Events
FUN, Laughter, Perfect Weather & the Rush of Excitement! Durban, South Africa is the Destination to Go!
Yeap, that’s me basking in the breeze from the Indian ocean and the glorious sun. In that moment, it felt like the frame should be frozen forever. I had looked forward to the trip to Durban with a lot of anticipation because, frankly, I needed a break; and I was tired of the Lagos routine. I was looking forward to 9 lazy days of nothing but fun, excitement and chill all in one.
Being part of the hosted media for South African Tourism‘s top travel and tourism show – INDABA 2013, was something I was very excited about. I couldn’t wait to get going.
At Durban airport, waiting for the shuttle to take us to the hotel.
Save the Rhinos of South Africa Campaign
With Mohammed of TopComm PR
With Wale of Nigerian Tribune
INDABA is basically an exhibition where people in the travel, hospitality and tourism industries across the world get a chance to showcase their brands. It’s basically a meeting point for exhibitors and consumers to interact and share ideas.
INDABA pictures
With one of Stoned Cherrie’s Nkhensani’s designs
Say cheese!
Seyi Adeyemo (Publisher, Inside Watch Africa) & Thulani Nzima CEO of South African Tourism
INDABA Day II. Let’s Go!
We got the activities of INDABA out of the way for the day and we were off to KwaMashu. KwaMashu is part of the KwaZulu Natal province and the people were very friendly. Our tour guide gave us a little of the history of the region but I was too enthralled by the sights that I didn’t quite pay attention. In KwaMashu, we were treated to a stage performance of rich cultural display by the troupes. We were served with mkomboti – it’s made from sorghum and maize. I’m sure if you grew up in the 90s you’d have heard South African musician, Yvonne Chaka Chaka‘s song “Mkomboti”. I loved it.
Time for some local KwaMashu food
Mohammed and Rupee didn’t let the food get in the way of the boogee
Yay! I caught up with Thula Sindi
A picture with the natives! “No, I’m not food MISTER!”
Morphing from homo habilis to homo sapiens
INDABA done! Let’s see Durban! We checked out of the Southern Sun Elangeni and we were ready to go. Next stop, shopping and checking into Coastlands Uhmlanga.
Time to explore Durban
Nigerian Media Team
Hold on… let’s go shopping first, and then grab lunch.
Guys, put those cell phones down and socialize!
Carol (from Kenya), Alain (from DRC) & Seyi (Nigeria)
Lindy (Our handler)
Rupee (from Kenya)
Chow!
I’m convinced the SA Tourism people wanted to kill us with food because just a few hours after lunch, they said we were off to have dinner at Moyo at the uShaka Marine World. Moyo is a nice restaurant that has all the elements of deep cultural roots.
As dinner went on, suddenly, music came on in the background and the staff started a dance routine.
Austin (Nigeria) and Carolina (SA Tourism, Angola Office)
Did I mention they had a face painting lady?
That was a nice evening. We got back to our hotel and our handler told us we were going to be up and out of the hotel by 8am! Bummer! The next day, was zip lining day.
We traveled for over two hours before we finally arrived at the Karloof Canopy Tour place deep in the midlands of the KwaZulu Natal province.
Paying attention to the briefing. Man dem no wan fall down!
The winning team!
Faizel needed an escort! Yeap, she was scared!
Carol was a rock star! She OWNED the lines!
Father in heaven… Save me!
The wave of emotion that rushed through me at the sight of this
We had 4 more lines to go!
Giving them some expert zipping
Drop down
Come on, Jackson, smile! It wasn’t THAT scary!
Right there in the middle of the trees and the mountains this beautiful sight floored me.
Next stop! Boat cruise. Nothing like a cool ride on the Indian ocean to bring down all the raging adrenaline.
Skipper – Mohammed (In his dreams)
The sunset was so beautiful
The next day, we had lunch at a restaurant called “Cargo Hold” inside the uShaka Marine world. Cargo Hold was built to look like the wreck of the ship and inside it, there was an active sea life. Sharks in a tank were enough to scare me. The lady told us there was nothing to fear. *nods* Uhn Hun Nothing to fear indeed!
Outside Cargo Hold
Franklin didn’t need a reason, just pose and click!
Jackson accused me of being anti-social, tsk tsk! Who’s punching away on his cell phone now?
Beatrice (Kenya) and Franklin (Nigeria)
After that heavy meal, it was time to go see Durban from the sky.
Tres Beautiful
Durban from the sky! See the Moses Mabhida stadium
The next day, we went on a game drive. I was excited.
Lions, bring it on! Beatrice & I were ready!
In the 4X4 – Going in search of those Zebras
Would you look at that Rhino?
There are 8 Rhinos in that particular game reserve. A lot of people hunt down rhinos for their tusks and they’re trying to clamp down on the poachers.
Kenyans Unite! “We see this everyday. Aint nothing new!”
Signing off to go
Hello Giraffe
Hey Zebra!
Alain, on some Congolese pose tinz
Can we go already?
Not yet, picture first
We got back to the hotel and got treated to nice spa treatment. All cameras were stowed away as we went to just chill. The following day, we were off to play some golf.
MTV Base pre-concert party! For more pictures on this event, check out Onos O’s BN on the Scene Day 2. On my end, it was very difficult to enjoy the vibe of the recurrent sounds that kept playing. When I asked, I was told “it’s South African House music”. I went down to ask the DJ if he had some Wizkid or Phyno… No dice. So I came back and just threw back shots with Gbemi, Onos, Gabrielle, and Anita.
A few shots for the road…
…and I’m all rolly-eyed!
Franklin, Mohammed & Wale
Lindy, Jackson, Beatrice & I
It really doesn’t get happier than this…Thanks, Happy Juice!
Oh Chuks, not the goofy face!
Omalicha giving dem steppinz!
Durban was so awesome and the weather was perfect, and I hear this is just the tip of the iceberg.. So do I see Cape Town, Johannesburg and Eastern Cape in the horizon? HECK YEAH!
Photo Credit: Mohammed Abdullahi | Kola Oshalusi| Beatrice Thumi |
