Friday 28 September 2012

Traditional African Costumes

I have always been interested in Traditional African attire, the patterns, colours, fabrics and so on. Unfortunately some African cultures have lost their traditional costume but thankfully most have held on to their costumes and modernised them.

Zanzibari women working on seaweed cultivation by Yadid Levy

Kenya traditional dress




Angola - Mucubal woman. They are bantu speaking in South Angola


Ghadames, Libya - traditional costume - Ghadames town is a UNESCO world heritage centre near the border with Algeria. Pic by Eric Lafforgue


King Kobina of Elmina, Ghana and his royal court in traditional dress. Circa 1890's



Ghana - Traditional Kente costumes


Ivory Coast - modern traditional costumes


Cameroon - Woman in Traditional costume
Doris Imalenowa in traditional African dress

The Ndebele tribe, South Africa - Traditional costume



Traditional Zulu Costumes, South Africa



Traditional South West Nigeria (Yoruba) wedding costumes



Gorgeous Igbo bride, Nigeria


Modern Senegalese costume

Sunday 9 September 2012

Africa's most luxurious hotels

With the warm and welcoming nature of Africans, Africa has always been open for business and leisure. The significant growth in Africa's economies attracts both local and foreign investors everyday as well as an increasing number of tourists.

There are hotels to cater for every pocket in Africa, but more significantly the number of 5* hotels abound and compare to any other in the western world. In this post i am really just trying to give you a snaphot  of the most luxurious hotels dotted all over Africa.


The Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh - Hurghada Red Sea, Egypt






The Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh was voted one of the top 5 favourite Resorts/Hotel Spas in Africa and the Middle East based on Choice Awards by Spa magazine, 2010.  A luxurious all-suite resort set on the coast of the Red Sea at Hurghada. With 48 acres of palm-filled grounds and 850 metres of private sandy beach, Sahl Hasheesh is a spectacular and dramatic resort. Shady marble colonnades, domed pavilions, atriums open to the sky and the elegance of the traditionally inspired contemporary Arabic architecture.


LUX Belle Mare, Mauritius
LUX* Belle Mare

Swimming Pool

Senior Suite

LUX Belle Mare is situated in the quaint seaside village of Belle Mare on the east coast of Mauritius and is brimming with vibrant energy. Overlooking a protected coral reef lagoon, LUX Belle Mare boasts one of the largest swimming pools in Mauritius. LUX Belle Mare is a vibrant five star resort that blends traditional Mauritian style with modern amenities. Guest rooms and suites are thatched-roofed wooden structures scattered throughout the resort.


Tribe Hotel, Nairobi, Kenya






Spread across three wings in the heart of Nairobi’s diplomatic district, home to the United Nations and many other institutions, the Tribe’s 137 guest rooms and suites are linked by a soaring sunlit atrium.
Some 900 hand-sculpted artifacts from all over Africa have been gathered here, capturing the diversity of the continent and evoking a sense of splendor.


Zanzibar Serena Inn, Zanzibar, Tanzania
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 The Zanzibar Serena Inn is a haven of tranquillity and opulence amongst the bustle of Zanzibar. Faithfully restored and lavishly embellished with a jackdaw collection of antique clocks, crystal chandeliers, fretwork screens, carved staircases, Persian rugs and brass-studded doors, the interior design concept is a fusion of authenticity and opulence that reflects the very essence of Zanzibar.


Fairmont Zimbali Lodge| Zimbali, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Pool

Lobby and staircase

Thandi Lounge

Fairmont Zimbali Lodge, on KwaZulu-Natal’s Dolphin Coast, under an abundant forest canopy, you will find Zimbali, Zulu for "valley of flowers." A sanctuary unlike any other in South Africa, this charming and unspoiled region is a nature lover’s wonderland.
The eastern frontage of this Durban resort comprises a 3 km stretch of unspoiled beach forming a natural golden boundary between the rich green forest and the warm blue Indian Ocean.
 Whether visiting for business or leisure, guests will enjoy five-star service, including on-call butler service, ensuring an unforgettable African experience at our Durban resort.


Ellerman House, Cape Town, South Africa






Ellerman House is one of the world's most exclusive and private retreats. Its magnificent position sweeping over the vibrant city of Cape Town and the endless blue of the Atlantic Ocean respects its status as an historical landmark with a proud heritage of stylish entertaining and understated luxury.
Ellerman House has nine elegant rooms and two sumptuous suites. Superb food, an extraordinary cellar of 17,000 bottles of South African wine and a world-famous art collection epitomise proud South African hospitality, elevating it to take its place among the best in the world, while remaining true to its African heritage.


The Kampala Serena Hotel, Kampala, Uganda
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An inspirational blend of 5-star polish and pan-African panache, this 152-room world-class hotel will showcase the cream of Ugandan culture while delivering the ultimate in personalized service, international cuisine, social style and business reliability.
Drawing its architectural inspiration from the abundance of Uganda's lakes and rivers, the hotel is styled around a central water theme, which manifests itself in the wrought ironwork, mosaic pillars, hand-carved panels, cascading waterfalls and shimmering water gardens alike.


The Elephant Camp, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe






The Elephant camp is situated only 10 minutes from Victoria Falls in a private concession within the Victoria Falls National Park. With an emphasis on exclusivity, the luxury tented suites all have private decks and plunge pools.


Raffles Praslin Seychelles, Praslin, Seychelles






Raffles Praslin Seychelles presents an all-villa Seychelles luxury resort nestled within the stunning island of Praslin that was once declared the rediscovered Garden of Eden. This Seychelles hotel seeks to present guests with an escape where warm native Seychellois hospitality is infused with the enchanting touch of Raffles.
Taste the exotic flavours of the breezy Curieuse Restaurant, the traditional cuisine and Mediterranean delights of Losean. Enjoy lazy evening siestas on the Danzil Lounge Bar or the Takamaka Terrace Lounge while sipping a signature Raffles cocktail or classic wine.

These are just a few of the splendid hotels dotted all over Africa, well what are you waiting for, your African adventure awaits.