IOL Travel Digimag - May 2021 - The African Edition

IOL

TRAVEL

MAY 2021

The Africa edition

“Africa is not a country, but it is a continent like none other. It has that which is elegantly vast or awfully little.”

Douglas Wilder

Editor’s note

Contents Welcome to Africa: Destinations you have to visit 10 things you should know before travelling to Africa Celebs and their love affair with Africa A backpacking adventure through Africa during the pandemic The dos and don’ts of travelling in Africa Cover: Taryn Elliott / Pexels taken at Chefchaouen, Morocco

PUBLISHER Vasantha Angamuthu vasantha@africannewsagency.com

PRODUCTION Renata Ford renata.ford@inl.co.za

EDITOR Clinton Moodley clinton.moodley@inl.co.za

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Keshni Odayan keshni.odayan@inl.co.za

DESIGN Tanya Fynn tanya.fynn@inl.co.za

SALES Charl Reineke charl.reineke@inl.co.za

EXECUTIVE LIFESTYLE EDITOR Nelandri Narianan nelandri.narianan@inl.co.za

ENQUIRIES info@anapublishing.com

I TOOK my first trip outside of South Africa when I travelled to Mozambique over 5 years ago.

I landed in Vilankulo Airport around midday and took a scenic drive along the town’s colourful and vibrant streets to a nearby beach where our group travelled by boat to Bazaruto Island.

Once my toes touched the white sandy beach at Bazaruto Island, I knew that this trip would be the start of my love affair with Africa.

You won’t understand the magic the continent has to offer until you visit yourself. The diverse continent showcases a range of experiences – from luxury, cultural, historical and adventure. There’s something for all ages to enjoy.

This month’s edition celebrates the continent – from the destinations, its people, attractions and food culture.

It also makes for the perfect collector’s edition to inspire your future travels on the continent.

In this issue, Norwegian social worker Adrian Misfjord, who is currently on an epic five-month trip to various countries in Africa, shares his experience.

He spoke about his view of Africa before he visited. He said he perceived Africa to be a poor place with dangerous people. That all changed when he started to explore and found that Africa is filled with rich experiences, warm people and stunning landscapes. Read about his journey on page 21.

If that doesn’t change your mind about Africa, then take a journey with some A-listers who visited the continent. Their travel snaps are bound to bring about some FOMO. We also provide 10 tips to prepare for your trip to Africa, as well as the dos and don’ts you should know before visiting the continent.

I hope you enjoy this month’s edition.

Until next month.

Clinton

Welcome to Africa AFRICA IS A CONTINENT WITH 54 COUNTRIES. CLINTON MOODLEY TAKES YOU ON A VISUAL JOURNEY TO SOME OF THESE FAMED DESTINATIONS

Botswana Why visit: Known for its stunning safari attractions, guests can immerse themselves in wildlife and luxury.

Botswana is also rich in culture and history.

Where to go: Visit Maun and Kasane, two towns that showcase the country’s rich diversity. Of course, no trip to Botswana is complete without visiting the Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you are into wildlife, head to Chobe National Park, Gaborone Game Reserve and Mokolodi Nature Reserve. If you love to know about history, visit the Three Dikgosi Monument that depicts three dikgosi: Khama III of the Bangwato, Sebele I of the Bakwena, and Bathoen I of the Bangwaketse.

What food to try: Botswana’s national dish is a pounded meat dish called seswaa. Also, try matemekwane, a dumpling stuffed with meat and vegetables.

Eswatini Why visit: Once known as Swaziland, Eswatini is becoming a top travel destination. It offers the perfect balance of history, wildlife and culture.

Where to go: Tour Ngwenya Glass to see how a group of Swazi craftsmen and women create masterpieces from 100% recycled glass and browse the showroom.

For wildlife enthusiasts, head to Hlane Royal National Park, known for its Big 5 sightings and affordable camps. Sibebe Rock, located 10 km from the capital city Mbabane, is the second-largest monolith in the world. Be sure to book a cultural tour.

What food to try: Eswatini has a strong South African and Portuguese influence. Try umbidvo wetintsanga, a meal made with boiled pumpkin leaves and nuts. Braai food is also popular.

Kenya Why visit: Kenya boasts the Indian Ocean coastline, lakelands, the Great Rift Valley, mountain highlands and wildlife offerings.

Where to go: Kenya is home to Maasai Mara National Reserve that boasts the most spectacular ecosystems and safari experiences. Many travellers visit this Kenyan gem to see the wildebeest migration, which takes place between July and October.

Include Lamu in your itinerary. Once on the island, enjoy a range of activities, including dhow sailing and exploring Lamu Town, known as the oldest inhabited Swahili town in Kenya. Another town to explore is Malindi, known for its tropical beaches.

What food to try: The staple dish in Kenya is ugali, made from either maize, sorghum or millet. It is paired with nyama choma, a speciality of grilled goat meat.

Zanzibar Why visit: Zanzibar is the ultimate destination for travellers who want to put their feet up and marvel at the ocean views.

Where to go: Once you land, escape to a resort, indulge in tantalising cuisine and soak up the sun. Be sure to explore Stone Town, Nungwi Beach and go on a spice tour.

What food to try: Like its picturesque sights, Zanzibar’s foodie scene rivals many destinations on the continent. Expect dishes with loads of spice. Try the Zanzibar pizza, which isn’t your traditional style pizza, biryani (also famous in India) and urojo soup.

South Africa Why visit: Where do we start? South Africa is home to breathtaking and diverse scenery, over 2 700km of coastline, wine and safari experiences.

Where to go: South Africa’s 9 provinces offer a mix of history, culture, adventure and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Safari at Kruger National Park, trek up Table Mountain, tour Soweto, jump off Bloukrans Bridge and spend an afternoon in a township, to mention a few.

What food to try: Besides its wine experiences, travellers can enjoy an assortment of food offerings, including the bunny chow, shisanyama, Cape Malay curry, boerewors and pap, biltong, malva pudding and milk tart.

Madagascar Why visit: Madagascar, located 400km off the coast of East Africa, is recognised as the largest African island in the Indian Ocean.

Where to go: Spend a few days at Nosy Be, the country’s leading beach island. Nosy Be is covered with forests and picturesque beaches. Also visit Andasibe-Mantadia National Park. The protected rainforest area in eastern Madagascar is home to the indri indri lemur, famous for its loud song.

No trip to Madagascar is complete without a trip to the Avenue of the Baobabs, a group of Grandidier’s baobabs that line the dirt road between Morondava and Belon’i Tsiribihina in the Menabe region of western Madagascar.

What food to try: Madagascar is renowned for romazava, the country’s national dish. Lasary, a dish made with cabbage, green beans and carrots, is also a winning dish for guests.

Uganda Why visit: The East African country is one of Africa’s most underrated destinations. Here, you can enjoy cultural tours, national parks and mouth-watering cuisine.

Where to go: Start your journey in Kampala, the country’s capital. While there, explore the Kasubi Royal Tombs and take a stroll through the craft markets.

Go gorilla trekking at the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to more than half the world’s population of mountain gorillas. Also, check out Queen Elizabeth National Park – famous for having among the highest biodiversity ratings in the world. Other attractions include Murchison Falls National Park and Lake Mutanda.

What food to try: Dine on matooke, a type of plantain, or try the Luwombo, a traditional Ugandan dish cooked in a banana leaf. End a meal with mandazi, which is similar to doughnuts.

Mozambique Why visit: Besides the white sand beaches and seafood, Mozambique makes the perfect road trip getaway for South Africans who want to avoid flying.

Where to go: Spend a few nights in Ponta de Ouro to unwind at the beach, scuba dive or visit the Dolphin Encounters Research Centre. Maputo, the capital of Mozambique, is another fantastic destination to spend a few days. Once here, visit Tunduru Botanical Gardens and Catedral de Maputo.

Other attractions include Bazaruto Island, Vilankulos, Pemba and Inhambane.

What food to try: A trip to Mozambique will heighten your culinary senses. Sink your teeth into peri peri chicken or tuck into a fresh seafood dish. Try Matapa, a meal prepared with cassava leaves.

Ethiopia Why visit: Ethiopia is a country with a distinct history and culture. Add tantalising foodie experiences and you have a winning destination.

Where to go: Visit Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, where you can explore the Holy Trinity Cathedral, Addis Mercato Market, Mount Entoto and the National Museum of Ethiopia. Or snap a selfie at the Blue Nile Falls or wander into Simien Mountains National Park. Other attractions include Bahir Dar and Gondar.

What food to try: Most meals are served on injera, a sourdough flatbread made with teff flour. People use the injera to scoop up whatever is served, whether a curry or meat. Try the Dabo Kolo, an Ethiopian snack prepared with roasted barley, chickpeas and peanuts available at street vendors and kiosks.

Ethiopians are also big on coffee, the country’s national drink. Coffee drinking is a ritual for locals that can take up to an hour.

Tanzania Why visit: Tanzania is known for its wildlife experiences, alluring beaches, archaeological sites and more.

Where to go: One of the biggest attractions in the country is Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa. The Serengeti, known for its wildebeest migrations, spans northern Tanzania and includes 30 000km of land, including the Serengeti National Park and several game reserves.

Tanzania also boasts many national parks and the Ngorongoro Crater. Spend a few days in Dar es Salaam.

What food to try: Tuck into local barbeque, Chipsi mayai (chips and egg), nyama choma and ugali.

Zimbabwe Why visit: Besides the natural landscapes, Zimbabwe offers a mix of culture and history.

Where to go: Undoubtedly, one of the biggest drawcards for Zimbabwe is Victoria Falls. Located on the Zambezi River, at the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls is the largest waterfall in the world, measuring 1 708m wide and 108m. Visit the largest nature reserve in Zimbabwe called Hwange National Park. Mana Pools National Park is also popular. Add cities like Harare, Bulawayo, Masvingo and Mutare to your list.

What food to try: A must-try is sadza (also known as ugali) and Mopane worms. Chimodho, a wood oven-baked maize bread, is also popular. Wash it down with locally brewed beer called usthwala or the non-alcoholic option of maheu. | Shaun McMinn

Namibia Why visit: Namibia boasts fantastic landscapes, which are ideal for road trip adventures.

Where to go: Visit Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, for its history and culture, or escape to Walvis Bay, where you can take a boat trip to see seals and pelicans. Add Swakopmund to your bucket list. The coastal city is known for its sandy dunes and adventure activities. The Moon Landscape, about 30km from Swakopmund, is ideal for sundowners and striking views.

What food to try: Enjoy a plate of oshifima – a Namibian stiff porridge made from pearl millet flour.

Mauritius Why visit: Mauritius is a bucket list destination for many travellers. The island nation is famed for its beaches, reefs, lagoons and stunning temples.

Where to go: Mauritius is one of those places people go to relax and unwind. However, there’s plenty to see and do. Visit Port Louis, Grand Baie, Mahebourg, Le Morne, Chamarel and Rodrigues. Add Black River Gorges National Park, Seven Colored Earths, the vibrant markets and blue flag status beaches to your itinerary.

What food to try: Mauritius has Indian, French, English, Creole and Chinese cuisine influences. Try the dholl puri, the country’s national dish, or a beautifully spiced rich tomato stew with sausages. Other options include biryani, Vindaye, curry and an upside-down bowl called Bol Renverse.

Egypt Why visit: Egypt offers many unbelievable experiences that go beyond the pyramids.

Where to go: Cairo is ideal for those who want to see history and world famous sites like the sphinx. Take a tour of the Pyramid of Giza, the oldest and largest of the three pyramids in the Giza pyramid complex bordering El Giza in Egypt.

Sharm El-Sheikh is a resort town known for its sandy beaches and coral reefs. Once there, add Ras Mohamed Nature Reserve and Jabal Mousa to your itinerary. Also, see Valley of the Kings in Luxor and enjoy a Nile cruise.

What food to try: Koshari is Egypt’s national dish. The meal consists of spiced lentils, rice, tomato sauce, pasta and chickpeas.

Other popular dishes include molokhia soup and ta’ameya.

Morocco Why visit: Morocco is one of the most visited countries on the continent, mainly because of its grand beaches, sweeping views of the desert and distinct architecture.

Where to go: From Asilah, a picturesque seaside town, to Ifrane, a city showcasing alpine-style architecture, Morocco offers a vast range of experiences. Rabat, its capital city, features the Kasbah of the Udayas, Chellah and Andalusian Gardens.

Marrakech is a trendy city that merges old and new perfectly. Here, discover Medina, stroll through the souks and treat yourself to a hammam. A day trip to Fez and Casablanca is a must.

What food to try: Moroccan food is loved all over the world. Couscous, the national dish of Morocco, and tagine are some of the many dishes to enjoy during your trip. Other meals include zalouk, harira and b’ssara. Wash it down with mint tea.

10

things you should know before travelling to Africa CLINTON MOODLEY

Jennifer Morris, the owner of Travel Savvy, shares 10 tips travellers need to know before they embark on a trip to Africa Passport Your passport needs to be valid at least six months after your date of return. If it isn’t, renew it before you depart.

Visa requirements While many African countries allow visa-free travel for South Africans, some destinations require a visa to enter. Check all visa requirements with a travel professional when booking your trip as it can take a few weeks to obtain one in some destinations. People travelling on a European or UK passport may pay additional visa costs.

Health and safety requirements When travelling during the pandemic, travellers need to be mindful of a country’s vaccination requirements and health advisories. Morris said it’s best to speak to a travel professional.

“You may need a yellow fever vaccination certificate, or you may be entering a region with high malaria or dengue fever risks.

Preparation is key to ensure that you are safe throughout the trip,” she said.

Driving When driving overland, do ample research on road conditions, speed limits and borders. Morris explained: “A distance of 200km may only take 2 hours on a tarred highway, but could take half a day’s driving if the road is bad or the speed limits are very low.

Take note of refuelling stops and find out if you need a 4x4 vehicle or not. You may need to get an international drivers licence permit through the AA before you are allowed to hire a car in your destination country. Conducting research will ensure the journey runs smoothly.”

Travel insurance Comprehensive travel insurance is a requirement. Morris advised that travellers should get insurance that covers medical evacuations. “This is absolutely non-negotiable when travelling in Africa,” she said.

Customs and traditions Morris advised travellers to check on the customs and traditions of the country before they visit. “Some countries have a low tolerance on homosexuality, for example, or may have modest dress requirements for women in public. Don’t assume that the benefits enjoyed by South Africans follow you when you travel elsewhere.

Be mindful of laws and customs in your destination country,” she explained.

Ask before you drink the tap water Ask whether it is safe to consume water in a particular country.

Most countries in Africa advise against this for foreigners. Wash all fruit and vegetables bought in stores and markets thoroughly before eating them. Purchase bottled water for peace of mind.

Transport Research your destination’s transport offerings.

“Whether by taxi, train or tuk-tuk, experiencing an African city the same way the locals do is often much cheaper than hiring a car or an Uber. It is often the best way to have a more authentic experience,” said Morris.

Book a local guide Not only will booking a local guide promote the local economy, but they will also share some hidden gems with you.

“If you’re travelling to a place you’ve never been before, it may be a good idea to hire a local guide for the first few days. Your guide will show you places and organise experiences that the guidebooks won’t tell you about, and they will know the quickest way to get places. They’ll also give you a fascinating insight into the history and culture of your destination,” Morris explained.

Weather forecast Check the dates and months of travel as some countries experience harsh weather during certain times of the year.

Celebs and their love affair with Africa VUYOLWETHU FUNDAM

Naomi Campbell in Egypt The British supermodel took a trip to Cairo, Egypt, to celebrate Black History Month in February.

We’re not sure where she stayed, but we do know she travelled from Kenya, where she owns a luxury villa in Malindi, a coastal town in Kenya.

Whenever she needs to relax, she slips away to her villa which she describes as “a very calming place”.

She visited the Great Pyramid of Giza.

Kelly Khumalo in Mozambique South African singer and TV personality Kelly Khumalo recently travelled to Maputo and Ponta do Ouro in Mozambique.

The Empini hitmaker visited Praça da Independência (Independence Square) in Maputo.

The square is dominated by a large statue of Samora Machel. In one of her snaps, Khumalo is seen standing in front of the statue, captioned “In the presence of Samora Machel”.

Khumalo and her friend stayed at Meliá Maputo Sky, about 20 minutes from Maputo International Airport.

According to its website, the hotel offers an exclusive view over Maputo Bay and its wide range of facilities and services meets the needs and expectations of leisure and business travellers.

The hotel also offers access to Luxcorpus, recognised as the largest and most modern health club and spa in Maputo.

Russell and Ciara Wilson in Botswana American singer Ciara and her husband Russell Wilson spent time in Botswana for their honeymoon in 2018. The couple is said to have spent time at Abu Camp, a private concession in Botswana’s Okavango Delta, one of the world’s most important wetland ecosystems.

Here, they walked among elephants and relished in the picturesque views. They also visited Cape Town.

Idris Elba in Morocco American actor Idris Elba has travelled to Africa many times. Our favourite was when he tied the knot with model Sabrina Dhowre in April 2019 at the Ksar CharBagh Hotel, a member of The Small Luxury Hotels of the world (SLH), in Marrakesh, Morocco. The lavish private palace is influenced by Moorish architecture from the 14th century, with a palm-lined pool leading to the main building.

The rooms feature views of the pool or the Atlas Mountains. According to the palace’s website, the lavish and refined suites are more like private apartments where nature is always present, with each suite having a private garden or terrace. There is a restaurant, a spa and quad biking available for guests.

Will Smith in Zambia/Egypt American actor Will Smith had the best time in Africa a few years ago when he explored the continent using his private plane.

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air visited Egypt's Great Pyramid of Giza, where he took a couple of selfies.

He also visited Livingstone, a town in south-west Zambia. It is known as the Zambian base for travellers to the Victoria Falls, a 1 708m wide waterfall. Local people call it “Mosi-oa-Tunya” – the smoke that thunders.

CLINTON MOODLEY

A WORLD map picture on Instagram inspired Norwegian social worker Adrian Misfjord to backpack through Africa during the pandemic.

The 21-year-old is currently on a five-month trip to various countries in Africa open to tourists.

“I intended to go on a backpacking trip for a long time. When the opportunity arose, it didn’t take me long to quit my job as a social worker in Oslo and pack my bags,” he said.

Not much preparation went into his trip, although he did plan a route of destinations he wanted to visit.

He aims to document his adventures on his YouTube channel, Broke and Bohemian.

Misfjord, who is now in Botswana, said the pros of travelling during the pandemic included fewer crowds and discounts on activities.

He said travellers needed to factor in the cost of Covid-19 tests when budgeting for their pandemic trips.

“People back home probably think I am insane for travelling to the least developed continent during this crisis. I looked at Africa as a poor place with dangerous people. A place filled with mosquitoes and diseases. But that is far from the truth. Life here works perfectly fine for most people. The fundamental parts of life are pretty much the same. Work, family, friends, eating, sleeping, and so on.

“Although the continent faces many challenges, I believe that life here, for the most part, is not as bad as many perceive it to be. The strong family ties and community feeling is what has touched my heart the most,” he said.

On why he decided to backpack, Misfjord said: “Backpacking through Africa means more than booking a flight ticket to the most beautiful national park and sleeping in a luxury resort. While there is nothing wrong with that, I am doing this style of travel for my own selfdevelopment and to learn about society and culture.”

Misfjord has a budget of $20 (about R280) a day.

He stays in local’s homes, where he learns about their culture.

“I set aside $20 each day. Sometimes the costs are lower, and sometimes the costs are higher. But when I calculate how much I’ve spent when I go back home, I hope $20 a day is the result. So if I travel for five months, that means $3 000. If I add flight tickets, vaccines and travel insurance, it will be another $1 000,” said Misfjord.

His advice for travellers to Africa is to carry toilet paper and wet wipes wherever they travel.

“Diarrhea comes and goes when eating local food, and the public toilets rarely have toilet paper available.”

Misfjord has already had a string of adventures during his journey. Like the time he ran into some trouble at the Rwenzori Mountains when he was detained by the military for entering a prohibited mining area. “(But) they escorted me down and we soon became friends. I taught them how to fly a drone, and we had a lovely time.”

He also lived in a fishing village on Pemba Island in Tanzania. “I’ll probably fly home from Maputo,” he said.

A backpacking adventure through Africa during the pandemic

The dos and don’ts of travelling in Africa Natalie Knibbs, the owner of Africa Memories Travel, shares the dos and don'ts of travelling to Africa. This is what she told Clinton Moodley

Be patient and understanding: Travellers should practice patience during their trip to Africa. Knibbs said visitors should not have any “high expectations for formality and time” as there may be long waiting times at airports or arrival borders.

Research and learn a bit about the country: Travellers venturing to any country on the continent should conduct ample research. Find out about the culture, the language, the activities, the transport options, the currency and other vital information needed to ensure your trip runs smoothly.

Carry cash: Carry some cash (somewhere hidden to avoid being a victim of crime) to use for emergencies or to pay for your visa on arrival. Make sure the money is the currency of your travel destination.

Dress appropriately: Some destinations do not condone the use of certain types of clothing, so be mindful of their rules when packing your suitcase Hire a tour operator: Tour guides are ideal for people travelling to Africa for the first time, are nervous or struggle with the language barrier. Knibbs “highly recommends tour guides”. She said travellers can do without one if they are able to navigate from point A or B without much effort.

DO

Expect the locals to know English or your language: Language can be a huge factor when travelling. Knibbs advised that learning a few words like hello, how are you and thank you allow for easy communication between the traveller and the locals.

Download a translator app to help you navigate tricky conversations.

Speed, you may be charged or jailed: For those who are embarking on self-drives, Knibbs warned that the speed limit should

DON’T

be adhered to at all times.

“Do not breach the speed limits as you would be fined immediately or jailed in extreme cases. Rather adhere to the speed regulations,” she advised.

Parade valuables: Africa is like any destination when it comes to crime. Knibbs recommends that travellers should keep valuables like money and passport hidden in their possession.

Try not to flaunt your belongings as it may give rise to opportunistic crime.

Forget to tip: Most countries and their employees rely on tourism

to survive. Make sure you tip during your tours, when at restaurants and the hotel. Some countries add tips into your bill, while others have a 10% rule. Travellers should tip at their own discretion.

Cause a scene: Be polite when dealing with locals. Knibbs suggests that visitors introduce themselves, ask the locals how they are and learn more about them before making requests or asking them questions.

“Be kind when communicating with locals. Do not be rude or cause a scene, but rather practice tolerance and respect,” she said.

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