Inflight Magazine of Brussels Airlines

In Africa

A round-up of travel news from Brussels Airlines’ long-haul network

Text Tabitha Lasley

Hotel with a view
LE ROYAL LODGE, SENEGAL

Where is it? Palmarin Village, Saloum Delta National Park, Mbour, Senegal ( , le-royal-lodge.com). What’s the view? Many of the 28 suites gaze out over baobabs and an endless sweep of sand towards the Atlantic Ocean. If you crane your neck, you might just be able to see the shipwreck that sits at the end of the beach.

What to expect Large, high-ceilinged rooms decked out in light colours, pale wood, wrought iron and local fabrics. Suites have sunken living areas, private terraces and Jacuzzis.

What you need to know The hotel is aiming squarely at the luxury market and has all the attendant trappings: an infinity pool overlooking the sea, an accomplished restaurant and a well appointed spa.

Why go there? Because it’s about as peaceful and quiet as a place can be without actually being deserted. Then there’s the natural beauty of the Senegalese coast. And if you do get bored flopping about in outrageous comfort, the hotel can arrange birdwatching and fishing excursions.

What does it cost? The Senegal Experience (www.gambia.co.uk) is offering seven nights at Le Royal Lodge for €1,357 per person.

Ethical hotpants from Lalesso, priced €29

One to watch… Lalesso

When Sienna Miller starts rocking your wrap dresses, it’s only a matter of time before the rest of northern Europe is beating a path to your door. Lalesso not only has celebrity benediction, but impeccable ethical credentials as well. Co-founders Alice and Olivia met as students in South Africa, but only after they visited Olivia’s home in Kenya were they inspired to create their signature Lalesso skirt. Based on the khanga or lesso, the colourful wrap of East Africa, their clothes are made of Kenyan cotton (giving a boost to its threatened textile industry) by local tailors who benefit from above-average wages. Buttons are sourced from previously unemployed beach boys and beaded bracelets from Masaai entrepreneurs. www.lalesso.com

Don’t miss… Watersports on Lake Kivu

If you’re in Rwanda this summer, you’ll be just in time to take advantage of the new watersports centre at the Lake Kivu Serena Hotel at Gisenyi (George Clooney’s bolthole of choice, trivia fans). Set on the sixth-largest lake in Africa, the centre offers windsurfing, kayaking and canoeing, as well as excursions on catamarans to the nearby island of Umucyo and hiking trips to the stunning Virunga volcanoes. www.serenahotels.com

In the news

Paper trail
With the current vogue for guilt-free gift shopping, ethically sourced jewellery has to be near the top of every sustainable shopper’s wish list. Step forward Sisters of Rwanda, a charity formed to help some of Rwanda’s most vulnerable women. Although the organisation also provides education, counselling and healthcare, it’s through its economic projects that it really makes a difference. The latest in a long line of initiatives to help economically disadvantaged women help themselves is a new line of jewellery under the Keza label. The pretty beaded trinkets are made entirely out of recycled paper so they also help reduce waste. For information on how to contribute, visit www.sistersofrwanda.org

Inspiring images from Brussels Airlines’ African destinations

Images 4Corners, Corbis, Axiom

A Senegalese camel tender leads his animals across the
sand dunes of the Lompoul region, 250km north of the capital, Dakar

Necessity is the mother of invention: these boys are using
large leaves as impromptu umbrellas against the Ugandan rain

In the northern highlands of Cameroon’s Mandara Mountains
a village leader stands among ancient walls, probably built by his forefathers

Images 4Corners, Corbis, Axiom

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