Inflight Magazine of Brussels Airlines

In Africa

Explore further with Brussels Airlines: from July we’ll be flying to several new destinations, including Ghana, Benin, Burkina Faso and Togo, where vibrant cities, towns and villages await you

Images photolibrary.com, Alamy

Women with solar panels in the village of Gorom-Gorom in northern Burkina Faso, where solar cooking has been promoted for several years

Fresh vegetables in abundance in Cotonou, Benin, where the huge Dantokpa Market covers 20 hectares

Fishy business at the large Kaneshie Market in Accra, Ghana’s capital

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

Ghana

Golden Tulip Hotel

Where is it?
Located near the Legion Village, five minutes from Kotoka International Airport and a short drive from Accra city centre (www.goldentulipaccra.com)

What to do
Once you’ve put down the laptop, sit back and relax. With Ghana boasting average annual temperatures of 26°C, the Golden Tulip is perfectly placed to ensure you have a very luxurious stay. Having recently undergone a refurbishment, all rooms now benefit from in-room internet access as well as sumptuous fittings. If you’re looking for something a little more energetic, meanwhile, you can take to the tennis court, work up a sweat in the fitness centre or make a splash in the hotel pool. Or if you’re a culture vulture, the hotel is well situated for the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum – the final resting place of the first President of Ghana – as well as the Ghana Arts Centre and Accra Zoo.

How much does it cost?
From €130 per night including breakfast.

Benin and Togo

City highlights

Cotonou, Benin: Cotonou cathedral (Avenue Clozel)

Officially known as the Notre Dame des Apôtres, this striking Roman Catholic cathedral is noted for its distinctive red-and-white tiled architecture. Built in the Italian neo-Renaissance style, it’s definitely worth a visit for any passing tourist – a highlight is to stay for a service by the current Archbishop of Cotonou, Marcel Honorat Léon Agboton.

Lomé, Togo: Marché des Féticheurs (Akodessewa) If you’re looking to sort out your love life or improve your memory, head to this busy market (pictured) just outside the city centre, where you’ll see an array of statues, bells, powders and other ingredients used in the traditional medicines and religions of the country. Look out for talismans that’ll ensure safe travel, or browse the scorpions and snakes used in potions to treat rheumatism and arthritis. Or if all that seems too much, simply explore the huge variety of fruit and flowers.

Burkina Faso

Monument to national heroes

Look out for this unique piece of architecture located in the heart of the new Ouaga 2000 district of the capital, Ouagadougou. Following the political troubles of 1998, the monument to national heroes was conceived as a representation of a new Burkina Faso – a country of unity and peace – and contains the names of all those who have given their life in support of their country. While the four pillars represent the four important historical periods of the country, the circular viewing platform halfway up (which will house the country’s political museum) acts as a symbol of unity for the future. Beneath the flame at the top of the structure, symbolising the reconciliation of the Burkinabé nation, is a viewing floor offering spectacular vistas of the city.

Insider tips

How to get more from your African adventure

Adrian Hicks of Fulani Travel offers tips for getting off the tourist trail and ensuring you see the best of these fascinating cities:

Cotonou
Start with a visit to popular nighspot New York, New York (Boulevard St Michel) on your first late night to see a fun side of this exciting city.

Lomé
The Grand Marché (Rue de Grand Marché) is the hub of Lomé, and offers one of the best examples of an African daily market. Look out for the affluent women – the ‘Mama Mercedes’ of Lomé – in full control of the show.

Accra
Not as morbid as it sounds, look in on Paa Joe’s Casket Centre (Nungua). He crafts quality coffins styled to celebrate the achievements of his deceased clients, with designs from birds and animals to trucks and planes. And for the soft-drinks mogul, what better than a giant coke bottle? www.fulanitravel.co.uk

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