So there was this time I was wondering about a characteristic feature that the people of Ghana are known about. I mean, Ethiopia is known for her coffee. Kenya is known for her tea and so on and so forth. But when it was the turn of Ghana to unravel its attribute to me, I was taken aback. And what was it? CHOCOLATE. Can you imagine? I wasn’t just excited because I love chocolates. But I was more delighted to know that Ghana produces something so fun to eat. I mean kids love chocolates. They buy cookies, ice creams or even cakes that are made up of chocolate. And this addiction is not restricted to just children. Adults are also guilty of sharing this same tasty passion. So how do the Ghanaians come into picture?

Although Africa is one of the continents that consumes less of chocolate, this is about to change due to the rise of the middle class. Accra is flooded with luxurious shopping malls and one of the commodities that are getting popular and affordable by the day is chocolate! Cocoa is a significant product stemmed from the territory of Ghana. The people there are proud of it  not just because it generates some modest external income. They are proud of it because it has been embraced by the Ghanaians over the years. That’s why top class producing companies such as Golden  tree  and ’57 Chocolate are consistent suppliers of this tasty haven. Speaking of which…

One of the pioneering cocoa manufacturing companies is Golden Tree. Golden Tree, the backbone of the chocolate economy, has long served the masses with chocolates and our diligent African mamas proudly hawk them to the service of the people. Unlike Golden Tree that is hawked at the busy streets of Accra, ’57 Chocolate aims at cultivating the concept of Ghanaian luxury. They produce a revolutionary artisanal chocolate made from bean to bar by a dynamic duo of Pan African sisters, Kimberly and Priscilla Addison. ’57 is inspired from the year of Ghana’s independence 1957 and it aims at making chocolate from Ghana’s own cocoa beans. 

Of course, those two aforementioned organizations are not the only ones that produce this commodity. They are tons of them out there. But those two have done a great job introducing this deliciously-flavored food item to the culture of Ghana, Africa and beyond! To Ghana, we say 

                                          THANK YOU!

Cruise Africa!

Play Golf

Once you mention Sun City, the first game your mind would recount is golf. Yes! Sun City resort is one of South Africa's premier golfing destinations.  The two most popular golf reserves are the Lost City Golf Course and the Gary Player Golf Course, both of which have been designed to serve the needs of handicapped golfers. The Gary Player Golf Course is a social hub for golfers and fans. The restaurants are elaborating while the facilities of the gym and spa can be breathtaking. The Lost City Golf Course is another spectacular place to play your golf. It has got a wide range of water features that host the Nile Crocodiles. Impressed? Thought so!

Go for Swimming

The Valley of Waves is simply the most appropriate theme park to play some water games. There is a sandy beach and lapping turquoise waters that are generated by a powerful wave machine. The theme park also provides water slides for every comfort level to spice up the trill.

In Waterworld, you will get acquainted with wakeboard and learn how water-ski. With the rush of a jet ski, you can kick start your adrenaline and have the time of your life.

Go for a Safari

If you are a wildlife enthusiast, here is your big chance to visit all the animal parks Sun City has to offer. In Madikwe Game Reserve there are cheetahs, hyenas, hippo zebras and antelopes roam everywhere. And the fortunate thing is that the reserve is malaria-free and health-friendly.

The Big 5 in Pilanesberg National Park are the elephant, lion, buffalo, rhino and leopards. The park offers first-time safari-goers and families a highly recommended introduction to game viewing.

Touring

If you want to get acquainted to the cultural heritage of South Africa while you enjoy every taste of luxury, the Cultural Village makes the difference. You would visit many different tribes, each with distinct songs, dances, traditional attires and cuisine. The village offers visitors a taste of rural life in an African village and provides local artisans an opportunity to showcase their art and crafts. There you can experience a tavern atmosphere and taste traditionally brewed beer.

Entertainment

• Casinos

Just like Vegas, there are casinos that blow up every player’s mind; from smoking to non-smoking casinos. They are filled with slot machines, roulettes and card tables

• Sun City Superbowl

 Famous Sun City Superbowl is situated in the Entertainment Centre and it is regarded as one the finest concert venues in South Africa and hosts everything from sporting events to beauty pageants and international exhibitions.

• Moviezone

Feel like watching a movie? Current box office releases show daily at two cinemas located on the upper level of the Sun City Entertainment Centre.

• Go for Shopping

If you desire to go for a shopping therapy, you won’t leave unsatisfied. There are selection of boutiques and shops where jewelers for diamonds and gold jewelries are purchased. In the Entertainment Centre, you will find a fragrance shop, a pharmacy and a range of fashion boutiques, including shoes and accessories.

Now that you are sassy enough to know what to in Sun City, what next? Your ticket, your luggage, your budget, a group of friends and off you go! Cruise Africa!

A lover of the sea or the ocean and the tranquility it offers would be missing if he/she doesn’t visit the exotic beaches in Lagos, Nigeria. Lagos is a destination everyone would love to go if the person hasn’t been there. It is a hub that makes up the ultimate combination of business and leisure. Although it is no longer the capital city in Nigeria, Lagos is still a sought-after place to visit or earn a living. People come and go. People stay or visit. Either way, the beaches in Lagos are arguably beautiful. They are traffic-driven and the reason for that is the fact that these beaches are showered with fun! Let’s take a look at the top 5 beaches in Lagos.

Coconut Beach

  The beach is named after the natural endowment of coconut trees. It is surrounded by holiday resorts where visitors could refresh while on the beach. It is an ideal destination for holiday and fun lovers. It is a perfect spot for enjoying the ocean breeze or watching the waves race and rise against the pebbled sands of the beach at any time of the day. The view of the Coconut Lake also gives off a romantic vibe. Truly, the coconut beach is a nice place to relax from the hustle and bustle living in Lagos brings.

Elegushi Beach         

                                                                    

Here is a beach instilled with culture, some horseback riding and lots of partying. Elegushi is the place to be! Why? Because of the sandy and beautiful oasis surrounding it. It offers a mix of music, food as there are various shacks where foods and drinks are sold. Lagosians are aware that this is the most popular beach in Lagos State. Although it’s kind of expensive to enjoy, it is worthwhile.

Atican Beach

Source:Hotels.ng

  The Atican Beach Resort is in Lagos. It is a private and beautiful beach. This beach is definitely one of the well-managed beaches in the city. It is enthused with white fine sand, clean beach environment, lodging, and restaurant. At this beach, you can host a private party for friends and family.Even children can be entertained as they are not left out as they have a private playground provided for them with an opportunity to go horseback riding.

Tarkwa bay

While cruising to the island on a boat, you will enjoy amazing views of popular spots in Lagos such as the Radisson Blu or the Lagos Yacht Club. There are a variety of goodies to be bought which include fruits, snacks, suya, tropical drinks; both alcoholic and non-alcoholic and more. Tarkwa bay resort is a perfect place to relax and have fun.

Lighthouse Beach

  A 30 minutes walk at the Lighthouse Beach is just awesome. Swimming, surfing, and water skiing are popular at this beach with quiet, serene waters. The serenity is complete with breezes that blow through the harbor. You can round up your visit to Tarkwa bay with another boat trip back to Lagos Island and relish the view of Lagos and expansive ocean.

So this is it! Cruise Africa has showered you with a list of killer beaches that are too dreamy to miss. Stay tuned while you enjoy more of the attractions of Lagos, Nigeria and behold! Africaaaaaaaa!

Are you a wildlife enthusiast? Are you in search of a mind-blowing escapade in the animal kingdom? Well, I am honored to say that a safari in Kenya would satisfy your thirst for adventure! 

Safari! Hmm…

What is a safari? Well, Safari is a journey or expedition, for hunting, exploration, or investigation, especially in eastern Africa. It is usually associated with appreciation of wildlife. It is a cardinal function of zoologists, a means of living for hunters and a delight for wildlife zealots.

And what other country would be appropriate for a safari in East Africa? Got that right! Kenya! Nairobi is flooded with impeccable sites of wild animals. All  the parks and zoos promise a family –friendly environment.  Let’s see what the reserves and zoos have to offer to a potential traveler like you!

Giraffe Center

The Giraffe Center was started by Jock Leslie-Melville, the Kenyan grandson of a Scottish Earl, when he and his wife Betty captured a baby giraffe to start a program of breeding giraffe in captivity at their home in Langata - home of the present centre. Since then the program has had huge success, resulting in the introduction of several breeding pairs of Rothschild Giraffe into Kenyan national parks. It was established in order to protect the endangered spectrum of rare giraffes that is found only in the grasslands of East Africa.

Nairobi Safari Walk

Nairobi National Park was the first national park Kenya has ever had. It is located approximately 7 kilometres south of the centre of Nairobi, Kenya's capital city. Nairobi's skyscrapers can be seen from the park. National Park boasts a large and varied wildlife population. Migrating herbivores gather in the park during the dry season, and it is one of Kenya's most successful rhinoceros sanctuaries.

Nairobi Animal Orphanage

source:africanspicesafaris.com

 Still on the Nairobi National Park, The Animal Orphanage is located in the Nairobi National Park. It is center where treatment and rehabilitation for wild animals are rendered. The Orphanage hosts wild animals like lions, cheetahs, hyenas, jackals, serval cats, rare Sokoke cats, warthogs, leopards, various monkeys, baboons and buffalo. You would definitely be touched by the care those beautiful creatures receive. Various birds such as  parrots, guinea fowls, crowned cranes and ostriches are not an exception.

Samburu, Shaba and Buffalo Springs

source:afar.com

Samburu, Shaba and Buffalo Springs are 3 Reserves bordering one another in the dry landscape of North Central Kenya. There you can take a glimpse of formidable animals such as elephant, giraffe, leopard, zebra or blue-legged ostriches. Yeah! That’s right. Then you have the opportunity to be kept apprised of the culture of the Samburu people. Camel safaris is usually favored and available to spice up your vacation in Kenya.

Kisite

source: karibu kenya

Kisite is a marine reserve situated in the shallow Indian Ocean coastal waters of Southern Kenya. Dolphins, turtles, manta rays, angelfish and parrotfish will captivate your journey while you sail on the water. Traditional dhows sail you back and forth to the underwater park where you can enjoy snorkeling or diving among its colorful coral reefs.

Trust me! There are more natural reserves to spark your vacation. If you got any free period during June-October to have a gratifying holiday, you are unquestionably advised to try Safari in Kenya! It is recommended, favored and guarantees an unforgettable experience. So what are you going to do next year by August? Yeah! Safari in Kenya! CRUISE AFRICA! 

Highly Credited by: Solerebels

   All die-hard fans of Capuccino, Latte and the likes should be told about the history and origin of this stimulating beverage. Yes! I am talking about coffee- the Ethiopian Coffee. Ethiopia is renowned for the production of this beverage and tourists have ardently been enamored with it. The country happens to be the world’s seventh producer of coffee. 10% of her revenue stems from coffee’s international trade. Starbucks (a popular world coffee shop) had happened to be a whopping consumer of it. Even the etymology of the word “coffee” seems to originate from the Ethiopian language (kaffa).  Because of its value domestically and internationally, the past regime instituted he Coffee and Tea authority (CTA) to regulate the prices of coffee. Now what is the story behind this drink?

Mythologists and even historians tell about a goat herder from Kaffa, called Kaldi. He notices that the animals he has been keeping an eye on are surprisingly vibrant and active. He realizes that the goats have eaten some uncommon plant (now called coffee Arabica). So he tries it. Then he feels stimulated and energized as well. For proper confirmation, He seeks the help of the monks in a monastery. After showing some disdain about what was discovered at first, the burning aroma welcomes those coffee beans as an aid to keep the monks awake while on spiritual ceremonies. Hmm…look what we’ve got here.

Types of Coffee Beans

There is a vast diversity of coffee collection, such as Bedeka, Teppi Sidamo, Harar, Limun etc. But the three types of coffee that shout out are:

• Ethiopian Sidamo
• Ethiopian Harar
• Ethiopian Yirgacheffe

Sidamo coffee beans have citric elements and lemon. It is the family to Yircacheffe and Guji. They are less expensive than Yirgacheffe and even more valued and consumed. They occupy the Southern part of Ethiopia. Harars are characterized by fruity or winey tones. It has bright acidity and are processed in a dry form (natural). Its shells are equally used in a tea called hasher-qahwa. The Yirgacheffe are saturated with this floral aroma, spicy fragrant, toned with citrus. It is highly in demand by exporters and regardless of the fact that it is costlier than any other coffee type. Although it is originated from Sidamo, the flavor and aroma makes it highly distinctive.

Coffee Ceremony and Culture

“Buna dabo naw”. This is a common phrase that shows how ingrained the role of coffee is the Ethiopian culture. This phrase means “Coffee is our Bread”. Just as bread is an especial part of a tribe or and a society’s cuisine. So is coffee respected and immensely used by the Ethiopians. Even the popular coffee ceremony has been instituted because of this natural beverage. The coffee ceremony involves a host (a woman honorably) that processes coffee and serves it to the participants who are at liberty to add sugar, salt or native butter.

Source: Seattle Weekly

Where to drink coffee in Addis Ababa
According to Mark Wiens in Migrationology, there are 5 coffee shops that would fascinate you as a prospective tourist. Let’s mention 4 of them:
1) Tomoca Coffee: That is a pretty popular coffee shop. The Ethiopian style of macchiato is a drink that is greatly recommended to you. There is the strong or medium version.
2) Mokorar( Harar Coffee): Another center of delicious macchiato treatment
3) Kaldi’s Coffee: This is the Ethiopian version of Starbucks where they serve a spectrum of international coffee drinks  cappuchino and mocha.
4) Yeshi Buna: this is a restaurant and coffee shop simultaneously. You can relax and grab some cup of coffee or you can eat some dishes of Ethiopian cuisine. 

Definitely, if are travel aspirant and intend to go a neighboring or distant country (pending on where you live) , Addis is an appropriate African tourist site. And of course, don’t forget to taste the Ethiopian coffee - the drink that constitutes Ethiopia a memorable destination. Cruise Africa Rocks!

  Mandies Cocktails, Eventi Cocktails, Cocktails In and Out, Shakersand Ice. These and many more cocktail businesses are flooding the shores of Lagos and other places in Nigeria. The industry of event management and hospitality has imbued the art of mixology and cocktail mixing. When you log into Instagram, search “cocktails Nigeria”.  You will see the number of cocktail vendors that display their work on their pages. Their pages are depicted with colorful and refreshing drinks. So what is the Cocktail Business all about? How does it affect Nigeria? Who are the pioneering entrepreneurs that are pushing the business forward? Let’s see what cocktail is all about!

What is a Cocktail?

  Simply put, a cocktail is a mixed alcoholic drink. A Cocktail is mixed either as one type of alcohol with juices, as a soft drink and other fruits or as multiple alcoholic drinks with juices or ice tea. Drinking is fashionable and trendy in today’s world. As a result, cocktails and what we’ve come to know as “mocktails” are often confused for each other.
  Mocktails are any mixed drinks that don’t contain alcohol. The name “mocktail” is derived from the word “mock” meaning to “imitate or mimic”. Mocktails are imitations of cocktails in the sense that they seem similar to them, but do not have alcohol or any other spirits.

  Today, when we refer to an alcoholic mixed drink, a cocktail is any beverage that contains two or more ingredients if at least one of those ingredients contains alcohol. It is said that cocktail was derived from the French word “coquetier”, referring to an eggcup-type measure.
  Here in Nigeria, event planning and management is increasingly part of people’s lives. Wedding ceremonies, birthday parties or even business conferences include a buffet to lighten up the ambiance of occasions like this. Cocktails and Mocktails make up a part of the menu into today’s entertainment.   
 So Nigerians are definitely lovers of leisure and crave for innovation into their hospitality activities. There are a lot of venues in which drinks have been implemented severally. Mixologists are event vendors on demand. Lounge Cafes and Restaurants employ the services of Mixologists. Even families and friends include cocktails and mocktails to excite their get-togethers. 
 Interestingly, most of the entrepreneurs that innovate in the industry are women. Yes, I am damn serious. Women with educational and professional experience have set the steps for young businessmen and women to engage into the skill of beverage making. Let’s get inspired from some of them.

Entrepreneurs in the Cocktail Business

Lara Rawa

Source: Pulse.ng

“Cocktail is all about lifestyle.” That is what Lara Rawa says, the founder of Eventi Cocktails.  As a certified  lawyer by profession, she holds a Master’s Degree in International Business Law from Queen Mary University of London. However her passion for Cocktails and event planning prodded her to follow her dreams.She is currently the drink stylist for Baileys Nigeria Diageo Brand. When it comes to cocktail making in Lagos, the name of Lara Rawa rings a sounding bell and she is known for creating distinctive cocktails and custom mixology for luxury events, conferences, wedding, social and corporate events. Read more on Vanguard.

Olufunke Awobokun 

Olufunke Awobokun is the Chief Mixologist and CEO of Cocktails In and Out Limited (CIO), a company that has steadily carved a niche for itself in the industryand has a mobile cocktail bar services with branches in Lagos & Abuja. Olufunke Awobokun is a mixologist and restaurateur. She is the founder, initiator and pioneer of the project "Cocktails 2 Live 4" and is also the brain behind the Tasters club which is a networking event aimed at promoting and enlightening the Nigerian consumers about the fine art of mixology and generally promoting the cocktail culture. In 2008, she became a certified a mixologist and bartender from the Shaker Bar School. 


Titi Oshodi 

Titi Oshodi is the Managing Partner of T-Eye Dot. She is an experiential marketer with over a decade experience in marketing, sales and business development. Delving into this feat was borne out of her increased curiosity and interest for cocktails and beverages and zeal to share in the intrinsic value creating unique brand of drink mixes. She holds a certificate in Bartending/Mixology from Liquid Lab New York and Liquid Library Bartending Academy, Lagos.

Olubunmi Mise 

Olunbunmi Mise is the Chief executive Officer of Mises Cocktails. She is a certified Bartender and Mixologist. She has a certificate in Bartending and Mixology from Spronks Boisson Palais Lagos and Molecular Mixology School, London. She recently obtained a WSET Level II Award in Wine and Spirits from the East London Wine School in 2015.

Olajumoke Michael-Ojo 


A Shaker UK certified International Bartender and Wine Specialist  has penned her success as she has founded Mandies Cocktails. After working for 7 years as a human resource consultant at KPMG in Nigeria, Jumoke ventured into the cocktail business. Citing a gap in the industry, whereby cocktails were not properly made and very little attention was given to presentation details, she decided to change that. Today she owns one of the most successful Cocktail and beverage brand in the industry, known for exceptional quality and outstanding presentation.

Kenechukwu Odera Nkwontah                  


This is the man that has broken the trend of  female entrepreneurship. As the Chief Exectuive Officer of Shakersand Ice, his cocktails and beverage company was established in 2007. His spirited career as a Mixologist and bartender is fuelled by an active desire to be an authority in bartending and advocate for cocktails and mixology in Nigeria. 

Feeling Inspired? So you do! True, this skill is an exhilarating skill to acquire. It’s creative and pretty much attractive. People thrive in it and there is still a gap to be filled with passionate beverage making. But how can you do as a vibrant, young Nigerian or African aspirant start up a business? Is it highly capital-intensive?  What skills do you need?

How to start your own cocktail business?
 There are institutes in Nigeria that are specialized in the mixing of beverage, cocktails, mocktails or milkshakes. For example, Mix ‘n’ Bake School is a certified academy that means to train people into smoothies, punches and flips. They even go as far as offering pastry classes. They are located in Ojodu, Maryland and Abuja. You can also become a professional mixologist with the Blossom Bartending School. There you can learn over 75 types of smoothies and cocktails. 


 There are many more academies you can consult. The fee is pending on the location and courses they offer. Once you are done with that, you mix and invent different mocktails. Advertise your skills on the greatest platform of promotion and exposure - the social media. Instagram and pininterest are the best venues to take picture and showcase. Event planners would definitely employ your services. And who knows! If you want to excel in the industry, you could as well get a profound training and be a certified wine specialist like other veterans in the country. The establishment of the business would require the deployment of  mixing equipment, so finance is a parameter to consider. 

 The importance of cocktails in the Nigerian lifestyle cannot be overemphasized. It’s hard these days to find parties organized by high net worth individuals overlooking this essential item. This is a business idea you can start with as little as N20,000. So what’s up? Would you like to be like Jumoke, Lara or Olunfunke? Do you want to be a business man or woman with class, niche or creativity? Don’t think twice! Go for it! The sky is just the beginning, not the limit. Cruise Africa Rocks!!!