View From Here
This travel blogger has travelled to 34 countries in Africa, she speaks all 11 of our national languages (along with some Swahili and Chichewa) and she’s not even 30!
Where does your love of travel come from?
I grew up in Shayandima near Thohoyandou in Limpopo and I got the travel bug from my grandparents. They always travelled with us as a family on our annual festive season trips in and around Limpopo and Mpumalanga. I never imagined that travel would turn into my escape and my career, though. That said, most of my family members work in travel and tourism so I guess the bug bit all of us!
How did you become a travel blogger?
I spent six months on the Internet reading other travel blogs – what they do and how they do it. Then I had to choose my niche, which is affordable travel in Africa. Travelling the continent was always my childhood dream, and suddenly it seemed doable. I started my blog in 2014 and learnt as I went along – a bit of programming and search engine optimisation. I mostly taught myself by watching YouTube videos. You can learn anything on YouTube!
Best part of your job?
No two days are the same. When I worked in a corporate environment doing events and marketing, the monotony almost killed me. I was always tired, uninspired and depressed. Now I never have to sit in traffic! I meet wonderful people across the continent and I get to create content that Africans can relate to and enjoy. I use words and pictures to help others travel vicariously, and to trigger their wanderlust.
Worst part?
People often don’t want to pay for my work, offering “exposure” instead. I can’t take exposure to my local supermarket and buy bread… It’s also hard to come home after a long trip and readjust to normality. People always want to hear my stories immediately, but I might need some time to process what I’ve seen and experienced.
Travel highlights so far?
The food around Africa has been epic. We have all these different names for food, but essentially we eat much the same things. The beer has also been great. One of my favourites is Dashen from Ethiopia. I also love learning new languages. When I arrive in a new country, I learn how to say “thank you” from the border official. After a few days I have usually learnt enough to get by. I enjoy attending music festivals and seeing how much young Africans love music. I’ve been to festivals like Sauti za Busara in Zanzibar and Vic Falls Carnival in Zimbabwe.
Your favourite SA destinations?
Kosi Bay in northern KZN has plenty of water, natural scenery and you can learn about the history of the Tonga people. I know the Northern Cape is ridiculously hot in summer, but the experiences along the Orange River are unmatched. Camp at Riemvasmaak, lie back and look at the stars, swim in the river… Limpopo is a traveller’s dream, especially the Venda sacred lands in the Thathe Vondo area just outside Thohoyandou. Experience the calm and serenity of the Thathe sacred forest and go see Lake Fundudzi. The Mutale River runs through the lake, but the waters never mix.
What have your travels taught you?
I always compare Africa to the Ankara material that you’ll find in any big-city market. The material often comes from the same manufacturer, but the patterns and colours will differ. Sometimes the patterns are the same, just the colours differ. That’s how I see our continent: We are all African, but we are so diverse and beautiful. Ubuntu is part of our DNA but the reality is that we don’t actually know much about each other. There is so much we can learn! All South Africans should head north and explore.
Which African country surprised you most?
The Gambia. It might be tiny, but there’s plenty to see and photograph. The whole country is like one giant postcard. The Gambia River plays such a big role in the country and culture, and the red soil reminds me of my home village in Limpopo.
Any travel advice?
Travel is not about five-star luxury. In fact, you seldom experience a place properly if you choose the luxury route. There are so many ways to travel. Google how other people are doing it and get going.
Three things you never travel without?
Passport, cellphone, hiking sandals.
What would you do if you won the lotto?
I’d start my own TV programme to showcase Africa and I’d establish a continent-wide education fund for primary schooling.
For a relaxing holiday…
I need water – a lake or the ocean. I’m a true water baby. Likoma Island in Malawi is one of my favourite places. It has turquoise water, white sand beaches and loads of snorkelling and hiking.
Dream destinations on your list?
Right now, Burundi, Eritrea and Djibouti are at the top. I don’t know anything about these countries – it doesn’t seem that many people do. I hope to go there and open a window for other travellers.