THE BEAT
STORIES FROM WE ARE AFRICA, THE AFRICAN CONTINENT & AROUND THE GLOBE
When even maps are biased, James Davidson discovers how a rebellious historian, Afrofuturists and a Marvel superhero can cut through propaganda and prejudice to expose a lie in the name of equality and empowerment.
Despite being inhabited by 12 per cent of the world’s population, Africa accounts for just three per cent of its airline traffic. Richard Holmes investigates why Africa’s skies are comparatively empty – and what the travel industry can do about it.
From the art of turning waste food into five-star food to what really lies beneath an island holiday, each of this year’s SPARK speakers held the FUSE crowd spellbound, sparking discussions that lasted far longer than their presentation. Watch them back here…
The perfect mélange of a family-friendly escape and winelands luxury, Boschendal Farm is raising the bar for guest experience for both locals and foreigners alike. Richard Holmes fills us in on their recipe for success.
Soul-searching needn’t be reserved for epic, faraway adventures, argues Kate Hamilton – getting to know yourself starts much closer to home. But what does that mean for people who historically view all travel as a non-essential luxury, and how can the travel industry empower Africans to explore their own continent?
South Africa is leading the charge with the trend for locally sourced, culturally relevant dishes, writes Melissa Twigg; but when educating and delighting diners has the added benefit of empowering local producers and alleviating pressure on the environment, it’s no wonder the rest of the world isn’t far behind.
African airline connectivity has increased in the last year as more and more African flights are spreading their wings across the continent. Get the latest on the air block from Richard Holmes.
There’s no one in African politics quite like Tshekedi ‘TK’ Khama – which is why he made for a sensational speaker at FUSE 2018. We caught up with the man himself after his roof-raising keynote for a fascinating discussion on conservation models and the future of travel in Africa.
The word Ubuntu translates as ‘humanity’ – a sense of belonging, consideration, trust and respect for one another. Juliet Kinsman examines how we should consider this a cornerstone when creating life-enhancing environments — both for those who work in travel, and the people taking trips.
Richard Holmes reports on the lodges in the far-flung corners of Africa who’re bringing the fun and sustainable factor to gobbling your greens by growing their own produce in the African bush.
News of Africa is spreading stateside, and US travellers are now more important for the Motherland’s tourism industry than ever before. But how can Africa engage this evolving target market? Richard Holmes investigates.
Relive the magic of FUSE 2018 and press play on Tshekedi ‘TK’ Khama’s rapturous keynote speech.
Working to a ‘quadruple bottom line’ that takes into consideration financial, social, environmental and spiritual aspects, HM Design promotes eco-design with a difference. Heather Richardson finds out why founder Hitesh Mehta believes community empowerment is the key to long-term architectural sustainability.
Got the post-show blues? Keep the fun, fierce and fantastical vibes alive with a #flashbackfriday tribute to the banging musical tunes that brought the house down at We Are Africa 2018.
With its high-value, low-volume policy, Botswana is a ‘jewel of Africa’ in more ways than one; but with the government working closely with the tourism industry and reinvesting a third of profits to empower conservation, its model is one other countries could afford to follow, says Melissa Twigg.
Yup, you heard us right: Vogue Africa is on the way, and now Condé Nast are talking logistics. Get the latest from Melissa Twigg.
Wellness and fitness are dominating the world over – and now they’ve reached the African safari scene. Richard Holmes gives us the low-down on how the industry’s pioneers are bringing wellbeing to the bush.
The #MeToo movement is empowering females the world over… Or is it? Lisa Davidson investigates the unique set of challenges faced by women in Africa – and discovers a host of everyday heroes fighting their own personal battles on the continent.
From sensational debates to the most epic of closing parties, our 2018 tribe were our most fun, fierce and fantastical yet – even joining the circus along the way. Here’s how it all went down in Cape Town…
Introducing Shipwreck Lodge: the first five-star lodge to lay claim to the harsh, yet utterly beguiling landscape of the Skeleton Coast. Take the grand tour with Richard Holmes for the latest on this new African treasure.
Find out why – and how – camps and lodges in Botswana are barely leaving footprints behind them in the building and maintenance of their properties.
Richard Holmes caught up with Andy Watts, the newly award-winning master whiskey distiller at The James Sedgwick Distillery, to find out what his achievement means for SA’s whisky scene, and why a wee dram of this top-notch African spirit is making waves worldwide.
As British Airways launches direct flights to Durban from Heathrow, Heather Richardson investigates how local tourism businesses in Durban can best jump on board this opportunity, and how this new development will enable tourists to discover a whole new side to South Africa.
Wanuri Kahui founded AFROBUBBLEGUM to empower an altogether more fun, fierce and frivolous view of Africa. Katie Palmer finds out what’s really important from the woman herself.
With dozens of entries, six categories and a five-strong judging panel, here are the worthy winners of the Innovation Awards 2018 – as also voted for by their peers, the We Are Africa tribe…
This year’s Conservation Lab was the biggest yet. Whether you couldn’t be there, or just want to reflect on an inspiring few days, here are our top takeaways from across the weekend…
On Monday the We Are Africa tribe journey to Spier Wine Farm to energise ideas at FUSE, African travel’s first un-conference in partnership with RISE, the rebirth of Zimbabwe. Here’s how the day went down…
As time ticks down to the end of another awesome edition of We Are Africa, make sure you have a read of our Top 5 checklist and tick off our must-attend events and activations!
From offerings of tours inspired by Mandela’s life story to a chance to stay in the suite where the iconic man put pen to paper, Melissa Twigg finds out how Madiba’s legacy is driving tourism to South Africa.
The countdown to We Are Africa is nearly over, so before the tribe descends on Cape Town, we’re introducing you to three of our newest exhibitors with some of the most glamorous safari tents on the African safari circuit – keep your eyes peeled for them!