BEHOLD LE LAC ROSE

Situated on the Cap-Vert peninsula and 35km north of Senegal’s capital Dakar, sits Lake Retba, commonly referred to as Le lac Rose, French translation to mean “the pink lake.” This natural phenomenon attracts throngs of tourists to West Africa each year, who come to take in this body of water which is quite literally pink in colour, due to its very high mineral concentration and the presence of the

Dunaliella Salina bacteria which are attracted to this salt content.

The bacteria produce a red pigment with which it absorbs the sunlight, giving the lake a mesmerizing, obviously unexpected pink hue!

Aside from similar pink lakes in Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan and

Canada, Senegal is the only African country to boast of such an exquisite body of water! Swimming is a must do when visiting Lac

Rose, as one floats easily as they would in the Dead Sea, and it is in fact safe to do so as the bacteria are harmless to humans.

One may however be concerned about the harmful effects to the skin, due to the high salt content in the water. But an external dose of shea butter, rubbing copious amounts of this oil all over one’s body before and after taking a dip is great protection. Pleasing to note too that this is what the salt extractors use on their hands, arms, and legs daily for after collecting salt from the bottom of the lake!

Senegalese men come in their numbers to scrape the lake’s bed while standing in the water waist deep. This salt is then dried and used to preserve fish or prepped for the market, contributing to the more than 20 thousand tonnes of salt exported each year from Senegal.

Tourists have been known to venture out in a traditional canoe, a great way to capture that coveted photo of rose coloured waters as a backdrop. Whether it’s a swim or a photo you are looking for, we can all agree that Lake Retba is a must see, should you find yourself taking a trip to Senegal!

If you have a love for desert adventures, sunsets that are royally Instagramable and a long list of hidden gems found within the confines of one nation’s borders - then Morocco is the destination for you. Known as the Kingdom of Marrakesh and coined the Maghreb by the Arab world, Morocco is home to the orange sands of the Sahara Deserts, mixed cultural influences from the Arabs, Berbers and remnants of the Spanish and Portuguese colonial eras, delectable cuisine and architecture to rival any cities that take you on a visual journey back into seasons past.

Morocco is a beautiful destination in northwest part of Africa, and home to some famous tourist spots such as the capital of Marrakesh and the largest city in Morocco, Casablanca. Perfect for tourists seeking to immerse themselves in an exciting cultural experience while enjoying the warm desert sun, rich heritage, fantastic beaches and more; there are countless reasons why you should add Morocco to your bucket list for the northwest tip of Africa. Here are our picks:

CONNECT WITH THE WARMTH OF

LOCAL ARAB AND BERBER PEOPLE Morocco is a welcoming country, with a people that pride themselves in their hospitable and tolerant practices. The locals are really friendly and perhaps this can be credit to their interactions with diverse nationalities that choose Morocco as their destination of choose for a North African excursion. Given that Morocco was once a French and Spanish colony of sorts after several treaties, you shouldn’t be surprised to hear people speaking Berber, Arabic, French and even Spanish in some parts. English is spoken by many as well, so you won’t experience much of a challenge finding your away around. 1 2

Looking for a lesson in history and longstanding heritage? Well, Morocco awards you four imperial cities to choose from, beginning with Rabat which is the current administrative capital and arguably one of the more modern cities within the coastal nation. Rabat will give you plenty of picturesque yet historical attractions to check out such as the old medina and the Hassan Tower. Marrakesh, commonly referred to as the Red City, is well-renowned for its ancient Badi and Bahia Palaces, the imposing Koutoubia Mosque and the Djemaa el-Fna and Saadian Tombs which house many stories of centuries past. Fes and Meknes round up the four cities you can venture into should the hustle and bustle of a Moroccan city life be the experience you are looking for.

Morocco claims the Western Sahara territory, a vast desert area offering desert tours with activities such as camel rides, dune buggy rides and sandboarding. Also, while it is a long trip from Marrakesh, it’s well worth it, as you will experience breathtaking views along the way. Drive through the Atlas Mountains and if you are lucky, you may encounter nomad tribes making a trek across the warm dunes! Looking for a distinctively Moroccan experience to usher you into colourful moments with sumptuous cuisine and vibrant traditional music to get you dancing the night away under the desert skies? The desert camps have got you covered!

4DISCOVER THE ATLAS MOUNTAINS Stretching across Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia, the Atlas Mountains are a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, offering adventurers mountain hiking, nature walking and even snow skiing and snowboarding during the winter. On a nature walk, you may be so fortunate to spot some wild deer, hogs, and various bird species along the way. A hidden gem nestled within the Atlas Mountains is the magnificent Ouzoud Falls (Cascades d’Ozoud) which is the highest natural waterfall in Northern Africa, at 110 metres high, and one of Morocco’s most spectacular nature spots. Get up close to the falls and through the cascades with canoe boats available for tourists. Relax and refresh at one the few food spots in the mountain and indulge in tasty Moroccan dishes and refreshing drinks to match.

CAPTURE YOUR OWN SHOT OF THE SANTORINI OF AFRICA You’ve seen the pictures of this little town with walls painted blue that’s reminiscent of Santorini. Chefchaouen, also 6 Stay at a Riad A riad is a guest house-style accommodation or restored traditional mansion that offers a garden or courtyard associated with a historical house or palace architecture. Riads are Traditional, old-style, and luxurious, tastefully decorated rooms with strong Moroccan 5 called Chaouen, is that picturesque little town set on the backdrop of Morocco’s Rif Mountains with an intriguing story behind why its walls are various hues of influence. Some riads have rooftop seating, allowing guests to enjoy a meal with a view. Morocco, staying at a riad will blue. Some say the walls of the building Although you may find luxury give you the authentic experience were painted blue as an ode to Jewish brand accommodations all over you may have come so far to find. customs and culture who believe that as blue is the colour of the sky, it also brings one closer to or reminds them of heaven and God. Others believe the WHAT’S A TRIP TO MOROCCO blues keep mosquitos away while others also maintain that blue keeps building WITHOUT TASTING TAGINE? temperatures blue. There’s no better If you are going to get the full Moroccan way to find out the real truths behind culinary experience, then couscous,

Morocco’s “Blue City”, “Morocco’s blue tagine, Pastilla, bissara, harira, and pearl” or the “Santorini of Africa” as brochettes and many others, will give

Chefchaouen is often nicknamed, than to go and see it for yourself. you plenty to tantalise your tastebuds. A variety of breads and pastries are always a hit too, and meat is a stable on just about every dish, with tagine making the list of servings a standard. Named after the stunning ceramic or clay dome-shaped pots from which the meal is served, tagine is an important part of Moroccan cuisine and has been part of the culture for hundreds of years. Flavoursome and stew-like, tagine can comprise of slow cooked chicken, beef, lamb or vegetables, cooked with spices such as turmeric, cinnamon, saffron and cumin, and hints of fruit like apricots and dates, which are common ingredients in Moroccan cuisine. Indulging in Moroccan cuisine is an unmissable experience, soaking up a unique blend of spices and textures to excite your palate. 7

Marrakech is the one of Africa’s favourite destinations for market shopping. Built along trading routes, Marrakech was a frequent spot for traders to buy and sell their goods and today, cities are no different. Lined with markets forming the maze-like medina, one can lose themselves in all the craziness and excitement of the smell of spices and oils that greet you as you enter the market! The rest of the country hosts plenty of souks too! From textiles, leather goods, lanterns, carpets and more, there are so many handcrafted items to choose from and of course, you always have an opportunity to haggle with the sellers. Who doesn’t want to strike a bargain on some great souvenirs?

industry in Fes Chouara Tannery is located in the city of Fez, and still holds its position as the largest and oldest of the three tanneries in the city. Morocco’s tanning industry hasn’t changed much since it first began centuries ago and so this in itself is quite compelling to a modern traveller to view. Tourists have found the sight of round stone vessels filled with dyes of multiple colours and white liquids to be of great interest, often getting further insights into the manufacture of leather goods for export.

You’ll be spoilt for choice as Morocco boasts beaches along the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic seaboard. Tangier and Agadir are a hit for travellers coming in from overseas yet Asilah has proven to be a beachfront destination of choice for visitors coming in from nearby Spain, as well as the locals welcoming them. Morocco’s beaches create a perfect backdrop, whether you are looking to relax under an umbrella or take to the waves for some watersports. A trip to Morocco will definitely grant you a packed itinerary, with so many sensory experiences to leave you wanting more! Did we mention affordability as well? Whether you are looking to travel on a budget, or perhaps would like to indulge in a more high experience – Morocco is calling, with many more reasons that highlight why it is still referred to by many as some form of a kingdom.

By Christy Shakuyungwa

Photos by: GocheGanas Website, Christy Shakuyungwa

My good Friend Ester, who doubles up as my self-proclaimed travel partner, one day called to complain about an acute tension that she was feeling, suggesting she was in dire need of massage therapy. A few calls to the renowned spas in Windhoek proved futile, as surprisingly, even during these Covid-19 stricken times, most were fully booked for up to 5 days in advance.

I asked her why we were limiting ourselves to experiencing a spa retreatment within the confines of the capital. Surely there would be a place close enough to Windhoek for us to take a quick drive out of town for a little self-care exercise. A few Google searches later led us to the online home of Gocheganas, a luxury lodge located 29 kilometers from Windhoek, which professed to offer a unique experience that combines ones love for wildlife, nature and wellness to curate the ultimate relaxation experience.

Needless to say, the website gave us enough information to know that this would be our destination so Ester could experience the spa treatment she had been earning for at the onset of our conversation. It was time for a mini spa get away. We made our bookings for the following Friday afternoon, and the trip turned out to be a short 22 kilometer drive south towards Rehoboth along the B1 Highway, before we would have to turn off left onto the D1463 gravel road for another 20 odd kilometers.

It was a scorching hot day, and the temperatures were about 32 degrees Celsius. An absolute norm for Namibia. There were clouds forming in the sky, which sort of suggested that perhaps rains were around the corner. The drive to the Lodge was scenic, characterised by a mountainous terrain, flagged mostly by camel thorn trees. The conversation enroute to the lodge was mostly on the politics of the day. Local and regional Authority elections were coming up in November, and so the campaigning by all political parties had intensified. The political space seemed to be transforming and it was just interesting to witness.

Before we knew it, we had arrived at the Gocheganas Gate. A friendly greeting from the security guard welcomed us and once he confirmed our appointment, we drove a short 0.5 km to the designated parking Area. From the designated parking spot, one could see the lodge a further distance up on the Hill top. It was majestic.

A shuttle picked us up from the Parking lot and drove us to reception, from where we were directed to the “Wellness Village”. The wellness village reception had high ceilings, with orange and brown toned décor items. There was an indoor pool, and all we could think about with the scorching heat was whether we could take a dip in the pool at all.

Our treatments were booked in rooms separate from the reception area and were carried out in round huts with thatched roofs. The setting offered a great combination of traditional architecture embellished in luxurious design aesthetic. There is something magical about thatched roofs, for they always give a hut the desired cooling effect, and these modern huts did not disappoint.

We insisted on getting massages in the same room; after all, what is the point of Spa date if we will be apart? Ester opted for a full body Marula Oil massage. The list of services and treatments available at Gocheganas would rival any high-end spa. From manicure and pedicure options, luxurious bath experiences, body therapies, massages and facial treatments, Gocheganas gave us so many options to pick from, all of which promised the use of essentials oils, masks and other such ingredients made from natural elements.

For us, it was refreshing to see a Spa incorporate local marula essential oils into their treatments, marula of which is native to Southern Africa. The marula tree is a deciduous African tree that produces yellow fruit. The flesh is eaten, and kernels traditionally used to make the pale-yellow marula oil which possess high concentrations of oleic and linoleic fatty acids as well as more commonly known antioxidant vitamins C and E.

Typically, at a Spa, one expects the new-age background music that is meant to create a calm and relaxing environment that even induces sleep. Not at Gocheganas. There was absolutely no music at all being played. It was all about the stillness of nature, away from the hive of activity in Namibia’s capital Windhoek, with occasional interludes from birds in a distance. It was different, new, and yet very hypnotic.

While Ester was whisked away by her Marula treatment, I opted for a full body hot stone massage. I had just recently started working out and so it was no surprise that my muscles welcomed the hot stones. My masseuse Maria worked skillfully and patiently for a full hour, or at least I think It was an hour, because halfway through I dozed off only to be woken up later, with her gently tapping on my shoulder.

Ester and I must have both dozed off and only woke up after our

To find out more about the Gocheganas Experience, the accommodations, conferencing facilities and activities available on site, visit www.gocheganas.com

massages were done. From there we headed out to the outdoor pool, a pristine set up overlooking the mountain. But with the feel of essential oils still on the body, the idea to go for the swim was aborted. Instead we opted to sit by the restaurant, order some mimosas and hearty snacks. Conversations ranged from Politics, life reflections, relationships and of course planning the next possible getaway, while also agreeing that such getaways needed to become the norm in our attempt to have a more structured self-care routine.

Time went by very quickly and before we knew it, it was dinner time. We had early dinner at sunset, and the foodie in me couldn’t wait to see what the menu had to offer. Mains were a grilled steak for Ester and Kingklip for me. What stood out were the sauces, all well reduced and beautifully complimenting the meats. The mains were followed by a beautiful cheesecake, from which our individual sweet tooth was left satisfied as we toasted to a Friday well spent.

Heading back home from Gocheganas, the drive back seemed a bit longer, but we felt more relaxed. I won’t lie, we did toy with the idea of staying over. But maybe, just maybe, a staycation should be the next adventure we take, with the plan to spend more time at this sanctuary on a 6000 hectare nature reserve that boasts 25 different wildlife species, and opportunity to enjoy game drives and walking activities for a more enriched experience. Gocheganas promises distinctive wellness facilities and treatments of a world class standard, and as a party that had enjoyed a day of little pampering and relaxation, they sure did deliver their promise of a renewed mind, body, and spirit.

Got a long layover in Nairobi, or a flight delay that spans more than just a few hours? Then grab this opportunity to step into Kenya’s capital as an alternative to roaming the airport and watching stuff on Netflix to pass time. Indulging in the culture and leisure scenes of Nairobi may be more appealing to you, and so go ahead and put on your adventure cape, apply for a day visa at the airport and spend a few hours exploring the best of Nairobi.

Nairobi Nairobi has quite a few sanctuaries that keep endangered animals and so it is a unique experience coupled with a bit of an educational component about the dangers these animals are facing such as poaching. The Elephant Sanctuary operated by the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, borders Nairobi National Park and offers a haven for orphaned baby elephants rescued from parks and reserves in Kenya. It is an amazing experience to not only be so up-close to baby elephants and watching them being fed and being their playful self but also, there is a learning center where you get to learn a little about what the behaviours of elephants especially after becoming orphaned. The sanctuary also gives tourists a chance to adopt a baby elephant by paying 50usd a year, which is a great way to contribute to their wellbeing and preservation efforts. This also allows you to have a one on one encounter with your adopted elephant whenever you visit.

Giraffe Centre is another conservatory for giraffes, also one of the endangered animals in Africa. Interact with these majestic giants of Africa, not only watching them in their man-made habitat, but also having an opportunity to feed them is quite the treat for tourists. They will eat out of your hand or even your mouth! It’s a once in a lifetime experience and the sanctuary also has an education center where you learn a little bit about the animals and the center’s history.

Explore African Heritage House

Visit this architectural wonder and take in the scenes as it overlooks the Nairobi National Park. The African Heritage House is a museum that showcases African textiles, masks, art, artifacts, crafts,

books, and photographs. This is Africa's first Pan African Gallery, and celebration of African culture from across the continent. The building is a mud architectural splendor and the perfect tourist spot for people to get an understanding of African culture and the artistic landscape. Visit the restaurant within the house and indulge in some Pan African dishes that sample recipes from all over Africa. Sit by the terrace and dig in as you take in the view. This place is the total African heritage experience and a photographer’s paradise. Definitely worth a visit.

Village Market Looking to shop for a few souvenirs before you leave? East Africa's largest shopping mall - The Village Market – is a shopping, recreation, and entertainment destination with over 150 shopping outlets and recreation facilities under a remarkable architectural design. Housing a great selection in retail products, from high-end brands sold from African open-air market style shops and stalls is enjoyable. The building also boasts waterfalls and gardens with thousands of exotic plants that have all been incorporated into the design of Village Market.

Buy some beautiful art, jewellery, African clothing and fabrics, and so much more. The Village Market is a great place to get a feel of the culture and the people while appreciating the amazing handmade products made by local creatives. You will well appreciate colourful kangas and kikoys, best described as Kenyan sarongs and a must-buy souvenir to take home with you.

In no time, your day tour will be over as you head back to the airport, but you’ll agree that a day spent in Nairobi will offer everything from flavor, color, art, and an up-close encounter with nature and wildlife. With so much to offer including a host of unforgettable memories, you’ll be tempted to miss your flight! Perhaps a day trip will get you planning for a longer stay the next time you are in that part of East Africa.

*Travellers are encouraged to carry out their research on the immigration laws and travel requirements before travelling to their destination. Ensure you understand whether you require a visa beforehand or a yellow fever certificate.

African Heritage House Exterior

2-year old Bertha Bryson Mrisha relocated to the United Arab Emirates in 2017 from make their way to this desert mecca, such moves are inspired by a desire for greener pastures. It wasn’t long before she realised that there was a gap in the market for exotic beaded accessories, something that was well reminiscent of the sort of jewellery and embellishments one would find back home in her native country.

“I started my business as I always had the love for fashion and the African design aesthetic. It’s part of my culture and so for me, should I venture into business, I would want to be able to impact different people from the continent in some sort of social enterprise initiative,” says Bertha.

Be Beads is an African brand based in UAE and they specialize in hand made accessories and apparel, with their crafts inspired by the deep diversity of African heritage.

“I collect jewellery from different parts of Africa that tells the story of our heritage and helps the local artisans to earn an income, as I source markets for them to sell their products. I had just moved here and after about 6 months, I realised that it had become a constant where people were asking me about the pieces of jewelry I had from home. Having done more research I realised that there was a real opportunity for me to start a business selling African handmade accessories,” Bertha shares.

In early May 2018, Bertha launched her brand and named it BE BEADS, a combination of her name and love for the beads she would be selling. Today Bertha sells jewelry are from beads, brass, recycled plastics, African fabrics, shells, threads, and cotton materials, importing most pieces from different countries across Africa such as Tanzania, Kenya, and South

3Tanzania, and like most young people who

Africa.

Be Beads seeks to creates to market products and create jobs for artisans back home, with a plan to further import from more markets across the continent. Bertha aspires for Be Beads to be viewed as the “African House of Accessories” in the UAE market, bringing in different types of accessories to cater to the tastes of an already multinational customer base.

But the journey to becoming a business owner is not always easy, and Bertha is always keen to share what challenges she has had to overcome as she builds her brand.

“My journey as an entrepreneur hasn’t always been easy, but I suppose that is the standard for most startups. When I started my business, I was employed full time, and so it was really difficult to find the time to concentrate on promoting the business,” she chimes in.

“I missed a lot of networking events so I could meet people who would be interested in my products and promote the story behind what I was trying to do. Most markets were in Dubai so after my shift at work, I often had to catch the bus to Dubai to go and sell my products. This was often quite taxing to do physically. Other challenges l faced included people really trying to bargain for their price, often not considering the cost of bringing the goods to the UAE, costs of delivery and so on. I have been fortunate to meet other entrepreneurs who have been able to help me with tips to overcoming my challenges.”

Today, Be Beads has grown so much that Bertha has opened a store in Wafi Mall at Khanmurjan Souk, Shop No. 6018. To have a look at the Be Beads jewellery and accessories, do visit their social pages on @be_beads18, @ be_beads and on online store at www.bebeads.co

If you live in Dubai, love a good dose of cardio and are a lover of “afrobeat” - a genre of music with West African origins that has grown in popularity massively over the past few years, then you have probably heard of Afrofit Dubai, the brand that has made quite a name for itself, especially for health and fitness enthusiasts that are looking for a workout with a twist.

AfroFit Dubai founder, Christian Nji, was born and raised in the English-speaking region of Cameroon, in a town called Bamenda. Christian had big dreams for himself coming up with a goal to experience the world beyond his country of origin for a time. And so, when the time was right and fortune was on his side, the opportunity to relocate to the United Arab Emirates presented itself and he took it.

“I moved to Dubai to explore better opportunities and to see my dreams come true,” says Christian, when asked what brought him to the UAE.

the brand “There are many Africans relocating to Dubai and the wider Emirates, but for me, it was about also wanting the world to embrace an African fitness club in the UAE. I’m a level 3 certified personal trainer, Bouncefit certified coach, and have garnered a good bit of traction as a fitness influencer, entrepreneur, DJ and Afrodance choreographer on the local scene. It simply made sense to combine all the things that make me feel alive – dancing, music and choreography, into something that would benefit the wider community.”

Today, when one signs up for any one of the Afrofit Dubai classes, they will be delighted to note just how much a session is more than just a high energy cardio workout, but also afro-dance choreography set to the rhythm of the afrobeat genre of music. The coaches are cool, they are patient and professional, helping all students, to enjoy each session regardless of dance capability,

age or knowledge of each track played.

“My love and passion for Afro dance and the fitness industry is what inspired me to start this business,” cites Christian, recounting how much he wanted the different nationalities in a nation where 200+ nationalities call the UAE home, to embrace the dance culture from the continent of Africa.

“Afrofit Dubai squad members, together with everyone who joins our classes, have become somewhat of an extension of my family. Our squad is a family, and we welcome fitness enthusiasts and anyone who wants to break a sweat to the sound of cool music to join our family,” says Christian.

When asked what advice Christian had for any young Africans looking to start and grow a business in the UAE, he says, “My young African brothers and sisters – do not be afraid, just do your thing!! UAE is the best and the safest country in the world to start up a business especially with little or no tax policy for small and medium sized companies.”

“I do miss my family, our food and I the natural landscapes that life in Cameroon award. I would one day like to experience the beaches of the Seychelles or experience Rwanda soon, which I have heard many great things about. But for now, I’m just grateful for the opportunity to have started this business in 2018, which has garnered significant following and participation from people looking to try something different. Dubai is a melting pot, making it a vibrant place to create a service that people from different parts of the world will find exciting – and Afrofit Dubai is exactly that,” says Christian.

So whether one is a resident of Dubai or the UAE capital Abu Dhabi, Afrofit Dubai offers numerous opportunities to experience a fun work out that connects you with a music genre that has scaled charts in music across the globe.

To join the Afrofit Dubai squad for your choreographed dance or afrodance cardio class, head on over to the Habtoor Grand Hotel in Dubai Marina everyday at 7pm or simply visit their website at www.afrofitdubai.com to book your slot.

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