29 Years of life | 10 Years of Independent Travel | 5 Continents | 47 Countries | subscribe

Africa isn't some vague country someone volunteered in once, it's a homecoming that redefines what travel can mean. I've had the privilege of adventuring across 9/54 African countries: from camping my way down from Harare to Bulawayo in Zimbabwe, to exploring Ghana's coastline all the way to the lush Upper Volta region, to sneaking out of my father’s Oyo state home to climb one of only two suspended lakes in the world- in Nigeria! This continent holds space for every kind of travel: the deep roots exploration of tracing your heritage, the wide-eyed adventure of discovering new ecosystems, and everything in between. Yes, it requires intention, both financially and logistically. But what if I told you that 'once in a lifetime' doesn't have to mean once at all? This edition is about coming home to a continent that offers infinite ways to belong.

Ajala Reflections on Travelling ‘Home’ to Africa

What’s one thing you can only experience when you go back to the continent of Africa, that you can’t find elsewhere?

The multi-sensory experience of being back home - as soon as I leave the airport I’m hit with the sounds of being back in Cairo - cars honking, people talking and shouting, feeling heat on my skin, smelling petrol, cigarettes and food on the street, sand in my toes - even in the middle of the city! I’ve never experienced that combination anywhere else. - Annie

Feeling like you belong, I don’t have to worry or wonder if this place is for me. - Joan

True and genuine culture - in England everyone is individualistic and for themselves. But in Ghana the culture is to be family and that’s the vibe that seeps into music, food… everything! - Patricia

What’s one thing you never skip when you return?

Patricia: the first thing I think about is food

Laura: A Braai (BBQ)

Nandi: Roasted corn from street vendors!

Rachael: Suyaaaaaaa!!!

Joan: Getting my hair done 💅🏽

Can you share a memory from your last trip that you’ll never forget?

My family Christmas dinner. It happens every year but being able to be part of it is great, there’s 9 brothers on my dad’s side, and just imagine their kids and their kids. I fondly remember us taking pictures on the different levels around my grandma because we couldn’t all fit in one picture and it is so special. - Patricia 

Spending Christmas at home was the biggest Christmas of my life. Over 30 people, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandma and more food than I have seen in a while. Technically that was my first full family reunion and I cannot wait to do it again! - Nandi

I spent a weekend in the Karoo at a wine festival called the Vino Camino. They give you a wine glass when you arrive and you just walk around this very remote little town all day chatting to different wine producers who all share samples of their wine with you. - Laura

Celebrating my good friend's wedding! The joy, fun, and laughter from the traditional wedding to the church wedding and reception. The beautiful outfits, vibrant colours and food! - Rachael

Going to the club with my 50 year-old uncle and his friends. There were nyashes being shaked in tiny panties all around us and I was just like - OKAY this is happening! - Joan

During my last trip I lived my best tourist life! My favourite site was the Garbage Collectors Church. This was established after an earthquake created a 1 meter gap in a mountain - a divine intervention when the Ottoman regime threatened the Christian community with death if they couldn’t prove that their God was real by moving a mountain(!) The church gets its name today due to an orthodox missionary's influence on the garbage collectors living in the area, resulting in the town now being predominately Christian. It was a beautiful experience learning about this and being physically there... - Annie

Overall:

Being in Egypt makes me appreciate community and history - Egypt is an old country with so many civilisations and iterations. It brings lots of historical events to life and makes me appreciate the resilience of humanity - Annie 

Being in South Africa makes me appreciate how much of a privilege it is to have grown up with the sun shining down on me every day. - Laura

Being in Ghana makes me appreciate peace - everyone is living a slower life - the moment I come back to London it’s busy busy busy - Patricia 

Being in Kenya makes me appreciate nature. The privilege of being able to walk through it, have nature in such close proximity and to see civilisation co-existing with non-concrete landscapes, vast waters and animals - Demi (A Nigerian who wanted to see East Africa appreciated 🙂 )

Peak Season, Cheap Flights🤝✈️📉

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Insider Tip: How to make Safaris a regular adventure

This has been a jam-packed newsletter edition so I’ll keep this one short. Everyone talks about Safari’s being a once-in-a-life-time opportunity, yet I’ve been on two multi-day safari’s and a couple shorter ‘safari’s’ well before 30. Seeing animals in their natural home, doing wild things, is beautiful and enlightening so I need to let you in on a search engine that allows you to find great value for money trips: SafariBookings.

This link should allow you to look for Safari’s with my search parameters already applied, just add the country you want to visit and keep my tips below in mind:

• No matter how much you spend on a safari, whether you choose a private tour or splurge on fancy overnight accommodation, the animals you see won't be any different. As long as your driver has a walkie-talkie, you'll be guided to the best spots to see the wildlife.

• However (& trust me on this one) it's worth paying extra for a 4x4 jeep! You’ve come too far to be stuck in the mud in a minivan.

• Plan to spend at least 2 days on your safari. Animals are most active in the early morning, late afternoon and evening, so you'll want to enjoy the experience fully.

• Don't fret about the idea of 'camping', even budget safaris offer actual beds in a tent-like room. It's basically glamping, complete with delicious hot meals and newfound friends.