Photo: On the way to catch a bus to Lilongwe, Malawi. Taken Dudu Dube on Sam Hancock St, Johannesburg, South Africa around the Constitutional Hill Human Rights Precinct.
Hi, I am Trevor.
I am interested in culture, history, food, people, and places. Originally from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. I am currently travelling to learn, examine, and document how COVID-19 has affected the African tourism and hospitality industry.
What is Rooots & Routes about?
My target is to visit 25 countries – exploring all the places you’ve heard of and even better the places you have not to show the diversity and beauty of Africa.
Learning about, examining, and documenting anything about Africa requires one to travel and immerse oneself through it. The regional differences cannot be undersold. To give a truthful, objective, and meaningful portrait of the state of travelling in Africa now; it was necessary for me to actually travel.
Why Am I Doing This?
When I started thinking and planning this trip COVID-19 struck, and life as we know it changed forever. At a crossroads of uncertainty, and with no plan, itinerary, or money I decided to take a leap of faith and travel across Africa with the aim to:
Witness the impact of COVID-19 on micro, small, and medium enterprises in the tourism and hospitality sector.
Uncover investment opportunities and showcase the pathways for careers, and learnerships within the fields of tourism and hospitality.
Capture the experience of remote work across visa-free African destinations, offering insights into diverse work environments and cultures.
Comprehend the demographics of current travelers in the destination I visit and their preferences, shedding light on their travel experiences.
Explore how content is aiding tourism businesses and hospitality stakeholders in engaging consumers throughout the travel purchasing process.
Maintain a current directory of accommodations, experiences, transport, tours, and entry info for the visited destinations.
Where Am I Going?
One of the things I have loved about my travels so far is that each place has been completely unique, with its own traditions, vibes, and typography. So naturally it is difficult to decide which place I will be visiting next. But like I said there is no plan.
My decision-making process of where to go over time has come down to a couple of things; COVID-19, Entry and visa requirements, the logistics of getting around, how much cash I have, the opportunity for collaborations, work, and of course, food.
ph: Fishermen heading to the fish market with the morning's catch. Chembe Village, Lake Malawi National Park. 2022
How Can I Follow The Journey?
I am using the journey to document the experiences and people I encounter along the way and collaborate; try out new concepts; and ideas that make it easier to find information and book African travel.
How Am I Funding This Journey
As I explore Africa's diverse cultures and document the post-COVID-19 travel landscape, your support fuels my mission. You can support me on this adventure through the following avenues:
Skill Exchange
I am interested in connecting with welcoming hosts to share my skills and experience in return for a welcoming stay and a taste of life in your part of Africa.
The Travel Fund
With your support, I'll be able to complete this journey! All adventures are a personal affair and I want you to feel part of this journey.
Sponsor Rooots & Routes
Elevate your brand by partnering with me to reach engaged readers passionate about post-COVID-19 exploration.
Collectors of African Art
Resources and small group trips/experiences for people interested in collecting African art.
Website Bootcamp
A website development service for tourism businesses interested in building a mobile-friendly website that do more.
The Travel Scout Program
An experimental project enabling content creators to stay in places across Africa for free in exchange for the content assets they create.
The Research Lab
A project exploring how small business owners can use data to improve or expand their business, enter new markets, or launch new products.
Remote In Africa
A project exploring how to provide people interested in working remotely in Africa with information and, turn-key housing options in cities across Africa.
Press
As I travel, I get the opportunity to share my story on various other platforms. Take a listen or read. I hope you enjoy it. Don't forget to share with your friends and family!
Parole Podcast
I had a conversation with Nyamoya Boyi on her podcast that brings stories of opportunities of what is happening around the world with a focus on Africa.
IOL Travel
I had a conversation with Thobile Mazibuko from IOL Travel about backpacking South Africa.
Project
Support
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