Travel Diary: Uyapo Ketogetswe On A Few Of His Favourite Spots in Africa

WORDS AND IMAGES Uyapo Ketogetswe


Visual curator and travel writer Uyapo Ketogetswe shares some of his favourite spots in Africa.

1. LAMU, KENYA

Get lost in the narrow passages of this tropical island paradise where donkeys are your Uber, talk to the locals to give you a sense of home, and immerse yourself in Swahili culture with the architecture, heritage and way of life.

Shela Island, Lamu, Kenya

Eat here Umalila restaurant located on Old Lamu Town seafront offers affordable local dishes such as fish curry with coconut rice.

Do this Sail a traditional dhow to Manda Island and watch the incredible sunset behind Lamu Island.

2. GRAND-POPO, BENIN

Grand-Popo offers tranquil moments rich in natural abundance. This is a sleepy beach town that, save for some local shermen, offers an uncrowded coastline lined with coconut trees and a salty sea breeze that comes off the Atlantic ocean.

Stay here The Hôtel Awalé Plage has a serene private beach with a bar that has an overlooking rooftop.

Visit this The small gallery of Villa Karo offers guests a chance to view great exhibitions by local artists.

3. OSU, GHANA

If you’re looking for the coolest neighbourhood in Accra with a vibrant community of locals and ex-pats, a diverse array of things to do, and proximity to just about everything, Osu is for you.

Shop here Be sure to visit Makola Market for Africa print fabric shopping and souvenir bargaining.

Eat this Coco Lounge’s Accra Chicken Pizza uses the thick tomato sauce traditionally used to make Jollof rice.

Party here After sundown, have pre-drinks at Bloom Bar, before an unforgettable club experience at Ace Tantra.

Coco Lounge, Accra, Ghana

4. BAZARUTO ARCHIPELAGOS, MOZAMBIQUE

There is no shortage of great beaches and archipelagos that make Mozambique one of Africa’s leading destinations. The most charming part of Bazaruto is its astoundingly beautiful yet bizarre combination of landscapes – from pristine blue waters to island vegetation swaying to the rhythm of the day, and the orange rusted sand dunes the serve as a striking backdrop.

Stay here Anantara Bazaruto Island located on the paradise private island of Bazaruto.

Try this Snorkel around Two Reef Mile or sandboard the dunes of the island.

5 THINGS I NEVER TRAVEL WITHOUT

  • Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS II USM Lens
  • Giorgio Armani Code Absolu
  • Nivea SPF 50 lotion
  • Tread+Miller Arthur Jack sneakers
  • TravelBlue neck pillow