Author: Chicamod Team
6 South African Designers Who Are Bringing Pattern Into the Spotlight
With pattern as such an integral element of identity in Africa, it’s hardly surprising that it’s being reinterpreted and given a modern spin by countless contemporary designers. Travellers to South Africa often comment on the free use of colour and vibrant designs in the country, and below are six designers for whom the bold use … read more
Discover These Holiday Destinations in Ghana
Ghana, formerly known as the Gold Coast has a whole lot to offer for prospective visitors. Aside being a political and economic heavyweight in the continent, Ghana has a reputation for her captivating and developed tourist centers which serve as holiday destinations for people from around the world. From the monumental castles and forts to … read more
Top West African Food Blogs to Follow
Many of us can go to any length to get our favourite delicacies on the table. It is rather ironic, that not many of us know how to cook these ‘special foods’. If you are internet savvy and interested in learning one or two tips or recipes on how to prepare your favourite West African … read more
Enjoy the Quiet of Greystoke Mahale, Tanzania
Greystoke Mahale sits on a pristine, white sandy beach overlooking the turquoise water of Lake Tanganyika in Singita, Tanzania, with the forested slopes of the 8,000-foot Mahale Mountains rising behind. It’s no exaggeration to say there’s nowhere in the world like Greystoke Mahale. Greystoke affects visitors in a way that no other place does; perhaps because … read more
5 Must Try Southern African Cuisines
Partially influenced by European and Asian cuisines, Southern Africa is said to have a “rainbow cuisine” given its great mixture of traditional and foreign delicacies. There are some delicacies from this region that you should try; we’ve highlighted five of them below. Bunny Chow (South Africa) Also known as Bunny, this delicacy is a South … read more
Unwind in the Open Spaces of High Atlas in Morocco
High Atlas, also called the Grand Atlas Mountains is a mountain range in central Morocco in Northern Africa. The High Atlas rises in the west at the Atlantic Ocean and stretches in an eastern direction to the Moroccan-Algerian border. In the winter, when the weather is clear and cool they are the backdrop of Marrakech. … read more
Glamping – The Ultimate Guide to Glamorous Camping in Kenya
“Glamping” or rather, glamorous camping resorts are sprouting up rapidly, with the makeup of extremely spacious luxury tents that come with a personal chef and butler to boot. Nothing basic about that! Travelers keen to get off the beaten path are best suited for this new form of travel and Kenya has not been left … read more
5 South African Ceramicists Who Are Firing Up the Industry
There is something almost magical about handmade ceramics and pottery. The skill it takes to transform a cold piece of clay into a delicate item of beauty is inspiring, and a hand-turned items feels gloriously authentic, no matter what its shape or form. Thanks to a rich history in the medium, South Africa has a … read more
Q&A with Philippa Thorne, Zinhle Vilakati and Sapna Shah – Founders of KhoKho Collection
Devel into the a cross-continent collaboration of sustainable produced luxury handbags that focuses on empowering women. What was the inspiration behind the Khokho collection? Rich in colour and textures, the landscape of Swaziland is an integral source of inspiration. During the winter, there is a stark contrast between the charred branches and vibrant flora. The collection palette … read more
5 Designs Taking African Weaving Techniques to the Global Stage
Africa is now. The world is obsessed with design and art from the continent. Age-old traditional skills such as weaving are being combined with modern aesthetics to create unique and quintessentially African pieces that are finding homes across the globe. We’ve rounded up 5 designs that are placing ancient weaving techniques in the spotlight. … read more
Where to Tour, Eat, and Sleep in Livingstone, Zambia
Whether you are passing through of staying for a while, this comprehensive guide should make sure that you have a safe, fun, cultural and unforgettable trip of a lifetime. Livingstone is named after David Livingstone, thought to be the first European to set eyes on the Victoria Falls which lie just a few kilometres away from the … read more
Q&A with Linda Gieskes, Owner and Creator of Suki Suki Naturals
Suki Suki Naturals is an African Natural and Indie hair care line that is passionate about the healing and restorative powers of natural and essential oils. Based in Johannesburg, South Africa, the company’s philosophy is to teach women to take better care of their hair and provide them with the right tools and information to do … read more
A Chat with Handbag and Accessories Designer Tsakani Mashaba of Hamethop
Known for her stylish and standout handmade leather accessories, South African designer Tsakani Mashaba creates her range of beautiful and unique products under the brand Hamethop, which fuses local materials, ancient African techniques and contemporary design. We caught up with her to find out more about her work, her inspirations and her ethos. Describe your … read more
Accessorize in Style and Luxury with Kintu
Kintu New York handbags are designed in New York, co-developed with global artisans, and made in Italy. Launched in 2015, the brand’s core value is rooted in the founder, Sarah’s belief in generational conservation of artistry and craftsmanship. The Kintu New York brand appeals to the dynamic, busy, urban woman who values quality and self-expression. … read more
How to Spend 48 Hours in Cairo
Cairo, Egypt’s sprawling capital, is set on the Nile River. At its heart is Tahrir Square and the vast Egyptian Museum, a trove of antiquities including royal mummies and gilded King Tutankhamun artifacts. On a hilltop above the city is the medieval Citadel fortress, site of Muhammad Ali Mosque, an Ottoman landmark. It overlooks the … read more
7 South African Textile Designers to Keep Your Eye On
With a long history of weaving, and an obsession with colour and pattern, South Africa has a wealth of textile designers that continues to inspire. We’ve rounded up 7 amazing textile designers that are challenging the trends and catching the world’s attention. MaXhosa by Laduma LadumaNgxokolo was taught by his mother to use a … read more
Secrets about Botswana You Should Know
Stay at Jack’s Camp In the bleached-out Makgadikgadi, where the silence is even stronger than the sun, there’s only one man to know: Ralph Bousfield. Out of nothing, Ralph has carved one of the most exquisite light-touch camps in Africa, named after his late father who used this locale on trapping expeditions. The look is … read more
Bush Christmas: Why Kivuli Camp Should Be Your Plan This Festive Season
Isn’t this year flying by fast? We certainly think so, and with half the year already gone it’s time to start thinking about your Christmas travel plans. Choosing a place can be tricky, not to mention bookings get hectic as the season approaches – the earlier you are, the better. If you’ve had a rough year … read more
The Africa You Don’t Know: Quaint and Beautiful Travel Spots
tea highlands Shire Highlands, Malawi For tree-lovers, Shire Highlands is the right place to be because it is full of vegetation. It’s at a high altitude and is very peaceful and silent, with only a few animals – insects, birds and a lot of butterflies. The area is humid and rainy, and its green surroundings … read more
Ceramicist Alexia Klompje Took a Life-Changing Medical Diagnosis and Channelled It Into Creative Fuel
Recently I had the pleasure of meeting the beautiful Alexia Klompje of Klomp Ceramics. She invited me into her home studio and we hit it off from the minute the door opened – it’s pretty hard not to fall for this amazingly warm and talented lady. I was blown away by her bold yet simple … read more