One captivating element of getting older is that if done intentionally, hearts and minds are ushered into a new realm of discovery and childlike curiosity.
Couple that with a career in travel writing, and this is where experiences go beyond the rudimentary. The wind blows differently at each new destination for me, with the sunrises and sunsets boasting varied hues of orange and purple against magnificent terrains. Such is the enigmatic nature of journeying into the wildest yet most untainted or cosmopolitan cityscapes of Africa. It’s the smell of the grass laden with morning dew, or the sound of the first birds signalling a new dawn. It’s the tide peeling away from the coastline at the onset of the day before rushing back in spectacular form. It’s also the first signs of life at the market as vendors pull out their fresh produce, crafts and wares, gearing up for a day of haggling for survival.
Africa is more than a continent of diverse people, places and cultural expressions; it’s a feeling that one must experience at least once in their lifetime.With many air miles clocked in recent years on a quest to discover the next hidden gem on my ‘places to visit’, here I share five places that have captured my heart.
1. Benguerra Island, Mozambique
Benguerra Island, part of the Bazaruto Archipelago, is a sanctuary of forest,beach, and rolling white sand dunes surrounded by crystal-clear azure waters. This island, located only 14km off the coastline of Mozambique,boasts a small collection of boutique lodges on its shorelines. Benguerrais a spectacular showcase of pristine,relatively untouched subtropical island ecosystems, providing a retreat for anyone seeking solace in the lap of nature.
Accessible by boat and helicopter,the island offers a true sense of escape from the madding crowd. Marine life abounds beneath the ocean’s surface,inviting those who dare to explore,while the shore offers opportunities for casual strolls, and romantic or family horseback rides along the beach. Benguerra is as picturesque as you can imagine, a perfect haven for travellers looking to slow down and recalibrate amid nature’s allure.
2. Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
One of the world’s seven natural wonders, Victoria Falls boasts the largest curtain of falling water in the world, with 500 million litres cascading over the gorge per minute. Situated on the Zambezi River and shared by Zimbabwe and Zambia, Victoria Falls straddles two national parks. My love story with Victoria Falls began more than 15 years ago, and today, our exhilarating romance continues as I frequently visit for new adventures, a dance with nature, and the best Malawi Shandy you’ll ever taste. This display of nature’s splendour forms a perfect backdrop for whatever pace you choose to live your life. Enjoy game viewing, soak in brilliant sunsets onboard a calming river cruise upstream, or activate your adrenaline with a jet boat experience below the falls. If you’re really looking for an adrenaline rush, try bungee jumping off the bridge.
Where to stay? Luxurious hotels and lodges, as well as more budget friendly guesthouses and rest camps, are available on both sides of the Zambezi in Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls town and Zambia’s Livingstone.
3. Dakar, Senegal
You’ll probably touch down at Blaise Diagne International Airport, the gateway by air into the vibrant capital city of Senegal, Dakar. I had read plenty about the history of this West African gem, known for its colourful markets, French-influenced architecture, and longstanding musical and cultural scene. It was a no-brainer that I would need to summit the behemoth Monument de la Renaissance, a 49-metre-tall bronze statue located on top of a hill outside Dakar’s central hub in the Ouakam suburb and overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. I’m glad I did.
Top picks for where to explore while there? Lake Retba, also referred to as Le Lac Rose, lies in the north of the Cap Vert Peninsula of Senegal, about a 30km drive north-east of Dakar. You’ll love your photo opportunity with a backdrop of pink waters caused by Dunaliella salina algae, which thrive in the hypersaline Lac Rose. The Island of Goree is a grim reminder of one of the greatest tragedies in the history of mankind – the slave trade. The Heritage Tour is an emotive exploration of the fortresses, streets, squares and historical artefacts that tell a story of human exploitation, juxtaposed with along-haul fight for freedom by those who made the ultimate sacrifice.Dinner at Le Lagon is a welcome treat to end any of your days. Popular with the city’s more affluent residents,the ocean side destination is perched on stilts and makes for a perfect spot to enjoy the day’s fresh catch, a glass of sparkling wine, and great company.
4. Cape Town, South Africa
The Mother City, a haven for the epicurean lifestyle. Whether you are nestled in a boutique hotel down town,enjoying captivating views from the V&A Waterfront, taking in the crisp ocean breeze from Sea Point or Camps Bay, or navigating the winding highway towards Chapman’s Peak, Noordhoek, Simon’s Town or the Cape Winelands, Cape
Town is a cosmopolitan gift bursting with a vibrant arts, culture, food and wine scene that blends harmoniously with the natural landscape. No city on the continent merges culinary exploration and wine tasting better than Cape Town. You’re spoilt for choice (and views), whether you stay within its boundaries or drive out to Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and beyond.
Tour the city from the sky with a helicopter flight along the coastline, summit Table Mountain aboard the cable car or on an early-morning hike, take an Atlantis dunes quad-biking excursion, or spend a day at Aquila Game Reserve to add a little kick to your itinerary.
5. Serengeti, Tanzania You’re likely to land at Arusha
International Airport before taking a charter aircraft into the magnificent Serengeti, where you’ll be welcomed by the endless plains (Serengeti is a Maasai word for ‘endless plains’) made up of kilometres upon kilometres of savannah grasslands. Here, a range of stunning luxurious lodges, tented camps and mobile camps await you, readily delivering an experience in the heart of Tanzania. Wildlife viewing opportunities are the key highlight; you’ll see the largest groupings of giraffe, zebra, elephant, and buffalo you’ve ever set your eyes on, while enjoying a coffee with Amarula or a gin cocktail, depending on the time families looking to disconnect and reconnect with their loved ones.
As I continue to traverse Africa one trip at a time, I return to the Middle East each time, humbled by the honour of being a child of the continent. Vivid memories of each destination and each interaction remain etched in my spirit for many reasons, as the continent is one such destination that will remind you of what truly holds meaning.
Written by by Yvonne C. Mtengwa.
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