Hearing the Call of Africa: There is Nothing in the World Like It
The temptation, the beauty, the people, and nature’s awe-inspiring animals compel me to visit the world’s most authentic land

The first time I knew I wanted to go to Africa was when I watched a TV series called African Skies that aired on Cable from 1992–1994. I don’t remember much about this post-apartheid South African series other than the fact I loved it. Then came along I Dreamed of Africa with Kim Bassinger, a true story based on the books by Kuki Gelman, all of which I have of course.
While we’re talking about movies; Out of Africa by Robert Redford and Meryl Streep had me pining to move to Africa and fall in love.
Visiting Africa is a lifelong dream. A dream I will need to plan carefully and make a reality. There are some things in life we want to accomplish, then there are other things in life we must accomplish. Missing out on seeing this amazing continent isn’t an option.
The Africa I dream of is Kenya, Zimbabwe and Tanzania. I want to see the red earth and the Serengeti. I want to watch an African sunrise, sit under a makeshift white tent shelter, and enjoy the dry heat.
I would love to drink Chai with the women and communicate with broken English and hand gestures.
My dream was further affirmed after I saw the movie, and read the entire set of The White Masai. This true story written by Corinne Hofmann, tells of her falling in love and living in the African bush with the Masai warrior she ends up marrying. She even wears a traditional white wedding gown at the small ceremony.
I long to meet the locals, learn about their culture and customs, and visit their local market.
I dream of experiencing the sites of endless land, and crammed markets under the shades of white tents displaying colourful spices and exotic produce.
I want to hear the sounds of the market, the hawkers and the women bartering for a better price.
I want to smell the richness of the land and the exotic spices of those local markets.
For me, travel is oftentimes more about the sounds and the smells than even the sites.
Morocco will be first on my hit list. Then I plan to visit a semi-rural village and stay in an Airbnb surrounded by nature and beauty. My love for Africa is as endless as her books displayed on my shelf.
What an odd feeling, to love a place as much as I love Africa, without having set foot on the land.






