Tastemakers Africa–a travel app that curates and arranges local experiences in cities across the continent–officially launched their #SEEKAFRICA contest with events in Johannesburg, Nairobi and Lagos this week. We’ve already declared the company’s instagram, a must for wetting your African travel appetite.
The grand prize for the #SEEKAFRICA contest is a curated trip to South Africa, Kenya or Nigeria, and for Tastemakers Africa founder Cherae Robinson, the contest is an opportunity for the company to plant a seed in Africa.
“We want to solidify our place as an African company,” Robinson told Essence.com just before the start of the Nairobi event at the gorgeous Radisson Blu hotel in Nairobi. “We know that the African traveler is important and we want to put the app in front of them.”
Robinson also confirmed that Tastemakers Africa will be front and center at Essence Festival Durban this November. So we asked the Chief Executive Tastemaker herself for the best places to stay, eat and turn up in Durban.
Here are her recommendations:
1. STAY: Oyster Box Hotel – This stunning boutique hotel in the fashionable district of Umhlanga has an amazing beachfront view of the Indian Ocean. And the pool, Robinson says, is a do-it-for-the-gram must! But even if you don’t stay there, the weekend bottomless brunch is delicious. Oyster Box is definitely the place to be.
2. EAT + TURN UP: Max’s in Umlazi – “Braai with a turnup” is how Robinson describes this restaurant-cum-nightclub. It is also the spot to be if you want to leave the touristy spots and mingle with fly Durban locals.
3. STAY: Durban Manor Hotel – With its stunning art decor interior and exterior, this beautiful hotel will bring an old-world-feel to your stay in Durban. And as one of the sole black-owned hotels in the area, according to Robinson, you’ll feel great supporting black-owned businesses.