Travel & Hospitality Awards | Africa 2020 | www.thawards.com

Africa
2020

Alexander’s
Hotel
1216 Mary Knoll Ln, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Tel +255 754 343 834
https://www.alexanders-tz.com

Sponsor and
Partners

TEAM
CEO
Robert Bruce
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Katherine Lozell
ART DIRECTOR
Marcs Bacera
DIRECTOR OF SALES
Stanley Lucas
Contents
Serengeti, Tanzania
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING
Azim Aftab
SENIOR WRITERS
Tasmai Dave
Miltos Bakakis
SENIOR DESIGNERS
Hafiz Arslan
Ashwin Ramesh
BUSINESS
DEVELOPENT MANAGER
Peter Clement
AWARDS MANAGERS
Brian Anson
Adam Cole
Alice Smith
RESEARCHERS
Mukul Rehman
Asma Zulfqar
Criteria 6
South Africa 10
South Africa 12
Eastern Cape - Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty 20
Casa Mia Health Spa and Guesthouse 26
Mpumalanga - Home of the Kruger National Park 28
Tanzania 32
Tanzania - Iconic Africa 34
Dar es Salaam - Top 3 38
Alexander’s Hotel 40
Mbeya - Tanzania’s Hidden Gem 42
Tesha Home 44
Seychelles 46
Mahe - Waiting to be Explored 48
Chez Coco 52
Ghana 54
Ghana - The Super 6 56
Tamale - Capital of the North 60
Jeyads Lodge 62
Morocco 64
Fes - A Beautiful City 66
Agadir - A Lively Coastal Getaway 68

SERVICE
STYLE & DESIGN
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
Criteria
Excellence in Service is an important category,
as customer service can often be responsible
for having guests return year after year. We
look for the hotels and tour operators that go
out of their way to please their guests, those
that provide a personal level of service and
take the time to get to know each visitor so
that they might anticipate their every need.
This can be something as simple as a 24-hour
concierge desk, a hotel manager who offers
a personal greeting or a tour guide who is
happy to create bespoke private tours – but
whatever it is, we are always pleased when we
encounter staff that have been trained in the
art of customer satisfaction.
It is no question that style and design plays
a big part in selecting our awards shortlist.
A guest will form an opinion about a hotel
as soon as they arrive so it is important to
us that all our winners make those first
impressions count. We’re certainly not partial
to a particular period of architecture – but
whether we’re judging a gothic castle or an
environmentally friendly lodge, the criteria
remains the same. We consider factors such
as architectural features, use of materials,
creation of spaces, décor and the overall
feel. We love it when we find a hotel that tells
a story though its design and construction,
or offers a design that is sympathetic to the
natural surroundings of its location.
Knowledge of the local area is essential for any
organization, be it a hotel or a tour operator. The
quality of services takes a great hit when the
quality of this element is not up to the mark.
Quite a few of our winners in this category
are because they have displayed excellent
knowledge about the surrounding areas. The
criteria for a hotel is slightly lenient compared
to a tour operator, as the latter is expected to
have thorough knowledge of the area in order
to provide good services.
Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

FACILITIES
MARKETING
DIVERSITY
CUSTOMER REVIEWS
INDUSTRY KNOWLEDGE
LOCATION
Award-winning guest rooms come in all
shapes and sizes, but they all have one thing
in common – a home-away-from-home feel.
The comfort of the facilities on offer are of vital
importance; we look for luxurious linens, stylish
bathrooms and a coordinated colour scheme
that work together to create a cohesive sense
of relaxation. Additional touches, such as
complimentary toiletries, free wi-fi or tea and
coffee making facilities are always a bonus
in making us feel welcome. We’re always
impressed to find hotel rooms that embrace
technology and offer amenities like tablets
or smart thermostat systems, but this does
not always necessarily trump the traditional –
four poster beds, ornate fireplaces or antique
furniture can add a touch of decadence to a
hotel stay.
In today’s modern age, a hotel or tour operator
cannot rely on word of mouth to get their
message out into the world. As social media
has become a vital part of everyday life, we
like to see companies that go the extra mile
to engage with their guests, both past and
future. Attractive and informative websites and
engaging and honest content are what we look
for when judging a company’s use of marketing;
how well they display their services, how up-todate
their content is, how well they get their
brand message across, and, most importantly,
how well their marketing can tempt us to go
and see what they have to offer for ourselves.
Diversity is one important aspect that needs to
be taken into consideration when in the travel
and hospitality industry. It is essential to have
staff that has varying diversity to ensure that
the organization can properly connect with their
guests. Diversity is taken into account in terms
of gender, nationality as well as languages
spoken among other factors. Not only do we
take the diversity of the staff into account but
even that of the facilities and services offered;
a hotel or tour operator providing a better range
of services is preferred over those that do not.
What better way is there to know about an
organization than by getting first hand reviews?
Customers are the best judges of any service
as they are the ones who experience them and
can assess whether they were up to the mark
or not. Considering reviews from hundreds
of customers gives us a fair idea about the
general pros and cons of any organization
and also gives us valuable inputs for the other
criteria as well.
It is of prime importance that an organization
has thorough industry knowledge. Without
knowing the nit-bits of the industry, it is difficult
to flourish and provide services which are a
class apart. Before any organization ventures
into the industry, it is essential that they know
how the industry is moving and how they
should make changes to their methodologies
in order to remain relevant and also be a topperforming
organization.
Location is one of the most important factors,
but also one of the most subjective, as the ‘ideal’
is very much determined by the type of visitor
and the type of hotel itself. However, there are
a few factors we take into consideration when
determining the winners of location-based
awards. The first is convenience; that is, hotels
that are easy to travel to. Many of our winners
in this category are in convenient locations,
such as adjacent to airports, close to beaches or
found in the heart of easy-to-navigate cities. We
are always impressed when hotels go the extra
mile to take the hassle out of traveling and offer
such additional services as airport shuttles or
car hire services. However, we’re always excited
to come across a hotel that is, to use a familiar
phrase, off-the-beaten-track. A hotel that can
offer something a little different, in terms of
natural surroundings, can make the difference
between a good holiday and an incredible one.

South Africa
Bloubergstrand, Cape Town, South Africa
10 11

South Africa
South Africa, when it
comes to tourism is one
of the two African countries
that can truly compete on
a global level. The countries
infrastructure, climate, history,
natural beauty, language, size,
and accessibility means that
its fully equipped to welcome
travellers on a large scale.
There aren’t many places
that can offer adrenaline filled
adventure, big five safari, world
class wineries, exceptional
restaurants, pristine beaches,
lush forests, luxury resorts,
top-tier golf courses, skiresorts
and a unique heritage
dating back centuries. It is for
this reason that South Africa is
on the bucket list for so many,
simply put it’s a country that
has it all.
Let us introduce you to
South Africa by giving
you an overview of its
9 unique provinces.
12 13

Eastern Cape
This province is known for its breath-taking
natural beauty. Here you’ll find rugged
mountains, pristine beaches, and lush green
forests. This picture-perfect province is
excellent for hiking, surfing, rock-climbing,
birdwatching, camping and even skiing. The
Eastern Cape is home to Tiffindell one of
only two ski resorts in all of South Africa.
It’s also the birthplace of many key figures in
South Africa’s recent history such as Nelson
Mandela, Thabo Mbeki and Steve Biko.
Gauteng
The smallest of the new provinces but the most populous. This province
is famed for two cities, Pretoria, and Johannesburg. Both offer an
abundance of attractions and things to do. Our pick is the Voortrekker
Monument and Union Buildings in Pretoria. For Johannesburg we
recommend the Apartheid Museum and Cradle of Humankind.
Free State
This landlocked province is
known primarily as the farming
centre of South Africa. Don’t
let this put you off, the Free
State is home to the town of
Bloemfontein which has a
strong and fascinating history.
Free State is also home to
the impressive Golden Gate
National Park.
14 15

KwaZulu-Natal
Known as the Zulu’s Kingdom,
it is here where many conflicts
took place between the Zulu,
British and Boers. As such
you’ll find many historical and
cultural attractions like the
blood river heritage site,
Colenso, Phansi Museum and
Empangeni Art and Cultural
History Museum. It is also here
that you’ll find the valley of a
thousand hills a region famed
for its ties with traditional Zulu
culture.
Mpumalanga
The big attraction in Mpumalanga is the
Kruger national park which it shares, with
neighbouring Limpopo province. The
Kruger National Park is one of the biggest
game reserves in Africa and has the
highest density of wild animals including
the big five: Lion, Leopards, Rhinos,
Elephants and Buffalos.
16 17

Limpopo
Northern Cape
North West
Western Cape
Limpopo is the Northern most province and borders
Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Botswana. Its famed for its
natural beauty, the Panorama route and is considered
a good starting point to explore other countries in
Southern Africa. Limpopo also has a smaller share of
the Kruger National Park and it remains one of the main
attractions in the province.
The largest and least populated province, the Northern
Cape is best known as the home of the famous red sand
desert, the “Kalahari”.
The Capital Kimberley is pleasant and full of interesting
attractions the most famous being the Big Hole, a handdug
excavation created when thousands of people
searched for diamonds at the end of the 19th Century.
In this province you’ll find two of the largest big five game
reserves the Madikwe and the Pilansberg National park.
However, the big attraction for a lot of visitors is Sun City,
South Africa’s answer to Las Vegas, with its casino, golf
course and theme park.
The Province is also home to Stelland, the “Texas of
South Africa” with some of the biggest cattle herds in
the world.
The beaming light of the country’s tourism scene, the
Western Cape province is by far the most visited and
exciting province. Here you’ll find the cosmopolitan
city of Cape Town, the rugged cable mountain, Robben
Island, and the Cape wine region, which ranks amongst
the finest wine producing areas in the world.
The Garden route, a 200 km stretch of coastline between
the Western and Eastern Cape makes for a superb selfdrive
experience with stunning vistas and panoramic
views offered along the way.
18 19

Eastern Cape
Area of Outstanding
Natural Beauty
It is without a doubt that the
Eastern Cape is one of the
most beautiful and interesting
regions in all of Africa. The region
boasts a diverse landscape that
includes an 800km long pristine
coastline, distinctive mountain
peaks, a unique inland desert,
lush national parks, ancient
forests, and deep valleys.
We’ve put together a list of
our top 6 must visit natural
attractions of the Eastern Cape
province. The list wasn’t easy
to compile and there was so
much we missed out so we
have to give a special mention
to Coffee Bay, Tiffendel, Cintsa,
Baviaanskloof Wilderness Area
and the Karoo Heartland.
Mountain Zebra National Park
This park offers a chance to see
wildlife against the backdrop of
majestic mountain scenery and rugged
landscapes. The wildlife isn’t limited
to just Zebra, despite the name you’ll
find Cheetahs, Jackals, Lions, Cape
Buffalos and Springboks.
The best way to experience the park
and marvel at the scenery is on a guided
tour. Should you want to experience the
park at night, there are camp sites and
delightful cottages scattered around.
Addo Elephant National Park
This is the third largest park in South Africa and is located only a short
distance from Port Elizabeth. Because of its size you can expect a wide
array of landscapes, animals, fauna, and flora. The big attraction is of course
the elephants, the park is home to the biggest African elephant population
on earth.
The magnificent Zuurgberg mountains and glorious coastal sandy dunes are
perfect for a pleasant day hike.
20 21

The Valley of Desolation
Located deep within the Cambedoo National Park
the valley of desolation is one of the most remarkable
natural features of the Eastern Cape. The trip to the
peak welcomes you with striking panoramic viewpoints
of the dolomite rock pillars, flat Karoo plains, distinctive
peaks of the Sneeuberg mountains, and the surrounding
countryside.
Best time to visit for a photo would be at sunset and
sunrise when the valley shines with a unique golden hue.
The Port Elizabeth Beaches
Port Elizabeth is the largest city and the
gateway to the rest of the region. However,
the town is not one to be overlooked on
the tourist scene and lies at the Eastern
end of the famous Garden route.
The magnificent beaches of Port Elizabeth
are clean, safe, and vibrant. Perfect for
watersports, surfing, fishing, and boat
trips to go whale watching.
22 23

The Wild Coast
Much further along from Port Elizabeth’s beaches lies the
wild coast. This stretch of coast line consists of several
spectacular sights such as waterfalls, craggy sea cliffs,
subtropical forests, gorges, mangrove swamps, crashing
waves and diverse marine life. You can get around the
coast in a vehicle but a totally unique way to experience
the coast is via one of its many hiking trails that connects
village to village.
The Wild coast is also the ancestral home of the Xhosa
people so there are some cultural and educational
experiences to be had along the way.
Hogsback
Hogsback is an idyllic village nestled away
high up in the Amathole mountains. The village
overlooks three scenic peaks, picture perfect
forests, elegant gardens and boasts several
charming cottages to stay in.
There are quite a few hiking trails and paths
leading into the surrounding forests that lead
you to sparking waterfalls and panoramic
viewpoints.
24 25

R336, Addo, Eastern Cape,
6105 South Africa
Casa Mia Health Spa
and Guesthouse
Eastern Cape - South Africa | Guest House
Tel +27 (0)42 233 0075
The Casa Mia Health Spa and Guest House is a beautiful Mexican-style
wellness retreat nestled in heart of South Africa’s stunning Eastern Cape.
Privately owned and managed, Casa Mia is famed for its Health Spa. The property
boasts six specialised treatment rooms, tropical shower room, multipurpose
studio, hydrotherapy bath and not one but 3 outdoor Jacuzzis. Beauty
treatments, massages, body wraps, skin treatments and Pilates are available, all
delivered by therapists dedicated to their craft. The signature Kalahari Botanical
Clay Body Mask is not one to be missed.
casamiaspa@algoanet.com
http://www.casamiaspa.co.za/
After rejuvenating at the spa why not
take in the natural beauty of the area.
Scenic walks, safari’s, canoeing and
game drives can be arranged as well
as trips to nearby adventure parks, golf
courses and the city of Port Elizabeth. If
you’d rather stay in worry not, the garden
is serene and beautiful the perfect place
to relax and the nearby orchard’s make
for a nice sport of fruit picking.
Guest rooms are luxurious, spacious and
colourfully decorated. Amenities include
tea and coffee, flat screen TV, minfridge,
bathrobes, complimentary wi-fi,
in room dining and bottled water. Those
looking for a more enhanced experience
can choose the superior rooms which
come the added benefit of a Nespresso
machine, private area with Jacuzzi and
a lounge with sleeper couch. A selfcatering
cottage located a few hundred
yards from the main property is offered,
ideal for that extra bit of privacy.
All in all, you’d be hard pressed to find
a better rural Wellness Retreat in South
Africa!!
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27

Mpumalanga
Home of the Kruger
National Park
The Kruger National Park is one of the
most famous and visited attractions
in South Africa.Travellers from all over
the world make the journey to the park to
enjoy its stunning natural scenery, catch
a glimpse of the big five and even hike its
vast plains.
The park stretches across two regions of
South Africa: Limpopo, and Mpumalanga.
Most of the park is in Mpumalanga, it
is where most visitors enter, home to
the best lodges and it offers the easiest
access into and around the park. Because
of this the park is generally viewed as the
major attraction of Mpumalanga.
The only way into the park is via road,
either a self-drive rental or personal driver,
through one of nine gated entrances.
Most international visitors fly into Kruger
Mpumalanga International Airport before
heading out on the road. However, there
are no direct international flights to this
airport all journeys from another country
require a change in Johannesburg,
Durban, or Cape Town
The recommended way to get
around the park is by car, most
common and easiest is a 4x4
however you may get away in a
normal modern car. The roads
inside the park are of a high
quality and are extremely safe
by South African standards. It
is possible to get around the
park on foot, but this should
only be undertaken through
a professionally organised
guided walk.
Before you visit its important
you learn the rules of the park.
For most visitors, the park is a
completely new experience so
it is worth remembering that
you must never leave your
car unless it’s a designated
viewpoint. You are not allowed
to drive when its dark and
always stick the speed limit.
28 29

The main reason people
visit the national park is to
see the wildlife. There are
hundreds of species living
in the park including the big
five. Of the big five elephants
and buffalos are the most
common, rhinos and lions
are a little scarcer, the rarest
of all is the leopard. There
are also over 500 species
of birds in the park and over
100 reptiles.
Many visitors are surprised to learn that there
are cultural attractions located within the park.
The most common are the bushman rock
paintings which are scattered throughout the
park. The Masorini ruins offer a unique insight
into the history of the area especially around
the Iron age.
Additionally, the park boasts
stunning natural sites such
as Lake Panic, the Sabie
river, Crocodile River and
Khandzalive hilltop. The flora
of the area is brilliant, the park
has over 300 different types
of trees on site including
the southernmost naturally
occurring baobab tree in
Africa.
There are several on-site and offsite accommodation options open
to visitors. These range from camp sites for basic tents to bigger
glamorous luxury lodges. A lot of the camps have on site shops,
restaurants and some even have a golf course, swimming pool and
library. Within the park we recommend the Lukimbi Safari lodge and
Jock Safari Lodge, outside the park you can’t go wrong with the
Pestana Kruger Lodge.
Another option is to stay in the nearby towns of Nelspruit, Hazyview
and Malelane. All of which offer good quality accommodation and are
within easy reach of the park.
30 31

Uhuru Peak, Tanzania
Tanzania
32 33

Tanzania
Iconic Africa
Tanzania is famed as
the home of the great
African Safari where you are
guaranteed to see all sorts of
wildlife in their natural habitats
and against the backdrop
of beautiful open vistas. A
safari in Tanzania offers an
ample opportunity to see
and photograph the famed
big five animals and this is a
memorable experience that
for many is the sole reason of
their visit.
However, don’t be fooled into
thinking this the only attraction
Tanzania has to offer. Tanzania
is also home to vibrant cities,
beautiful beaches, majestic
mountain ranges, an exciting
culinary scene, an exceptional
wellness culture and the
unique shopping spectacle. All
of which are not to be missed
on a visit to the country.
Getting in and Getting Around
Tanzania is home to two international airports
one located in the capital Dar es Salaam called
Julius Nyerere International airport and the
other Kilimanjaro International airport. Both are
well served by European, Middle Eastern and
African airlines. If you’re coming in from Zambia,
then you can get a train from New Kapiri Mposhi
town to Dar es Salaam.
Driving in or getting a bus makes for a great
scenic route no matter where you depart from.
Tanzania is surrounded by Burundi, Rwanda,
Uganda, Kenya, Mozambique, Malawi, and
Zambia. Although Tanzania does border the
Democratic Republic of Congo, there is no
direct way in so the best option would be to fly
in or drive through Burundi or Rwanda.
The best way to travel around Tanzania is by
using the buses, hiring a private driver or selfdriving.
If you choose to self-drive then be
prepared for poorly maintained and littered
roads.
34 35

Things to do and See
As mentioned, a wildlife Safari is the most popular thing to do in
Tanzania and if this is the main purpose of your visit then you’re in
for some world class reserves such as the Serengeti National Park,
Arusha National Park and Ngorongoro Crater.
Dar Es Salaam is one Africa’s buzzing capitals
and is worth a stay for a night or two. Be sure to
check out the national museum, the beaches,
night life scene and great restaurants. For a
spot of shopping nothing beats the Kariakoo
Market district, the perfect place to pick up a
Kanga. Or if you’re looking for a souvenir then
the Mwenge carvers’ market is the ideal spot
for handicrafts.
Kilimanjaro is probably Tanzania’s second
biggest attraction. It’s the highest mountain in
Africa and every year hundred of climbers visit
to summit this astounding mountain.
Dining
Tanzania has a diverse culinary scene. Along
with traditional Tanzanian food you’ll have no
trouble finding Indian, Middle Eastern, Italian,
Chinese and Ethiopian cuisine, especially in the
big cities.
As far as local cuisine goes the most common
food is Ugali, a tasty polenta-style dish made
with corn flour. To wash it down we recommend
a Chai Maziwa, a sweet tea, and for dessert
Mandazi, a sweet doughnut like fried bread.
Accommodation
World class accommodation can be found all over Tanzania, the
Serengeti is home to a stunning Melia brand lodge and the Tulia
Zanzibar is a unique beach hotel. In Dar Es Salaam we recommend
Alexanders hotel, a Travel and hospitality award winner. If you’re in
Mbeya city, a hidden gem of Tanzania, then Tesha’s home, a boutique
guest house is a great place to stay.
If you’d like a bit of sun, sea, and relaxation then you’re in luck. The
Tanzanian island of Zanzibar is a beach lovers’ dream. Here you’ll
find white sand beaches, world class hotels, great food, interesting
history, and beautiful coconut palms.
36 37

Dar es Salaam
Top 3
Dar es Salaam is a vibrant African
capital, full of colour and a sense of
excitement. It’s the home of the country’s
main international airport so for most
the city is a short stop one the way to a
beach vacation in Zanzibar or a wildlife
safari. Many visitors to the country will
never get to explore or really experience
Dar es Salaam, however those that do are
in for a treat. We’ve picked out our top 3
attractions for those who decide to spend
a night or two in this wonderful city.
The National Museum and
House of Culture
The ideal place to learn about Tanzania’s
colourful past, the national museum and
house of culture originally opened as a
memorial to King George the fifth. Today
the museum is full of many interesting
and important displays such as fossils
dating back to the earliest human
ancestors, exhibitions on Tanzania’s tribal
heritage and a deep dive into the impact
of the slave trade and colonialism on
the country.
Azania Front Lutheran Church
This church was built in 1898 by
German missionaries and stands
as one of the iconic landmarks of
the city. The red-tile belfry glistens
in the sun and the surrounding
gardens are a great place to relax.
Today the church is a cathedral for
the diocese.
Mbudya Island
Located just a 15-minute
boat ride away in the Dar
es Salaam marine reserve,
Mbudya island is a great
getaway from the hustle
and bustle of Dar es Salaam.
You can expect white sandy
beaches, turquoise waters,
local seafood and huts
available to rent.
38 39

1216 Mary Knoll Ln,
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Tel +255 754 343 834
https://www.alexanders-tz.com
Alexander’s Hotel
Tanzania | Unique Hotel
An Exclusive Family Owned Boutique Hotel in the stunning city of Dar Es
Salaam.
A totally unique hidden gem, Alexander’s hotel is one unlike any other in Dar Es
Salaam. Its family owned and operated, has an amazing outdoor pool, home to
one of the best wine cellars in the city and an amazing rooftop restaurant.
The rooms are designed to be spacious, elegant, and welcoming. Rooms
available overlook either a lush garden or the hotel pool. In the rooms you can
expect the all the usual amenities such as free wi-fi, air conditioning, mini bar
and flat screen TV alongside few traditional decorative antiques that only serve
to enhance your stay.
The main benefit of staying at Alexander’s
hotel is the convenient access to the world
class on-site restaurant aptly named
Alexander’s restaurant. Here you can dine
on the terrace in a contemporary and
comfortable setting. The delicious food
is served all day offering a wide selection
of dishes that comprise of only the best
and fresh local ingredients and produce.
The seafood in particular deserves to be
singled out for praise.
There is nothing better to with a meal than
a fine wine and at Alexander’s restaurant
you are spoiled for choice. The property
houses one of the finest wine selections
in Tanzania and you’ll be sure to find
something to suit your tastebuds. Whisky
drinkers, fear not, the owner’s Scottish
roots and love of whisky means you won’t
be disappointed should this be your drink
of choice.
On your next visit or business trip to Dar
Es Salaam be sure check in Alexander’s
hotel for a warm welcome, great service,
and good food!
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41

Mbeya
Tanzania’s Hidden Gem
Mbeya is often overlooked as a
tourist destination. For the most
part the city is a stop gap for travellers
going to Malawi or Zambia. If you scratch
beneath surface however and you’ll find an
authentic Tanzanian city full of welcoming
locals, good food, quaint guest houses
and beautiful surrounding countryside.
Getting into Mbeya is easy enough there
are several buses a day coming in from
Dar es Salaam and Iringa as well as a daily
flight from Dar es Salaam. Getting the
train in is another less common way to
reach the city, Mbeya is stop on the Dar es
Salaam and New Kapiri Mposhi (Zambia)
line that runs twice a week.
Mbeya’s unique location means its
surrounded by some stunning natural
scenery. The Loleza peak makes for a nice
photograph and a day hike. There is Mbeya
peak nearby which can also be hiked in a
day.
The Kitolu National Park is an excellent nearby
attraction. This is the very first national park in Africa
to be established to primarily protect its flora. The
Livingstone forest, located inside the park, is home
to some truly outstanding unique wildlife such as
the endangered Kipunji, that was only discovered in
2005, and Rungwe Dwarf galago.
For food there are plenty of choices you can find Tanzanian,
Indian, American and Mexican restaurants.
For accommodation we recommend two-time travel and
hospitality awards winner Tesha’s home. A great family run
guest house that will be your home away from home.
42 43

Block T, Tanzania House 106,
Mbeya City, Tanzania
Tel +255 757 466 315
info@teshahome.com
Tesha Home
Tanzania | Guest House
Tesha Home provides traditional Home Stay accommodation located in the
centre of the vibrant Tanzanian city of Mbeya.
As a guest at Tesha’s home you’ll feel like a part of our family for the duration of
your stay. The staff at Tesha’s home are the perfect example of warm Tanzanian
hospitality. Guests have the unique opportunity to engage authentically in the
daily activities alongside locals.
Guest are encouraged to do a bit of gardening or strawberry picking, or even
popping to the local market to buy fresh produce and cook back at home.
Through cooking guests can expect to gain an understanding of local cultural
values, a bit of Swahili and tell their own stories.
On offer a 3 very comfortable rooms with a
uniquely traditional atmosphere. All rooms
have en-suite bathrooms with hot shower
facilities- perfect after a long day’s hike.
Breakfast in included in the price and the
House offers free WIFI connection.
Completely untouched by the madness
of modern tourism, Mbeya has a lot to
offer our guests. The surrounding area is
literally a hiker’s paradise. Go on day hikes
up mount Rungwe at an altitude of nearly
3000 meters. Get up close and personal
to the numerous volcanic craters or have
a picnic over looking the breath-taking
beauty that is the Ngozi Lake Crater. The
rural landscape is filled with incredible
nature and wildlife and thus has earned
this area the nickname “Scotland of Africa’
44
45

Baie Lazare, Seychellen
Seychelles
46 47

Mahe
Waiting to be Explored
When you think of some of the
wonderful places in Africa you
often think of Cape Town, the Serengeti,
Zanzibar, Cairo and even Marrakech. But
one place that’s making a name for itself
on the tourism scene is Mahe the main
Island of the Seychelles.
Of course, the Seychelles is a unique
touristic destination in its own right, the
country is famous for its extravagant
luxury resorts and private islands. But
many visitors are pleasantly surprised by
Mahe. The island is small but packs a big
punch, Mahe boasts has a long and varied
history, a fantastic foodie scene, some
unique architecture, and superb beaches.
Getting in Getting Around
Mahe is only accessible by plane unless you own
a private yacht. The Seychelles International
airport is well serviced with regular flights from
Europe, the Middle East, mainland Africa and
parts of Asia.
Getting around is fairly simply, the bus service
is cheap and accessible. If you are in the capital,
Victoria, then cycling is a good alternative. Taxis
are common although if you plan on exploring
the whole of Mahe, as most tourists do, then we
recommend a private guide or a self-driving.
Things to See and Do
Given its location in Indian Ocean, history, ideal climate, and biodiverse
landscape, there are plenty of things to see and do in Mahe.
It goes with out saying Diving is a major draw of visiting Mahe. The
crystal clear and calm waters combined with colourful and extensive
marine life means even a beginner can enjoy scuba diving off the
coast of Mahe with ease. We recommend going our with Big Blue
Divers, a 5 star rated PADI dive centre.
48 49

Another great activity to do
in Seychelles is hike. The
unique landscape of Mahe
offers visitors a chance to
hike to areas of untouched
natural beauty. The highest
peak, Morne Seychellois, can
be hiked in a day and at the
summit you can expected
wonderful unparalleled
panoramas.
Mahe is home to one of the
smallest capitals in the world,
Victoria. Despite this the
city has a lot to offer such
as bustling markets, the Arul
Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar
Temple, the Immaculate
Conception Cathedral,
Botanical Gardens, the
Seychelles Natural History
Museum and even its own
replica of Big Ben aptly
named “Little Ben”
A tour of the Takamaka Rum distillery is
not to be missed. A tour of the distillery
is normally followed up by a tasting of
the products. Takamaka rum is the most
popular in the Seychelles so you should
have no trouble getting a hold of a bottle as
a souvenir. If rum isn’t your thing then you
may be interested in visiting a tea factory,
here you’ll discover how tea is made and
enjoy a few cups while overlooking the
stunning western slopes of Mahe.
Dining
In Mahe the Creole cuisine is fresh,
tasty and unlike anything you’ve
ever tried before. There are several
great restaurants where you
can tuck in, the Marie Antoinette
restaurant is extremely popular,
or you can try one of many food
stalls in the capital Victoria.
If you’re not a fan of Creole cuisine
then worry not as the island has
several restaurants that specialise
in all sorts of food such as Indian,
Italian, Spanish and American.
Accommodation
There are a few luxury resorts
on Mahe like on the other
Islands of the Seychelles
such as the Four Seasons
and Savoy. For a more local
experience you can find several
small boutique guesthouses.
Our recommendation is the
Chez Coco Self Catering
Accommodation, conveniently
located a couple of minutes
from the beach and right next
to the Takamaka Rum Distillery.
50 51

E Coast Rd, Seychelles Tel +248 2 788 188 chezcocoseychelles@hotmail.com
Chez Coco
Seychelles | Apartments
Many of us dream of a beach front, paradise-like Seychelles getaway, for
guests of Chez Coco however this dream is a reality. For those planning
a visit, keep in mind Chez Coco offers an alternative from the common fivestar
Seychelles holiday. You can expect a more traditional self-catered island
experience.
Chez Coco is home to two lovely rustic style apartments, perfect for couples and
families alike. With bigger groups having the option of booking both, depending
on availability of course. Features on offer include air conditioning, spacious
bathrooms, flat screen TV, free wi-fi, private terrace, BBQ facilities and a wellequipped
kitchen.
Rum lovers are in for a treat with the
Takamaka Rum Distillery located right
next door and provides an excellent
opportunity to understand the craft
of rum making. Further afield from the
property, only ten minutes away, is
the world-famous Jardin Du Roi Spice
Garden. A historic hilltop spice plantation,
with a small furnished museum and
on-site restaurant. Perfect for a day of
exploring and taking in the beauty of the
area.
Chez Coco provides a great base to
explore Mahe Island, owners are more
than happy to arrange trips to nearby
walking trails, to go scuba diving, a spot
fishing or tee up at a golf course.
All in all, for a different kind of trip to the
Seychelles look no further than Chez
Coco. You won’t be disappointed!!
52
53

Zuarungu, Ghana
Ghana
54 55

Ghana
The Super 6
Ghana is one of the stars of Africa.
The country has a long history, a
strong connection with its heritage, a
joyful population, a long standing stable
democracy, a healthy economy and given
its location its considered an important
strategic point in connecting with the rest
of the continent.
If you are a first-time visitor Africa,
we’d recommend Ghana as the perfect
introduction. We’ve put together a list of
six places to visit. Ghana is a relatively
small country so getting around to the
different locations shouldn’t take too long
especially if you have a guide.
Accra
Accra is usually the first stop for any visitor to Ghana as
its home to the only international airport in the country,
Kotoka International airport. The city is full of character,
friendly locals, and some fantastic beaches, which for
most tourists is the main reason to visit. You can find
world class hotels, the national museum, historical sites,
incredible food and weirdly enough several coffin shops.
After all the city is the birthplace of the interned famed
dancing pallbearers.
Kumasi
Once the former capital and the seat of power of the might
Ashanti kingdom. Today Kumasi is Ghana’s second biggest
city and is the best place to shop for souvenirs. The cities
markets are filled with passionate traders selling Ashanti
artifacts, gold ornaments and jewellery. The Manhiya
Palace museum is a good place to visit if you’d like to find
out more about the history of the Ashanti Kingdom.
56 57

Nzulezo Village
A unique place in Ghana, the name translates to “surface
of water” and this is what you’ll get a village built on the
water using stilts. The village can only be reached by
canoe or motorboat and makes for an excellent day trip
from Ghana. A great place to just laze around, take in the
sea views and spot wildlife.
Busua Beach
A beautiful beach that is popular among locals and
tourists. It’s the ideal place experience a bit of Ghanaian
culture and relax. At the beach you’ll find Ghanaian
musicians, locally prepared seafood, a relaxed vibe, and
souvenir stands. There are many luxury resorts located
nearby so you’ll never be out of options if you decide to
spend a few days here.
Cape Coast
Cape Coast is the former European colonial capital and
historically significant city. The city was once the largest
slave trading centre in Africa where slaves would be held
before being transported. Today Cape Coast is a small
fishing town, but remnants of its dark past remain. One
such place is Cape Coast castle, a 17th century castle that
has now been converted to a museum.
Kakum National Park
The Kakum National park is one of Ghana’s biggest
attractions. Visitors can expect to see African elephants,
buffaloes, meerkats, civets and several hundred bird
species. Within the park you’ll find a canopy walk set 30
metres above ground level and 400 metres in length but
for a deeper exploration of the park we recommend hiring
a ranger or guide.
58 59

Tamale
Capital of the North
Tamale, the capital of the Northern
region of Ghana has benefitted greatly
in the surge of tourists to the country. Most
visitors head to Accra but are pleasantly
surprised when a visit to Tamale reveals a
culturally proud and soulful city home to
friendly locals and intriguing architecture.
Tamale Airport has up to 8 flights a day
from Accra and can be reached via the
road through a private driver or bus.
When you first arrive in Tamale the thing
that hits out at you straight away is the
unique architecture. In Tamale there is a
blend of the old with the new, traditional
mud houses near modern high rises.
The mosques in the area are unique, the
central mosques bright green dome is
famous and nearby Larabanga mosque,
built in the 13 th Century.
The Northern region of Ghana is
the most fertile and known as
Ghana’s breadbasket. So it’ll come
as no surprise the culinary scene
in Tamala is considered one of the
best in West Africa. Popular dishes
are Waakye, made from rice and
beans, and Chinchinga, tasty kebab
meat. Fresh locally grown yams are
a favourite of the city and Kosu, a
local snack made from deep fried
flour, will leave you wanting more.
For souvenir shopping we
recommend the national cultural
centre filled with a number of local
craft stores selling handmade
jewellery, crafts, instruments and
food.
Accommodation wise you can’t go
too far wrong with Jeyads Lodge,
a travel and hospitality award
winner profiled on the following
page.
60 61

200 metres from the Vittin Police Barrier, behind Naagamni
(Legacy Service Station), Yendi, Salaga Rd, Tamale, Ghana
Tel +233 55 255 9442
info@jeyadslodge.com
Jeyads Lodge
Ghana | Lodge
For good quality accommodation in Ghana’s northern capital, Tamale, looking
no further than the impressive Jeyads Lodge. The property located on
the outskirts of the city is uniquely set up a serene getaway from the hustle of
Tamale where the only assurances are a relaxing and luxurious experience.
Rooms on offer are a standard, deluxe and executive. All rooms are spacious,
well designed and come with superb air conditioning, water heaters, fantastic
cable TV’s, personal fridge, free Wi-Fi, and luxurious queen-sized beds for an
unforgettable night’s sleep. The perfect complement to that sleep is a delicious
continental breakfast carefully prepared and available each morning.
Should you decide to stay in the hotel
will keep you more than entertained,
on site there is a fully equipped health
centre. Or if you prefer some good
food then the onsite restaurant will not
disappoint, here you can enjoy fresh
local and international dishes along with
a drink. Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic
beverages are available.
Other services include laundry, tours,
a shuttle service, conference rooms,
business centre, car park and 24-hour
room service.
The crown jewel of Jeyads lodge is
undoubtedly the customer service. Staff
are highly trained, friendly, attentive, and
dedicated. Famous Northern Ghanaian
hospitality is guaranteed!!
62
63

Telouet, Morocco
Morocco
64 65

Fes
A Beautiful City
The medieval capital of Morocco and its
cultural epicentre, Fes is a city not to be
missed although it does often play second
fiddle to its much larger counterpart
Marrakech when it comes to tourists. In
Fes you can expect a vibrant atmosphere
and a colourful city complete with one
of the world’s oldest and largest Medina
(ancient walled city), which incidentally is
the world’s largest urban car free zone.
Fes is easily accessible by plane;
numerous airlines offer a service to Fes
Sais International Airport which is located
about 15km from the city. Trains and
buses also offer an inexpensive way to
reach Fes from other cities in Morocco
such as Marrakech, Tangier, Rabat and
Casablanca. Within the Medina you will
have no problem getting around on foot
but when you’re outside the city walls a
taxi or private guide is the best way to get
around.
In terms of historical sites and attraction, Fes is
jam packed. Bou Inania Madersa is a breath-taking
14th century religious school is well worth a visit.
The architecture, layout and history of the school is
beautiful, and you can easily spend half a day here.
Within the Medina the past is alive, and you’ll get a real sense of
what it was like in ancient times. You’ll find heaps of souvenirs,
carpets, leather goods, perfumes, handicrafts, and jewellery
that can all be haggled for with the thrilled traders.
The Merenid tombs, a set of
ruined monumental tombs
sitting on a hillside and
provide excellent panoramic
views of the old city.
If you want a break for the
hustle and bustle of the city,
then be sure to step in the
Jnan Sbil Gardens, a peaceful
retreat that comes complete
with water features, birds,
bright flowers and palm-tree
lined walkways.
The best way to end the
day is to watch a sunset
from one of the lovely
rooftop café’s and bars.
Moroccan architecture with
its flat rooftops makes for a
gorgeous viewing at sun set.
66 67

Agadir
A Lively Coastal
Getaway
Agadir is Morocco’s premier seaside
getaway. It’s a charming modern
city that offers beautiful clean beaches,
an exciting promenade, excellent natural
scenery, five-star hotels, brilliant seafood,
and friendly locals.
Agadir has an international airport that
has direct scheduled flights from several
major European cities. There is no train
service to the city so if you’re coming in
from another part of Morocco a bus or
short flight is your best bet.
For a spot of history check out
Agadir Oufella, the ruins of
Agadir’s citadel dating back to
the 16th century. Located on a
hill, the journey to Oufella is mildly
challenging but once at the top
you’ll be treated to breath-taking
views of the surrounding bay.
Like any good Arabic city Agadir
has its own souk known as El
Had and it’s one of the biggest
in Morocco. Covering over 13
hectares the souk is built like a
fortress and attracts thousands
of visitors a day. The souk caters
to tourists and locals, so you’ll
almost certainly find anything you
are looking for.
So should you ever want to get
away from Morocco’s bustling
cities then Agadir is the place for
you!!
As you’d expect with a seaside resort
city the beach is the biggest attraction. It
stretches for miles and is the perfect way
to cool off in the hot Moroccan summer.
The beach is a great place to enjoy some
watersports, the surf scene in Agadir
is world renowned so should you ever
decide to take up surfing then this is the
place to do it.
Running parallel to the beach is Corniche
La Cote, Agadir Promenade, a lively and
atmospheric stretch of pavement perfect
for taking a leisurely stroll. The promenade
is lined with hotels, spa’s, nightclubs,
restaurant, food venders, tour companies
and surf schools.
68 69

Casa Mia Health
Spa and Guesthouse
R336, Addo, Eaastern Cape, 6105 South Africa
Tel +27 (0)42 233 0075
casamiaspa@algoanet.com
http://www.casamiaspa.co.za/

thawards.com