My Favourite Travel Moments in Africa

Every year on May 25^th, we celebrate Africa day and this year is no different. I’m Nigerian and my favorite continent to explore is the African continent. In honor of Africa Day, I’m looking back and sharing ten of my favorite travel moments in Africa.

1. Traveling Africa – Fufu & Light Soup in Accra, Ghana

In December 2008, after my sister’s wedding, I told my family that I was going to Ghana to visit my friend, B. My parents didn’t quite know how to react to that but off I went. We explored Accra way before it became cool to do so. We hopped on  Tro Tro (public bus), had ice cream at Frankies, and explored main sites. It was on this trip that I got introduced to and fell in love with plantain fufu and light soup. This is now a staple in my home cooked meals!

2. Travel Moments In Africa: Seeing Cape Town

In 2017 I decided that I wanted to showcase our continent. I made a decision to travel to one new African country every year. I kicked off that commitment with a multi-destination trip to South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Mauritius.

Aside from the unexpected warm welcome at immigration, Cape Town is hands down one of the most beautiful cities in the world. I thought the hype was overdone, but after seeing it for myself I’m all about it. I wrote an apology to Cape Town and shared my Cape Town itinerary. Now, I’m just praying for a chance to return

3. The Smoke Which Thunders – Victoria Falls

I only spent 24 hours in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe but visiting the falls early in the morning with only a handful of tourists is a memory of a lifetime. I remember sitting there, on the edge, feeling small and in awe of this display of creation on border of Zimbabwe and Zambia. Read more about my 24 hours in Victoria Falls to help you plan your trip, or you transport you to that moment.

4. Accepting the Kindness of A Stranger in Johannesburg

An unexpected DM in South Africa turned into a night of face painting, dinner and conversations. This relationship has now evolved into one of my closest friendships and a life lesson in speaking things into existence and in kindness. See this post to learn more about the experience and my time in Johannesburg! While this is an ‘extreme’ example,  warmth of the people in different African countries has been beautiful to see and transformative to experience.

5. Cape Verde or Bust!

A little ashamed to admit that I only learned about Cape Verde when I moved to the US. Until 2019, it was easier to get to Cape Verde from Europe than from other African countries. It was my goal in life (no joke) while I lived in Europe to make it to Cape Verde and I did one month before I left Europe. During the tour of Sao Vicente, the cultural capital, I noticed my guide kept greeting friends in a certain way. Reminded me of the ‘Wakanda Forever’ move. I had to learn it! A local artist totally was on board and here’s the result of the greeting after three attempts for me, the newbie. For more, see my highlights from Cape Verde, and my Cape Verde travel guide.

6. Being Inspired in Rwanda

Rwanda is hands-down the most inspiring country I’ve ever been to. While the genocide will always be a part of its history, Rwanda is so much more than that. I don’t think any other country in the world can speak of difficult but intentional national healing process like Rwanda.  The spirit of the Rwandan people and their ability and intentional actions to move forward from the actions of April 1994 will never cease to amaze me. 

On a lighter note, visiting a milk bar in Kigali is one of my favourite travel moments in Africa. It’s a thing in Rwanda where people catch up in milk bars as you would in pubs. Got time in Rwanda,I’ve got a 24 hours in Kigali itinerary for you!

7. A Kenyan dream come true

Kenya!!!! In college I made Kenyan friends, had roommates, learned songs, and even Swahili phrases. My friends planted the seed and 16 years later, I finally made it to Kenya. Seeing the sunrise on Lake Nakuru, seeing Lions mate on safari (interesting!), finally putting my Swahili phrases to use, visiting Lamu, meeting Hassan, and just being in Kenya were all travel moments that brought so much joy and wonder. Experience Lamu with me by checking out this descriptive post!

8. travel moments: celebrating in Lagos

Remember the new friend I made in Johannesburg? Well, I got to celebrate her wedding and my parents’ 40^th anniversary at home in Lagos, Nigeria. There’s no party like a Lagos party. At the end of this pandemic, we all need to throw Lagos-inspired parties. Our non-Nigerian friends need to experience this! Am I right or am I right? For now, I can’t help but reminisce on the wonderful times that I had with old friends, family, and with new friends.

9. Pinching Myself In The Seychelles

Every part of this trip was a dream (okay except for when I was bitten by bugs). I frolicked on some stunning beaches, I mean this is where Ciara got engaged and where Will & Kate honeymooned! I spent time on an island totally inhabited by some of the largest tortoises in the world. My grandkids will hear of this of experience! 

My most interesting travel moment was being told (as a compliment) French ladies that I reminded them of a porn star, Emmanuela, from a movie.  Wild, I tell you! Planning a trip to the Seychelles, I’ve got a Seychelles One Week Itinerary, My Seychelles Highlights, and A Guide to Mahe Seychelles.

10. When Passion and Purpose Collided in Tanzania

It has been a goal of mine to do work on the African continent because I believe in our people, but I also believe in the role that we play in our own advancement.

In 2019 I got the opportunity to mentor female African entrepreneurs across five different countries. I traveled to Tanzania to meet my mentees at a summit. The irony is that Tanzania is the very first country I ever wanted to visit or travel to. It was a gift that I ended up finally going to that very first country but doing work that matters to me at my core. It was a very short trip, but it was one that moved me.

Travel Moments In Africa – Where To Next?

I hope that my experiences inspire you to dream of visiting the African continent .I hope you enjoy the diversity that the continent offers. I hope you get to be inspired by our people: the warmest, most resourceful and incredibly talented people that I’ve had the good fortune of meeting.

I’d love to visit more of the African continent; to scuba dive in Madagascar (after I learn to swim) and eat jollof rice in The Gambia. I’d love to take my family to Cape Town and then eat Dibi in Senegal. 

What has been your favorite experience on the African continent and what destinations do you dream of.

Happy Africa Day to my fellow Africans from all 54 Nations and to our friends all over the world that see us, love us, and support us.

Till next time, 

Dee (Ms. Heels)