A few of our trusted travel writers share their favourite African destinations as we celebrate Africa Day on 25 May.
5 Top African Travel Writers on Africa
Cape Town
Cape Town has been my home for the last 14 years and as much as I’ve loved experiencing places around the world, it’s the city I’ll always come back to. It’s rightly won top awards from the likes of Lonely Planet, National Geographic and Time magazine and is always full of new discoveries in art, culture, food, wine and more.
EUGENE YIGA, capetowntravel.guide or Twitter: @capetowntg
Zanzibar
I adore the spirit of Stonetown, Tanzania – ramshackle but cheerful and small enough to wander around in an afternoon. Look out for Lilliputian shops selling bright kanga and kitenge fabrics, freshly-fried sambusas and woodcarvers chiselling intricate chests and chairs. The muezzin’s call to prayer echoes within the medina, rising to meet the rooftops as the sun dips low into the Indian Ocean and families throng to the promenade to feast at the Forodhani night market.
ISHAY GOVENDER-YPMA, ishaygovender.com
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe’s soul lies in the warmth and laughter of its people. I spent my formative years in this beautiful country. Some tourist sites hold great spiritual significance for Zimbabweans; others are simply magnificent. All these are places I’ll visit repeatedly.
JABULILE NGWENYA, Instagram: @Travelstoriesafrica
Uganda
All African travel invigorates me, as it is on the continent that I feel most alive. That said, Uganda holds a special place in my heart after I did a 10-day overland trip there that included the privilege of Gorilla Trekking in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
DAWN JORGENSEN, theincidentaltourist.com, Instagram: @dawnjorgensen
Mozambique
I just love the idyllic islands of the Quirimbas Archipelago in northern Mozambique: they’re the perfect blend of tropical luxury, culture and history. Honeymooners will love andBeyond’s exclusive Vamizi Island, while Ibo Island Lodge in the south offers a more immersive cultural experience.
RICHARD HOLMES, onanotherplane.com, Twitter: @onanotherplane
Pic credits:
Ishay Govender-Ypma
Jabulile Mgwenya
Dawn Jorgensen
Ibo Island or andBeyond
