An African with Asian eyes
The gaze of the African coastal dwellers was always directed toward the outside world, beyond the horizon at sea. They had little connection with the interior. For hundreds of years, Arabian, Persian, and Asian traders arrived in their sailing ships on the monsoon winds, only to depart a few months later with valuable goods. They discovered an endless treasure of cinnamon, frankincense, and myrrh…
Out of Africa: a dubious film
Haven’t seen this classic about Karen Blixen yet? No worries, you’re not alone. That’s why we summarised this sugary Hollywood classic for you and (spoiler alert!) took a critical look at the misconceptions and questionable elements of the film.
Sustainable swimming with white sharks
Swimming with great white sharks is on many people’s bucket lists! In South Africa, there are countless places to experience this adrenaline boost. But did you know that great white sharks are endangered? Feeding sharks is just as problematic as feeding baboons. That’s why Charlie’s Travels speaks with Zilé de Kock from Marine Dynamics, who is dedicated to sustainable and ecological “shark tourism.”
Traveling to South Africa with your toddler?
Parents with toddlers also want to travel to Africa! But which country is the most suitable? And what does such a vacation look like? What are the do’s and don’ts? We are receiving these questions more and more often. In early 2019, Lotte and Ties traveled through South Africa with their baby Hidde. Our Charlie’s Team member Emke met up with them in a tent in downtown Cape Town to interview them about their holiday.
Traveling with kids in Kenya: FAQ
Attacks, malaria, long distances, strange diseases, and dirt. These are just some of the misconceptions that make Africa not always the first choice for a family vacation. We’re happy to answer the most frequently asked questions, not only to change your view of the continent but also to show you that Africa is a fantastic destination for an unforgettable family trip!
The origin of Afrikaans
As a Dutch person, you’re likely to recognize many words in Afrikaans. This language, primarily spoken in South Africa and Namibia, contains unique variations of Dutch! But what exactly is Afrikaans and how did it come about? Let’s dive into the history of this fascinating language with a quick lesson from Teacher Charlie!
The pilot of good and evil
Anyone who follows Charlie’s Travels on Facebook or Instagram knows that we love taking you off the beaten track. But what’s the difference between ‘off the beaten track’ and *extremely* off the beaten track? The latter quite literally means building your own aeroplane and flying it to Kenya! Artist Joost Conijn did just that and wrote a book about it: *The Pilot of Good and Evil*.
Everything wrong with orphanage tourism
Our travelers frequently ask, “We would like to visit an orphanage, can that be arranged?” A month ago, we published a blog about the “White Savior Syndrome”: white people from the West who are under the illusion that they can save Africa and often do more harm than good in the process. This “White Savior Syndrome” often results in “voluntourism. In other words, tourists who, as part of self-development (disguised in noble intentions), combine their trip with a few weeks of volunteer work. Because there are many “pitiful children” in Africa, and so many volunteers and donations go into orphanages, a whole new branch of travel is emerging: orphanage tourism.
Zanzibar beaches: what are the differences?
Close your eyes and imagine… You feel the warm, white sand between your toes, and a salty sea breeze plays with your hair. You hear the gentle rustling of palm leaves and taste fresh pineapple juice while wooden fishing boats bob on the crystal-clear water. This is Zanzibar! With its mix of cultures and paradise-like beaches, which one suits you best?
The Garden Route: The Most Beautiful Road Trip in South Africa
The ‘Garden Route’ in South Africa is one of the most beautiful road trips in the world. You’ll drive along lush mountains, rugged cliffs, and the Indian Ocean, as well as through desert-like areas and forested nature reserves. Along the way, you’ll discover countless bays and charming little towns. In this blog post, you’ll find out which ones you absolutely shouldn’t miss. Time for some tips and tricks!