Travel Notes
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Travel Notes
Four creative insiders tell us how to experience their cities—Lagos, Cape Town, Zanzibar and Addis Ababa—like locals.
By Innocent Ndlovu
with Shekudo’s Akudo Iheakanwa
Known for its vibrant music scene, busy streets, and flashy street style, Lagos is a caldron of food, fashion, and culture. The capital of Nigeria in West Africa, this port city is also famed for animated street markets, the arts scene and nightlife. Its infectious energy, modern infrastructure, and wide range of activities (parties, art galleries, beach barbecues and live performances), gives Lagos the thrill of a megacity. Designer Akudo Iheakanwa, whose contemporary accessories label Shekudo is making waves for its timeless, handcrafted footwear in minimalist designs and vibrant local textiles such as Akwete and Aso Oke, takes us through her Lagos, detailing the perfect city get-away.
Photo: Bankole St, Lagos, Nigeria. by Oluwapelumi Adeyemi
Photo: Nike's Multi-Level Gallery. Via @visit_nigeria_now
Photo: Moist Beach Club. Via @moistbeachoniru
Feel at Home on Victoria Island
“... 16 by 16 in Victoria Island was one of my go-to places when I first got back to Lagos—to work from, grab a drink with friends or eat Thai food. Inside an apartment building, it's funky with a minimalistic bar. They have a great view over the city, the building has a lot of light coming in , and you get to meet different people . It’s a warm and cosy atmosphere in a central location.”
Escape to the Beach via The Club
“Lagosians love food, music, and weddings! So if you’re not out eating and enjoying a good beer, you’re at one of many clubs dancing or watching live music. I like a mixture of good tunes, good cocktails, and nice surroundings so RSVP and Moist Beach Club are the go-to for me if I’m having a cheeky night out. I go on quiet beach escapes like a boat ride to Tarkwa Bay.”
Discover the Art and Cultural Scene
“There are a lot of art galleries like Art Twenty One and Nike’s multi-level art gallery in Lekki, but for a soul-shaking experience, I love to see Femi Kuti who performs regularly following in his father's rhythmic footsteps at the New Afrika Shrine located on our mainland. (The Kuti family own and run the venue)”
Photo: Ellerman House Hotel Via @ellermanhousehotel
Photo: A view of Camps Bay. Via @livdevilliers
Photo: Swan Café. By Micky Hoyle
“Camps Bay Retreat an idyllic location. old charming house filled with a treasure trove of historical objects. Ellerman House old-world charm . magical setting .”
“The Book Lounge is like a walk back in time to a 1920’s book store. They have an exceptional selection of books. It has a nostalgic feel and very personal staff engagement. You can spend an entire morning browsing these magnificent books which are beautifully displayed. They also serve wonderful cappuccinos and cupcakes. It’s for the discerning reader looking for something special.”
“Cape Town is one of the most magical cities in the world because you don't need to spend any money to have the most extraordinary experience. you want to get into the mountains, and there's so many different places . In Camps Bay, there’s The Link which is a new trail and it's at the top of Teresa Avenue. It has breathtaking views over Camps Bay.”
French-inspired fare
“Swan Café is one block from our offices. It’s a beautifully curated French cafe, it's warm and embracing and it's got the best coffees in town. So much care has gone into creating this Paris in Cape Town .”
Keep it Chic Like a Capetonian
“What I love about Cape Town is that it has a relaxed chic . For me, denim with sneakers, a crisp white linen shirt, and a blazer finished off with a pair of Pichulik earrings. is understated but elegant. If we wear a suit we would wear it with sneakers. We don't do high heels. It’s natural organic cottons and linen.”
Photo: Jetty Lounge at The Meliá Resort. Via @melia.zanzibar
Photo: The Rock Restaurant. Via @therockzanzibar
Photo: Park Hyatt Zanzibar Via @nicolas_cedro
“After fashion week and my European business travels, I am usually exhausted and I find myself escaping into my favorite hotel in Stone Town, the Park Hyatt Zanzibar. The architecture is alluring and as a designer, there’s always an element or detail that inspires me. , The Level Beach Pavillion at Meliá is in a great location in Kiwengwa . It’s chic and homely. Upon entering the hotel, you are immediately welcomed with a view of the ocean.”
“Jozani Forest is a must-see. The temperature in the forest is cooler than Stone Town and the colors there are beautiful. On the way to Jozani Forest, you get to see the spice farms and discover the history of spice. It’s a rare experience.”
“The has a great curation on the history of Zanzibar . It shows how Swahili women used to dress during slavery and when they got their liberation and what Zanzibar looks like today.”
“The Rock is a delightful restaurant located on the Indian Ocean (it’s an actual rock with a restaurant built on top). You can access it on foot or by boat depending on the levels of the tide. Apart from the menu (which offers seafood and Italian cuisine), and great service, it’s stunning especially because of its location. , you get to see Stone Town from a 360-degree view and a unique sight of the church and mosque buildings adjacent to each other.
“Long and flowy pieces that respect the local culture and customs. It's hot and humid so lightweight, loose-fitting styles work best. A pair of sunglasses and comfy sandals to trot along the winding alleyways are always practical.”
Photo: Tomoca Coffee. Via @mugabiphotography
Photo: Kuriftu Resort and Spa. Via @kurifturesortspa
Photo: Addis Fine Art Gallery. By Eyerusalem Jiregna
“I like going to Kuriftu Resort in Debre Zeyit to relax. It’s about a 30-40 minutes drive from Addis Ababa airport. It has a nice view of nature, the lake, good restaurants, a water park for children, and a spa.”
“There are interesting markets such as Shero Meda for affordable, handwoven traditional textiles and clothing—It’s great for picking up souvenirs. Piazza, one of the old shopping streets that still has that authentic look, sells handmade gold and silver jewelry and has a mix of good Italian restaurants.”
“My favorite art gallery is Addis Fine Art. They have the top Ethiopian artists. Every month there’s a new collection, and it's well-curated. In terms of entertainment, my personal favorite is Fendika. It’s a cool center for live music, dancing, poetry, and insult comedy.
“I’m a picky eater, but of Ethiopian, Indian and Italian restaurants. I like Gusto, it’s Italian. YOD Abyssinia is another place that you would go to not for their food—for the entertainment. They perform different Ethiopian accents and cultures from different regions. We invented coffee. One of the oldest cafe companies is Tomoca Coffee, and they have cafés all over the city.”
Street Food On The Go
“I love finding street food around Lagos island whenever I go fabric shopping at Tejesho market Yaba, or St. John’s Market in Tinubu Square (and Mushin Lagos for leather shopping)—a plate of rice, beans, and dodo (fried plantain) for just under $2. You will find many Mama Puts selling fried fish, moin moin——which is my all-time favorite, bole (roasted plantain), corn, rice, beans and more.”
Layer Like a Lagosian
“I love layers and breathable fabrics like rayon, tencel, and linen because of the hot weather. There’s a lot of mix and match, clashing prints, and the occasional velour tracksuit. Fashion is just an extension of one's personality and it’s no different here—it just happens to be louder than most places.”
with Pichulik's Katherine Pichulik
Beloved by tourists and the fashion set (for shooting fashion campaigns) alike, Cape Town, South Africa boasts the laid back allure of a coastal city. But, the city’s easygoing vibe does not detract from its rich creative scene. It's home to the annual Design Indaba Festival, world class vineyards, and has a varied culinary culture that spans across local, Cape Malay, French, and British influences. Here, hiking trails and scenic views are embedded within the city: no need to drive out of town to experience nature. Katherine Pichulik of eponymous accessories label Pichulik gives us a tour of her favourite spots in “the Mother City” (as it’s famously referred to by its citizens).
with Doreeen Mashika
Beyond the clear blue waters of Zanzibar, lie centuries-old spice farms and lush forests. On this East African island off the coast of Tanzania, spices are part of the culture—you’ll find cakes, teas and beauty scrubs all made from homegrown spices such as cinnamon and clove. Free from large crowds and congested city streets, there’s a sense of unspoken tranquility in seeing chickens running around town or fisherman docking a boat from the comfort of your hotel window. This slow-paced vibe is exactly what makes Zanzibar remarkable. From heritage experiences in Stone Town, the island’s eclectic old city centre, to a dream restaurant nestled atop a rock on the Indian ocean, Mashika gives us a glimpse into her world in paradise.
with ZAAF’s Abai Schulze
Surrounded by mountains and hills, Addis Ababa, the capital of the East African nation of Ethiopia, is notable for its many cafes and centuries-old homegrown coffee. Coffee is so popular here that you find coffee stalls and street vendors selling it everywhere around the city. When you visit Piazza (an old shopping area with hotels and Italian restaurants) you’re welcomed by bright buildings and beautiful artworks on walls. This modern metropolis currently in the process of a major transformation (as a modern architectural and art hub) is forever buzzing with people and cars. ZAAF founder Abai Schulze guides us through the city, including where to buy the highest quality Ethiopian coffee and the best markets for souvenirs.
“, so women wear dresses, jeans, tank tops and skirts. , people like to dress up, in party dresses and heels. They will do the whole nine yards.”
Travel Notes
