SOME IDEAS FOR DESTINATIONS
AND ACTIVITIES
Discover unique destination and activity ideas with my expert advice. Let yourself be inspired and dive into a world of exciting discoveries. Whether you want to embark on adventures in exotic locations or explore cultural attractions, here are some ideas that will enchant you :
Discover the roots of a famous Gambian slave
Certainly, sailing on Lake Titicaca may not be considered off the beaten path, given the lake's significant reputation. However, spending time on a mini island traditionally built by the Uros people, among the first inhabitants of Peru who were never colonized by the Spanish, is rich in emotion and knowledge.
While there are several "resort" complexes on Lake Titicaca accommodating dozens of people per night, there are few much more intimate islands where you can truly be close to the local residents. This was the opportunity I had after conducting several searches (I don't like to do things like everyone else).
This experience allowed me to learn much more about the history of Lake Titicaca, particularly during the Spanish colonization, and especially to understand how the Uros people live secluded on this lake, which is the highest in the world... truly a magical moment!
Sleeping on Lake Titicaca with an authentic Uros family in Peru
A few kilometers from the renowned Senegalese island of Gorée, symbol of the African slave trade to the Americas, lies another equally symbolic place of memory: Kunta Kinteh Island. In 2022, during my trip to Senegal, I discovered by chance that the birthplace of the famous character Kunta Kinteh, the first African ancestor deported to the United States, from the writer Alex Haley, was in The Gambia, an enclave of Senegal. Without hesitation, I managed to find a driver who would take me there, despite the difficulties in crossing the Senegambia border (unfortunately, there is a lot of corruption among law enforcement officials).
But after a few administrative hiccups and nearly 5 hours of driving, I was able to visit the village of Juffureh, where the descendants of the Kinteh family still live (including the guide in the middle photo) and especially James Island, later renamed Kunta Kinteh Island by Jermaine Jackson, brother of Michael Jackson. This island, eroded by erosion and rising waters, was one of the most important British centers for the deportation of slaves to the Americas, and therefore the supposed last African land touched by Kunta Kinteh, immortalized by his descendant in the novels and series Roots.
To this day, and even looking at the photos, I find that this place is much more emotional than Gorée, which historically did not have as much importance as it is given today. In short, if you love history, emotions, and getting off the beaten path, then The Gambia and the village of Juffureh are a must. My advice, go through The Gambia before going to Casamance.
Walking and playing with the last lions of Senegal
Seeing lions in real life has always been a childhood dream! In fact, those who follow me on Instagram know that my username is Little lion, in homage to this majestic animal! I was able to fulfill this dream for my 30th birthday during my trip to Senegal.
Although the players of the Senegal national team are nicknamed the Lions of Teranga, the king of the savannah has somewhat disappeared from the Senegalese landscape due to poaching, primarily. However, there are still a few in one of the country's nature reserves.
These are rare specimens, accustomed to living with humans, it must be said, but they are at least very well treated and not kept in tiny cages. Many activities are possible, such as walking with the lions or playing with lion cubs (which act really like biiiiig kittens :D). In short, a wonderful experience that also allows you to learn a lot about the king and queen of the savannah
Initiating yourself to yole, a unique sport in the world, in Martinique
As a proud Martinican, I am passionate about the yole rondes race, a unique sport in the world where traditional sailboats, steered by seasoned sailors, engage in a frenzied race through the elements and around the island to bring the cup home.
However, it was only in 2021 that I took the plunge and initiated myself into this sport under the guidance of the greatest yole champion, Mr. George-Henri Lagier. Watching a yole race is a magnificent spectacle, but being on the yole is a whole other experience.
Between dexterity, skill, speed, reflexes, strength, anticipation of the elements, and analysis of the wind, this traditional sport is more than complete and will forever change your relationship with water and wind.