Experience the unexpected side of Africa through a journey of one-minute portraits, where diverse landscapes, innovative strides, and rich cultural expressions reveal a continent far beyond the familiar.
Ski Resorts and Desert Safaris
When we think of Africa we think of safaris and deserts, but in reality, the geographic landscape of this continent is much more diverse. Morocco is proof that you can have it all, a country where you can plan both skiing and a safari on the same trip. The Atlas Mountains, which span the northern parts of Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia, are a popular spot for hikers and skiing enthusiasts. The Oukaimaden Ski Station in northern Morocco is open from December to April, offering slopes for all experience levels. It’s 80km from Marrakech, where you can book a camel safari tour through parts of the Sahara. So, nothing is stopping you from skiing down a snowy mountain and then riding a camel through one of the world’s largest deserts in the span of a few days on your next African excursion.
Pink Plaster Architecture
It is no doubt that Africa is home to a myriad of unique architectural structures, offering a spectrum of traditional and modern designs. Kenyan-based studio, Mehta Architecture, has lived up to the legacy with one of their newest villas, UA House, in Kilifi town on the edge of Takaungu Creek. It has sparked something of a buzz with its pink-plastered walls. The salvaged limestone which makes up these walls is covered in lime plaster that has been mixed with quarry dust to give it that pink shade. Aside from its distinct colour, the layout is made up of rectangular courtyards and rooms with plenty of open spaces to provide ventilation in a warm climate.
Architect — studiomehta.com
Lakin Ogunbanwo
Africa’s rich art scene is a mosaic of multifaceted artists, each with their own vision and methods of displaying their heritage. Nigerian photographer Lakin Ogunbanwo has taken fashion photography to a new level. Drawing his inspiration from African studio photography in the 1960s and 70s, he aims to showcase the raw nature of his Nigerian culture. His photographs are simple in their composition and vivid in their colour and meaning. His best-known work often shows a Nigerian model, male or female, with either a traditional piece of clothing or an object covering their faces. Ogunbanwo’s aim has consistently been to shift away from the Western gaze of Nigerian culture to provide a more organic and authentic representation of his people.
Innovative Banking
If the incredible African tourism, art and architecture were not enough to impress you, Kenya has also been in the spotlight for its successful strides in financial innovation. In 2007, Kenya’s largest mobile operator launched M-Pesa, a new and advanced system where users can do the majority of their banking through a SIM card. This includes making payments and transferring money through SMS messages. Its main draw is its ability to provide banking services even to those without a bank account. Over the years it has spread across the continent and is now the preferred method of payment through Africa. The technology has now also expanded to locations in Asia including India and Afghanistan as well as countries in Eastern Europe like Romania.
Topping the Education Systems
Seychelles has been ranked the best in education across all African nations as well as making the top 50 list in the world. Its educational system has made headlines as being efficient in its delivery and results, surpassing schooling standards in countries such as Hungary and the United Arab Emirates. Its free and compulsory education system which began in the late 1970s has paid off as they have been able to meet six educational goals set out by Unesco. This included achieving a 50% improvement in adult literacy levels and gender equality in education. They have now set the blueprint for other African nations that are also working towards bettering their education levels.
fairplanet.org/editors-pick/the-seychelles-education-system-africa/
Safari in a Hot Air Balloon
Who says you’ve got to safari on camelback or in a jeep? Why not see the scenery and biodiversity that Tanzania has to offer from a hot air balloon? Serengeti Balloon Safaris offers a full hot air balloon experience in several locations including Serengeti, Ruaha and Tarangire. The packages include staying in a camp, getting up early to be fully prepared for take-off at sunrise, getting to see the marvellous landscapes of each location, and finishing off with breakfast once you land.
