First Time in Africa

Written by '74Escape

Traveler: Natalie Joos – Creative Director

What is your most unforgettable escape? I recently went to Zambia. It was my first time in Africa and it blew me away!

What was the purpose of your travel? I went to teach 2 days of work shops to local fashion enthusiasts.

With how many people did you travel? I traveled there by myself but I was received and escorted the entire trip by 2 local women.

Where did you stay? I stayed at Latitude 15 in Lusaka for 1 week and a few days at the Royal Livingstone on the Victoria Falls in the South.

What did you most like about the trip? I couldn’t tell you just one thing I loved. The trip made a very big impression on me. I learned so much about the beautiful people, the way the country is developing, the trials and errors etc. I also loved the animals we saw on safari, and the powerful force of the Victoria Falls.

Could you share an unforgettable memory about the trip? When we saw a line of elephants cross the Chobe river from shore to the island where they feed. I had never seen an elephant swim. They are so gracious and cool. I have a picture of just the tip of a trunk sticking out from the water, while the elephant was totally submerged. We all got a little quiet…

Your most surprising find during the trip? I didn’t actually buy that much but I got some really cute dresses by local designers. They are talented young girls who dream of making it big.

Favorite restaurant(s) or food you have tried during your trip? The Zambian kitchen is not that special. But I enjoyed the food nonetheless.

What are the must tries of the city? Walk around the Kamwala market!

Any hidden gems you could whisper to us? We visited small farms just outside the city, where families live in huts, with nothing but a well and some bicycles. We asked them to take some pictures and i got so much love. The children are so funny and cute and warm. A dream!

Would you go back? Yes, I am going back in November to do business!

Could you list a few of your favorite finds you came back with? These can be anything from traditional finds to airport finds to hotel creams! I also bought a serving bowl that has handles shaped like giraffes. And a salad fork and spoon made out of ebony wood. I gave them to my sister as a wedding gift.

Any tips that might be useful to know before going there? I would like to refer to this post: http://talesofendearment.com/what-i-found-out-about-zambia/