Inflight Magazine of Brussels Airlines

In Africa

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Explore further with Brussels Airlines: from July we’ll be flying to several new destinations, including Ghana, Benin, Burkina Faso and Togo, where fascinating sights such as these await you

In words

The vertigo-inducing canopy walk in Ghana’s Kakum National Park gives a stunning perspective on the rainforest

With a population of about 20,000 people, the extraordinary village of Ganvie is built entirely on stilts on Lake Nokoué in Benin

The Kassena people, an ethnic group who live both in Burkina Faso and Ghana, are known for the beautiful murals and patterns that adorn the walls of their houses

The experiences to be had in these new destinations are as diverse as the countries themselves

Ghana

Labadi Beach Hotel

Where is it?
A 15km drive from the centre of Accra, right on the Atlantic coastline. (www.legacygroup.co.za)

What to do
Sitting on one of Ghana’s most popular beaches, take advantage of the beach front facilities, recline on one of the exotic loungers and enjoy the attendant waiter service. Or if a day at the beach doesn’t appeal, take advantage of the private pool set amidst tropical landscaped gardens, or work up a sweat on the tennis court before enjoying a sauna and massage in the health club.

How much does it cost?
Rooms start at €235 per night and include breakfast. An additional wing with 58 new rooms is due to be finished by the end of this year.

Busua Beach Resort

Where is it?
A three-hour drive from Accra will bring you to the resort and its several acres of natural sandy beaches. (www.gbhghana.net)

What to do
As well as the hotel pool, the sea and the other sports on offer (such as kayaking, jet skiing and surfing), explore ‘Aboakwa’, Busua’s very own private island. Listen to the wildlife or bask in the pristine pools and make the most of Ghanaian hospitality. If you’re feeling hungry after a day of activities, the Ghanaian Village restaurant offers a taste of the finest local cuisine.

How much does it cost?
Prices are from €70 per night including a full English breakfast.

Benin and Togo

West Africa Tour

If you’ve never considered a trip to West Africa before, or you’ve only visited on business, leave the suit in the hotel room for a couple of days. Responsible Travel offers a 19-day tour that explores everything from the dramatic coastline to the vast expanse of the Sahel.

Architecture See the nine mud mosques of Bani, meet the Bassar tribe, whose striking conical-roofed clay houses dominate the landscape, and explore the wealth of adobe architecture that’s characteristic of this region. People As well as coming face-to-face with the Tem, famous for their fire dances, spend a night in the fishing village of Ganvie, built on stilts above Lake Nokoué (see p24). Then pass through Ouidah, considered the spiritual capital of Voodoo, and end at the eclectic fish market in Lomé, where you’ll experience real West African life.

Burkina Faso

Cattle and camels on market day

A highlight of any trip to Burkina Faso is the weekly Gorom-Gorom market. While it might be 290km north of the capital Ouagadougou, this Thursday gathering is by far the most colourful and interesting in the country. Watch the lively trade between the nomadic herders and sedentary farmers, where savannah meets the harshness of the Saharan desert. If you’re looking for something a little bit more out of the ordinary, barter with a local for a camel ride – though a trip of more than 10km is best avoided unless you have a very robust behind.

Insider tip

How to get more from your African adventure

Justin Francis, founder of Responsible Travel, suggests: “Having researched a little beforehand, leave the guide book and its off-the-shelf answers in your hotel room. You’ll learn more from the beach trader or the lady in the bread shop than from any book. Put the camera away for a few minutes, too, and try capturing a few special images in your mind, where they will last forever. Sit in a café or by a water hole for a while and watch the world – or the wildlife – drift by. You’ll observe far more than you might expect.”

Responsible Travel offers a 19-day trip taking in Benin, Togo and Burkina Faso from €2,221. www.responsibletravel.com

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