports across the country. US Customs and Border Protection is scrambling to implement this “biometric entry-
exit system,” with the goal of using facial recognition technology on travelers aboard 16,300 flights per week — or more than 100 million passengers traveling on international flights out of the United States — in as little as two years. “I think it’s important to note what the use of facial recognition [in airports] means for American citizens,” Jeramie Scott, director of EPIC’s Domestic Surveillance Project. “It means the government, without consulting the public, a requirement by Congress, or consent from any individual, is using facial recognition to create a digital ID of millions of Americans.” by Davey Albs www.buzzfeednews.com/article/daveyalba/ these-documents-reveal-the-governmentsdetailed-plan-for?utm_medium=techboard. mon.20190311.pro&utm_source=email&utm_ content=&utm_campaign=campaign
D.C. to Tanzania For as Low as $664
T
here is a dope flight deal happening right now. KLM (www.klm.com) has reduced prices on its routes from Washington, D.C. to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The lowest priced route can be found for $664 round-trip. These low priced flights are valid for travel from late October 7 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2019
through the end of the year. This gives you plenty of time to plan all of the other details around your trip. You can find flights for a few dollars cheaper, but they will come with some very long layovers. You can use Google Flights to find the dates that are best for your schedule. Here’s some free game: double check on Momondo or even Priceline to see if the rates are even cheaper. Dar es Salaam, or Dar as most call it, is the biggest city in Tanzania. This is the perfect African destination because it has something for every traveler. If you love being near the water, you are in luck. The city sits on the Indian Ocean, which is probably the most beautiful body of water worldwide. Visit Coco Beach for a full day of food, fun, and even live music. If you love history, the Village Museum is a place that you’ll want to see. It is an open-air venue that has replicas of the homes of native Tanzanian tribes. While there is plenty to do in Dar, this city is also a great way to see Zanzibar. Many tour company offer day trips over to the island everyday. If you prefer going on your own, there is a local ferry that can transport you as well. No matter what, this is a great deal for those in and around the nation’s capital. Catch it before it’s gone. https://legacy.travelnoire.com/flight-deald-c-to-tanzania-for-as-low-as-664/
Travel Industry News from page 7
TSA Body Scanners May Discriminate Against Black Women’s Hairstyles
New Search Engine Finds The Cheapest Flights
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ravel planning just got a whole lot easier – and cheaper. A team at MIT’s Senseable City Lab just launched Escape (https://greatescape.co), an interactive platform for visualizing air travel data. Users enter their departure city and a range of travel dates and the system aggregates the cheapest destinations around the world. This incredible new platform will allow budget-travelers looking for an international getaway to find the “cheapest escape from their city.” The filter options may be the site’s coolest feature. Once you are given your travel results, you can further narrow down the search with various filters based
on budget, direct-only flights, visa requirements, popularity, and even weather. The live chat feature also offers constant support during your travel planning and booking process. Visually the platform is also quite stunning. With color coded results showing destinations from cheapest to most expensive in colors ranging from green to red, travel planning has never been so easy or colorful. By Leah Freeman-Haskin, Travel Noire https://legacy.travelnoire.com/find-cheapest-flights-mitssearch-engine/
A
ccording to a detailed ProPublica report, fullbody scanners frequently give “false alarms” on Black women’s hair, an action some women say is discriminatory. The millimeter wave machines, a whole-body imaging system used by the Transportation Security Administration, are highly prevalent at U.S. airports and other airports around the world. The TSA introduced full-body scanners at airports nationwide beginning in 2009. Black women have complained that their hairstyles, which include afros, braids and locs, have been singled out during the security screening. It appears the TSA has heard at least some of the complaints. The agency asked for ideas in 2018 “to improve screening of headwear and hair in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act,” according to ProPublica. “Pat-downs follow strict protocols and a caseby-case, non-discriminatory assessment on if a passenger’s hair could conceal prohibited items or other threats,” the agency tweeted. “When you find yourself in that kind of situation, it makes you wonder,” Wanzer continued. “Is this for security, or am I being profiled for my race?” By Victoria M. Walker, Travel Noire https://legacy.travelnoire.com/tsa-body-scannersdiscriminating-black-hair-types/
http://wildafricacream.blogspot.com
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The “Long March to Freedom” is at Cra
Maropeng, S
T
he ‘Long March to Freedom’ is officially based at Maropeng, Cradle of Humankind – our new home. The relocation to Maropeng took place during January 2019 and we are excited to welcome all to this heritage tourism jewel and must-see attraction. The Long March to Freedom is a procession of 100 lifesize bronzes of heroines and heroes - South African, African and Global icons who have inspired change over the course of 350 years. It honours these icons and their stories, many never told before. Our partnership with Maropeng is centered on the need to develop an improved experience for visitors at the World Heritage Site. The quality and significance of this project deserves that it be showcased to a greater number of domestic and international visitors. Since the move we have unveiled a statue of Winnie Madikizela Mandela, a heroine of our struggle and a statue
of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. a hero of a sister struggle. These unveilings were met with a resounding embrace by both local and international observers and we look forward to unveiling more statues in the coming months. We are excited to add our name to the cluster of attractions that one can find at the Maropeng Visitor Centre, Cradle of Humankind. We are open to the public and thrilled to share this world-first with those who come from both near and far. Admission to the Long March to Freedom is free. Our office will still manage bookings for tours and any other queries, or you can contact us through the National Heritage Monument Facebook page
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see page 12
adle of Humankind World Heritage Site,
South Africa
from page 10
or website (dali@nhpc.co.za, www. nhmsa.co.za/monument.html#!Introducti on, www.nhpc.co.za, www.facebook. com/NationalHeritageMonument).
We look forward to welcoming you to the ‘Long March to Freedom at Maropeng’. www.nhmsa.co.za/Long-Marchto-Freedom-at-MaropengRelease-02-04-2019.pdf Image credits: arttimes.co.za, scoopnest.com, brandsouthafrica. com, rekordeast.co.za, tripadvisor. co.za, 2summers.net 2summers. net, getaway.co.za 12 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2019
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Female-run Safari Property in the Serengeti is Shaking up the Status Quo By Mary Holland
M
y guide is easy to spot at the Seronera Airstrip in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park. Just five feet tall or so, she has bright eyes, a heart-shaped face, and a wide smile. In a sea of male safari guides, she sticks out like a meerkat popping its head up from an empty plain. She runs toward me, hands in the air, shouting, “Karibu, I am Kazawadi! We are so happy to have you here, Mary!” Jonesia “Kazawadi” Dominic grabs my bag and steers me through the tiny airport towards the vehicle. Dominic and I are on our way to Dunia Camp, an entirely female-run safari property located in an unfenced part of the central Serengeti. There are 16 women on staff at the eight-room tented camp, who
Giraffe Manor Hotel, Nairobi, Kenya telegraph.co.uk
do everything from the typically all-male bastions of security watch, guiding and chasing away animals like black mambas and elephants, to the more commonly female-infiltrated ranks of cooking and cleaning. Dominic bounces into the Toyota Land Cruiser’s driver’s seat, layered with cushions to prop her up. In this male-dominated industry, two women in a vehicle is as rare as a pangolin sighting, and as we drive past trucks with men at the wheel, other safari-goers stare curiously at us. Dominic is totally unfazed, and continues to drive through the muddy landscape. When we arrive at the camp, Angel Namshali is waiting for me with open arms. Namshali has been Dunia’s manager since before the camp became all-
audleytravel.com
asiliaafrica.com
female in 2016. Asilia Africa, who owns the camp, made the decision to staff the lodge with women because they’d found the right woman to manage it: the incredibly capable, tenacious, and jubilant Angel. She’s funny and easygoing, possessing both a nononsense attitude and the ability to put others at ease. As the first female Tanzanian camp manager in the Serengeti (at the once male-staffed Dunia) Namshali had displayed powerful leadership. “In Angel, we had found the woman who could drive this project and see it through. She had long ago proven herself to us,” says Jeroen Harderwijk, managing director at Asilia Africa. “We have always aspired to right the gender imbalance in the industry, and we were making progress in an incremental way. We realized we needed a high-profile project that was going to empower women and create role models, not just in Tanzania but across the industry.” The first time I traveled to the Serengeti, I stayed at a typical all-male safari camp. If you’ve been on safari in Tanzania, you’ll know that this is an extremely common and culturally rooted scenario. Like much of East Africa, Tanzania grapples with a deep-seated gender inequality, resulting in fewer opportunities for women in most professions—especially safari tourism. Girls are often denied the opportunity to go to school
(because of the travel distances and prices for school extras), or they drop out due to pregnancy. At home, women are typically expected to look after children; violence, child pregnancy, and child marriage are all threats to independence. According to the Food andAgricultural Organization of the United Nations, 52% of Tanzanian women’s time is devoted to reproductive activities, compared to 32% of men’s. The Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women 2007 states that Tanzania’s “low education levels, lack of qualifications, and patriarchal attitudes limit women’s opportunity of being recruited and promoted.” In 2001, though, Tanzania implemented a policy that abolished primary school fees and made enrollment compulsory at age seven. But in rural areas, sending girls to school can be seen as misspending hard-earned money. “Because of the local belief that women will be married into a different family, many people think there’s no advantage to educating girls. Why waste the money?” says Dominic. Namshali, who grew up under the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, says she couldn’t to attend university because there was only enough money for her two brothers. She cried for two days. Then she lifted her head, got a job organizing the linen
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to page 18
extraor from page 17
cupboard at a safari lodge in the Ngorongoro Crater, and worked her way up through the ranks, all the way to manager of Tanzania’s first female-safari camp. “It took me months to decide I was ready for this,” Namshali says. Six months after the executive managers at Asilia suggested the role of manager to her, they returned to see if she was prepared. “I said yes, but only if they interview other women who are ready to work in the bush,” says Namshali. We’re sitting on the deck over a lunch of roast chicken and vegetables, looking onto the luscious, dewy plains of the Serengeti and distant kopjes. “Nobody thought we could do it,” she says with a characteristic giggle. I’ve encountered many memorable male managers at safari camps across Africa, but when I study Namshali interacting with her guests and team, she offers a certain uncommon tenderness and humility. When she talks to her staff, it’s always with the same respectful, friendly tone. “When we first began with an all-female team it was hard,” says Dominic, who often faces challenges like changing a tire in the middle of the Serengeti—even if its pounding rain or there’s a pride of lion nearby. Day-
to-day tasks require emotional and physical strength: Everything is run on solar power, there’s no access to shops, and the camp isn’t fenced, so animals can easily walk past the tents. Sometimes the water pipe is destroyed by elephants. “Everyone tried to discourage us!” says Dominic. “They said, ‘Bush life isn’t easy for girls.’ But we’ve shown them we are strong.” Dominic was fortunate to have parents who supported her decision to become a guide, but most of these women face the utmost adversity—not just from their families and nearby communities, but from other safari guides and guests. Namshali tells me about a male guest who refused to have the female security guard escort him to his room at night, insisting that the male truck driver (who delivers groceries from Arusha and happened to be staying at the camp that night) take him. “I told him that the truck driver won’t know what to do if a lion comes out the bush, but the security guard will,” Namshali says. Eventually, the guest backed down. Dominic tells me how tourists often stop her vehicle and ask if they can take her picture, as though they’ve spotted a lioness. At home, the challenges continue. Women with children have to rely on family members to support their kids while they’re at work, usually for six weeks
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at a time. But the women at Dunia have created a firm sisterhood in which they can lean on each other for support. “If a car gets stuck in the mud, then we all go together and get it out,” Namshali says. When she talks about her co-workers, many of whom had never been to the bush before they were hired, she smiles. “They said, ‘Yes, yes, we can.’ So we gave them a chance,” says Namshali. “I’m so proud of these women. At first they were too scared to walk anywhere without a [flashlight]. Now I have to remind them to take one!” On my second day, Namshali, Dominic, and I traverse the great, grassy plains of the Serengeti in search of the migration. We stop the truck when we see two male cheetah prudently stalking a small wildebeest. The one cheetah distracts a larger wildebeest while the other attempts to pounce on the smaller animal, but alas, it’s unsuccessful. Next, we see a lone, sick, and hungry lioness, too weak to hunt. Namshali and Dominic explain how that the lioness will waste her limited energy if she tries to make
rdinaryjourneys.com
fathomaway.comk
a kill. They also tell me funny stories, like how they once had to chase an elephant out of the camp—all 16 of them. As we thunder through the reserve, we find ourselves in fits of laughter. “We’re the three dadas (sisters)!” cries Domenic, from behind the wheel. When we stop to tell another vehicle about the leopard sighting, we see a lone female traveler sitting on the back seat. She peers down at us with a furrowed brow. It’s a look I’ve gotten used to over the past few days. Namshali turns to the traveler and tells her that we’re from a lodge in the central Serengeti. “It’s run by females, you should go!” I yelp from the back of the truck. “Why?” asks the woman dubiously. Dominic bears that wide smile of hers and says two words I frequently hear her say, “Why not?” Across the continent, the safari industry is starting to shift, from South Africa all the way up to Tanzania and Kenya. “It differs from country to country and tribe to tribe, and it also depends on the location of the lodge or safari camp, but the changes are coming,” says Nicky Fitzgerald, founder of Angama Mara in Kenya and one of Africa’s few female lodge owners. “It’s a deeply cultural matter, so it will take years before women are granted the same educational opportunities as men.” At Angama Mara, only 20 staff members of 120 are female. “In Maasailand, the women are generally to page 20
naturalworldsafaris.comtelegraph.co.uk from page 19
expected to stay home and look after the children, they build their houses and work with their crops,” Fitzgerald says. “I am, however, proud to say we have just promoted one of our three female security officers (out of a team of 22) to assistant security manager.” Some women who’ve broken into the safari tourism business think of their gender as something of an advantage. At the Tanzania operation of Thomson Safaris, half the managers are women. “It’s perhaps not typical in a patriarchal society but, therefore, even more important,” says Judi Wineland, co-owner of Thomson Safaris. “They are true pioneers, tenacious fighters, keen to succeed. Rose Ngilisho [the Manager of the Camping Department] for example, runs our six safari camps, each of which employs 14 men in hospitality operations as well as supervising her home office team of women. She’s entrepreneurial, resourceful, self-taught and frankly, just extraordinary,” says Wineland. “Women are intuitive and filled with emotional intel,” says Deborah Calmeyer, founder and CEO of safari outfitter ROAR Africa, who believes that women are often more attuned to smaller details. Calmeyer tells the story about how one of her clients mentioned having a headache on a flight. When a female private guide overheard this, she texted the lodge and asked them to have an espresso and aspirin waiting for the guest on arrival. Chantel Venter, the head guide at Singita Kruger National Park and who oversees all the guides for
Singita’s Kruger properties, has witnessed a spike in women infiltrating the industry. “Initially, not all companies were open to the idea of hiring female guides, but this has definitely changed,” she says. The sous chef at Singita’s Sweni and Lebombo lodges, Tsakane Khoza, has become a star after successfully completing an internship at New York’s Blue Hill at Stone Barns. Botswana’s Chobe Game Lodge has an all-female safari guide team known as the Chobe Angels. South Africa’s Tswalu has employed more than 75 women, some of whom fill the roles as guides, camp managers, and chefs. Fireblade Aviation, which shuttles guests between camps, has four female pilots. And most daringly, South Africa’s Kruger National Park and Zimbabwe’s lower Zambezi Valley have entirely female anti-poaching units, who head out into the bush on foot every day. For Asilia, the all-female team at Dunia has been an unequivocal success. “We really feel it’s worked and we are keen to roll out more camps. It’s been an amazing exercise externally, but also internally, as we have really changed the thinking of a lot of our colleagues,” says Mercedes Bailey, who handles PR and brand building for Asilia Africa. On my last night, sitting around the hissing camp fire with the distant sound of whopping hyenas, Dominic, Namshali, and I talk about how, if they want to see more women in the industry, they have to continue the fight. Dominic recalls the day a male safari guide almost refused her help when his truck got stuck in
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Monrovia, Liberia www.rljkendejaresort.com First-class amenities catering to international leisure travelers. For the business minded traveler, the RLJ Kendeja Resort & Villas offers full service business amenities along with meeting and function space for business and personal events. Amenities include ocean front beach, pool, spa, dining room, and relaxing bar.
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Sign up with: Julien Dothard P.O. Box 1736, Hollywood, CA 90078 E-mail: dothard@sbcglobal.net Phone: 1-818-419-8639 the mud. When she asked if he needed a hand, he laughed: “Do you really think you can do it?” And she responded pragmatically: “Do you need my help or not? Just say yes or no.” When he eventually agreed, she hauled the tow rope out the trunk, tied it to his
car and successfully pulled him out of the mud. The guests on the vehicle were in shock. “I knew I could do it,” she says. “Why not?”. www.cntraveler.com/story/women-in-safar
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Travel Awards
Namibia Upsets Japan, New Zealand to Secure Top
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amibia won the highly desired Top Country Spot at the recent Wanderlust Readers’ Travel Awards, announced at ‘Destinations: The Holiday and Travel Show’ at Olympia in West Kensington, London, England on 31 January. Wanderlust is considered as the must-read magazine for the independently-minded and curious traveler in the United Kingdom. Namibia took the lead ahead of Japan and New Zealand, who secured the second and third position respectively. The only two African countries that featured in the Top Country Category were Namibia and South Africa, with the latter securing the 7 spot. “Having tracked rhinos there, I can personally testify that Namibia is a success story, with wildlife still flourishing both inside to page 24
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p Travel Destination Awards
Okutala Etosha Lodge www.afrika.de/reiseziele/namibia/lodges-namibia/namibias-norden/okutala-etosha-lodge/ afrika.de
Wolwedans Dunes
www.wolwedans.com/lodges-camps/dunes-lodge cntrave
from page 22
and outside the national parks, really adding to the visitor experience,” said Wanderlust Magazine’s Co-founder and Editor-inChief Lyn Hughes. https://allafrica.com/ stories/201902080698.html Image credits: namibia-tourssafaris.com, travelonamibia.com
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Lodge
eler.com
www.airnamibia.com.na
Airbnb’s ‘Black Travel List’ By Airbnb
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irbnb’s mission is to create a world where anyone can belong. The “Airbnb Black Travel List” (The List) is an inaugural celebration of Black travel leaders that are raising awareness for travelers in their community and beyond, while breaking barriers. Honorees on The List are establishing trends and highlighting destinations for others, creating social impact through their work, and curating group travel for those who are fostering community. “We are thrilled to announce the inaugural ‘Airbnb Black Travel List’ and recognize such a visionary group of Black travel leaders. These travel honorees are making travel more accessible for the Black community and inspiring people of color to travel around the world,” said Janaye Ingram, Airbnb’s Director of National Partnerships. This year’s honorees are… Karen Akpan Karen is a mom, wife, and writer at The MOM Trotter where she reminds parents that travel doesn’t have to end after children while inspiring and encouraging families to travel the world. Karen and her 6-year-old Aiden, are also the founders of Black Kids Do Travel, which is an organization created to bring about diversity in travel and bridge the gap. On her blog, she writes about her mission to raise global citizens as well as tips on homeschooling, worldschooling, and budget travel. Reggie Cummings Reggie Cummings is the Founder and President of Black Travel Movement, a community of more than a half-million friends and family members who share an interest in cultivating new relationships and having epic experiences through domestic and international travel. Reggie is an avid traveler, skier, and thrillseeker. He is a storyteller, travel blogger, and travel influencer. As a recognized
filmmaker, Reggie is also the Executive Producer of a 2019 feature documentary project on the history and evolution of Black travel, created through his film company Fort Hill Films. Rasheed Dennis Rasheed Dennis of Up in the Air Life, Inc. (UITAL) is currently the Director of Lifestyle on the Executive Team. As Lifestyle Director Rasheed leads Trip curation for UITAL Trips and provides a thought leadership and voice to the UITAL community & beyond. Rasheed is an avid traveler & expatriate with dual residency in the United States & Mexico whose passion for travel has taken him to over 89 countries and some of the most exotic destinations, events & festivals around the world. As a global citizen he prides himself on connecting with and meeting new people to experience & showcase the best music, nightlife, art, sport, local cuisine, and sight-seeing that a new destination has to offer. His extensive travel expertise, local connections in countries we travel to and business acumen are a key component of the success of UITAL. Deesha Dyer Deesha Dyer is a speaker, writer, community leader and creative event & strategy professional, who served a seven-year tenure at the White House, where she served the Obama Administration in a variety of positions such as Associate Director for Scheduling Correspondence (2010), Hotel Program Director (2011), Deputy Director, Deputy Social Secretary (2013) and Social Secretary (2015). A Philadelphia native, Deesha serves as Executive Director of beGirl. world, a global empowerment and education travel program for teen girls she co-founded in 2014. She has been featured in national media outlets including TIME, The New York Times, Marie Claire, Essence, Vogue, Refinery29, Forbes, Glamour, The Root and Washington Post.
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Kellee Edwards Kellee Edwards is a travel expert and television host by land, air and sea. She is a licensed pilot, advanced open water scuba diver, explorer and journalist. A pioneer in her approach to adventure travel made her brand Kellee Set Go! become recognized by some of the biggest brands in travel including that of the biggest TV network in this realm, The Travel Channel. Kellee is the host of Mysterious Islands, a series that explores some of the most remote islands of the 100,000 in the world, that viewers more likely have never heard of. Her love of travel and outdoor adventure has propelled her to explore more than 50 countries. Nathan “Worldwide Nate” Fluellen Nathan Fluellen is the creator, executive producer and host of World Wide Nate: African Adventures, a streaming reality travel show produced by 31 Dogwood Productions and TAC studios. Nathan’s interest in travel began in high school, when his mother would travel on missionary trips abroad. Since then, Nathan has visited 60 countries across six continents. Nathan is a brand ambassador for Breitling watches and his adventures have been sponsored by TheGrio.com, Chase Marriott, Time, Fortune, Travel + Leisure, Ford & Lincoln Motors, Essence.com, Ebony.com, Mensfitness.com. He is a 3-time winner of LAWebfest’s – Most Outstanding Series and Series Host. An active philanthropist, Nathan has engaged in partnerships with Patagonia and South African Airways to donate wetsuits and surfboards to the Durban, South Africa-based nonprofit Surfers Not Street Children. Nadia-Elysse Harris Nadia-Elysse Harris is the managing editor of Travel Noire, the premier travel resource for black travelers across the globe. The New York native is a law-educated journalist who has traveled to close to 50 countries. Nadia joined Travel Noire in July
2018 after spending two years as editorial manager at London-based travel startup Culture Trip and 3 years working as a managing editor at Newsweek Media Group. At Travel Noire, she is dedicated to creating content that makes black travelers feel seen, edified, and inspired. Derrick “D-Nice” Jones Derrick “D-Nice” Jones is a New York-born musician, best known for his work as a DJ, beatboxer, MC and producer. Boasting a multi-decade-long music career, Jones’ first gained notoriety at the age of 16 years old, when he became a founding member of the iconic 80’s rap group Boogie Down Productions. Jones travels non-stop across the world as a highly in-demand DJ and photographer. Strapped with a Leica camera, he began documenting his life and travels through the lens of his camera. Currently, a brand DJ for spirit company Hennessy, he also holds a DJ residency at Atlantic City’s Borgata Hotel Casino and had the distinct honor of spinning at the request of former President Barack Obama, including during the 2012 Inaugural Ball. Demetria Lucas Demetria L. Lucas is a DC-based award-winning author, journalist and media personality with an allconsuming obsession with modern relationships and a penchant for cultural commentary. You can find her musing on her favorite topics as a frequent contributor on Good Morning America and Nightline or listen to her latest thoughts on everything from pop culture, politics and travel on her new podcast, Ratchet & Respectable. Demetria is the author of “A Belle in Brooklyn: The Go-to Guide for Living Your Best Single Life” and “Don’t Waste Your Pretty: The Go to-Guide for Making Smarter Decisions in Life & Love.” As a journalist, her work has been published in The New York Times and The Washington Post. She was previously the Relationships Editor and columnist at Essence Magazine, and a Contributing Editor at The Root.com where her witty wordplay and knack for identifying hot topics ignited cultural conversations. Munazza Muhammad
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M u n a z z a Muhammad is CEO of the Traveling Muslimahs, a travel group she developed exclusively for Muslim women, meeting their unique needs. Since its inception, the Traveling Muslimahs have travelled to numerous domestic destinations, as well as five countries and three continents. Munazza grew up in the Philadelphia Muslim community, and she founded the Traveling Muslimahs in hopes of providing Muslim women the opportunity to travel together, forming bonds of sisterhood and cater to the unique needs of Muslimahs while traveling, such as prayer time and halal meals. She is looking forward to the next travel destinations for the group including Thailand, South Africa and Italy. It’s only February and Munazza and her Traveling Muslimahs have been to Iceland…twice, and Miami, Florida. Next month Rome, Italy. Jessica Nabongo Jessica Nabongo is a writer, photographer, entrepreneur, public speaker and travel influencer. A first generation American, Jessica was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan to Ugandan parents. She attended St. John’s University in New York, where she earned her undergraduate degree in English Literature. Following college, she started a career in pharmaceutical sales, moved to Japan to teach English, completed a graduate degree at the London School of Economics and worked for the United Nations in Rome, further fueling her wanderlust. Jessica soon shifted career paths to fuel her newfound sense of wanderlust, leading to the creation of her blog “Catch Me If You Can.” She is also the founder of Jet Black, a boutique luxury travel company that hosts group trips and curates itineraries to countries in Africa, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. Erick Prince As a photographer, philanthropist and world traveler, Erick Prince is blazing a new trail in travel and business. Combining his love for photography and
travel, he created MinorityNomad.com, one of the industry’s premier travel blogs geared toward African-American and Latino travelers. Currently on a quest to become the first African-American to visit every country in the world, Erick has so far visited 94 countries throughout the world. Through his blog and digital marketing company, Erick has worked with brands such as Facebook, Singha Corp, LAN Airlines, Lonely Planet, InterContinental Hotels and Sony. Oneika Raymond Media personality, journalist, and keynote speaker Oneika Raymond is a Travel Channel host and on-air travel expert for NBC New York and CTV Canada. A bona fide travel junkie, her adventures have taken her to over 110 countries on 6 continents. As the author of the award-winning travel blog “Oneika the Traveller”, Oneika is dedicated to inspiring people of color to see the world. She is also the recipient of a Gold Medal in the 2018 Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism Competition for Best Travel Blog, as well as a 2019 Shorty Awards nominee. Oneika has worked as a spokesperson and ambassador for global brands such as Land Rover, American Express, Coca-Cola, and Loews. Additionally, she has been featured in outlets including the BBC, Forbes, The Associated Press, Oprah Magazine, Condé Nast Traveler, The Wall Street Journal, National Geographic Traveler, and BuzzFeed. Evita Robinson Evita Robinson is the founder of NOMADNESS Travel Tribe, an online social community primarily for travelers of color which currently boasts over 20,000 international members, hosting nearly 100 meetups a year across the globe. Thanks to the success of the online group, Evita has garnered partnerships with Airbnb, Etihad Airlines, GoPro, Facebook Stories, Hyatt, Skift. com, various tourism boards and producer/ actress Issa Rae, who coproduces The NOMADNESS Project web series on Yo u Tu b e . Evita’s accolades include 2018’s AFAR Travel Vanguard Award and is noted as one of Entrepreneur Magazine’s 50 Most Daring Entrepreneurs of 2018. She can also be seen between news panels and
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business features for CNN, Cheddar, MSNBC, truTV, NewsOne, and Oxygen Channel. Evita now serves as a keynote/seminar speaker, TED Resident and consultant for Destination Marketing Organizations. Charlotte Simpson Rockford, Illinois native Charlotte Simpson is the creator of the popular @ travelingblackwidow Instagram and Facebook accounts, where she documents her extensive global travels. Following the death of her husband and fellow travel partner, Charlotte was inspired to continue pursuing her passion for traveling. To date, she has now visited over 80 countries across all seven continents. Since retiring from her career in education a few years ago, she now combines her love of travel with her ongoing volunteering endeavors. Claire Soares Claire Soares is the mastermind behind the milliondollar flagship startup travel company, Up in the Air Life, founded in 2013. As a former sales executive at a Fortune 500 company, Claire is a savvy millionmiler who has visited over 50 countries while mastering the art of travel hacking. Claire uses her love for luxury and exotic destinations to provide her clients with once in a lifetime experiences coupled with a full concierge service. Up in the Air Life hosts luxury group trips and leads an active online Facebook community with over 20K members who connect online. Up in the Air Life now serves over 1,000 clients with a strong following that boasts 25% of bookings from repeat clients. Zim Ugochukwu Zim Ugochukwu is the founder of Travel Noire, an award-winning digital media company serving 3M millennials of the African
Diaspora each month. As a teenager, she cloned a gene with similarities to a genetic disorder and became the youngest precinct judge for the state of North Carolina. Her love for solving tough problems and her knack for building communities on and offline has led her to critical acclaim. This Forbes 30 under 30 awardee has been featured in the New York Times, TIME, CBS This Morning, ELLE, The Nation, Essence, NPR, among others and was hand selected by Oprah for SuperSoul 100, a collection of inspired leaders using their voices and talents to elevate humanity. Patricia Yarborough Yarbrough created the award-winning cruise concept “Festival at Sea: Cruising With An AfricanAmerican Twist” in 1992. Since it’s debut voyage with 250 passengers, the experience is now gearing up for its 28th trip later this year. Curated as a unique cultural experience for African-American travelers, the Festival at Sea concept activates full charters that offer elevated entertainment, lifestyle activities and worship services, among other activities. Due to the brand’s humanitarian efforts, Festival At Sea has donated over $400,000 to the Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund and the United Negro College Fund through annual raffles and auctions held on the yearly cruises. The concept also instituted a children’s book donation program, where passengers are asked to bring at least one new children’s book to be donated to schools, libraries or charitable organizations such as the Red Cross. Over the past 27 years, over 50,000 books have been donated to South Africa and almost every island in the Caribbean. The “Airbnb Black Travel List” is an inaugural list released by Airbnb in an effort to recognize individuals who are making travel in the Black community more accessible. This year’s group of 18 honorees are elevating the Black travel experience and breaking barriers in the process. Airbnb aims to build a place for magical travel powered by people. The platform’s community of hosts and guests are diverse and spans across nearly every region of the world. Airbnb is in 81,000 cities around the world and over 400 million guests have stayed in an Airbnb home. Airbnb salutes this inaugural group of individuals and thanks them for their contributions to making our world a more inclusive society. https://travelnoire.com/inaugural-airbnb-black-travel-list/
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PCMA and Business Events to Help Eradicate Human Trafficking By MICE Media Marketing
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CMA has committed to combat child exploitation by signing The Code of Conduct for the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation in Travel and Tourism. In partnership with ECPAT-USA, The Code is the only voluntary set of business principles that companies and organizations in the travel, business travel and tourism industries can implement to prevent and eradicate the trafficking and exploitation of children. The initiative forms part of the association’s new vision that business events drive social positive transformation. Its commitment to The Code and partnership with ECPAT-USA, which engages with the private sector to drive innovation in protecting children around the world, will see the world’s largest
from Jan. 6-9, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. “As an industry, currently worth over $150 billion, we have the power of advocating and raising awareness of the human trafficking epidemic, and have a stronger voice for the vulnerable, whose opinions and opportunities have been taken away from them”, said Peckinpaugh. “Together with ECPAT-USA and other participating organizations, we are committed to doing everything in our power to end human trafficking.” Alongside other industry experts, Peckinpaugh will present a session at Convening Leaders taking an indepth look at the human trafficking epidemic. “One of ECPAT-USA’s main focuses — and essential tools for ending child sex trafficking — is engagement with the private sector, including ensuring as many
network of business events strategists advocate, build awareness and act on the issue. The signing of The Code was announced by PCMA Foundation Chair and President of Maritz Global Events, David Peckinpaugh, during the association’s annual Convening Leaders conference, taking place
associates in the travel industry are educated about this urgent issue”, said Michelle Guelbart, director of private sector engagement at ECPAT-USA. “This new collaborative partnership with PCMA helps expand that mission to thousands more and will help protect countless more children from exploitation.”
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Surf Safari
Africa Is Surfing‛s Next Frontier By Jen Murphy
T
he big surf discoveries of the past 10 years have surprisingly been in Africa. Gone are the Hawaiian shirts and SoCal woody wagons. “Here, surfing is about exploration,” says Andy Davis, cofounder of the Cape Town–based surf brand Mami Wata (https://mamiwatasurf.com), “in places that are still so wild—jungles, deserts, and unspoiled vistas—where there could be crocs and hippos in the water.” Named after the African water spirit, Mami Wata celebrates this particular surf culture. Davis, owner of South African surf magazine Zigzag, launched the brand in 2017 with friends Nick Dutton, a former advertising executive, and Peet Pienaar, a designer who works with brands including Camper and Diesel. The trio develops and manufactures all of Mami Wata’s products locally. And its three Cape Town storefronts, located in hipster Woodstock, the Bo-Kaap neighborhood, and on trendy Kloof Street, double as urban surf clubs, with fair-trade coffee and TVs playing big-wave films. On the shelves, you won’t find neon hues or shaka-sign motifs. Board shorts and tees feature primarycolor prints of surfing zebras and bananas—a nod to Morocco’s mellow right-hand wave called Banana Point. African surf breaks also inform the boards, all hand-shaped by legendary South African craftsman Hugh Thompson. And to shift the traveler’s mind-set from wildlife safari to surf safari, the brand has partnered with local outfitter Escape+Explore to offer trips around the continent. There are also long-term plans to launch surf lodges. “Surfing in Africa is unlike anywhere else,” Dutton says. “We’re the new frontier.”
Where to Catch Africa’s Best Waves Tofo Beach, Mozambique These gentle breaks, 300 miles northeast of Maputo, are ideal for longboarders. Ouakam, Senegal You’ll see mosques from the A-framers here. “It feels like surfing in Indonesia,” Dutton says. Noumbi, Republic of the Congo see page 35
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This chocolate-brown wave in the middle of the Congo breaks for 600 feet. Jeffreys Bay, South Africa J-Bay is known for Super-tubes, one of the world’s finest right-hand point breaks. www.cntraveler.com/story/africa-is-surfings-next-frontier? Image credits: gosurf.dk, xtremespots.com, worlds-exotic-beaches.com, mami wata
Coastal Adventures
2 Great Beaches of Africa By Lottie Gross
Diani Beach, Kenya Photo by hbpro / Shutterstoc
La Petite Côte, Senegal
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he 60-plus-mile stretch of white sand that makes up Senegal’s Petite Côte is blissfully quiet. Here, you’ll find small fishing towns and villages where Portuguese and French influences mix with the energetic West African culture, plus low-key holiday resorts popular with Europeans in the summer. Saly (www.africa.com/senegal-travel-guide) is the center of the action, with plenty of beachfront hotels and resorts for all budgets (Le Lamantin is exceptional). It’s an excellent destination for families, with ample opportunity for watersports, as well as the fascinating Île de Fadiouth—a curious island made almost entirely of shells—just off the coast (www.atlasobscura.com/places/joal-fadiout).
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Diani Beach, Kenya
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ombine a winter sun-and-beach break with an unforgettable wildlife experience at Diani Beach (www.dianibeach.com). This slice of white sand, backed by palms and lapped by Indian Ocean waves, sees temperatures hover around the mid-80s throughout December and January. There are plenty of hotels in Diani, but the treehouse rooms at Stilts Backpackers (www.stiltsdianibeach. com) are special and will introduce you to some of the very cheeky colobus monkeys and bush babies that live in the forest nearby. A short drive away is the Shimba Hills National Reserve (www.kenyasafari. com/shimba-hills-national-reserve-guide.html), where you can take a safari to spot elephants, giraffes, and—if you’re lucky—leopards. www.afar.com/magazine/12-great-beaches-for-winter-sun?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_ campaign=021019_United%20Premium%20Seats&utm_term=Daily%20Wander%20Newsletter
ck.com
Foto di Mbour, La Petite Cote (dic 2018) Fornite dai gestori
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Show Time
Inside Afro Nation: The Multi-Continent Music Festival You Don’t Want To Miss By DeAnna Taylor Travel Noire
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desegun Adeosun Jr. aka Smade is a Nigerian-born citizen who moved to London to study. His passion for African entertainment led him to launch his own brand Smade Entertainment, which is now the number one Afrobeats promoter company. This year, Smade and his partner, Obi Asika, are hosting the first installment of their already sold-out festival, Afro Nation. The festival will take place on the beautiful beaches of Algarve, Portugal August 1-4. They will host a second edition of the fest on Laboma Beach in Accra, Ghana December 27-30. Those tickets go on sale soon. Afro Nation will be one of, if not the, largest African inspired music festival to hit Europe and later Africa. With names like Stefflon Don and Davido on the ticket, you know it will be dope. We spoke with Smade about festival, how it was birthed, and what we can expect when we attend.
Travel Noire: How was Afro Nation born? Smade: This idea was birthed by my partner Obi Asika and I, out of a passion to unify Africans in the diaspora. We want to spread the African culture worldwide and seeing other festivals, we were inspired to start an African festival that gives a bigger platform to African artists.
TN: How did you decide that Portugal was the best place to have a festival like this? Smade: We knew our first destination had to have beautiful weather and be accessible to the people spread all over Europe. We chose it because it is affordable for the festival goers and has good vibes. It also has a strong link to African history, Lagos is only 40 mins from our site. There are obviously some painful connections between this part of Portugal and our homeland. It will be a moment of deep significance to see our people come together in celebration at Afro Nation.
TN: What can we expect at Afro Nation? Smade: We have performances from some of the biggest names out of Africa right now like Davido, Wizkid and Burna Boy. There are going to be beach parties & boat parties; and expect delicious African food and amazing African fashion. It’s going to be
TN: What does bringing a platform like this to Portugal mean to you? Smade: It means that Europe is going to have the pan-African experience, we want the world to see how truly beautiful our culture is. We want to unite our diaspora and bring all different types of people together, to celebrate life.
TN: Where can we find more info about the festival? Smade: You can find us online at www.afronation. com and on our Instagram @afronation & @ afronationghana for all updates as they come. https://legacy.travelnoire.com/inside-afro-nation-themulticontinent-music-festival-you-dont-want-to-miss/
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Why You Need to Visit Egypt This Year By Pilar Guzmán
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ou couldn’t miss the Nour el Nil (www.cntraveler. com/story/the-nile-river-cruise-we-cant-wait-to-takenext) fleet among the few river barges small
enough to stop in Esna. While the three boats ran the length of the dock, they didn’t eclipse the tiny village the way cruise vessels do when they pass improbably at building height, like space ships, through cities. The boats’ fitting scale would have both practical and metaphorical implications for our trip. These traditional wooden barges looked like they had always been
Golden morning-lit colonnades at the Temple of Karnak Pilar Guzmán
there—which, it turns out, they had. And by always, I mean like 4,000 years, affording a kind of literal access and cultural camouflage (we came to realize as our six days unfolded) that made all the difference when it comes to cruising the Nile. After dropping our bags on the Meroe, the newest of the three, we followed our tour guide through the quiet souk toward the Greco-Roman Temple of Khnum, a partially excavated structure sitting almost 9 meters below ground and dedicated to the ram-headed god Khnum, believed to have created man from his potter’s wheel. Though begun by Ptolemy VI Philometor in the second century B.C., what you see today— the hypostyle hall supported by 18 elaborately carved and painted palm leaf-, grape cluster-, and lotus budtopped capitals—is the handiwork of the Romans some 500 years later. It was only when we returned to the Meroe that I realized we hadn’t seen a single tourist who wasn’t part of our group, and wouldn’t until we reached Edfu a couple of days later. I was suddenly very pleased with myself for having canceled another trip to Egypt months prior, when I learned the Nour el Nil was booked. I’d been dreaming of drifting along in one of these dahabiyas—a traditional double-masted sailboat with up to 12 cabins—ever since they launched the first one more than a decade ago. Unlike other Nile River cruises, some 350 big boats whose hermetically sealed cabins, glassedin dining rooms, nightclubs, and pools tick all the sought-after upscale travel boxes, the Nour el Nil is a more intimate kind of luxury. But the lack of crowds was also disconcerting, a reminder of just how vulnerable a tourist economy is to the sensationalism of the news cycle, especially in this part of the world. After deciding to take our boys, ages
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The deck of the Meroe
15 and 12, and my mother-in-law to Egypt this past November, I was surprised that my husband Chris, who is almost as bullish as I am about adventurous travel, got cold feet at the last minute. After all, there hadn’t been a single attack on tourists since 2014, when ISIS targeted a tourist bus on the Egyptian side of the Taba border with Israel that killed four and injured 30. I also was quick to remind him of the everyday violence in our own Brooklyn backyard. We went over Thanksgiving, which is my favorite time of year as an American to travel internationally, as well as the most temperate—short sleeves in the daytime and light sweater in the evening. But even after we learned of the most recent attack on a Vietnamese tour bus near the pyramids, which took place just a couple of weeks after we got back, we agreed that we couldn’t have felt any safer traveling as a family (and are even considering taking over one of the boats for a joint milestone birthday in 2020). Because while any sudden acts of violence can give even the most enlightened traveler pause—as it did for a moment in Brussels, Paris, Nice, and Barcelona— we are far likelier to give in to our unconscious biases and fears, ignoring statistics and rational thinking, in cultures that feel truly foreign to our own. (No matter how many times we hear that we are four times more likely to be struck by lightning than killed by a terrorist, we never quite believe it.)
Dylan Chandler
Fear, when it shapes our knee-jerk nationalistic foreign policy, threatens political and economic stability to catastrophic ends. Egypt’s tourism economy— dogged by a vicious circle of political unrest and terrorist attacks—suffered a 60% drop from 2016 to 2017 in the aftermath of the Coptic church bombings in Alexandria and Tanta. Egpyt can ill afford another setback in the aftermath of this most recent attack. The situation, however fragile, invites you to slip right in to an age-old legacy of cultural pilgrimage. I thought back to our first day in Cairo and our visit to the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities. It houses roughly a quarter of a million works of art and artifacts spanning more than 3,000 years from the Old Kingdom to the Roman period. Charmingly disheveled, you get a sense of what the museum must have looked like when it opened over a century ago, from the uncrated treasures in view, as well as the countless artifacts you know are sitting in the basement, like that famous last scene in Raiders of the Lost Ark. More striking, perhaps, than seeing up close the masterpieces from every western civ course you’ve ever taken— the golden mask and throne of Tutankhamun, the Mummy of Hatshepsut and the Three Triads of Menkaura—is how transporting the museum itself is to the era of The Grand Tour. If you squint, you can imagine heat-flushed Brits in three-piece suits standing in the same dust-filtered light that makes everything
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feel like a Merchant Ivory film. Later, as we took in unobstructed views of the Sphinx without having to wait our turn at the railing for a photo op, it hit me that there are probably about the same number of visitors here today as there were back then. Although our guide Hossam told us he felt optimistic about tourism’s return, he’d also seen too many fellow tour operators take on second and third jobs in different industries, or abandon their businesses entirely, in order to make ends meet. The next morning, we caught a 6 a.m. flight to Luxor, where we met a guide Adel, sent by the Nour el Nil. Cairo is to New York City as Luxor is to colonial Williamsburg, which is to say clean, efficient, and optimized for tourism in the best possible way, with an airport that puts most American ones to shame. We were among the first visitors that morning to enter the spectacular and remarkably well-preserved Temple of Karnak, whose ambitious construction spanned the Old Kingdom in 2600 B.C. all the way up to the Ptolemaic Dynasty, and is the most important
religious complex in Ancient Egypt, not to mention the largest in the world. Though traditionally thought to be the site where creator-god Atum created himself and then the god Shu and goddess Tefnut by spitting them out of his mouth, the existing structures honor other gods—Osiris, Montu, and Isis, whose origin stories and filial tensions play out over columns and walls throughout the region—and a succession of Egyptian and Roman rulers. It was impossible not to relish the absence of crowds as we meandered through the golden morning-lit colonnades at Karnak, but I couldn’t quite ignore the implications of this glorious solitude: the cruel irony that destabilized economies, which give rise to repressive regimes and vast economic disparities in its population, are ripe for the kind of radicalization we fear the most. A depressed tourist economy undermines security and, eventually, the preservation of cultural patrimony. In 2013, looters took advantage of the protests in Cairo’s Tahrir Square that ended President Hosni Mubarak’s leadership and stole more than a thousand
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artifacts from the Malawi National Museum in Minya. El Sisi’s recent uncontested landslide electoral victory, in which none of the viable challengers even made it to the ballot, is reminiscent of the kinds of elections, which secured dictatorships in the decades that precipitated the Arab Spring. There is something about being on the river, however, that transcends politics and time. The Nour el Nil sails from Luxor to Aswan over six days, a 150mile drive that normally takes three and a half hours, and that’s about all they tell you at the outset. The idea is for those of us who are accustomed to planning every last bathroom break to surrender to those who know better. The staff have mastered the art of the unprogrammed. But it turns out that serendipity, that holy grail of immersive travel, takes planning. The kind of planning that draws on the collective wisdom of two expats who understood how to translate the culture to Europeans and Americans and an Egyptian who could navigate the logistics, culture, and politics of running a business and building a staff. To say nothing of the coordinated and often invisible network of farmers and fisherman as well as guides and drivers along the way. One morning at breakfast when I asked Eleanore Kamir, one of the company’s three owners, to define what sets the Nour el Nil apart, she answered with typical Gallic sangfroid, “We do what we like.” When in 2008 the French-born global wanderer and interior designer, who’d been living in Egypt for the better part of three decades, partnered with Egyptian boat maker Memdou Sayed Khalifa and Mexican-born Enrique Cansino to revive the lost art of traditional dahabiya, the trio set out to give a certain kind of traveler what they didn’t realize they wanted— the gift of doing nothing. That is, between visits to some of the most culturally significant sights in the world. Displaced by the arrival of the railroad and steamships, not to mention tied up by the Great The Temple of Horus at Depression, this inefficient— Edfu Pilar Guzmán however dreamy—means of
transport fell out of favor. Memdou, a 30-year sailing veteran, harvested pieces from older boats as they were dismantled to incorporate into their fleet of new builds, which, save for their steel hulls, are faithful wood reproductions of the original ancient vessels. The overall vibe, however, is anything but orthodox. Eleanore’s haute-bohemian mix of striped fabrics on low-slung couches and antique French chandeliers aligns with an overall casual yet rigorous approach to service, which is attentive, yet somehow not servile. When we set sail and I sat on the top deck for the first time, I tried to pinpoint the novelty of this experience beyond the obvious physical beauty and gravitas of the place, and the feeling that scenes unfolding along the river looked much as they had in Biblical times (we would see a near-identical dahabiya to ours in a hieroglyphic relief in a temple that would later confirm this fact). As striking as what was there—impossibly well preserved temples and traditions—is was what wasn’t. The silence, but for the quiet lapping of water, the near balletic choreography of men in traditional white and pale blue-striped galabeya manning the tiller and sails, negotiating for fresh fish with fishermen in tiny wooden boats that pulled up alongside ours, and arranging dining chairs around the long table for family-style meals without so much as a shuffle. The boat, which has no engine, let alone a PA system— and, thankfully, spotty Wi-Fi—is pulled by tugboats only when there isn’t enough wind for the giant signature red and white striped sails to unfurl. Then there was the way the boat sidled up without any fuss to the bank of a town just south of Esna, and how the staff quietly let us know that we would go for a short moonlit walk through a rural farm village. When I asked what we were doing there, one of the crew said, “We are invited for a tea in someone’s home.” You could go, or not. No forced fun. No big announcements, just a slight quickening of movements on the part of the staff as they settled a makeshift gangplank onto the bank. When we returned, it was time to eat, a seemingly effortless dinner party on deck signaled only by the lighting of the candles and faint ringing of a bell. At first our family of five stuck together. By the second day I watched my sons, sitting at opposite sides of the table and helping themselves to seconds of the local perch, engaged in conversation—one with a retired educator, and the other a 40-something graphic designer. Two months after our trip we are still in touch with a handful of the group, and my younger son and I try to reproduce the cucumber and tomato salads, lentil soups, and yes, the falafel as best we can from our Brooklyn kitchen. We started our first morning the way we would every
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day thereafter, with an early morning swim followed by a rolling breakfast of crèpes and fried eggs, as each couple emerged from their cabin. The trick to swimming in the Nile, we learned by watching Eleanore as she slipped out of her galabeya and worn Chanel quilted flats and headed barefoot down the path, is to walk opposite the river flow and kick with the current back to the boat. Later that morning, though never in haste, we made our way on foot from the boat along the east bank of the Nile to the former capital of Upper Egypt, El Kab. Once again, we had it to ourselves. The highlight of the region is the tombs, some of which date to New Kingdom period (1550–1069 B.C.). The depictions are well preserved, most notably those belonging to Ahmose, aka “Captain-General of Sailors” under Pharaoh Ahmose I. More interesting, perhaps, than the detailed accounts of daily life and battle scenes is the ubiquitous “Luigi was here” script-style graffiti left behind by Italian and British tourists from the 18th and 19th centuries. Averaging one major excursion a day of cradleof-civilization-grade sites, it turns out, is the perfect cadence. After lounging in a hammock, reading,
drawing, playing scrabble and backgammon, followed by a multi-course but never heavy lunch, you are then ready to have your mind blown by the Temple of Horus at Edfu. Because the very act of gliding along the mythical river feels purposeful, a near religious rite of time travel and cultural immersion. That my 15- and 12-year-old sons never once said they were bored, even though they were the only kids aboard, is a testament to Nour el Nil’s masterful pacing. If ever there were a reification of the “getting there is half the fun” adage, it is this experience, and doubly so when you realize the best way to get to the Greco-Roman temple at Edfu is by horsedrawn carriage. In their breezy style, staff members instructed us to get into to a black 19th-centurystyle carriage in pairs and to negotiate a certain round trip rate upfront. Catching a glimpse of my longhaired 15-year-old with the guileless grin of his former five-year-old self, as our rickety carriage lurched forward, was worth the trip alone. At full gallop, it felt like the wheels might fly off. It’s only on foreign soil that a parent forgoes her cardinal seatbelt-sunblock-helmet rule and stands the chance to model a kind of pluck that our otherwise frictionless American lives never allow. Thanks to the desert sand that covered the 44 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2019
Dahabiya luxorandaswan.com
temple after the cult was banned, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, built between 237 and 57 B.C., is one of the best-preserved ancient structures in Egypt. Dedicated to the falcon god, the vengeful son of Isis and Osiris, the settlement itself was established as a cult center and cemetery site around 3000 B.C. “You know, none of the other boats can stop here,” Eleanore said of our next stop, Gebel Silsileh, a rocky gorge between Kom Ombo and Edfu, the narrowest point along the Nile, where sandstone cliffs jut from the water’s edge. Not by coincidence, we arrived at the magic hour, with just enough daylight to walk up through the small tourist-free village and make our way through a mile or so of sand dunes. Some of the photos we took that day at sunset, the sun disappearing behind the peaked dunes, were so on-the-nose postcard perfect they almost look fake. The next morning, we walked through the sandstone quarries, where the ancient Egyptians cut stone for some of the most important New Kingdom temples in Luxor, and toured the small shrines built by Merenptah, Ramses II and Seti I during the New Kingdom. The immutability of the landscape tricks you: You can almost picture these slabs of sandstone floating up the river to Karnak. On our second to last full day we hiked a couple of miles through a palm thicket along the east river that landed us in a tiny local cafe. I had to laugh as I walked
behind my husband and younger son as they lifted their galabeyas, having abandoned all other attire one day into our journey, to step over fallen branches. More exuberant than the bright turquoise wall color was the clanking of dominos as they hit the table from wildly gesticulating clusters of men at play. Though we were clearly not locals, our group was small and nimble enough not to disrupt the quotidian scene. An older gentleman gestured to my younger son to come join him. My son stood leaning in over the man’s shoulder and giggled excitedly whenever the volume rose. The key to immersive travel, as Nour el Nil gets just right, is a light footprint, which allows you to be invisible enough to experience a place without the mood-killing raised paddle of a tour leader signaling that it’s time to go. Before we arrived in Aswan, where we would disembark, Eleanore warned us that there would be many more boats than we were used to: “big ones.” As we pulled alongside the blue-tinted mirrored facade of a five-story luxury river liner, the spell was broken. We toyed momentarily with staying aboard with our new Nour el Nil family for one more magical candlelit dinner, but decided to check into the Old Cataract hotel as planned. The setting of Agatha Christie’s Death on the Nile, the Old Cataract is the kind of grand dame
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see page 46
Ramesses II
ancient.eu
whose historic romance supersedes the modern luxury high-rise addition. (The tower, though, makes up for its architectural incongruity with stellar views from the balconies.) And even if you never left the pool area, which overlooks toy-like wooden sailboats backlit by the setting sun and the historic Nubian village across the Nile, you can’t avoid the cultural contact high of an ancient panorama as far as the eye can see. The next morning, we took the first flight out for a day trip to Abu Simbel, which defies all description in terms of scale, drama, not to mention narcissism of King Ramses II, whose smaller temple dedicated to his favorite wife, Nefertiti, is also covered with paintings and engravings of himself. Which, come to think of it, is not all that different from the self-
congratulatory modern-day strongmen we seem to be seeing all over the world these days. On the 30-minute flight back to Aswan, I sat next to a middle-aged tour guide leading a group of Australian women. I asked him to recommend a local lunch spot where he might go with his own family or with friends, not where he would send tourists. He laughed and wrote down the name of a place near the souk, “Not fancy, okay? I take some clients there, but the food is for me the best.” I asked him whether he thought tourism was picking up and if Americans were coming back. “It’s getting better,” he said. “I think Americans are more scared by what they see on the television, but they are the most excited and surprised, more happy than the British or the French, when they finally come.” The restaurant he recommended, El Masry, it not a complete hidden gem (we did see another table of tourists), but it was exactly what we were looking for for: kofta and kabob and plate after plate of vegetables, rice, hummus, and pita. It’s the kind of place that’s lit by bare fluorescent tubes with a proprietor who slumps over an analog cash register while barking orders through the window into the kitchen. I paused on my way out to ogle a steaming bowl of dumplings swimming in a clear broth, made green by an assault of fresh herbs, which was being served to a pair of older men who’d no doubt been exchanging grunts over meals for their entire adult lives. Registering my interest, the owner ladled a sample in a small bowl, blew to cool down a spoonful, and proceeded to feed me and my older son a couple of perfect bites. When I offered to pay, the owner shook his head and waved us off. I was reminded of our first night on the boat, when we went to the private home of a local villager for tea. As I entered the kitchen and jumped in to help a mother and daughter carry out trays of drinks to the group, it struck me, as it often does when I meet people around the world in these unguarded settings, that we humans are more similar than not. Without missing a beat, the host piled my tray with glasses. She thanked me with a nod and a smile like you would give a cousin, not a stranger you need to impress. It was the greatest compliment a traveler could ask for. www.cntraveler.com/story/why-you-need-to-visitegypt-this-year?
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ahmadrefaat.deviantart.com
Egypt’s New Hiking Trail
Egypt Opens 105-Mile Hiking Trail in the Red Sea Mountains By Lyndsey Matthews
A Bedouin guide on Jebel Gattar, a mountain in Egypt’s Red Sea range Courtesy of Red Sea Mountain Trail
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ith a new St. Regis Cairo set to open this summer, a 5.2-million-square-foot Grand Egyptian Museum under construction, and international arrivals up 55% year over year, Egypt is in the middle of a tourism revival. You can also add a hike on mainland Egypt’s first long-distance trail to the list of reasons to go, now that the 105-mile route is open in the remote Red Sea Mountains. Located west of the beach resort town of Hurghada, the Red Sea Mountain Trail is created from a network of ancient routes used by local Bedouin tribes over the years. Owned and operated by the Khushmaan clan of the Maaza, Egypt’s largest Bedouin tribe, the trail aims to bring travelers away from Egypt’s main tourist path and to the clan’s traditional territory. The trail benefits the Bedouin community by creating jobs and helping preserve the culture. “We want the Red Sea Mountain Trail to diversify Hurghada’s tourism and create a space for slow, immersive travel in which the Bedouin can . . . communicate their rich knowledge of their homeland
to outsiders,” Ben Hoffler, one of the founders of the trail, told AFAR. Hoffler, a U.K.-born trail developer who has lived in Egypt for the past decade, assisted the Bedouins in designing the trail following the success of the Sinai Trail, which he helped open in 2015. Since then, 850 Egyptians and foreigners have hiked the Sinai Trail, which has won tourism awards and led to the creation of 50 jobs, including guides, drivers, cooks, and cameleers. Hoffler and the Bedouins expect this new sister trail to be even more popular because of its proximity to areas already known to tourists. As more Bedouin leave behind their nomadic existence to live in villages and towns, many of the skills that were once essential to their survival are becoming irrelevant and forgotten. “Young Bedouin will work on the Red Sea Mountain Trail alongside older ones which is also important because it ensures the traditional channels through which Bedouin culture has always been transmitted remain open between generations,” Hoffler says.
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Courtesy of Red Sea Mountain Trail
How to hike the Red Sea Mountain Trail The entire 105-mile route takes about 10 days to hike through and must be done with a local Bedouin guide because it is controlled by the Maaza tribe. Even with the help of guides, the Red Sea Mountains can be strenuous to hike with steep up and down sections and parts that require rock scrambling (the range includes Jebel Shayib el Banat, the highest peak in mainland Egypt at 7,175 feet). Food and bottled water will be provided throughout the trip but must be carried by hikers who want to attempt the main route. If you don’t have that amount of time or the desire to tackle the more difficult elevation gains, guides can lead you on a shorter, mostly flat circuit within the trail. These easier routes can also include a support crew who will carry tents and sleeping bags to an evening rendezvous point. Private treks can be organized by sending an email through the Red Sea Mountain Trail’s website (the company communicates in both Arabic and English). The first guided group hike on the trail is scheduled to take place this spring, according to its Facebook page (www.facebook.com/redseamountaintrail) However, the first through hike scheduled for a group departure isn’t until 2020.
To get to the Red Sea Mountains, travelers can fly into Hurghada’s international airport, which is located within the area of Egypt deemed safe for international travelers by both the U.S. and U.K. governments. Although the U.S. Department of State has a Level 2 warning issued for Egypt (exercise increased caution due to terrorism), the main areas of concern are located on the Sinai Peninsula and in the Western Desert. Because the Red Sea Mountains are a wilderness area controlled by Bedouin tribes, the area has seen no terrorist activity. On the Red Sea Mountain Trail Association’s website (www.redseamountaintrail.org), it mentions that the tribal organization that hires the guides only selects the most trusted people for the job to make sure the hikes are safe for solo female travelers. Eventually, the trail’s creators hope to expand the trail to a total of 621 miles along the length of the Red Sea in Egypt. To do so, they plan to include the Ababda and Bisharin tribes, whose territory goes to the border of Sudan and include not only Arab traditions but also African ones. www.afar.com/magazine/egypt-opens-105-milehiking-trail-in-the-red-sea-mountains
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Colorful Cape Town
5 Things To Know About Cape Town’s
Bo-Kaap District By DeAnna Taylor
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henever you search for pictures of Cape Town, you are bound to see several photos of the city’s Bo-Kaap neighborhood sprinkled into the mix. You will see the rows of homes on cobblestone roads, standing out against the background because of their bright and bold colors. If you have plans to visit Cape Town, this is an area you don’t want to miss. Here are five things you need
to know about the district.
It is the oldest residential area in Cape Town Bo-Kaap is said to be the oldest residential area of Cape Town, South Africa. The oldest building in the neighborhood is now The Bo-Kaap Museum, which was built sometime between 1763 and 1768. It still holds its original form today.
The neighborhood has had several name
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changes Although we know it as the Bo-Kaap district today, the area has gone through many name changes over the decades. It was originally referred to as Waalendorp, after Jan de Waal. It was then known as the Malay Quarter before taking on the name that it bears today.
Many of the residents are
pinterest.com
descendants of slaves brought over by the Dutch. South Africa has a heavy Dutch influence as seen in many of its street names and buildings. Many of the former slaves brought into Cape Town were taken from Indonesia, Malaysia, and of course other African countries. The residents were once known as Cape Malays due to a large number of them being of Malaysian descent. However, that distinction no longer holds true. You can still find traces of Malaysian culture in the dialect of one of the languages spoken in the area.
Islam is the main religion in the area Many Muslims made their way to the area after the abolition of slavery and built mosques for prayer. South Africa’s first and oldest mosque, The Auwal Mosque, can be found in Bo-Kaap. Depending on the time of day, you can hear the calls for prayer throughout the neighborhood. It is now a popular tourist area While this neighborhood is full of history, the area has now turned into a popular area for tourists. Many visiting Cape Town flock to the area to get their photos of the colorful homes. There are a few small coffee shops and restaurants in the area so if you need to grab a quick bite, the option is there. You will still find residents moving on with their everyday life as well. https://legacy.travelnoire.com/things-know-capetowns-bo-kaap-district/ 51 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2019
Safari Camp - Ecological Upgrade
Mombo Camp: One of the Best New Hotels in the World: The Stay List By Lindsey Tramuta
M
ombo Camp (https://wilderness-safaris.com) is one of Botswana’s most iconic safari retreats. The remote location in the Moremi Game Reserve (www.afar.com/places/moremi-gamereserve-ngamiland-east) offers a deep experience with the wildlife-rich Okavango Delta (www.afar.com/places/ okavango-delta-ngamiland-east), and the sustainable architecture treads gently on the landscape. In fact, thanks to the recent multimillion-dollar rebuild by Wilderness Safaris, an ecoconscious outfitter, the lodge now runs on 100% solar power. Builders took care to fit into the same footprint as the previous incarnation of the camp, and arborists worked to
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protect existing trees. The environmentally sensitive measures have not sacrificed any luxury: Each of the nine tents now has a handsome lounge area with leather sofas and a well-stocked bar cart, plus a private veranda with a plunge pool facing the floodplains. Between game drives, guests might be able to catch glimpses of wildlife from the new 41-foot pool. From $1,990 per person. – www.afar.com/magazine/best-new-hotels?utm_ source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_ campaign=041519_best%20hotels_B&utm_ term=Segment_B 53 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2019
T
he elusive African black leopard is alive and well and living in Kenya -- and there are new pictures to prove it. A team of biologists shot rare footage of the sleek big cat after spending months watching and waiting, said Nick Pilfold, a global conservation scientist at the San Diego Zoo. While there have been previous reports of sightings of black leopards in Africa -- they’re also known as black panthers -- the new images offer important confirmation. “It is likely that black leopards have been living in Kenya all along, it is only that high-quality imagery to confirm it has been missing until now,” said Pilfold. The black leopard’s sighting was published in the African Journal of Ecology (https://onlinelibrary.wiley. com/doi/pdf/10.1111/aje.12586). Kenya’s Daily Nation newspaper said that its photographer, Phoebe Okall, shot an image of a black leopard in 2013 in the same region. It’s unclear whether that image was publicized at the time. Pilford said he’s “aware of a few different photos taken over the years, but most of them are taken from a distance and could not be used as confirmatory evidence.” The 2013 image in particular, he said, “is a captive black leopard that was brought from America as a kitten to Kenya, not wild.” “Prior to the observations in our published paper, the last confirmed observation (in the published record) was 1909 in Ethiopia,” he said.
How they captured the footage The footage shot by Pilfold’s team includes a slew of photos and video footage of the agile animal moving in darkness, its eyes glittering in the night like two shiny marbles. Pilfold said his team of biologists had placed remote cameras to track the leopard population near a conservancy area in Laikipia County last year when they heard reports of a possible black leopard sighting. “We intensified our camera placement in the area the reports were being made,” he said Tuesday night. “Within a few months, we were rewarded with multiple observations on our cameras.” While there have been reported sightings, black leopards are still considered rare in the continent, Pilfold said. The leopard’s coat is pitch black as a result of melanism, a gene mutation that causes an overproduction of pigment, said Pilfold. It’s the opposite of albinism -- and although the leopard’s coat appears
Rare Black Leopard C in New Images from K By Faith Karimi black during the day, its rosette patterns are visible in nighttime infrared imagery. “Melanism occurs in about 11% of leopards globally, but most of these leopards live in South East Asia,” said Pilfold.
A longtime dream to photograph the black panther Will Burrard-Lucas, who shot the images of the black leopard, described his longtime dream to photograph the big cat. “For me, no animal is shrouded in more mystery, no animal more elusive, and no animal more beautiful,” he posted on his blog. “For many years, they remained the stuff of dreams and of farfetched stories told around
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The total extent of the animal’s population decline is still unknown, San Diego Zoo said in a statement. But several factors have sharply reduced their numbers, including hunting, habitat loss, competition for prey, and conflict with livestock and farmers. Pilfold is part of a team from the San Diego Zoo working with local partners, including the Kenya Wildlife Service, to monitor leopard populations in the area and help preserve the species. He marveled at the coincidence of the location of an animal that’s also called the black panther, the title of one of last year’s biggest movies. “Coincidentally, our observations are very close to where the fantasy Marvel comic country of Wakanda is suggested to be located,” he said. Black panthers refer broadly to any melanistic leopard, jaguars and other big cats.
It started in the local community
Captured Kenya
Will Burrard-Lucas African black leopard
the campfire at night. Nobody I knew had ever seen one in the wild and I never thought that I would either.” Burrard-Lucas said he shot the images at Laikipia Wilderness Camp using a Camtraptions Camera, which focuses on wildlife photography and footage. The cameras were placed near animal trails, and water sources such as pools and natural springs. They were left on 24 hours a day in most places but were only turned on at night in public places, according to the African Journal of Ecology. Leopards are described as critically endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species (www. iucnredlist.org/species/15954/5328595).
Ambrose Letolulai, a local leopard conservationist who was part of the project, was speaking with the community as part of efforts to better understand the human wildlife conflict. In one conversation in September, he interviewed an elder who told him about the challenges they were facing with ordinary leopards killing livestock in the region. The elder told him he had seen a black leopard, which he said are known in the Samburu language as “calf killers.” The team then set up a camera trap in that location. “I first heard about the black leopard when I was growing up from the stories of elders, but I didn’t believe it at all until I saw it myself,” he told CNN. “As a local, people have always been talking about the black leopard.” Kenyan conservationist Paula Kahumbu said there have been many unconfirmed sightings of black leopards, but this is the first time one has been proven. “Despite many challenges in the sector, Kenya’s wildlife continues to awe and inspire the world,” Kahumbu said. “I hope that this rare find persuades the authorities that we must balance conservation with development to protect our spectacular and mysterious species.” Kahumbu congratulated Letoluai for helping spearhead the international project. “I ... hope it inspires a new generation of Kenyan wildlife scientists,” she said. https://www.cnn.com/2019/02/13/africa/kenya-rareblack-leopard-black-panther/index.html https://www.kcci.com/article/rare-black-leopardcaptured-in-new-images-from-kenya/26327509
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Best Things To Do In Lagos, Nigeria By Travel Noire
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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. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Afrika_Shrine
New Afrika Shrine
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 restaurant 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. In addition to an art gallery, a bookshop. There is also a theater. www.terrakulture.com
Terra Kulture
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. www.quintessenceltd.com Quitessence 56 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2019
www.travelnoire.com
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. www.freedomparklagos.com
Freedom Park
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. nikeart.com
Nike Art Gallery
Lekki Market
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. www.ilovelagos.com.ng see page 58
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from page 57
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. www.cometonigeria.com/wheretogo/motherlan
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. www.cometonigeria.com/slide/funtopia-water-parkibeju-lekk
View all of the Issues of the Black Business News Group at: h ps://issuu.com/ blackbusinessnews
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Travel Services Directory
Blue World Travel Corporation San Francisco, CA 94104 1-800-466-2719 Silver Spring, MD 20910 fas@blueworldtravel.com www.festivalatsea.com
African American Travel Conference
Safari Supreme Safari Travel Facilitation by Julien Dothard Hollywood, CA 90078 1-818-419-8639 dothardd@sbcglobal.net www.safarisupreme.com
Henderson Travel Service “We take you to Africa & the World” Gaynelle Henderson-Bailey 1-818-419-8639 Silver Spring, MD 20910 dothardd@sbcglobal.net www.hendersontravel.com
Soul Of America “Black Cultural Travel Made Easy” http://soulofamerica.com/international-guides. phtml
Blue World Travel Corporation San Francisco, CA 94104 1-800-466-2719 Silver Spring, MD 20910 fas@blueworldtravel.com www.festivalatsea.com
https://aatconline.com
Safari Supreme
Safari Travel Facilitation by Julien Dothard Hollywood, CA 90078 1-818-419-8639 dothardd@sbcglobal.net www.safarisupreme.com
Henderson Travel Service “We take you to Africa & the World” Gaynelle Henderson-Bailey 1-818-419-8639 Silver Spring, MD 20910 dothardd@sbcglobal.net www.hendersontravel.com
Soul Of America “Black Cultural Travel Made Easy” http://soulofamerica.com/international-guides. phtml
Blue World Travel Corporation
African American Travel Conference https://aatconline.com
San Francisco, CA 94104 1-800-466-2719 Silver Spring, MD 20910 fas@blueworldtravel.com www.festivalatsea.com
African American Travel Conference
Safari Supreme
Safari Travel Facilitation by Julien Dothard Hollywood, CA 90078 1-818-419-8639 dothardd@sbcglobal.net www.safarisupreme.com
Henderson Travel Service “We take you to Africa & the World” Gaynelle Henderson-Bailey 1-818-419-8639 Silver Spring, MD 20910 dothardd@sbcglobal.net www.hendersontravel.com
Soul Of America “Black Cultural Travel Made Easy” http://soulofamerica.com/international-guides. phtml
https://aatconline.com
Safari Supreme
Safari Travel Facilitation by Julien Dothard Hollywood, CA 90078 1-818-419-8639 dothardd@sbcglobal.net www.safarisupreme.com
Henderson Travel Service “We take you to Africa & the World” Gaynelle Henderson-Bailey 1-818-419-8639 Silver Spring, MD 20910 dothardd@sbcglobal.net www.hendersontravel.com
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Travel Tech
Jack and Ferdi Launches the First AI-Powered App for the Bleisure Traveler
J
ack and Ferdi (www.jackandferdi.com), the first mobile app for bleisure travelers (a trip that combines business and leisure) is now available for download on iOS devices. The app provides business travelers with vetted suggestions on what to see, where to eat, and what to bring back home from more than 60 different global destinations. All suggestions are tailored to the user and curated by a team of City Ambassadors who possess in-depth knowledge of their area. Business travelers can also use Jack and Ferdi to learn local business customs, discover inspiring, unique work and meeting spaces, listen to locally inspired playlists, access a curated list of local charities to support and find the best running routes. “Jack and Ferdi provides business travelers the opportunity to seize the full potential of their trips by offering geolocalized, AI-generated and curatorvetted suggestions that are unbiased, suited to travelers’ profiles and time constraints, and most importantly, offer truly authentic and quintessential experiences,” said Anne-Fleur Andrle, co-founder and CEO of Jack and Ferdi. Jack and Ferdi is the brainchild of entrepreneurs Anne-Fleur Andrle and Romain Aubanel who — after years of seemingly unending and exhausting business travel — were inspired to create an app that would help business travelers maximize their limited free time. “The Jack and Ferdi team is committed to helping turn potentially long, exhausting business trips into memorable, enjoyable experiences,” Andrle explains. “Having traveled more than 80,000 miles for one job in just two years, I know the toll that business travel without balance can have. I never had the time or energy to research what I should see or do in my limited downtime, nevermind think about extending my trips for leisure. Jack and Ferdii is the app I wish I’d had while traveling for work. It does the research for you.”
https://aithority.com/mobile/jack-and-ferdi-launches-the-fi htt // ith it / bil /j k d f di l h th first-ait i powered-app-for-the-bleisure-traveler/
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Travel - Personal Care
The Black Travel Box Travel With Ease. Natural hair, skin, and body products for travelers of color in TSA friendly packaging - shipped directly to your door. Pick your favorites, subscribe, and save.
A Note From Our Founder I’ve traveled to 14 countries, taken 6000+ photos and only a handful with me in them. Why? Besides wanting to take photos of the local culture and breathtaking views... I pretty much travel on a permanent bad hair day. But on a recent trip to Japan, as I realized there was no venturing into a store for hair pomade, it occurred to me that I can’t be the only one out in these streets longing for a little shea butter goodness so I could take some dope #blacktravel photos even on a rainy day in Kyoto. So hot mess and all I decided to be the change that I sought... namely, creating The Black Travel Box. We’re a company that believes no foreign lands, desert sands, beachy waves, or mountain summits should be deprived of your beauty - inside and out. So we make hair and body care products to make you look and feel your best on vacation. And even if your travels take you closer to home, like the gym or an out of town client meeting, we’ve got you covered.
About The Black Travel Box Website: www.theblacktravelbox.com Product Line Includes: Conditioner Bar, Hair Balm, Body Balm, and Lip Balm Products Coming Soon: Shave Bar, Beard Oil, No-poo Bar, Lotion Bar, Shampoo Bar The Black Travel Box allows
customers to order on a one time or subscription basis - with flexible scheduling that makes getting the 61 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2019
products they want when they want it, quick and easy. www.theblacktravelbox.com
PHGMEETINGS.COM
PLANNING RESOURCES FOR THE WORLD’S MOST EXCEPTIONAL MEETINGS HOTELS. Preferred Hotel Group brings together over 700 individual meeting places. From breathtaking resort retreats to smart, city center hotels and boutique incentive experiences, find a unique solution to match every need. Explore the entire collection, find essential resources, access offers, and submit your RFP at PHGMeetings.com. Visit PHGMeetings.com to view properties in Cape Town, South Africa and Marrakech, Morocco.
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Travel - Driver’s Permit
How to Get an International Driver’s Permit By Chris Ciolli
Jen & Josh in Ethiopia: November 2013 jenandjoshinethiopia.blogspot.com
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lanning an international road trip? You’ll want to get an international driver’s license before you head out; in the United States, it’s officially known as an international driving permit (IDP). Recognized in 174 countries around the world when accompanied by a valid U.S. driver’s license, this passport-sized booklet includes your photo, name, and driver information translated into nine languages. Here’s the ultimate international driving permit primer to help get you on the road, fast.
What should I know before applying for an IDP? U.S. State Department–authorized IDPs are only issued by the Automobile Association of America (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA); fortunately, you don’t have to be a member of either association to get an IDP. Prior to applying, look up the license recommendations of the countries you will be visiting (and those of any rental car companies you plan to use). Official U.S. embassy websites and travel.state. gov provide information about related destinationspecific requirements and safety tips. Note that
some countries, such as China and Ethiopia, don’t recognize international driver’s licenses; instead, they issue their own temporary driving permits for tourists. Others, like Brazil and Uruguay, only recognize a specific type of IDP called an InterAmerican Permit, which is issued by AAA and recommended for travel throughout Latin America. IDP, you must be at least 18 years of age, a U.S. resident, and in possession of a U.S. state- or territoryissued driver’s license that’s valid for a minimum of six months beyond the start of your trip. You must also be traveling or planning to travel: U.S. citizens living in other countries as expats cannot use IDPs in their current countries of residence. These permits are not renewable and are usually valid for up to one year. (In some countries, such as Malaysia, IDPs are only valid for a few months before a driver has to apply for a local driver’s license.)
How can I apply for an IDP? In Person It’s fast and easy to apply for your international driving permit in person at the nearest AAA office. Call ahead to find out if you’ll need an appointment. Then,
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trevorstravels.com simply show up with two passport pictures, your valid driver’s license, a completed application, and the $20 permit fee, then leave with your IDP in hand. AAA can postdate your permit up to six months, so make sure to mark your application with the date you want the permit to become effective. By Mail You can also apply via mail through AAA or AATA. Through AAA, the price is the same $20 and your permit will be mailed to you via standard shipping at no additional cost. AATA charges $10 for standard domestic shipping and handling. Both organizations process permits in 10 to 15 days and offer optional expedited shipping, too. Just note that AATA-issued IDPs are effective upon processing (no postdating is offered). Send your completed application, two passport photos signed on the reverse side, and a signed photocopy of both sides of your driver’s license either to the AAA office nearest you or to AATA at the following address: American Automobile Touring Alliance, P.O. Box 24980, San Jose, CA 95154. Both AAA and AATA process applications mailed in from abroad (though not via fax or email, unfortunately), which is especially good news for folks traveling indefinitely. The permit fee is the same, but the process takes longer than it would stateside. AAA, for one, estimates a four- to six-week turnaround with the included standard shipping, unless you opt for expedited shipping for an additional $75 to
$100, which will reduce the time to 10 to 15 days. The international shipping fee for AATA is $85. Send overseas applications to AATA at the San Jose address listed above or to AAA at this address: AAA/IDP, 1000 AAA Drive, Heathrow, FL 32746, Attn: Mail Stop #23
Do I really need an IDP? In countries where these permits are required, nonresident drivers caught driving without one can face serious fines, legal sanctions, and, in extreme cases, deportation or prison time. But even in destinations where you can do without, this piece of paper with your photo, name, and driver information in multiple languages can go a long way toward facilitating communication. And for $20, it’s a small price to pay to cover your bases. Do visitors to the United States need an IDP? International travelers to the United States must carry a valid driver’s license from their home country if they want to operate a motor vehicle during their stay. They should also obtain an international driving permit from the relevant authority in their country of residence. While visiting drivers aren’t obliged by federal law to carry an IDP, some individual states and rental car companies require them. www.afar.com/magazine/how-to-get-an-internationaldrivers-permit?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_ medium=email&utm_campaign=030319_Marriott%20 Bonvoy&utm_content=Final&utm_term=Daily%20 Wander%20Newsletter
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Cultural Tourism
WORLD HERITAGE SITE
Vallee de Mai, Seychelles
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alking through the primeval palm forest here is like stepping back to a time when jungles were untrammeled by humans. Marvel at the 4,000 ancient coco-de-mer palms—which can grow to more than 100 feet tall and produce a nut of up to 40 pounds—and look for unique creatures like the Seychelles flying fox. How to see it: This is another magical stop on Zegrahm’s Seychelles with Aldabra Atoll 16-day journey, departing February 14, 2020 aboard Le Bougainville. www.zegrahm.com/expedition/ultimate-seychelles-with-aldabra-atollfebruary-2020/overview www.afar.com/magazine/10-world-heritage-sites-to-add-to-your-bucket-list 66 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2019
WORLD HERITAGE SITE
Photo credit: Mike Moore
Aldabra Atoll, Seychelles
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ew travelers ever make it to the world’s second-largest coral atoll, home to crystal-clear turquoise water, unique limestone formations, and pristine coral reef. Witness the huge tortoises that roam the sand and the blacktipped sharks that prowl below the sea’s surface, as well as more than 400 endemic species. How to see it: You’ll stop here on days 6 and 7 during Zegrahm’s Seychelles with Aldabra Atoll 16-day journey, departing February 14, 2020 aboard Le Bougainville.. www.zegrahm.com/expedition/ultimate-seychelles-with-aldabra-atollfebruary-2020/overview www.afar.com/magazine/10-world-heritage-sites-to-add-to-your-bucket-list 67 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2019
Travel Aids
Must-Have Photo Accessories for Your Smartphone By Meg Reinhardt
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’ve spent a lot of my life denying the advances in photography. First I refused to jump from film to digital, and now I have a difficult time leaving my cameras at home. Well, I’ve finally caved: I admit that my iPhone 8+ can serve as my sol camera (in the right situations). It has double the megapixels of my first digital camera and 256 gigabytes of storage— far surpassing those first digital memory cards. With the right accessories, I’ve set myself up for travel photography and Instagram success by carrying a few compact smartphone add-ons. Here’s what I never leave home without:
Moments iPhone Lenses This past summer I took my first camera-less vacation, relying exclusively on my phone to take pictures. It was a real trial for my iPhone 8+, but my high expectations were met by M o m e n t ’ s lenses (available in Wide, Macro, Superfish, or Tele) and app, which combine for beautiful, detailed images. Through the app, you can easily adjust exposure, focus, and temperature, as well as shoot in TIFF, RAW, or JPEG formats. The lenses effortlessly attach to your phone—though you’ll have to invest in a Moment phone case, too. The case and lens combination provide a tight seal, creating crisp images without the light leaks and soft focus of many add-on phone lenses. The newly launched 58mm Tele lens, which allows you to zoom without losing image quality or focus. All lenses are delivered with a microfiber bag and lens caps, and are small enough to keep in your pocket.
Smartphone flashes are particularly harsh and allow almost no custom control. In a pinch, you can tape a thin piece of tissue over your phone’s flash to diffuse the light. But I’d suggest investing in something like this external light and phone clip. The cube-shaped, portable flash connects to your phone via Bluetooth and gives you full control of light levels, overriding your phone’s flash. Waterproof to 100 feet, the flash means your next snorkeling adventure will be well documented, and not dark or muddy. (Just make sure your phone is waterproof, too.)
Joby GripTight ONE GP Magnetic Impulse If your timelapses are suffering from shaky hands or
Lume Cube Lighting Kit for Smartphone 68 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2019
your selfies are at unflattering angles, skip the selfie stick and go for a portable tripod. This Joby tripod is my go-to, especially when exploring the woods. I wrap its flexible legs around tree limbs on hikes and immediately get the versatility of unlimited angles. A Bluetooth remote is included with this tripod, so you can take a picture from up to 90 feet away.
Canon IVY Mini Photo Printer If you’re anything like me, you’ve got thousands of
photos on your iPhone and not a print in sight. Fix that with the IVY Mini Photo Printer, which prints out two-by-three-inch, smudge-proof photos in less than a minute—just connect it to your smartphone via Bluetooth. It’s all the perks of your phone’s camera quality, plus the instant gratification of a print in hand. And while you can print your photos out in their original forms, there are also options to add text, filters, or Polaroid-like borders.
iThrough Protective Case Beginning with the iPhone 7/7 Plus, you can freaking out about your phone getting wet, but up to about three feet submerged. Upgrade gear with an iThrough Underwater Case and
stop only your take
your phone snorkeling (up to 20 feet) while retaining all button and touchscreen functionality. I find this far less flimsy and much clearer than many of the bulky pouch-style cases on the market. The case includes a silicone membrane that’s guaranteed not to distort and warp your underwater footage. It’s lightweight but built to last, and with a sleek design can easily double as your day-to-day case. www.cntraveler.com/gallery/must-have-photoaccessories-for-your-smartphone
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Mall of Africa
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ntroducing the modern shopping experience, Mall of Africa encapsulates Life’s delights in an open and natural environment, inspired by Africa. Mall of Africa, South Africa’s largest shopping mall ever built in a single phase with 130,000m2
of retail space, is home to over 250 shops with four anchor tenants. In addition to a vast array of both local and international brands, the Centre also boasts uniquely identified court areas made for easy shopping navigation as well as exceptional access, location and visibility. Lone Creek Cresent and Magwa Crescent, Waterfall City Johannesburg, Gauteng 1686 www.facebook.com/pg/TheMallofAfrica
Travel as a Business
Evita Robinson is Disrupting the Travel Industry.
By Diana Hubbell
Pete Monsanto
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sk Evita Robinson why she travels and she’ll tell you: freedom. The threetime expat and veteran solo backpacker has been racking up passport stamps ever since a lifechanging trip to Paris following university. In 2011, she founded the Nomadness Travel Tribe (www.nomadnesstv.com), an online community for adventurous travelers of color. What started out as a small, scrappy group has evolved into a network of more than 22,000 members whose journeys bring in an estimated $50 million for the travel industry annually. Numbers like that are enough to get people’s attention and in recent years, tourism boards and tour companies have been reaching out to Robinson to find out how to connect with travelers of color in more meaningful ways. Yet despite significant progress, Robinson still sees a lot of work
on the Travel Channel, and Janaye Ingram, an organizer of the Women’s March. Plans are already well underway for this year’s edition, which will run from September 27-29 in Memphis, Tennessee. We caught up with Robinson as she was gearing up for a Nomadness trip to Turks and Caicos for a conversation about running with the bulls, breaking down stereotypes, and building a global movement. What was the idea behind the Nomadness Travel Tribe? For me, it was about galvanizing community. It was about breaking not only racial, but also socioeconomic
to be done in order for the industry to truly diversify, and she has continued to spread her message through other initiatives, including the web series The Nomadness Project (www.youtube.com/ watch?v=BTEC-yzNo_M&list= PLVo7nGot4fPiLKAQM8nKMR 2WoP1WygrWD), which she
co-created with Issa Rae of HBO’s Insecure. Using footage from Nomadness trips, the show documents real travelers getting up close with lions in South Africa and watching Muay Thai fights in Thailand. And last year in Oakland, California, Robinson launched Audacity Fest, a travel festival catering to millennial travelers of color featuring discussions and speeches from the likes of Kellee Edwards, the first black woman to have her own show 72 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2019
nomadnesstv bounds—letting people know that they didn’t need to be rich, white,
and affluent to see the world. It was about creating space amongst ourselves for us to celebrate one another and travel. It was about doing the things other folks say we don’t: running with the bulls in Pamplona and being the only black people at Holi festival in India, but still representing. We want to go on these kinds of trips, too, but not everyone sees that because there’s still a gross lack of representation in the travel industry and mass media. How did this whole thing get started? When I was teaching English in Japan, I started video blogging. It was just me with my pirated Final Cut Pro from college, a shitty camera, and shoddy audio, but the content resonated with people. At that time, you weren’t seeing a lot of twenty-something women saying, “Hey, I’m just going to uproot my life, move to Japan, and backpack around India. Oh, and by the way I’m broke while I'm doing all of this. What drove you to reach out to people? When I first created a community of a hundred people, I didn’t realize that I was answering a call for myself. I don’t come from a family of travelers. I’m definitely the black sheep and the outlier in my family. Half the time they’re like, “This is dope, but this is crazy.” In that regard, I personally needed community and didn’t see it at that point in time. Why was that? When we started almost eight years ago, a lot of Twitter feeds were about things like “Top 10 Places to Eat Pizza in Italy.” Meanwhile, I was trying to figure out how to identify with my family when nobody else was a traveler and why my longv.com distance relationship was shit when I got home, but it was fine
while I was abroad. I needed to have more intimate, real-life types of conversations. What kinds of travelers make up the Tribe? Nomadness is not the organization you should sign up for if you want to stay at your resort the whole time. There are a million other groups out there for that, and we don’t knock it at all. We are the community that you want to sign up for if you want to get into the guts of a place, if you want to hang out on the corner in Stone Town in Zanzibar, share a beer with a local, and breathe in the night air. Other than a sense of adventure, are there any prerequisites for joining? We want to make sure that when people get into the Tribe, they know that they are amongst their peers and that there is a certain ilk of traveler. To this day, the one prerequisite is you have to have at least one passport stamp. We want to know that you’ve taken the dive on your own, because we’re not here to coerce you to do it. I'm guessing that running with bulls or wandering around Zanzibar forges some serious bonds between members. We’ve had people get into relationships or get pregnant after meeting through Nomadness. People have started businesses with one another. You get all of the contacts that you get within any community, but it just so happens that our connective tissue is travel. That’s what makes us so strong. I want to talk a little bit about Audacity Fest, since I know you’re already prepping for the next one. What was your goal in creating it? It’s the first festival in the country to target millennial travelers of color. We’re having those unedited, unabashed, open conversations about what it’s like to be a person of color in this industry, what it feels 73 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2019
like to be ignored. Communities like Nomadness were created because I don’t wait for y’all. We answer our own call. We create our own businesses. We’ve created our own niche within this larger industry to pop off and flourish. What does that look like in terms of the festival itself? For our keynote panel last year, we had an African-American, a Syrian-American, and a MuslimAmerican all talking honestly about what it’s like traveling as a person of color in their respective demographics under Trump. We had a panel for people of color who also happen to intersect with the LGBTQ community. Where do they feel safe? What do they look for in a destination that they would put their dollars towards? Then we also had the industry stuff about location independent entrepreneurship for people who are now influencers in black travel. Have you seen substantial changes in attitudes since you started Nomadness? There is definitely progress. Have we hit some sort of nirvana? Hell, no. All you have to do is go to some of the top travel-oriented conferences and just look around. Until you see more inclusive representation, there is still a lot of work that needs to be done. What do you predict for the future of the travel industry? You’re dealing with another industry that needs to be disrupted, because it’s only going to get more diverse and continue to grow in size. If the majority of millennials started traveling in our early twenties, now we’re having children who are going to start traveling out of the womb. This isn’t a fad. It’s the beginning of a generational shift. www.cntraveler.com/story/howevita-robinson-is-disrupting-thetravel-industry Article is also in the Black Business News March 2019
Airport Security - Tips
How to Zoom Through Airport Security This Year By Katherine LaGrave
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irports are now more crowded than ever, which means it’s taking fliers longer (and longer) to move through the dreaded airport security line. Thankfully, the TSA has just released its list of tips for making that whole experience a lot smoother—and a lot faster. Here are their recommendations (plus a few of our own).
three minutes. As of this moment, 56 of the world’s best airlines participate in TSA PreCheck, which costs $85 for five years. Convinced? Want to sign up for TSA PreCheck like, right now? So glad you asked (www.cntraveler.
Wear the right pair of shoes.
com/story/how-to-get-tsa-precheckeverything-you-need-to-know).
Abide by the 3-1-1 rule.
Avoid the pat-down.
We, too, have peddled TSA PreCheck (www.tsa.gov), and for good reason: The government-
It’s annoying, as a flier, when you think you’ve taken everything out of your pocket, but then get flagged for a pat-down. This is where it helps to know how the advanced image technology scanner works:
sponsored program creates a “trusted traveler network,” which means approved fliers on domestic flights—and some international— enjoy expedited screening. Unlike the regular security line, PreCheck passengers don’t need to remove their shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, and light jackets, which means less time in line (and more in the lounge). On a good day, you can speed through security in under
The machine is designed to flag items between skin and clothing that don’t fit its algorithm of what’s normal and what isn’t. Be sure to make sure your pockets are completely empty. Consider taking off “bulky” jewelry, like a necklace, and keep glasses in the bin or on your face where they belong: The TSA says the machine can misread glasses that have been flipped up as hidden items in the hair.
Enroll in—yes!—TSA PreCheck.
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Save time by avoiding footwear that’s cumbersome to take on and off—lots of laces, straps, and ties will only slow you down. Here are 13 pairs of shoes you can slip on and off with ease. The biggest passenger hold-up in the airport security line is having oversize liquids or gels in a carryon. An officer has to pull aside and inspect your bag, and you’ll either be forced to throw away your Aunt Jan’s jar of tomato jam or check it in a bag—neither of which will probably make you feel particularly good. All liquid items in a carry-on need to be in 3.4-ounce
containers (or smaller) and then placed in one clear, quart-sized bag. (Liquids that are frozen solid, however, are another story.)
Pack your powders in a checked bag. Last summer, the TSA announced it was changing its policy around powders. Its new rule stipulates that more than 12 ounces of powder will now be subject to additional screening—that’s about the size
gon
nomad.com of a can of soda—and fliers will be asked to remove the packages from their carry-ons, much like we currently have to do with liquids. (Dry shampoo, baby powder, and make-up powders all fall under the TSA’s new rule.)
Get CLEAR.
CLEAR costs $179 annually, but its Delta partnership makes it free for Delta Diamond members, $79 for Platinum, and $99 for Gold and Silver and the general frequent flier population. Now, if you pair CLEAR with PreCheck, you pass through all of airport security as fast as you could possibly go.
Read the fine print on food.
People often confuse TSA PreCheck and CLEAR, but the programs are different. Where PreCheck lets fliers get expedited screening, CLEAR is a private company and lets passengers jump to the front of the security line—at an additional cost. Just tap a screen, scan your eyes or fingers, and go straight to the TSA agent checking IDs, bypassing everyone else waiting in line.
Whether you can or can’t bring food on a plane isn’t always clearcut. Spreadable items—like cream cheese, peanut butter, or Nutella— fall under the 3-1-1 liquids rule, so it’s best to pack them in your checked bag; same goes, typically, for canned or bottled items. Meats, whether cooked, raw, whole, or sliced, are fine to bring onboard, as are pies and cakes, no matter if they’re whole or sliced. We’ve also seen whole pizzas stowed in overhead bins (true story). Still not sure about carrying on your leftovers? Check out our primer on flying with food. 75 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2019
Pick the right lock. Many travelers afraid of having their things rifled through will snap a lock onto their bag, which is all fine and legal, but can cause a hiccup if the lock can’t be opened with a tool. Choose a Travel Sentry lock, which the TSA can open and is available from $7, and you avoid any damage to your bag.
Check any guns or selfdefense items. The TSA discovered a record number of guns in 2018, and most of them were loaded. That’s the bad news. The good news? Most people just simply forgot they were in there. So even though it may seem obvious, remember to check (and check again) that you’ve packed your gun in a hardsided, locked container in your checked bag, and that it’s empty. Otherwise, you’ll really slow things down at security—for yourself and everyone else. www.cntraveler.com/story/how-to-zoomthrough-airport-security-this-year
Airport Security - Tips
Clear Members Can Now Go Through Airport Security Without Showing ID or Scanning a Boarding Pass By Katherine LaGrave
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hat if you could get through U.S. airport security, all without showing your ID or boarding pass? As of today (March 5, 2019), that’s now a possibility for Clear’s three million members: The secure identity company now lets travelers flying on Delta (and with a linked SkyMiles account) visit Clear kiosks (www.cntraveler.com/
story/security-shortcut-clear-comingto-four-of-the-busiest-us-airports)
and move straight to the security bins after identity verification—all in a manner of minutes. “We use biometrics to do that ID check, but up until now, we’ve still also scanned your boarding pass,” Clear president and co-founder Ken Cornick told Condé Nast Traveler exclusively. “Now, we’ve actually combined those two steps into one. So you are either using your fingerprint or your iris, and we are identifying you and pulling your boarding pass information in real time. It’s really cutting the steps by 50% from that perspective. It’s the first of its kind technology to do that.” Cornick says Clear members won’t notice a difference in experience—just that things will be easier, as travelers will no longer have to reach into their pockets to pull out a boarding
Starting today, an iris (or fingerprint) scan could serve as both your boarding pass and ID. T.M. Detwiler
pass. The company has actually been quietly trialling the system for several months: “It’s been running in the background as we’ve been scanning the boarding passes, so it’s been sort of an A/B test,” Cornick says. “We know what the results are from the scanning, and 76 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2019
can see if they match what the results would be from the biometric boarding pass technology. We’ve gotten confidence that the technology works.” www.cntraveler.com/story/clearbiometric-id-boarding-passverification
Travel Safety - Passport
What to Do If You Lose Your Passport While Traveling By Sarah Amandolare
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osing a passport while traveling can feel terrifying. You might envision yourself stranded at the airport or stuck in a country you’d rather leave. Panic could easily set in. That’s why it’s a good idea to be somewhat prepared for the possibility before you set out on any journey abroad. Fortunately, once the shock of losing your passport wears off, you’ll only need to follow a few steps to remedy the situation and resume your travels. Here’s what to do.
1. Report your passport missing or stolen. The first thing to do when you realize that your passport is gone is alert the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs. You can do this by filing Form DS-64 online or calling 1-877-487-2778 (you’ll still have to fill out the form later). You can also fill out the form at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate (more on that below). It’s recommended that you also file a police report with local law enforcement authorities in your location if you’re a victim of theft.
2. Schedule an appointment to apply for a replacement passport. Next, make an appointment at a nearby U.S. embassy or consulate to apply for an emergency passport (if you’re traveling soon) or a regular passport (if you’ve got several weeks to spare). Check out the U.S. State Department website for an interactive map that offers
such as a photocopy of your missing passport If you can’t provide a photocopy of your passport, don’t panic. According to the U.S. State Department, consular staff will still work with you to quickly replace your passport even if you’re missing some of the documents. Still, do yourself a favor and email yourself copies before you travel abroad just in case.
5. Head to the U.S. embassy or consulate.
locations and contact information for U.S. embassies and consulates in countries around the world. If you’re traveling somewhere that doesn’t have a U.S. embassy or consulate for diplomatic reasons, then you’ll need to get to an embassy of another country that offers “protecting power” -Switzerland provides this to the U.S. in Iran, for example.
3. Get a new passport photo. You’ll need to bring a new twoinch by two-inch passport photo of yourself to the embassy or consulate appointment. Check the U.S. State Department website to learn about additional photo requirements -- no glasses allowed, for example.
4. Gather other necessary materials. Along with your photo, you’ll have to bring a few other supporting documents to your appointment: • Identification (a driver’s license or state ID card, for example) • Details of your travel itinerary, including flights and lodging • Evidence of U.S. citizenship, 77 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2019
Keep in mind that you’ll have to go through a metal detector and have your personal items inspected by X-ray equipment before entering a U.S. embassy or consulate in any country. Also, certain items aren’t allowed in with you, including large bags, food and drinks, and any type of recording equipment including cell phones.
6. Submit official forms and fees. If you haven’t already submitted a Form DS-64 online, then you’ll need to do so at the embassy or consulate during your appointment. Also, you’ll have to fill out a DS11 passport application and explain how your passport went missing or got stolen in a sworn statement. Unfortunately, the passport replacement process is pricey: $110 for a passport, $30 for a passport card, or $140 for both, plus an extra $60 for expedited service.
7. Get a new regular passport. Emergency passports are only valid for a year, so you’ll have to exchange yours for a regular passport once you’re back in the U.S. -- but there’s no fee involved. www.oyster.com/articles/61985-whatto-do-if-you-lose-your-passport-lostpassport-or-stolen-passport/
Travel Safety - Pickpockets
Protect Yourself From Common Pickpocketing Techniques By Leon Beckenham
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hether or not you’ve been a victim of it, pickpocketing can be a serious concern in some places. It’s something all travelers should be vigilant about, particularly when visiting big, bustling cities. To help you keep ahead of the thieves, we’ve put together a list of the most common methods used by pickpockets and the best ways to avoid them.
Bump and Grab A classic pickpocketing maneuver is when a thief ‘accidentally’ bumps into you, then sneakily removes your sunglasses, wallet, or camera while you’re busy politely apologizing to each other. This scenario usually occurs while you are distracted -- taking a photo, looking at a map, or admiring the local sights -- so it’s best to keep your wits about you (and your hands on your valuables) when visiting major attractions. If you stop to take a picture or look at something, make sure you have your bag, wallet, or other valuables close at hand.
Moped Thieves Drive-by and snatch thefts are particularly common in London, and usually involve youths on mopeds grabbing your cell phone or bag as they drive past. Be aware of what’s going on around you when using your phone, walk toward oncoming traffic, and always hold your phone or bag on the side of your body that’s furthest from the road. If someone does manage to grab your bag, make sure to let go as they drive off -- no handbag is worth being dragged across a road and into traffic.
Signing Petitions You may feel pleased with yourself when agreeing to stop and sign a petition for a worthy cause, but sometimes the person with the clipboard is just a ruse, keeping you chatting and filling out paperwork while their accomplice slips their hand into your pocket or bag. It’s best to avoid anyone approaching you in this way when abroad, but if you are convinced to sign something, be aware of anyone else nearby, and definitely don’t put your bag down while juggling a pen and clipboard.
cash for fakes, sneakily pocketing a few notes for themselves while at it. These gangs almost always target intoxicated tourists -- likely because anyone sober won’t fall for the scam -- so your best bet is to not get too drunk and always ask to see a police badge, if approached. You would also do well to remember that real police are highly unlikely to approach random tourists and look through their wallets.
The Human Sandwich
Snap Happy
In very crowded spaces, such as on public transportion, escalators, or at major attractions, it is easy to become wedged between people in the crowd. Pickpockets often work in gangs, with two people deliberately squeezing you into a tight spot between them, causing you to come to a halt. Meanwhile, someone behind dips into your bag or pocket. It almost goes without saying that you should never carry valuables in pockets, but in crowded spaces, it is also wise to wear backpacks or bags on your front and keep your hands on them at all times.
Fake Police This scam is prevalent in Barcelona (often referred to as the pickpocketing capital of Europe), so be wary when approached by ‘police’ late at night. Thieves masquerading as cops are known to stop drunk tourists walking back to their hotels at night. They might say they’re searching for fake banknotes. These ‘policemen’ ask to see ID and to check your 78 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2019
Don’t be too keen to help a random stranger by taking a photo for them, as this is a trick used by pickpockets. Working in groups, as is often the case, two thieves will pretend to be tourists and pose for a photo while another steals your belongings. We’ve all been there, asking someone in the street to take a picture for us, but it’s often best to just say no, especially if you don’t have anyone watching your back.
Subway Snatch If you’ve been on your feet all day, it can be easy to zone out and get caught off guard when you finally sit down on a bus or subway train. When using public transport, avoid sitting on seats right next to the doors, as thieves watch for people putting their bags down at their feet, snatch them, and quickly exit the bus or train just as the doors are closing. It’s usually best to sit away from the door, and keep your belonging safe on your lap. www.oyster.com/articles/66022-howto-avoid-pickpockets-while-traveling/
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Travel Safety - Pickpockets
The Woman Behind the Women Who Will Lead and Conserve Africa By Elizabeth Babalola
African Leadership University (www. alueducation.com) is a network of worldclass education institutions on a mission to produce three million transformational leaders for Africa over the next 50 years by reimagining university education at a scale and quality that has never been done before. ALU currently has locations in Mauritius, Rwanda, Kenya, and South Africa. By leveraging unconventional learning methods, technology, and a nurturing a bias towards problem-solving among its students, ALU is developing purposedriven leaders who will utilize their talents, networks, and skills to address some of Elizabeth Ba Africa’s toughest challenges and leverage its greatest opportunities. ell us about African Leadership University’s We believe that Africa’s wildlife and habitats is School of Wildlife Conservation program one of those opportunities. The School of Wildlife and how it will develop the future leaders in Conservation, with campuses in Kigali and Mauritius, wildlife conservation in Africa? was established in 2016 to develop ethical entrepreneurial African leaders for the sector. Our objective is to empower current emerging leaders in the sector with business, management, and leadership skills; to develop the next generation of young leaders from across the continent for conservation and to influence decisionand policy-makers across sectors by down Emerging MBA leaders and young leaders at tree planting activity in a Rwandan secondary breaking silos, fostering school.
How will the next generation of stewards solve the world’s encroaching environmental problems? Through smart, strong women who will lead the charge in responsible development and conservation. Elizabeth Babalola is the Director of Operations of the School of Wildlife Conservation at the African Leadership University, which recently launched a program to increase the number of women who participate in the conservation MBA. Team Fathom spoke to her to learn about her tactful plan to develop ethical entrepreneurial African leaders for conservation..
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women have taken up an increasing number and variety of roles in the hospitality and tourism sector — as chefs, tour guides, wildlife specialists, rangers, lodge managers and founders, CEOs of leading conservation NGOs, and as directors of relevant government agencies. Across the continent, women are custodians of culture and attitudes in their homes, communities and the workplace. As more women take on decisionmaking roles in the sector and develop a pro-environment/pro-conservation abalola speaking at a Business of Conservation conference in Kigali. Photos mindset, they will bring these attitudes courtesy of Elizabeth Babalola. to bear in all aspects of their lives — and those ideologies can become re-woven into the new networks, and facilitating unique partnerships fabric of our societies. towards sustainable conservation that is a pillar for Africa’s economic growth. How does the program work? Is it field work? Emerging MBA leaders and young leaders at tree Classroom work? planting activity in a Rwandan secondary school. Our programs at ALU are student-led and highly interactive. This translates to a range of tools for On Women’s Day, March 8, you announced us at SOWC, including undergraduate internships, a campaign to award MBA for Conservation Leadership scholarships to women. Why is it so from page 81 important for Africans to have ownership in the conservation space? Unless Africans have a sense of ownership of wildlife and the natural environment, they will have little incentive to conserve or use it sustainably. This is as true for communities that live in close proximity to wildlife as it is for urban elite who buy land in wildlife areas or buffer zones for agricultural use. How has the role of women in tourism changed in Africa? Young leaders on field trip to Over the last decade, Akagera National Park. 81 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2019
from page 81
field trips, Oxford-style small group discussions, workshops, student-led ventures, courses structured as client-facing consulting engagements, and handson activities that range from planting trees to building drones and developing apps. The Conservation MBA is a specialization of the ALU School of Business 20-month program. Designed for working professionals, the participants come to our campus three times a year for week-long intensives in class and in the field. In between intensives, they take demanding courses in marketing, finance, conservation governance, and leadership, and take an entrepreneurship course that is capped off by a Lion’s Den competition with real investors. Throughout the program, MBAs engage with successful professionals from across the continent and finish with a capstone project. How does tourism fit into the future of African conservation? Does it help or hurt? Tourism is an important tool for African conservation. In countries with limited options for sustainable use of wildlife, tourism is the primary avenue for local communities and the nation to gain economic benefit from wildlife and nature. That said, the sector is plagued with many issues — overcrowded parks, unsustainable designs, inappropriate tourist behavior, inequitable distribution of revenue to and displacement of local
Baraza Resort and Spa in Zanzibar crude oil degradation in the Niger Delta. As I studied environmental microbiology as potential solution for the latter and later did a master’s degree in environmental management, I developed an appreciation of and love for the outdoors. As I studied environmental issues, it quickly became evident to me that human behavior was a key ingredient for avoiding and correcting them. For my thesis, I studied environmental attitudes and behavior in teenagers, on the premise that current and future environmental problems can be solved and avoided if young people develop an appreciation, understanding, and passion for the environment. What are your favorite lodges or game reserves? Ngerende Wild Lakeview Lodge in Kenya (www.
Ngerende Wild Lakeview Lodge in Kenya communities, intensified human-wildlife conflict, and negative impacts on landscapes and habitats. The solution is definitely not to remove tourism but rather to improve existing models, regulate systems, and ensure benefits for people and nature. How did you get involved in wildlife conservation? I’m a city girl. Born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, my first connection to the environment was my city’s waste management problems and my nation’s struggle with
ngerende.com/ngerendebrand/ngerende-in-the-wildlakeview.php)
The quiet serenity of the lodge and its proximity to the Mara River make it such a beautiful place. The game drives are spectacular, and the magic begins on your ride from the airstrip to the lodge. Baraza Resort and Spa in Zanzibar (https://barazazanzibar.com)
Zanzibar’s coastline and white sands are absolutely
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Limalimo Lodge in Ethiopia
gorgeous, but the top-notch service we received at Baraza made it all so special. Limalimo Lodge in Ethiopia (https://limalimolodge. com) Limalimo is a special place for me because of its eco-friendly and incredibly innovative design and their gorgeous views. Although I didn’t get to see the finished product or stay at the lodge, it left an indelible mark on me. Which lodges do you recommend to travelers for their first safari experience? What about for more seasoned safari-goers who want a deeper experience? My advice for seasoned or new travelers is to broaden their options and explore more of this amazing continent. Everyone knows about the Great Migration, the Okavango Delta, and the Serengeti, but I encourage people to look into the amazing wildlife of places like Uganda, Malawi, and Namibia. So many parts of Africa have the same wildlife numbers, views, and majesty as the places that are more often written
about and visited. Also: Make sure to do both a tented camp and lodge during your stay. As a city girl, I also need to mention Africa’s cities and urban centers. So many travelers skip these gems to get straight into the bush, but cities like Kigali, Nairobi, Johannesburg, and Addis Ababa have much to offer. What are your ultimate, big dream goals for conservation in Africa? We will know that we’ve succeeded when our students and graduates add relevant tangible value to the growth and sustainability of African conservation. When student interns propose realistic, cuttingedge solutions to systemic organizational problems for multinational MGOs. When our MBA graduates increase revenue generated in protected areas by significant margins. When graduates of our bachelor’s program design architectural solutions for water conservation in arid regions. When our graduates rise into political roles and enforce policies that promote sustainable conservation. What advice would you give a girl or woman who wants to break into a male-dominated industry? • Push: Identify your niche and unique value proposition then build on that. • Give: Of yourself, your time, your energy, and your skills. • Ignore any chauvinism (real and imagined) that you will encounter. • Find strong female role models and peers, then encourage each other. • Set realistic boundaries for yourself and others. • Enjoy the ride, don’t take yourself too seriously and learn to laugh at yourself, even when its hard. https://fathomaway.com/african-leadership-universityschool-of-wildlife-conservation/
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Welcome to Henderson Travel Service... “We take you to Africa and the World!”
With nearly six decades of expertise in the travel and tour industry, our experienced professionals are dedicated to creating exciting tours to destinations throughout Africa, the Orient and beyond. We also offer cruises, Caribbean holidays, and meeting planning/events for all types of travelers. By reducing overhead and seeking the best value in the current travel environment, Henderson Travel Service delivers quality service at competitive prices. Our team fosters a work ethic that caters to families, organizations, groups, couples, and solo travelers who require a diverse spectrum of travel services. Gaynelle Henderson-Bailey, Ph.D., President & CEO Henderson Travel Service / Henderson Associates 7961 Eastern Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910 TEL: 301-650-5700 E-mail: gaynelle@hend.com
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Travel Africa Where To Go, What To Do 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
Mandera Mountains (hiking, climbing) Bouba Ndjidah National Park Festival National des Arts et de la Culture (FENAC) in December CAPITAL: Yaoundé www.cameroun-infotourisme.com
Cape Verde
Comore Lake Chad CAPITAL: N’Djamena Office du Tourisme, Tel: 01 45 53 36 75
The Comoros Climb Mount Karthala (active volcano) Nzwani Island Hot Sulphur Springs at Lac Salé CAPITAL: Moroni Comoros National Tourist Board Office, Tel: 269 73 3044
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
Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
Central African Republic
Ministère des Affaires Foncières, Environment et Tourisme, Tel: (+243) 8802093.
Lake Village of Ganvie Nakoue Lagoon Pendjari National Park CAPITAL: PortoNovo Fort Sao Miguel Slave Depot, www.benintourisme. Angola wonderquests.wordpress.com com
Frère Gillet Botanic Gardens world-famous rare orchids Ruwenzori Range Virunga National Park CAPITAL: Kinshasa
Botswana
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
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 86 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2019
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
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 (treetop walkway and stay in a tree house) CAPITAL: Accra www.touringghana.com
Guinea
Arena Blanca Pico Malabo Volcano (mountain climbing) Cascades of Moca CAPITAL: Malabo www.embarege-londres.org
Kindia (cloth market) Kinkon Falls Îles de Los CAPITAL: Conakry www.ontguinee.com
Eritrea
Bijagos Archipelago Cantanhez Natural Park Museum of African Artefacts CAPITAL: Bissau www.guineabissautourism.com
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
Guinea-Bissau
Kenya Mount Kenya National Park Tsavo West National Park
Watamu-Malindi Marine Park CAPITAL: Nairobi www.magicalkenya.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
Libya Akakus Mountains (prehistoric rock art) Ubari Lakes (dune surfing) Leptis Magna (tribute to African Roman Emperor Septimus Severus) CAPITAL: Tripoli www.libyan-tourism.org
Madagascar Fianarantsoa (Capital of Wine) Montagne d’Arbre National Park Queen’s Palace Frère Gillet Botanic Gardens , DRC ecocongo.cd
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, 87 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2019
Travel Africa Where To Go, What To Do CAPITAL: Antananarivo www.madagascar-tourisme.com
Malawi Lake Malawi Marine Park Nyika National Park Liwonde National Park CAPITAL: Lilongwe www.malawitourism.com
Mali Festival in the Desert Timbuctou La Boucle de Baoule National Park CAPITAL: Bamako www.le-mali.com/omatho/index. htm
Mauritania Parc National du Banc d’Arguin Chinguetti, a holy city of Islam Oualata CAPITAL: Nouakchott www.tourisme.mr
www.mauritius.net
Morocco Todra and Dades Gorges Talassemtane National Park Essaouira CAPITAL: Rabat www.visitmorocco.com
Mozambique Maputo Elephant Park Gorongosa National Park Bazaruto Archipelago CAPITAL: Maputo www.futur.org.mz/index-en.html
Namibia Mahongo Game Reserve Etosha National Park Skeleton Coast CAPITAL: Windhoek www.namibiatourism.com.na
Niger
Mauritius
Agadez ‘W’ National Park Igouloulef CAPITAL: Algiers www.niger-tourisme.com
Black River Gorges National Park Ile aux Aigrettes Nature Reserve Rodrigues Island CAPITAL: Port Louis
Cross River National Park Emir’s Palace, Kano Benin City CAPITAL: Lagos www.tourism.gov.ng
Nigeria
Republic of the Congo Loufoulakari Falls Loango (main embarkation port for slaves) Congo Rapids CAPITAL: Brazzaville Direction Generale du Tourisme et des Loisirs, Tel: 830 953
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 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
Aldabra Atoll Island , Seychelles tripfreakz.com 88 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2019
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 252-2257917)
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 Boma National Park
Nimule National Park Nile River CAPITAL: Juba www.goss.org
Fosse aux Lions (Lions’ Den) National Park CAPITAL: Lomé www.togo-tourisme.com
Sudan
Tunisia
Port Sudan, The Red Sea Gemmeiza Tourist Village Pyramids of Meroe CAPITAL: Khartoum www.sudan-tourism.gov.sd/ english/index.php
Desert Trekking from Douz Matmata (Star Wars film site) Sidi Bou Saïd CAPITAL: Tunis www.tourismtunisia.com
Swaziland
Uganda
Mkhaya Game Reserve Phophomyane Nature Reserve Usutu River (white-water rafting) CAPITAL: Mbabane www.welcometoswaziland.com
Mountains of the Moon (Mount Rwenzori National Park) Bwindi National Park (view gorilla) Source of the Nile,Owen Falls Dam, Jinja CAPITAL: Kampala http://visituganda.com/index.php
Tanzania
Western Sahara
Bagamoyo Slave Trail Katavi Plains National Park Ngorongoro Crater Stone Town, Zanzibar CAPITAL: Dodoma http://tanzaniatouristboard.com/
City of El-Aaiún Dakhla (surfing) CAPITAL: El-Aaiún dajla47@hotmail.com
Togo
Koutammakou (World Heritage Site) Whale Watching, Gulf of Benin
Zambia Walking Safari, South Luangwa National Park Musi oa Tunya (Victoria Falls), Livingstone Zambezi White Water Rafting CAPITAL: Lusaka www.zambiatourism.com
Zimbabwe Great Zimbabwe Lake Kariba Chizarira National Park CAPITAL: Harare www.zimbabwetourism.co.zw Sources: www.worldtravelguide.net/ africa www. internationaltouristboards. com www.worldtourismdirectory. com/directory/africa/index. html
White Water Rafting, Usutu River, Swaziland swazitrails.co.sz 89 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2019
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Can You Bring Food on a Plane? Your Guide to Airport Security and Food By Cynthia Drescher
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arrying on your eats comes with the most fine print. “If you can spill it, spread it, spray it, pump it, or pour it, then it’s considered a liquid or gel,” says Mark Howell, regional spokesperson for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). That means you must pack it following the 3-1-1 liquids rule, which mandates that any liquid, gel, cream, aerosol, or paste in a carry-on must be 3.4 ounces or less, and fit in one quart-size resealable bag (only one such bag is allowed per passenger). Still, even if an item is generally permitted, it may be subject to additional screening or not allowed through the checkpoint if it triggers an alarm during the screening process, appears to have been tampered with, or poses other security concerns. Here’s everything you need to know about bringing food through airport security and onto your flight: What Foods Can You Bring Through Airport Security? Spreadable Foods and Cheese If a cheese or other foodstuff is spreadable, like cream cheese, peanut butter, or Nutella, then traveling with it in your carry-on means packing in line with that 3-1-1 liquids rule explained above. Solid cheese, solid chocolate and, well, solid peanuts, are treated as dry snacks and allowed in your cabin bag without limit so long as your bag stuffed to the seams with blocks of extra sharp Vermont cheddar doesn’t exceed the airline’s weight and size allowances. Canned or Bottled Items Cranberry sauce may be integral to a holiday meal, but unless you’ve decanted it into a bottle of 3.4 ounces or less, its gelatinous consistency puts it too far into liquid territory to be allowed in a carry-on. Cans of cranberry sauce—along with other similarly jiggly and pourable foods—must be in checked luggage. These include gravy, containers of frosting, jams,
jellies, soft butter, honey, syrups, salsa, dips, chutney, spreads, soup, pudding, salad dressing, and other food items that resemble these, such as mustard or hummus, which respectively qualify as a spread and a dip. As always, alcohol and other liquids are allowed in your carry-on, provided they are in containers of 3.4 ounces or less, all fitting inside that clear, quart-size baggie. Seafood and Meats Meats, whether cooked, raw, whole, or sliced, are fine to bring onboard your flight. Nonetheless, be courteous when traveling with meat and seal it up well, with an aim to keep any smells or juices contained. Pack extra packaging materials, just in case the Saran wrap hits a snag. Eggs are also allowed onboard, and they don’t even need to be hard-boiled—but again, packaging here is crucial. As we discovered in 2017 when the TSA found (and cleared) a 20-pound lobster in luggage, the clawed crustaceans and other frozen seafoods are allowed as carry-on or checked luggage, with proper packaging. Some airports, like those in Boston and Halifax, even sell ready-to-fly boxes of lobsters, fitting up to ten in one box, and packed with bags of frozen peas instead of ice or gel blocks. Pies and Cakes Taking a fresh-baked pie or cake through airport security may tempt TSA agents into a weak joke about taste-testing, but pies and cakes are allowed
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as carry-ons, whether whole or sliced. Apple dumplings, cupcakes, brownies, fritters, donuts (filled or not), cookies, gingerbread, dry baking mixes, and even fruitcake are okay to fly in the cabin. They do count as a carry-on item, though, and you may be asked to put them underneath the seat in front of you as opposed to the overhead bin. Sweets still must pass through the X-ray machine at security, so the TSA agents will quickly determine if there’s anything more dangerous than ganache at the center of those truffles. The Other Stuff Still not finding your answer? Double-check that the food item with which you want to fly isn’t in the TSA list of prohibited items. If still in doubt, try the “Can I Bring?” feature on the MyTSA app or snap a photo of the item and send your question directly to the TSA via Facebook Messenger or Twitter. During business hours, it only takes someone at the TSA about a halfhour to determine whether or not you’ll be allowed to bring a box of durian custard tarts on your flight. Foods You Shouldn’t Bring on Your Flight In general, we recommend abiding by a version of the “Golden Rule” modified for air travel: Only bring onboard food that you yourself wouldn’t mind smelling if someone else brought it onboard. Traveler editors have a lot to say when it comes to the controversial topic of what foods are socially acceptable to bring and consume on a plane. In summary? Leave the very crunchy, pungent, sticky, and problematic foods at home. This means no Cheetos, Fritos, tuna, gum, or bags of hot McDonalds fries, pretty please. As for problematic foods, anything which could cause another passenger to have an allergic reaction—such as peanuts—is a risk, so opt for another impulse snack at the airport grab-n-go. How to Pack Food Whether it’s ingredients for mom’s famous casserole or a batch of brownies, tucking your food into your checked luggage is almost always a safer bet. Checked bags aren’t party to the liquid rules of
carry-on luggage, so liquids and foods like honey, salsa, jam, and creamy cheese—the ones that fall into that questionable gray area between a liquid and solid—are best checked. When deciding how to puzzle piece food into your luggage with clothes and other items, pack assuming your suitcase will end up manhandled and at the bottom of a heap of suitcases. This means packing delicate items—like the layers of an unassembled cake or cookies—in sturdy boxes, tins, or Tupperware, and surrounding them with clothes. If your food needs to stay cold, pack it with frozen gel packs (or take the tip we mentioned earlier and use bags of frozen peas), but be careful to pull them out of the freezer the moment before you leave for the airport to ensure maximum frozenness. As with any food you bring into the cabin, be mindful of the odor of foods you check into your luggage, too. If you’re flying with food that has a strong scent—say, onion bagels or certain cheeses—wrap them well or place them in a sturdy freezer bag so the other contents of your luggage don’t spend the flight simmering in the stench. That Roquefort you purchased in Paris may taste great, but it’s not as nice as a perfume. www.cntraveler.com/story/can-you-bring-foodthrough-airport-security?mbid=nl_022319_ daily&CNDID=38890654&utm_source=nl&utm_ medium=email&utm_brand=cnt&utm_mailing=tvl_traveler_ news_newdb_ACTIVE_2019_0223%20(1)%20A&bxid=MT Q5NTc0OTAyMDYxS0&hasha=4a21b9167bf658408191e7 c49140a9aa&hashb=fd7238b4e9af267dd0a7ac937dfffd5d 0aa056fc&spMailingID=15177908&spUserID=MTQ5NTc0 OTAyMDYxS0&spJobID=1581732625&spReportId=MTU4 MTczMjYyNQS2
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Ski Africa Overview: Skiing in Africa
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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
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 3222 m above sea-level in the Maluti Mountains. It offers a main Ski slope, a beginners slope and operates during the winter months. 94 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2019
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 and August. It has slope-side accommodation available for 150 guests and many more day visitors
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/
ses-ski.com 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
www.skiresort.info/ski-resort/
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 95 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2019
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
Be in touch Be in tune Be independent
Nesting international standards with African hospitality.
Kuramo Waters, Victoria Island, Lagos | Nigeria Phone: +234 1 277 2700 | Fax: +234 1 270 4071 E-mail: reservation@ekohotels.com | info@ekohotels.com Website: www.ekohotels.com 96 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2019
www.starrafricanrum.com product of Madacascar
Made For Walking - CH Zambia Safari Boots The Vintage Shoe Company http://blog.vintageshoecompany.com/index.php/2012/08/cool-hunting-vintage-shoe-company-safari-boot
Cruise Africa Discover Africa AmaWaterways
3 NIGHTS CAPETOWN, 4-NIGHT SAFARI CRUISE, 2 NIGHTS VICTORIA FALLS
E
xperience the beauty and natural wonders of iconic Cape Town; get up close to animals in their natural habitat; and explore one of the “Seven Wonders of the World.” Spend three nights in Cape Town, discovering its many treasures with visits to Cape of Good Hope, Boulders Beach and Table Mountain. You also have a choice to visit the renowned Cape Winelands, or tour famous Robben Island. Next, fly to Kasane, Botswana and cross the border to Namibia to embark on your Chobe River safari cruise through the wondrous Chobe National Park, home to one of Africa’s densest populations of wildlife. Encounter elephants, giraffes, leopards, zebras and buffaloes on excursions by boat and open-air vehicles. Conclude your journey with two nights at the majestic Victoria Falls. You also have the option to extend your trip in Johannesburg, following in the foot-steps of Nelson Mandela. • Day 1 Cape Town Arrival transfer and hotel check-in, Welcome Reception • Day 2 Cape Town Full-day Cape of Good Hope tour and lunch in local restaurant with drinks • Day 3 Cape Town Cableway up Table Mountain and scenic drive through Cape Winelands with tastings and lunch OR Robben Island guided tour with lunch in local restaurant and cableway up Table Mountain • Day 4 Cape Town Morning flight to Kasane, Botswana, Zambezi Queen EMBARKATION, Welcome Cocktail & Dinner • Day 5 Zambezi Queen Chobe River safaris by boat • Day 6 Zambezi Queen Full day safari of Chobe National Park by open top 4x4 vehicle with picnic lunch • Day 7 Zambezi Queen Morning visit to local African village, Afternoon safari by boat OR Bird watching OR Fishing, African-themed dinner • Day 8 Zambezi Queen Early morning safari by boat, DISEMBARKATION, Victoria Falls Transfer to Victoria Falls, Sunset cocktail reception aboard a vintage steam train, followed by dinner • Day 9 Victoria Falls Guided tour of Victoria Falls, Free afternoon, Zambezi River sundowner cruise with drinks and tapas • Day 10 Victoria Falls Flight to Johannesburg Johannesburg Return flight home or extend in Johannesburg
Victoria Falls
www.amawaterways.com/destination/africa-river-cruises/2019/discover-africa
Zambezi Quee
en 99 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2019
West Africa Airways Inc. is a low-cost airfare Passenger airline offering air charter airline services along with our Partners in Aviation and the fleet of B767-300 Extended Range aircraft. The company was formed in 2004 when it reached an agreement with some of the countries in West Africa, to begin flight operations from Thurgood Marshall BaltimoreWashington International Airport, (BWI) USA.Fax: (775) 882-6818 E-mail: info@westafricaairways.com Website: www.westafricaairways.com Destinations: Roberts Field International Airport, Liberia (ROB); Dekar Yoff International Airport, Senegal (DKR); Kotoka International Airport, Ghana (ACC)
www.gov.rw
Black Cultural Travel Made Easy http://soulofamerica.com/international-guides.phtml 101 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2019
Golf Africa www.golfworldmap.com/africa/#9.622414142924805,17.05078125,3
South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa during Presidential Golf Challenge iol.co.za
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
Windsor Golf Hotel & Country Club, Nairobi
www.oberoihotels.com/oberoi_ menahouse/index.asp
www.windsorgolfresort.com
Mirage City Golf Club, Cairo
Ile aux Cherfs, Trou d’Eau Douce Le Paradis Hotel & Golf Club, Le Morne Peninsula
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
Mauritius
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
www.nyaligolf.co.ke
Shandrani Golf Club, Blue Bay
Railway Golf Club, Nairobi Royal Nairobi Golf Club, Nairobi The Golf Park at the Jockey Club of Kenya, Nairobi
www.shandrani-hotel.com
102 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2019
Troux aux Biches Golf Club, Troux aux Biches www.trouauxbiches-hotel.com
Golf Africa www.golfworldmap.com/africa/#9.622414142924805,17.05078125,3 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
Stellenbosch
Golf International du Technopôle, Dakar Le Méridien President Resort & Golf Club, Dakar
Durban Country Club, Durban
www.starwoodhotels.com/ lemeridien/property/overview/index. html?propertyID=1821&EM=VTY_ MD_1821_DAKAR_OVERVIEW
Sierra Leone
Freetown Golf Club, Freetown
South Africa
www.devonvale.co.za 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
Akasia Golf Clue, Pretoria
Fancourt Hotel & Country Club Estate, George
www.akasiacountryclub.co.za
www.fancourt.co.za
Atlantic Beach Golf Club, Cape Town
Gary Player Country Club Golf Course, Sun City
www.atlanticbeachgolfclub.co.za/ capetown/index.asp
Bellville Golf Club, Cape Town
www.suninternational.com/ Destinations/Resorts/Golf/Pages/Golf. aspx
www.bellvillegolf.co.za
George Golf Club, George
Benoni Country Club, Johannesburg
Germiston Golf Club, Germiston
www.benonicountryclub.co.za/pro/ Default.aspx
www.georgegolfclub.co.za www.germistongolf.com
Blair Atholl, Fourways
Glendower Golf Course, Johannesburg
www.blairatholl.co.za
www.glendower.co.za
Blue Valley Golf & Country Estate, Olifantsfontein
Hermanus Golf Club, Hermanus
www.bluevalley.co.za
Houghton Golf Club, Houghton
Bryanston Country Club, Bryanston
www.houghton.co.za
www.hgc.co.za
www.bryanstoncc.co.za
Humewood Golf Club, Port Elizabeth
Centurion Country Club, Centurion
www.humewoodgolf.co.za
www.centurioncountryclub.co.za
The Country Club Johannesburg, Rivonia
Champagne Sports Resort, Winterton
www.ccj.co.za
ktpress.rw
Clovelly Country Club, Cape Town
Killarney Country Club, Johannesburg
www.clovelly.za.net
www.killarneycountryclub.co.za
Crown Mines Golf Club, Johannesburg
Kingswood Golf Estate, George
www.g-i.co.za/clubs/?c=274
Kleinmond Golf Club, Kleinmond
Darling Golf Club, Darling
www.kleinmondgolfclub.co.za
www.darlingtourism.co.za/sportdetail. htm#golfclub
Kloof Country Club, Kloof
De Zalze Winelands Golf Estate, Stellenbosch
Knysna Golf Club, Knysna
www.champagnesportsresort.com
www.kingswood.co.za
www.kloofcountryclub.co.za www.knysnagolfclub.com
www.golfdezalze.com
Devonvale Golf & Wine Estate, 103 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2019
see Golf Africa on page 104
Tiger Woods
from Golf Africa page 103
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.sanlameer.co.za
www.mowbraygolfclub.co.za
Scottburgh Golf Club, Scottburgh
Paarl Golf Course, Paarl
www.scottburghgolf.co.za
www.paarlgolfclub.co.za
Selbourne Golf Estate, Pennington
Pearl Valley Signature Golf Estate and Spa, Cape Winelands
www.selborne.com
www.pearlvalley.co.za
Pecanwood Golf & Country Club, Hartbeesportt www.pecanwoodgolf.co.za
Plettenberg Bay Country Club, Plettenberg Bay
Silver Lakes Golf & Country Club, Pretoria www.silverlakes.co.za
Somerset West Golf Club, Somerset West www.somersetwestgolfclub.co.za
www.plettgolf.co.za
St Francis Bay Golf Club, St Francis Bay
Pretoria Country Club, Pretoria
www.stfrancisgolf.co.za
www.ptacc.co.za
St Francis Links, St Francis Bay
Randpark Golf Club, Randburg
www.stfrancislinks.com
www.randpark.co.za
Steenberg Golf Club, Cape Town
Reading Country Club, Alberton www.readingcc.co.za
www.steenberggolfclub.co.za/ Framework/index.asp
River Club Golf & Conference Center, Cape Town
Stellenbosch Golf Club, Stellenbosch
http://riverclub.co.za
Riviera on Vaal Country Club, Vereenigning www.rovcountryclub.co.za
Royal Cape Golf Club, Cape Town www.royalcapegolf.co.za
Royal Durban Golf Club, Durban www.royaldurban.co.za
San Lameer Country Club, Margate 104 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2019
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
Golf Africa www.golfworldmap.com/africa/#9.622414142924805,17.05078125,3
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 www.wingateparkcountryclub.co.za
FacilitiesActivities/Pages/Golf.aspx
Swaziland Royal Swazi Spa Country Club
The Gambia
www.suninternational. com/Destinations/Resorts/ RoyalSwaziSpaValley/
www.smiles.gm/fajara.htm
Fajara Club, Fajara
Tunisia
Djerba Golf Club, Midoun 105 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2019
Palm Links Golf Course, Monastir www.golf-palmlinks.com/english/ presentation.htm
Tabarka Golf Course, Tabarka www.tabarkagolf.com/en/index.htm
Yasmine Golf Course, Mannamet www.golfyasmine.com/en/index.php
African Cuisine! Around the Continent South African Sandwich Braaibroodjie translates to “barbecue bread. The chutney is a staple in South Africa and is made from dried fruits and vinegar.
South African Grilled Cheese (Braaibroodjie) Recipe: Andy Fenner on Saveur.com Ingredients: 8 slices white bread 4 tbsp. (2 oz.) unsalted butter, melted 2 cups grated sharp cheddar (8 1⁄2 oz.) 1 large tomato, thinly sliced 1⁄2 white onion, very thinly sliced Salt and pepper, to taste 3 tbsp. of chutney, (sweet or sour chutney) Directions: 1. Prepare a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Meanwhile, brush one side of each bread slice with the melted butter.
2.
Lay the bread, buttered side down, on a work surface. Divide the cheese between 4 slices, then top with 1– 2 slices tomato and onion; season lightly with salt and pepper to taste. Spread the chutney over the remaining slices of bread, then place them
chutney side down atop the sandwiches. 3. Using a grill basket if desired, grill, turning once, until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted, about 3 minutes per side. 4. Makes 4 sandwiches
Moroccan White Bread Khobz Ingredients: 4 cups white flour preferably high gluten or bread flour 2 tsp salt 2 tsp sugar 1 tbsp yeast 2 tbsp oil olive oil or vegetable oil 1 1/4 cups water warm (not hot) oil, semolina or cornmeal optional (for preparing the pan) Directions: 1. Prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper OR lightly oiling it OR dusting it with semolina or cornmeal. Set aside. 2. Combine the flour, salt and sugar in a large bowl. Make a well in the center and add the yeast. 3. Add some of the water to the yeast in the well and lightly stir with your fingers to dissolve the yeast (see Recipe Notes below). Add the rest of the water and oil to bowl and stir to combine all ingredients. 4. Knead the dough (in the bowl if it’s large enough or on a floured work surface) for 5 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. While kneading, work in a little flour or water as needed to ensure the dough is soft and pliable but not sticky. 5. Divide the dough into two smooth 106 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2019
Moroccan Bread (Khobz)
Photo: picturepartners | Bigstock.com
6.
7.
8.
9.
mounds and place well apart on the prepared pan. Cover with a towel and leave to rest for 10 to 15 minutes. After resting, pat the mounds of dough into flat, round loaves about 1/4” thick. Cover again with a towel and leave to rise for about an hour (longer in a cold room), until the dough springs back when pressed lightly. Preheat your oven to 435°F (225°C). When the oven is hot, lightly score the top of the bread with sharp knife or poke in several places with a fork. Bake the khobz in the preheated oven, rotating the pan if necessary, for about 20 minutes or golden brown. The loaves should sound hollow when tapped. Transfer the khobz to a rack or towel-lined basket to cool.
African Loz (Almond and Pistachio Bites) - Chad Ingredients: 230gm almond meal 120gm icing sugar 7 tablespoons orange blossom water 30gm shelled pistachio nuts finely chopped 30gm caster sugar Icing sugar for dusting Extra pistachio nuts for garnishin Directions: 1. Combine the ground almonds and icing sugar with enough orange-blossom water to form a stiff paste.
2. Knead until smooth and allow to rest for about 10 minutes. 3. Combine the finely chopped pistachio nuts and caster sugar, grind in a mortar and pestle until fine, and set aside. 4. Roll the paste into balls the size of a walnut, and using a teaspoon handle, make a small hole in each ball and and fill it with the combined pistachio mixture, then close the hole over the filling so it is once again a ball. This takes a bit of technique, as the powdery sugar filling makes it difficult to close over the hole - after a few tries you may perfect a method of sort of pinching the seam together and smoothing in over by tapping it repeatedly with an index finger. 5. Roll the balls in icing sugar and place in small paper cups or on a serving plate.
Ingredients: Shrimp, peeled and deveined -- 2 lbs Hot red chile peppers, chopped -- 3 to 12 (depending on your tolerance for heat) Garlic, chopped -- 2 or 3 cloves Salt -- 2 teaspoons Red wine vinegar -- 1/3 cup Olive oil -- 1 cup Directions: • To make the molho de piri-piri, put the chile peppers, garlic, salt and vinegar in a blender and process until smooth. With the blender running, slowly pour the oil into the blender. Adjust seasoning with salt. • In a large bowl, toss the shrimp with about 3/4 cup of the sauce, reserving the remaining sauce. Marinate for at least 30 minutes. • Thread the shrimp on skewers and grill over hot coals, flipping once, until cooked through, about 5 minutes. Alternatively, the shrimp can be placed in a baking dish and baked in a 350°F oven for 20 to 30 minutes. Stir once or twice. • Serve hot with little bowls of the remaining molho for dipping. Piri-Piri Sauce Variations: Piri-piri sauce could rest for at least a few days before using to allow the flavors to mellow and ripen. Chopped parsley or oregano are sometimes stirred in. Molho de piri-piri will keep in the refrigerator for 3 or 4 weeks.
Ivory Coast Salade 6. Decorate the top of each ball with a pistachio nut and serve. Makes approx 13. http://gormandizewithus.blogspot. com/2012/02/african-loz-almond-andpistachio-bites.html
Camarões (Shrimp) PiriPiri Piri-piri sauce, or molho de piri-piri, is used both as a marinade for fish, shrimp or chicken and as a tabletop condiment in Angola. 4 to 6 servings
Ingredients: 3 papayas 2 grapefruit 1/2 tin pineapple, or 1/4 fresh pineapple 2 avocados 107 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2019
Camarões (Shrimp) Piri-Piri huffingtonpost.co.uk
3 fillets whiting 6 langoustines or Dublin Bay prawns Mayonnaise Tabasco sauce 1 lemon Directions: • Prepare prawns, by removing shells, heads and tails and picking out spinal cord (dark thread running along top of back) with the tip of a knife. • Boil for 5 minutes in salt water. Leave to cool thoroughly in water, then remove. • Put fish fillets in same water, as soon as water starts to boil, turn heat down. • Leave to poach for 5 to 7 minutes. Strain, cut into small pieces. • Peel avocados, cut flesh into cubes, sprinkle with lemon juice to prevent them from turning brown and put to one side. • Peel grapefruit with a stainless steel knife, then separate segments. Squeeze or juice one half of a grapefruit and any flesh or pith left over. Cut pineapple into small pieces. • Cut papayas in half lengthways, remove seeds. Remove flesh with a teaspoon, leaving about 1cm on skin. • Arrange all ingredients in papaya halves. • Mix mayonnaise and tabasco with grapefruit juice to taste, drizzle over papaya halves. Chill for 15 minutes before serving, with rest of sauce in a small jug https://afrifoodnetwork.com/recipes/ivorycoast-salad/
Pan-African
ASSIST THE PEOPLE OF SOUTH SUDAN
CHILDREN’S FUND
people-to-people, church-to-church initiative to contribute to a better future for the children of Africa Please send your contribution to:
Pan-African Children’s Fund P.O. Box 8386 Los Angeles, CA 90008
323-733-1048 pacf@westa.org
Sudan Sunrise
S
outh Sudan is the most underdeveloped region of the world today. 85% of the population in South Sudan is illiterate. Only about 7% of teachers in the south have any professional training, and it is not uncommon to visit a school where the teachers themselves have not been educated beyond fourth grade. Some 1.5 million children who should be in school are not, due to lack of schools. The majority of schools that do exist consist of a chalkboard under a tree. Read about the camapign and contribute to the program to build over 41 schools at www.sudansunrise.org.
Southern Sudan Literacy Project (SSLP)
T
https://aatconline.com
Help Build Schools in the South Sundan www.sudansunrise.org
Build a Primary School • www.thehopealliance.org/?q=node/77
he Southern Sudan Literacy Project (SSLP) is designed to build a Primary school in Dongchak Payam, Duk County, Southern Sudan. Solomon Awan, who was one of the “Lost Boys from Sudan,” now lives in Salt Lake City, Utah. He desires to help the village he is from, Duk Padiet. Villagers are just now returning after so many years of war and genocide. During the Spring of 2008, Solomon traveled back to his home village where he was reunited with his mother and sister. He met with the village community and agreed that the education of their children is the most critical need. We hope to finish building the school before the 2011 rainy season. To further this goal, SSLP has partnered with Hope Alliance, allowing our donors the benefit of a tax deduction. Please help SSLP accomplish this worthwhile project: send donations to The Hope Alliance (www.thehopealliance.org) For further information please contact: solomonawan@yahoo.com.
ENJOY!! The many beers, wines and liquors of Africa. On the continent and in the U.S.A. 108 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2019
Sailing July 20 - 27, 2019 from Ft. Lauderdale onboard the Celebrity Equinox to: San Juan PR - Tortola BVI - Punta Cana DR Key West FL. FESTIVAL AT SEA is the ORIGINAL African American themed cruise. Entering our 28th year of Cruising with an African-American Twist, we’ve set the bar high. 2019 reaches that mark as we set sail on the beautiful Celebrity Equinox. The Equinox captures the very essence of premium cruising and luxury. With new amenities not available on any other Celebrity ship, prepare to have your expectations exceeded as soon as you step on board. This is “Modern Luxury” and in 2019, you will be the Celebrity! On Festival at Sea we bring top-name entertainment to perform for you in our venues. DJ’s spin music in our onboard clubs and our White Night and Costume Theme Nights are off the hook. The days are filled with dozens of activities, shows and classes that will keep you moving throughout the week. That’s why so many people make it their annual Family Reunion at Sea. Some of our exclusive events include: Speed Dating Gospel Brunch Worship Service and Bible Study Bid Whist Dominoes Aqua Zumba Steppin’ Classes Urban Line Dancing UNCF Bachelor Auction Boot Camp Workout African-American Idol Urban Ballroom Dancing Family Feud Jewelry Raffle Giveaway Stomp The Deck Frat and Sorority Step Competition 2 on 2 Basketball Tournament Gospelcise African Attire Evening & Fashion Show Renewal of Wedding Vows Beach Parties ... plus much much more! All of this is wrapped up in 7 days of excitement and celebration ... plus 4 ports and two days at sea!
Festival at Sea… Once You Go… Then You Know!
Blue World Travel Corporation 351 California Street, Suite 950, San Francisco, CA 94104 Telephone: 1-800-466-2719 Facsimile: 1-415-882-9985 E-mail : fas@blueworldtravel .com Website: www.festivalatsea.com 110 | blackbusinessnews/TRAVEL | Summer 2019