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 DIG INTO THE AFRICAN ROOTS OF LATIN AMERICA 

AfroLatino Travel will show you how

The premier resource for the African Diaspora in Latin America and the Caribbean, facilitating diasporic social, cultural, economic and community-building exchanges, trips, and tours since 2010.

AFROCUBA TOURS 2024 April 10-15,  2024

October 10-15, 2024.

There are no other AfroCuba tours planned for 2024 at this time.

We are  one of the only organizations that is dedicated to facilitating immersion in AfroCuban history,

spirituality, legacy, and contemporary life.

VIDEO by Rashid Zakat

THERE ARE OVER 150 MILLION AFRODESCENDANTS IN LATIN AMERICA & CARIBBEAN

BRIDGING THE AFRICAN DIASPORA

We are a network of Black Latin Americans based throughout the Americas. We facilitate travel, trips, ground tours, group trips, and itineraries focused on the historical African heritage and legacy and contemporary cultural manifestations and realities.

AfroCuba 2024 Group Trip Dates April 10-15, 2024 October 10-15, 2024    

All those who would like to join, we ask that a portion of your luggage be dedicated to bringing supplies to the AfroCuban communities we work with. These are spaces that urgently need the resources. Our trips are through Black lenses and we remain even truer than ever to that. The upcoming trips, as always, centers lived and material historical and contemporary realities of Africans and their descendants in Cuba.

All those interested must fill out the interest form below.. This educational trip requires participants attend mandatory monthly meetings, engagement with Black History & Contemporary courses & mutual aid for local Black communities.

The trip is capped at 16 participants and deposits are open until spots are filled. 

AFROPANAMA IN FOCUS

Available on-the-ground tour in Panama City, Panama for groups of five people or more.

We cannot accommodate groups smaller than this.

Email us at [email protected] with specific details of trip dates and size of your group.

AFROPANAMA IN FOCUS CITY DAY TOUR

Available by request only groups of 5 or more only or join our afropanama group trips..

Travelers interested in history and culture will love this Afro-focused tour of Panama City. Learn more about the Afrodescendants who built the region, and have shaped the contemporary city and wider country. Enjoy the information at the Afro-Antillean Museum during a 90-minute tour in the museum.  

2024 TRIPS AFROCUBA - APRIL 10-15,  2024 AFROPANAMA - AUGUST 6-11, 2024 AFROCOLOMBIA AUGUST 17-23, 2024 AFRO COSTA RICA - AUGUST 28- SEPTEMBER 2, 2024 AFROCUBA - OCTOBER 10-15, 2024 AFROPANAMA JANUARY 16-21, 2025  

ALL THOSE INTERESTED IN ANY OF OUR TRIPS MUST FILL OUT THE INTEREST FORM FIRST.

ALL TRIPS REQUIRE MUTUAL AID TO THE COMMUNITIES WE WORK WITH, MONTHLY GROUP MEETINGS, AND COMPLETION OF OUR BLACK LATIN AMERICAN HISTORY AND CONTEMPORARY TOPICS COURSE.

VIRTUAL EXPERIENCES

Workshops, classes, panels & Events centered around Black Latin Americans

COCADA-MAKING VIRTUAL WORKSHOP

Join us and learn how to make traditional cocadas of San Basilio de Palenque, Colombia. These delicious coconut candies emerge from a long history of resistance and perseverance. Maria, a palenquera, will lead us on this culinary journey to explore the history of cocadas and the role AfroColombian women play in maintaining the tradition. Maria has traveled to different countries selling her treats and has garnered much fame. From Cartagena, Colombia, she invites us into her family’s home to share a part of herself with us. There are no scientific measurements in this culinary experience! We will learn by doing!

DOLL-MAKING WORKSHOP WITH MAMA ARI

Power. That’s the best way to describe Muñecas Negras con Mamá Ari. In our Afro Experience you will make Abayomi dolls, a West African doll tradition that has been around for centuries. Mama Ari, the community “mama guarda” or keeper of Congos de Colón, Panama history, culture and practice leads this workshop. She walks us through their significance and how Black mothers filled these dolls with spiritual protections. You will fill each knot with positive affirmations and intentions.

-SUENAN LOS CAJÓNES - AFROPERUVIAN CAJÓN WORKSHOP

Join AfroLatinx Travel as artivist Nani Medrano leads this cajón workshop. Nani combines her music and dance with her activism. Medrano uses the AfroPeruvian cajon, which she says connects her to her motherland and her ancestry. Sharing the histories, her family lineage and her personal stories through these mediums is not a trend, it is a lifestyle, she said.

Black Latin American History & Contemporary Topics

August 14, 15, 23, 2023

 6pm-8pm EST 

Summer Edition! Black Latin American Virtual Experience:

A three-part course centering Black history & life taught by Black Latin Americans

Diaspora Book Club

TBD FALL 2023

"Finding La Negrita" Book Chat with Dr. Natasha Gordon-Chipembere

August 31, 2022

AfroLatinx Travel presents a conversation with Dr. Natasha Gordon Chipembere on her historical fiction book "Finding La Negrita," centered on Costa Rica's patron saint "Virgen de los angeles" and the realities of tension between freedom and enslavement in colonial Costa Rica.  (RT: 1:33)

AFROLATINX TRAVEL AND REGGAETON CON LA GATA

August 31, 2021

Join us as music historian talks about her work being the "first femme brand dedicated to the intersectional analysis and history of Reggaeton."

AFROSALVADORAN CHAT

August 26, 2021

AfroLatinx Travel presents a conversation with Dr. Danielle Parada and Zaira Miluska on their research, work, and identities as AfroSalvadorans. (RT: 1:33)

AFROCOSTA RICAN CHAT

August 24, 2021

AfroLatinx Travel presents a conversation with three Black Costa Rican artists, writers, activists, and educators: Angeley Crawford Gibb, Dr. Natasha Gordon-Chipembere and Tanisha Swaby. (RT 1:13)

If you enjoyed the chat please donate to our participants' mutual aid projects listed below. To make a donation to Tanisha's organization supporting Black Costa Rican athletes you can do so through PayPal:  [email protected]  

OUR SERVICES

AfroDiasporic Travel Made Easy

SCHOOL & UNIVERSITY EDUCATIONAL TOURS

We have planned Afro-focused trips for middle-school, high school, and university students across the United States. Not only do we develop educational trips, our team members are comprised of teachers, professors, documentarians, journalists, authors, writers, activists, artists, community leaders and trail blazers with decades of experience in the academic field.

AFRO-FOCUSED CUSTOM TRIPS & ITINERARIES

Planning group trips is challenging, so leave it up to us! We have hosted hundreds of individuals, and group tours in Puerto Rico, Peru, Panama, Cuba, and Colombia. With more destinations being added soon. We craft trips where you get to the heart of African history, cultures, spirituality, food, music, and dance all with the support of the Black community and business in each destination.

COMMUNITY-BUILDING EXCHANGES

Our ongoing "Brown Dolls and Books for Brown Children," as well as our annual Black Doll Fest in Havana, Cuba, we are dedicated to disrupting hegemony. We facilitate community-building between activists, organizations, and community members throughout the region.

Over 100 years of ancestral and professional Diasporic Blackness

DASH HARRIS MACHADO

 Co-founder of AfroLatino Travel, multi-media journalist and documentarian based in Havana. Featured on CNN, USAToday, The Root, LatinaMag, HipLatina, For Harriet, VIBE, People CHICA, and Huffington Post, her work on Blackness in Latin America spans over a decade. 

JAVIER WALLACE

Javier is co-founder of AfroLatino Travel. Having lived six years in Panama, teaching, coaching, and giving tours, Javier is now completing his PhD in Physical Education focusing on AfroLatinos in sports at UT Austin. An avid traveler, Javier calls Panama and Colombia his second homes.

VÍCTOR MACHADO

Victor is a Cuban drummer, Yoruba babalawo, palero, and Abakua member. He lives his negritud daily and has facilitated over 100 AfroCuba tours.

FAYIDA JAILLER

Fayida is a British multi-media journalist and documentary researcher who has lived and worked in eight different Latin American countries.

TESTIMONIALS

My trip with AfroLatino Travel was a life-changing experience. Period. And I don't use those words lightly. No other group out there will give you access to both the important historical and modern sights and scenes around Cuba - but also authentically connect you to the lived experiences of AfroCubans today.

Aekta Shah, California

​CONTACT US

We cannot accommodate tour requests for groups smaller than five people. Please ensure to send your message with your specific dates of travel and group size. Email us directly for a faster response.

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Africa Tours & Vacations

Surrender to the lure of Africa and its diverse wildlife, thousands of cultures and breathtaking landscapes. 

Meaning ‘to travel’ in Arabic and Swahili, the word ‘safari’ can describe many types of epic adventure in Africa. There is the ancient Egypt kind – discovering the lost city of Abu Simbel and the Valley of the Kings. The nomadic one – veering away from Morocco’s souqs and medinas and being hosted by a Berber family in the Sahara. The local village version – cherishing moments with Maasai , San, and Malagasy cultures. The wildlife way – search for the Big Five in any number of game reserves and parks: Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Kruger, and Lake Nakuru, to name a few. What does your African adventure look like? 

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Travel With Lady Chin

Welcome To Travel with Lady Chin

How To Experience Afro-Cuban Culture When Visiting Cuba

Caribbean , Cuba / January 14, 2022 by Lady Chin

Cuba is one of the few places in the world where I feel the most celebrated and welcomed. During my first trip, I noticed the apparent cultural similarities between Nigeria , where my family hails, and Afro-Cubans.  

I quickly discovered that African influence was everywhere, from the food traditions to the music to the art and religion. 

I was fascinated and wanted to know more about the origins of Afro-Cubans. To my dismay, I found the tour books didn’t go into great detail about Afro-Cuban culture. 

That’s why I put together the ultimate Afro-Cuban culture guide to help you experience Cuba’s rich African heritage when you visit. This guide provides you with an understanding of the people, history, religion, culture, and traditions you need to know before you go. 

Pin Me for Later! 

This is the third post in the Cuba series. Here’s the complete 10-part series:

Cuba Travel Series

Travel Guide: The Complete Travel Guide For First Time Visitors

Money Honey: Cuban Currency Guide: Everything You Need To Know

For The Culture: 36 Ways To Immerse Yourself in Afro-Cuban Culture

The Ultimate Cuba Bucket List: 101 Fun Things to Do in Cuba

Cuba Bucket List: Top 10 Epic Things To Do in Cuba

Packing Tips: The Complete Guide To Packing For Your Trip To Cuba

Inspiration: 30 Photos That Will Inspire You To Visit Cuba

Travel Tips: 10 Things You Should Know Before Visiting Cuba

Trinidad: Trinidad Travel Guide – How To Explore Trinidad in 3 Days

Viñales: How To Take the Perfect Day Trip From Havana To Viñales

Who are Afro-Cubans? 

Afro-Cubans are Cubans of West or Central African ancestry. According to the 2020 National Consensus, the 11.3 million population of Cuba consists of the following ethnic groups: 64.1% White, 26.6% mulatto or mestizo, and 9.3% Black (2012 est.). 

Sadly, due to internalized racism existing in Cuba, the numbers above aren’t as accurate and are believed to have under-reported Black and mestizo populations.  

Some African ethnic groups and religions include Yoruba, Akan, Arará, Kongo, Igbo, Carabalí, Mandingo, Kissi, Fula, Makua, etc.

Origins of Afro-Cubans 

Approximately 800,000 enslaved Africans were brought to Cuba due to the transatlantic slave trade, including Nigeria (home of the Yoruba and Igbo cultures), Spanish Guinea, and Angola.

That’s twice the number of enslaved Africans that arrived in the United States. 

In the 18th century, Cuba became the largest sugar producer, and by 1839, Havana had the most significant population of enslaved Africans in the Caribbean. 

36 Ways To Immerse Yourself into Afro-Cuban Culture: Things To Do By Location, Region, and Destination

Read on to discover the variety of Afro-Cuban sights and attractions broken down by each city so you can incorporate them into your itinerary. 

La Habana (Havana), founded by the Spanish in the 16th century, is the capital of Cuba and is home to the largest population of Afro-Cubans in any city on the island.

This city attracts over a million tourists annually and is known for its vibrant history, culture, architecture, and monuments.

• Visit La Casa de África (The House of Africa)  – located in a seventeenth-century mansion Casa de África provides the historical context of Afro-Cuban culture and religion. 

This three-floor museum displays ritual masks, ivory carvings, and textiles from African countries, along with a section dedicated to the  Santería  religion.  

Every Saturday, the museum offers free educational and music programs. Afro-Cuban families from Havana and neighboring towns come to learn about African spiritual rituals’ traditions, dances, songs, and worship practices.

Pro Tip: The signs in the museums are in Spanish; make sure to bring a translator. Download Google Translate before your trip. I guarantee it will come in handy more than you think! 

2. Stroll Through Callejón de Hamel-  This 2-block alley between Aramburu and Hospital street in Centro Havana highlights Afro-Cuban artists’ colorful and captivating murals. Deities of the Santería religion served as inspiration for some of the murals.

On Sundays, between noon and 3 pm, you’ll find the alley erupts with live  Rumba  music and dancers by the renowned folkloric group Clavé y Guaguanco.

Additionally, small shops carry Santería beads and deities. A popular attraction for residents and tourists. Don’t forget to bring some extra pesos to tip the performers. 

3. Wander Around The Museo de Los Orishas (Museum of the Orishas) –  if you’re interested in religion and Cuban culture, head over to the Asociación Cultural Yoruba de Cuba to see the Orishas (Yoruba deities). 

Located right across the street from the  Capitolio , this museum has 32 life-size sculptures representing Afro-Cuban saint Gods. Descriptions for each Yourban deity are explained in English, French, and Spanish.

Baskets sit in front of the Orisha for people who come to pray and give offerings. If you get lucky, you may witness a Santería ceremony which is supposed to be a real treat!

However, note that you will not be able to take photos or videos; therefore, I recommend being present and experiencing the moment! 

4. Go Dancing at the Jazz Café –  this sophisticated spot across from the  Melia Cohiba hotel  is ideal for hearing some of Cuba’s top Afro-Cuban jazz musicians. 

5. Check out Sábado de la Rumba at El Gran Palenque  (Rumba on Saturdays at Grand Park) – every Saturday at 3 pm at El Gran Parque, the Conjunto Folklórico Nacional de Cuba hosts a mesmerizing Afro-Cuban dance and drum show. 

6. Jam out at La Zorra y El Cuervo –  this is Havana’s best jazz club! Prepare to dance and mingle with locals and tourists alike! This place was unpretentious and an ideal spot to let loose and enjoy yourself.  

7. See a Cabaret Show at Tropicana –  Tropicana  has been putting on shows for over 60 years and never disappoints! You are guaranteed to have a memorable time between the shows happening beneath the stars, the dancers, and their extravagant costumes and music! 

8. Stopover to Casa de la Música (House of Music)  – this salsa dancing venue located in Centro Havana is considered one of the best places in the city for salsa music. The crowd is predominantly Cuban, making it ideal for getting one of the best authentic salsa dancing experiences! Cubans are extremely friendly and more than happy to teach you a few moves!  

9. Go to Jardines del 1830 (Gardens of 1830)  – this open-air nightclub right next to the Malecón that you can’t miss! If you’re looking for an enjoyable night out mixed with lively Spanish music, be sure to stop here!

The best nights for salsa music are Thursdays and Saturdays. On Fridays, the club hosts a ‘Friday Night House Party’ but don’t arrive late, or else you’ll miss the vibes! 

10. Dine at El Cimarrón (Runaway slave) –  this lovely paladar (private family-owned restaurant) in Vedado was my favorite place to eat in Havana. Alexis, the owner, and his family provided an inviting space to enjoy traditional Cuban food, admire the African artwork covering the walls, and soak up the Afro-Cuban music and vibes. 

At night and during the weekends, El Cimarrón is ideal for dancing to live music! 

El Cimarrón offers cooking classes that focus on Afro-Cuban cuisine, and while I haven’t personally tried it, I would recommend it! If you do decide to go, come back and tell me how it was!

11. Venture out to  Fábrica de Arte Cubano  (Cuban Art Factory) – this old cooking oil factory transformed into a hub for creatives in the city. Enjoy Cuban hip-hop, Afro-rock, reggaeton, contemporary art, and film together under one roof. The factory has a variety of rooms dedicated to Afro-Cuban exhibitions and performances. 

Regla 

Regla is one of the 15  municipalities  in the city of Havana. Accessible by ferry at the port in Old Havana. Regla, often missed by tourists, has a rich Afro-Cuban culture due to the freed enslaved Africans who settled in the area during the 19th century.  

12. Visit Museo Municipal de Regla ( Municipal Museum of Regla) – this important museum exhibits lots of history about Regla and Afro-Cuban religions. 

Don’t miss the room dedicated to the Orishas (deities of the Santería religion), Palo Monte ngangas (cauldrons), and the masked Abakuá dancing figurines. The museum organizes guided tours of Regla for a small fee.

13.  Explore   La Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Regla  (The Church of Our Lady Regla) – originally a haven for enslaved Africans, this  church  is home to one of the most famous religious icons in all of Cuba, La Santísima Virgen de Regla (The Blessed Virgin of Regla).

In Santería, the Black Virgin Mary (Black Madonna) represents the African goddess of the ocean, Yemayá. Like most of the attractions in Regla, this church shows a combination of African and Catholic traditions.  

A festival to honor the virgin takes place every year on September 8th. 

Guanabacoa is another municipality of Havana located next to Regla. Like Regla, Guanabacoa is accessible by catching a 10-min ferry from the port in Old Havana. This neighborhood is also known for its rich Afro-Cuban culture and religions: Santería  ( Regla de Ocha), Palo Monte, and Abakuá. 

14.  See the Museo Municipal de Guanabacoa  (Municipal Museum of Guanabacoa) – similar to the museum in Regla, it is filled with important Santería artifacts introduced into Cuba by three African religious groups during slavery. 

Don’t miss the rumba, folkloric shows, and rare artifacts from the Palo Monte and Abakuá religions. Pay particular focus on the Orisha Elegguá, the deity of the crossroads.

Trinidad de Cuba

Trinidad is located in central Cuba. During the 18th and 19th centuries,  Valle de Los Ingenios  (Sugar Mill Valley) was the historical center of sugar cane production. Over 30,000 enslaved Africans worked in the mills and on sugar cane plantations.

15. Visit Manaca Iznaga –  this 18th-century sugarcane plantation just 10 miles east of Trinidad became one of the biggest in the Valle de Los Ingenios and is infamous for trafficking enslaved Africans.

You can pay a small fee to climb the tower stairs to reach the observation deck, which has stunning views of Valle de Los Ingenios. The plantation owners used the tower as a lookout for overseeing the enslaved Africans.  

A fun way to get to Manaca Iznaga is to catch the  steam train  from Trinidad. This railroad route dated back to the late 1800s and was created to transport sugar to the port town of Casilda. 

16. Stop in at Casa Temple de Santeria Yemayá, The Yemayá Temple – This 18th-century house located near the Plaza Mayor Square is a Santería temple dedicated to the deity of the sea. Yemayá, the sea goddess, is dressed in white and decorated with fish representing her sons’ eyes. The religious temple and house symbolize the historical and cultural importance of the Afro-Cuban culture and local identity.

17. Enjoy live music at Palenque de los Congos –  my casa particular host recommended visiting Palenque de Los Congos, and I’m glad we did! This traditional venue has some of Trinidad’s best Afro-Cuban drumming and live music. Folklore Afro-Cuban performances happen regularly. 

We only planned to stop in for a few minutes but ended up enjoying this chill, not-so-tourist bar. The best of all is that regulars aren’t shy and will teach you how to salsa! 

18. Dance the night away at Casa de la Música (House of Music)  – I can’t think of a better night than dancing under the stars to live salsa and rumba music. Casa de la Música is conveniently located in Plaza Mayor.

At night, this outdoor venue comes alive with vibrant music and locals and tourists alike. After 11:00 pm, the locale turns into a nightclub.

Cienfuegos 

Cienfuegos, also known as La Perla del Sur (Pearl of the South), is located on the southeastern coast of Cuba. Founded by French colonists in 1819, this port became a commercial center for sugarcane, tobacco, and coffee. Enslaved Africans built the town, and today African cultural traditions remain. 

19. Witness the Hemp Drum in Palmira –  located 10 kilometers from Cienfuegos, the town of Palmira is known for keeping the Afro-Cuban religion alive by honoring and celebrating the Orishas through a celebration of drums of stick or hemp, song, and dance. 

On December 4th, the main Yoruba festivity honors Saint Barbra and the Orisha Shango, god of war and owner of lighting and thunder. 

Matanzas 

Matanzas is located on the northern shore of Cuba and is one of the wealthiest areas of the island. Matanzas is known for its poets, music, dance traditions, culture, and Afro-Cuban folklore. 

Enslaved Africans worked on sugar plantations during the colonial era. Due to the vast numbers of enslaved Africans and Afro-Cubans, African influence and traditions remain strong. 

20. Visit the Museo Nacional Ruta del Esclavo  (Slave Route National Museum)  –  this 17th-century San Severino Castle turned UNESCO-selected museum for the Slave Route Project. 

The exhibits address the origins of plantation systems, abolition and emancipation, and the ongoing legacies affecting people of African heritage around the world.

Camagüey, often overlooked by visitors, is the third-largest city in Cuba. In 2008, the historic center was named a  UNESCO World Heritage Site . The labyrinth streets were intentionally designed to keep away and confuse pirates back in the day. It’s a charming area to wander and discover the unique street art, plaza, and history.

21. Enjoy the Camagüey Carnival – San Juan Camagüeyano, considered the oldest and most famous festival in Cuba. San Juan Camagüeyano takes place every June 24-29 and dedicates the celebration to the memory of the Saints Juan and Pedro. 

Families come together to celebrate by the riverbanks, getting dressed up, making ajiaco, and dancing.  

On the last day of the celebrations, a symbolic burial of San Pedro is represented by a Black doll followed by several weeping willows. The burning of the doll symbolizes purification and future economic prosperity. 

Located just 14 miles outside Santiago de Cuba, El Cobre is considered a milestone in the history of slavery in the Caribbean.

22. La Basílica Santuario Nacional de Nuestra Señora de La Caridad Del Cobre,  (The National Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Charity of Cobre)  –  this shrine celebrates the Catholic patroness Virgen de la Caridad (Virgin Saint Our Lady of Charity). 

Many Cubans believe Virgen de la Caridad and African orisha Ochún to be the same due to her skin tone and bright yellow dress. 

23. Go to the El Monumento al Cimarrón,  (The Monument of Runaway Slaves) – directly across from the Virgen de la Caridad stands El Monumento al Cimarrón. The bronze and iron sculpture created by Afro-Cuban artist Alberto Lescay symbolizes resistance and freedom. 

The monument glorifies one of the most significant slave uprisings in the island’s history – the successful July 24th, 1731, insurrection of enslaved Africans working in the mines of El Cobre. 

Santiago de Cuba

In eastern Cuba, Santiago de Cuba has the highest concentration of Afro-Cubans and is the second-largest city on the island. Due to the proximity, Haitian and Jamaican immigrants have settled in Cuba. This magical part of the island is known for its culture and traditional dances, most notably son, from which salsa has been derived.  

24. Visit Museo del Carnaval  (Carnival Museum) – Santiago de Cuba is considered one of the most vibrant festivals. This museum captures the essence of the city’s enthusiasm for the holiday. 

Here you will go on a short tour to learn about the history of Cuba’s oldest and biggest carnivals between Río and Mardi Gras. The rooms display floats, extravagant costumes, carnival accessories, and effigies. Live performances are held throughout the day. 

25. Have fun at the Carnival de Santiago (Santiago Carnival) –  at one of the most famous and fun festivals in Cuba,  the Carnival of Santiago de Cuba . Like many of Cuba’s festivals, Carnival de Santiago began as a religious event celebrated by Santigo’s enslaved Africans, who introduced dance, culture, music, and costumes typical of carnival.

Every year between July 18-27, Santiago de Cuba attracts visitors and Cubans alike to celebrate family and togetherness with lots of dancing, music, great food, and plenty of libations.  

Tip: Temperatures in Cuba in July get extremely hot, so be sure to stay hydrated and wear protective sun gear.  

26. Go to the Festival Del Caribe (Caribbean Festival)  to immerse yourself in the culture and art and hear  traditional congas .  

The Caribbean festival runs during the first week in July (July 3-9) and is a fantastic opportunity to witness colorful performances, exhibitions, workshops, and street activities. The theme for the festival is unity among the entire Caribbean.

The Caribbean festival is similar to the Notting Hill Carnival in London. Mainly due to food from different parts of the Caribbean and all-night parties involving copious amounts of rum! 

27. Spend an afternoon at the Casa del Caribe  (Caribbean House) – a cultural institution that organizes the Festival del Caribe and hosts various concert nights. For a deep dive into the Afro-Cuban religions and cultures, the institution can arrange tours, workshops, and dance lessons for an additional fee. 

The Casa del Caribe is split into two buildings a few blocks from one another. Casa II is located on Calle 8 and has a museum dedicated to Cuban deities.

28. Visit The House of Popular Religions, Santiago De Cuba –  to explore the island’s religions, from Catholicism to Santería, and the unique rituals that meld the two. The entrance includes a guided tour of the Santériste temple and more. 

29. See the Plaza de la Revolución (Revolution Plaza) – at the city entrance, an enormous monument of Afro-Cuban General Antonio Maceo Grajales at the city entrance. 

The monument features Antonio Maceo atop his horse, surrounded by 23 giant raised iron machetes pointing towards the sky to signify the daggers on the sides of the colonial power. 

General Maceo, nicknamed the “Bronze Titan,” was second-in-command of the Cuban independence wars. Beneath the monument is a modest museum dedicated to the General. 

Afro-Cuban Tours 

The tours listed below offer a firsthand opportunity to learn about Afro-Cuban culture, religion, and more. Admittedly, I haven’t had a chance to participate in any of the tours and would love to get your insight into which ones you prefer. 

30.  Urban Adventures  – You’ll have the unique opportunity to learn about the Afro-Cuban religions, customs, folklore, and more from a local insider.  

31.  AfroLatino Travel  – This company facilitates immersion activities of Afro-Cuban history, spirituality, legacy, and contemporary life. 

32.  Afro-Cuban Culture Guide  – This Airbnb tour focuses on the legacy of African ancestry within Cuban culture and its influence on the daily life of the Cuban people. 

33.  Havana Adventures  – Learn about the Afro-Cuban religion from an expert local guide who will show you around the neighborhoods of Central Havana. 

34.  Hosted Havana  – This tour focuses on the spirituality of Afro-Cuban culture and religion in the small nearby town of Regla and Central Havana. 

35.  Stage 540 Cuban Cigar Tour  – Co-founder Victor Ricardo Aguilera Sánchez offers a unique cigar-making experience. The workshops include lessons on proper rolling techniques, the history of cigars, and their importance in Afro-Cubans’ religious practices and life. 

36.  Afro-Cuban Tour  – This five-day luxury tour specializes in the exploration of Afro-Cuban culture. Cuba Candela provides an exciting opportunity to witness and participate in spiritual ceremonies, cook Afro-Cuban meals, and where you’ll have the exciting opportunity to 

Conclusion – Lady Chin’s Two Cents

After visiting the island several times and reflecting after every visit, I’ve concluded that Afro-Cuban culture is Cuban culture. Cuba is a fascinating island with a rich history and is more than just cigars, classic cars, and rum. The African influence, contribution, and preservation of the rich heritage are evident all over the island. My affinity towards Cuba will always remain strong. Superficially, I’ve been mistaken for a Cuban on numerous occasions, which has excited me to no end!

During your trip, I hope you explore some of the Afro-Cuban attractions that make this island so unique. 

Have you visited any of the Afro-Cuban gems above? If so, what did you enjoy the most?

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Afro-Cuban cultural immersion tour

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Explore Havana Highlights | Visit the town of Regla | Follow the Slave Route in Matanzas | Visit Casa del Habano shops throughout Havana | Visit the Museo de Los Orishas | Explore Casa de Africa | Dance at the Callejón de Hamel | Ride in Classic American Cars | Explore Old Havana | Visit Museo del Ron | Tour a Cigar Factory | Visit the Museo de Religión Afro – Cubana in Regla | Enjoy a night at FAC

What is included? SHOW +

• Four nights of accommodations in select private homes.
• Pre-tour educational materials to prepare travelers for scheduled activities.
• Insider access to Cuba’s most noteworthy points of interest.
• All entrance fees to scheduled activities and events unless otherwise noted.
• Transportation in Cuba, transfers, and ground logistics.
• Expert Cuban guide.
• All meals in Cuba unless otherwise noted.
• Private Cuban driver.
• Tourist card visa.
• Round trip flights to Havana ***
• Certification of travel to Cuba under the U.S Department of Treasure general license.
• Kit COVID-19

*Not included baggage expenses, extra beverages or phone calls. **End-of-tour gratuities for the Cuban guide, driver, and tour leader are left to the guest’s discretion and should be based on your satisfaction with the level of service received. *** Some extra fees may apply depending on your departure airport Itinerary SHOW +

Arrive at Jose Martí Airport in Havana and transfer to a hotel or casa particular (Private home) to get settled in. Your afternoon in Havana begins with a fresh farm to table lunch at Mediterráneo Havana. Then, we will take you on a tour around the upscale districts of Vedado and Miramar in a Vintage Classic American Car. Then, you will enjoy dinner at the eclectic Atelier Restaurant in Havana. After dinner, you will visit Fábrica de Arte Cubano (FAC) to close your first night in Cuba.

Your day will start with breakfast at your hotel or private home. Our first stop will be a visit to the famous H. Upmann Cigar Factory for an insider’s tour of Habano production. Next, we will tour the charming Old Havana and its four main squares, including a stop at the famous Bodeguita del Medio. Lunch will be at the delicious Doña Eutimia Restaurant in Plaza de la Catedral for traditional cuisine in a casual setting. After lunch, we will visit Museo del Ron, home of the famous Havana Club Rum. Our next stop will be the Museo de Los Orishas in Old Havana. Here we will learn more about the Yoruba religion influence in Cuba, see the physical representations, and the elements of the main Orishas. Immediately after, we will visit the San Jose Artisanal Market for some time to buy gifts and novelty items such as coffee, crafts, and natural skincare items. You will then have a stop at your accommodations to freshen up for dinner at San Cristóbal Restaurant where you can feast your palate and feast your eyes with the magnificent clock collections and other unique pieces.

Start fresh with breakfast at your accommodations. Today we will tour the city of Matanzas, a culturally rich and ethnically diverse city with the palpable warmth of Africa. Matanzas is the second largest city in Cuba. It is also the birthplace of the drums and the rumba, the first national dance of Cuba. We will learn up close about the Slave Route at the Slave Route Museum housed at the Castillo de San Severino, the jewel of Matanzas. The Museum has dedicated sectors to the culture and values of African immigrants with a section dedicated to the Orishas.

Upon our departure from Matanzas, we will transfer to the resort and beach town of Varadero. Here you will check in to your new accommodations and get settled in. Lunch will be at a private restaurant. After lunch, you will enjoy the rest of the day at the beach and have the evening open to exploring.

Today, you will first enjoy breakfast at your accommodations. Our tour will begin with a visit to the Museo of Afro-Cuban Religion in the town of Regla, built around the Church of the Black Virgin, a shrine to Yemayá, one of the principal deities of the Yoruba religion. At noontime, we will head to the colorful Callejón de Hamel, an alleyway in downtown Havana where art, religion, and music blend. Bring your dancing shoes for some dancing and listening to local instruments, like the tumbadora (conga) drum. Lunch today will be at Habana 61 Restaurant. You will then have a break to freshen up at your accommodations before departing for dinner at Café Laurent. The Café offers creative and artfully presented cuisine, with the backdrop of the city.

Today you will enjoy breakfast at your accommodations. After gathering your belongings, you will transfer to Jose Martí International Airport. Here you will say goodbye to Cuba, head back to Miami, and then on to your city of origin.

Book your spot SHOW +

Full Name* Email* Phone* From* To* There are 11 acceptable travel reasons, please select one of the following Categories. More information click here Family visits Official business of the U.S. Government, foreign governments and certain intergovernmental organizations Journalistic activities Religious activities Support for the Cuban people Humanitarian projects Activities of private foundations or research or educational institutes Exportation, importation, or transmission of information or informational materials Travel related to certain authorized export transactions PAYMENT I’m paying:    Deposit Full Amount Other    Outside of 90 days: Pay either a deposit of $500 per person OR the full amount. Within 30 days of departure: The full amount is required. By selecting BOOK NOW, you agree that you comply with one of these categories 2,438.00 PER PAX Deposit 90 days before departure 500.00USD PER PAX BOOK NOW I understand that I must contact the Agency at 1-305-602-0219 ext. 1 or email at [email protected] , if within 48 hours after reservation I didn't receive the confirmation email. The agency will Automatically mark the reservation as NO SHOW, without refund. Product Description SHOW +

Learn about the powerful African influence in Cuba, Havana Highlights, and Cuban Cigar discovery.

OnCuba Travel offers a carefully selected experience of the Island to highlight the areas that offer the most cultural insights following the migration of African culture to Cuba. Follow the Slave Route and stop at the museums to view original artifacts. Learn from the locals about their personal experience with the Yoruba religion, the Orishas, and how it shapes the lives of many on the Island. Dance to Afro-Cuban beats, see the instruments and take in the raw expressions of art combining culture and religion at the Callejón de Hamel.

With OnCuba Travel, cigar aficionados will also visit premier Casa del Habano shops throughout the city with a tour of a cigar factory, and the Rum Museum. Experience it all in the setting of exciting and beautiful Havana, its historical squares, traditional and nouveau cuisine. Also, tour in style atop a Classic American Car. Finally, relax at Varadero for a day at the beach, enjoying breathtaking crystalline waters, and fresh air.

Our network of carefully selected locals, experts, and venues bring our travelers curated experiences to make your experience to the Island of Cuba memorable. Let OnCuba Travel and Motherland Connextions take care of all the details so that you can enjoy your program with carefully planned logistics, transfers, and top service at every opportunity. We speak the language better than anyone — experience Cuba like no other with OnCuba Travel.

Still have your heart set on visiting Cuba?

Don’t let the confusion coming out of, washington stand in your way.

Travel to Cuba is still legal with OnCuba Travel!

Don’t worry, our experts at OnCuba Travel can help to book your dream

experience to Cuba.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Travel by US citizens remains largely allowed and legal
• Yes, Americans can still travel to Cuba! People-to-people travel is the only way for Americans to visit Cuba and gives you an opportunity to discover Cuba through its people and from a local perspective. And, you can do it legally through OnCuba Travel.
• Policy changes on travel can create confusion and make it appear that planning a trip to the island is more difficult. But if you ask for the right help, the experience can be quite the opposite.

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Afro-Cuban Tour

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• Before You Go

For questions or booking inquiries, call (305) 930-5194 or contact us .

Group Tour—All departures guaranteed, 14 persons maximum. Private Tour—Flexible dates, fixed itinerary. Custom Tour—Flexible dates, tailor-made itinerary.

Prices are $USD, per person and based on double occupancy.

We strongly encourage all travelers to book with a travel advisor to elevate their travel experience. Include your advisor’s name and email upon check-out to receive VIP treatment, a $100 personalized welcome gift, access to exclusive amenities and experiences AND free room upgrades at select properties upon availability.

“If it was possible to give this review more stars, I would. Traveling to Cuba was probably one of the greatest experiences of my life… The best part- being welcomed into Cuban peoples’ homes with open arms, listening to their stories. All in all, this trip is a MUST with Cuba Candela.”

Island Arrival: Your driver will meet you at the airport, and you’ll be taken to your accommodation to freshen up.

Welcome Drinks and Live Music: Welcome to Havana! Kick-off your cultural immersion with fresh-made mojitos and live local musicians playing Cuban classics.

Dinner: Sit down at one of Havana’s trendiest restaurants located inside the VIP section of the famous Fábrica de Arte Cubano.

Private Tour and Night Out at La Fábrica: Enjoy a private tour of Fábrica de Arte Cubano, a must-see Cuban art installation and center of Havana nightlife! Enjoy a classic mojito as you explore three floors of art galleries, live music, DJs and more.

Exploring Old Havana: Find your bearings and step back in time, as you immerse yourself in the iconic, colorful and historic Habana Vieja (Old Havana) with your local guide.

Discussion with Afro-Cuban Entrepreneur: Meet with a local Afro-Cuban entrepreneur, learn about their story and inspirations and discuss the experience of running a business in Cuba.

Lunch: Enjoy a midday break at an authentic Cuban paladar.

Casa de Africa: Explore the history of African influence in Cuba and artifacts related to the African diaspora at a museum dedicated to Afro-Cuban heritage and culture.

Vintage Convertible Ride: Hop into a vintage classic American convertible car and cruise throughout Havana’s neighborhoods.

Salsa Lesson: Learn salsa with one of our resident dance instructors, the most talented in all of Cuba!

Dinner with an Expert on Afro-Cuban History: Learn about Cuba’s history of supporting social and health movements across Africa from a local expert.

Salsa Dancing with Locals: We’ll take you to our favorite local spot after dinner in Havana.

Exploring Afro-Cuban Roots: Discover the legacy of African ancestors in Cuban culture and its influence on daily life through this immersive journey into Guanabacoa, a neighborhood renowned for its connection to Afro-Cuban culture. Lunch included.

Cultural Immersion Tour: Walk through a vibrant neighborhood in Havana and witness an inspiring view of Cuban culture that tourists rarely see. Visit private homes and businesses, communing with locals all along the way.

Rum Tasting Experience : Relax and enjoy a rum tasting with a professional sommelier. Sample different types of Cuban rum and learn the proper way to taste it!

Dinner: Enjoy international food served in a beautifully restored Spanish post-colonial mansion .

Live Jazz: Relax at an intimate jazz lounge with some of the best local musicians in town.

Rumba Dance Experience: Join locals at a traditional neighborhood rumba party, tucked away from tourist crowds and bursting with the sound and rhythm of Afro-Cuban beats.

Afro-Cuban Cooking Class: Enjoy a one-of-a-kind culinary experience hosted by Regla Soul, a project that promotes health and wellness in the Afro-Cuban community through classes, events and workshops (subject to availability of date).

Afro-Cuban Arts Tour: Begin your immersion into Afro-Cuban visual arts at Havana’s Museum of Fine Arts and continue on to Callejon de Hamel, the colorful outdoor art project dedicated to Afro-Cuban culture.

Farewell Dinner : Dine at one of Havana’s most beautiful restaurants, an architectural treasure with quintessential Cuban ambiance.

Live Music : Enjoy your last night in Havana at a local live music show.

Optional Morning Activity: Visit a private art studio and meet up-and-coming local artists in their private workshops and discuss their personal journeys in Cuba.

Flight : Flights are not included in Cuba Candela trips. You may book your flight to Havana from the U.S. or country of origin.  Learn more.

Visa : The Cuba Tourist Visa is required for all travelers visiting Cuba and is included in our luxury tours. We ship the visa directly to the address provided at checkout. Learn more.

• Cuba Tourist Visa
• U.S. travel license
• 5-star accommodation*
• All meals; lunch and dinner provided at $40 each per meal
• All activities listed on the itinerary**
• Exceptional bilingual local guide
• All transportation, airport and excursion transfers
• Compliance with all U.S. travel regulations

—Not Included—

• Flight and any airline fees
• Discretionary tips for guide, driver and other activities
• Alcoholic beverages
• Trip insurance (highly recommended)

*Note: Accommodation standards are based on what is widely available in Cuba. 5-star accommodation are the best luxury hotels in Cuba, such as Paseo 206, pictured above.

**Note: Itinerary is representative of your experience. Activities are subject to change based on availability and adjustments required due to the realities of island life in Cuba.

Cuba has mild temperatures year round with a dry season from November – April. Prepare for your trip by staying updated on weather in Cuba. Learn more.

From what to pack and how to connect to the internet to information on money and souvenirs, we have compiled everything you need to know for a smooth and carefree trip. Learn more.

We recommend that all guests purchase travel insurance in the event of an emergency. You may purchase coverage from a travel insurance provider like Allianz for a smooth and carefree trip. Learn more.

Visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website for information on vaccines and COVID-19 in Cuba. Learn more.

Yes! Travel to Cuba is still legal under the “Support for the Cuban People” travel authorization. We take care of required documents including the visa.

Read our blog “ Yes, You Can Travel To Cuba. Here’s How ” to learn more.

The visa for the Luxury Tours is included in our service. We mail it directly to the provided address prior to the trip, and nothing is required in advance.

Commercial flights are the most common method of transportation for most travelers from the United States to Havana. Almost all major airlines offer nonstop flights to Cuba, including American, Jet Blue, Delta, United and Southwest Airlines. You may book your flight to Cuba directly with your preferred airline, just as you would to any other destination in the world.

When booking your flight, you’ll be asked to select a purpose for travel. The preferred license for our travelers is the “Support for the Cuban People” license.

Read our blog “ How To Get To Cuba ” for more information on flying to Cuba and direct flight locations.

Cuba Candela offers 3 types of tours to Cuba: Group Tours, Private Tours and Custom Tours.

Group Tours are open sign up, have set departure dates and offer a chance to meet other travelers during your time on the island. Learn more here.

Private Tours are for your group only with dates of your choice. You select one of our handmade private itineraries and tell us when you want to travel. Learn more here.

Custom Tours are highly curated, totally unique trips to Cuba. Our team of experienced designers works with you to handcraft a one-of-a-kind itinerary. Our private custom tours have been a Cuba Candela specialty since our founding. Learn more here.

The main differences between these packages are in the accommodations, meal inclusions, experiences and visa inclusion. Standard Tours include 4-star accommodation, breakfast, lunch and dinner at $20 per meal and standard experiences. Standard Tours do not include the Cuba Tourist Visa. Luxury Tours offer 5-star accommodation, breakfast, lunch and dinner at $40 per meal, exclusive experiences and the Cuba Tourist Visa is included. 

Learn more about our pricing and packages here . 

We provide all transportation from the moment you land until the moment you leave (airport pick-ups, drop-offs and all excursion transfers included) in an air-conditioned private car, van or similar vehicle with a professional driver. 

When you arrive in Havana, your driver will be waiting for you and will show you to the currency conversion desk in the airport. Currency in Cuba is called the Cuban Peso (CUP.) 

Note that Cuba is cash-only, so you will not be able to use a debit or credit card or an ATM. It is important to bring a sufficient amount of cash with you to cover the duration of your trip. 

Read more about money in Cuba here .

Yes, but we recommend that travelers expect to be disconnected from WIFI during their trip and embrace the digital detox! WIFI in Cuba has improved dramatically and is available at all 5-star accommodations and some 4-star accommodations. If your 4-star accommodation does not have WIFI, you will be provided with time to connect at hotel lobbies or designated WIFI parks.

Yes. Cuba is one of the safest countries in the world to visit and has a stellar track record of safeguarding tourists. It has always welcomed and embraced American travelers with open arms. 

Visit our Safety First page to learn more.

A deposit of $99 per person is due at the time of booking to reserve your trip, with a 35% deposit due 1 month later, or 60 days prior to departure (whichever date comes first). All deposits are fully refundable for any reason up to 30 days prior to departure. If you cancel your trip anytime up until 30 days prior to departure, you will receive a full refund.

Visit our FAQ for a more comprehensive list of frequently asked questions.

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Cuban Tour Programs

Afro-cuban essence: a cultural voyage in cuba.

• Cuba , Art & Literature , Hands-on , Historically Relevant , Nature & Wildlife , People, Culture & Traditions , Social Projects , UNESCO Heritage Site

Up to 4 miles / day

Tour overview.

Program activities, schedules and personnel may change due to local circumstances.

In such an event, we will alert you as quickly as possible.

Overnight: Havana

The tour coordinator will greet everyone, and we will review the program schedule, emergency procedures and answer questions. After orientation we will set out with our tour coordinator to take a walk and explore the area around the hotel. At a restaurant, we will enjoy a welcome dinner with a delicious set menu.

Breakfast at the hotel. We will depart from the hotel by private bus towards Old Havana where we will meet a local expert who will lead our walking tour around the area discovering the main colonial squares. We will continue visiting the Museum of The Revolution where we will learn the history of Cuba from the early 1960s to the present. In the afternoon a local expert will join us for a presentation on Religion and Santería in Cuba.

Overnight: Trinidad

Breakfast at the hotel. We will take a private bus to Matanzas, an important town not only for its important literary and musical legacy, but also for being the cradle of several Afro Cuban religions. We will visit the San Severino Castle, a fortress where the Africans slaves disembarked in the XVIII century. Afterwards, we will have a walking tour around Matanzas, discovering the main points like the Vigía square, Sauto Theatre, Ediciones Vigía (unique publishing house founded in 1985) and the Triolet pharmacy, first founded in Latin America.

In the afternoon we will return to Havana.

Overnight:  Havana

Breakfast at the hotel. We will depart to Marianao, outside of Havana, a neighborhood known for its Santería tradition and for its social commitment. We will visit and learn about a special social project which promotes the development of the community by creative, solidarity and participatory actions. We will have the opportunity to know about the secret Abakuá society. Afterwards we will enjoy a gastronomic and solidary experience at the same community.

Overnight: Viñales

Breakfast at the hotel. We will depart to Viñales Valley, UNESCO World Heritage Site , where we will enter Mogotes  (limestone mounds) located on top of tobacco plantations and one of the most spectacular natural landscapes in the world. The first stop will be at a tobacco plantation where we will learn about this important and artisanal farming. After this, we will enjoy a delicious set menu at an ecological open-air restaurant, enjoying the magical landscape.

Afterwards, we will tour around the Natural Park visiting the Indigenous caves (their old native homes) and the famous prehistorical mural.

Finally, we will check in at Casas Particulares , private guest houses with all amenities which contribute to the local economy. Afterwards we’ll set out with our tour coordinator to take a walk and explore the area around Viñales.

After an early breakfast at Casa Particular, we will depart to Trinidad, Cuba’s finest colonial town founded in 1514, UNESCO World Heritage Site . The town was built thanks to the success of the sugar industry from the beginning of the XIX century produced near the Ingenio Valley. We will visit downtown discovering its architectural value and explore the History Museum showing the high-class architecture and neoclassical decoration of colonial mansions.

Breakfast at Casa Particular. We will depart to The Ingenio valley, located 5 miles from Trinidad, the place where the Ingenios  (sugar factory) settled, becoming the epicenter of the sugar industry in Cuba during the XIX century.

The first stop will be at The Ingenio Valley lookout where you can see a panoramic view of the valley which is now a World Heritage Site. You will learn about Cuba’s sugar industry through the many old sugar cane mills, plantation houses, and barracks. Afterwards, we’ll visit San Isidro de los Destiladeros, probably the last example of the many archaeological sites found in the valley. Finally, we’ll visit Manaca-Iznaga town with its famous Tower and local artisans.

Optional: Climb to the Manaca Iznaga Tower , old vigilance tower used to control slaves where you can also enjoy amazing views.

After lunch, we will visit a local pottery workshop where artisans produce classical pieces that characterize the city of Trinidad. 

To finish our stay in this marvelous city, we will assist a live music and dance show at Palenque de los Congos Reales, where the rumba drummers and African rhythms will not leave you indifferent. 

Breakfast at Casa Particular . We will depart to Havana. At night, we will go to the San Carlos de la Cabaña Fortress , a colonial fort used to protect the town from pirate invasions in the past. You will be able to witness the cannon blast ceremony that takes place each night at 9 pm repeating the old tradition of the cannon blast which was used to give the sign of the city’s curfew, moment in which the doors of old Havana’s wall would close.

Breakfast at the hotel. We will enjoy the morning learning about one of the main Santería neighborhoods in Havana, Cayo Hueso. An expert guide will show us the picturesque Hamel alley and how the Cuban artist Salvador Gonzáles Escalona describes his Afro-Cuban style as a mix of surrealism, cubism, and abstract art. Afterwards, we will immerse ourselves in the Afro Cuban culinary culture through a fantastic cooking workshop, where we will enjoy a real Cuban Ajiaco.

Breakfast at the hotel. We will take a private bus to Regla, on the other side of the Havana bay. There, we will visit the Regla Sanctuary, a temple where both Catholic and Santería faith are worshipped. Later, we will learn more about Santería at Guanabacoa Museum. Free afternoon to pack, explore or just relax. 

Farewell dinner at a restaurant.

Transfer to the airport at a designated time.

Tour Inclusions

• Bilingual Staff
• Expert Tour Coordinator during the entire program
• Expert Local Guides for the visits included
• Local Experts for each lecture
• Private ground transportation
• Entrances fees to San Severino Castle in Matanzas. Indigenous Caves and Prehistorical mural in Viñales. Historical museum, San Isidro ruins and pottery house in Trinidad. The Revolution Museum, San Carlos fortress, Hamel alley, Regla Church in Havana and Historical Museum in Guanabacoa
• Enriching Experiences: Exchange with social project and Cooking Workshop in Havana. Live Show at Palenque in Trinidad
• 10 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
• Accommodation in 4* hotel at city center and Casa Particular in Viñales and Trinidad.
• 24/7 Emergency support
• Tips are included throughout the visits programmed

Tour Pricing

Price per person based on double occupancy. Single supplement $405.

For a minimum of 15 pax.

Additional Experiences

Customize your trip according to your interests by adding any of these once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Visit Manaca Iznaga Tower

Horseback Riding in Viñales

Latin Jazz Concert

Meeting with a CDR (Committees for the Defense of the Revolution)

Visit a santero or babalawo, request more info.

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Reclaiming Colombia’s Black history, one tour at a time

Alex Rocha, a tour guide in the city of Cartagena, says his goal is to provide visitors with historical facts and show the city through “a Black man’s perspective.”

• By Manuel Rueda

A mural in Cartagena’s Getsemani Neighborhood celebrates the city’s Afro-Colombian heritage and the natural hairstyles of Black women.

Tour guide Alex Rocha stops at a large square flanked by stately colonial buildings while leading a group of tourists through the historical center of Cartagena, Colombia. 

The group looks at a marble statue of Christopher Columbus and a government-issued sign that explains how the largest building on the square was used by the Spanish colonial government as its customs office. 

But there’s nothing that explains the square’s connection to the slave trade — except for Rocha’s voice:

“This is where they auctioned our people. They brought them here and sold them as merchandise.” Alex Rocha, tour guide in Cartagena, Colombia

“This is where they auctioned our people,” Rocha tells a group of Black American travelers, through a speaker. “They brought them here and sold them as merchandise.” 

Amid anti-government protests that swept over Colombia this summer, some demonstrators also set their sights on public monuments and plazas, igniting a debate over who is celebrated with monuments and place names. 

Related:   Colombian Deportado Coffee’s founder hopes to open a conversation about US immigration

In southwest Colombia, Indigenous protesters knocked down statues of a Spanish conquistador who founded the cities of Cali and Popayan, while in Bogotá, the government removed a Christopher Columbus statue after riot police stopped demonstrators from taking it down themselves. 

In Cartagena, Rocha has been trying to change the historical narrative for several years using less radical methods: He leads tours that focus on the city’s Afro-Colombian history, and tries to show visitors how Cartagena’s past connects with the present.

“First of all, we show people the historical center of Cartagena, which was built on the backs of Africans,” Rocha, 51, said.  “We talk about how we got here, but at the same time what is going on with Afro-Colombians today.”

Rocha’s tour takes visitors to an 18th-century wall built by the Spanish to stop pirates from attacking the city. Here, he tells the story of an Afro-Colombian naval commander who was whitewashed in many historical paintings. 

Related:   ‘The way they silence us is by killing us’: Armed conflict returns to Colombia’s port city of Buenaventura

The tour passes colonial-era churches where Rocha talks about how the Catholic Church punished slaves who held onto their religious beliefs. Then he heads to Bazurto, a chaotic street market where Afro-Colombian vendors hustle to sell fruits, vegetables and fish.

Rocha also takes visitors to Getsemani, a neighborhood of narrow streets and 200-year-old homes. It held a reputation for drug and crime problems — until recently. 

Investors have been buying up the historical homes and turning them into restaurants and boutique hotels.  Murals that celebrate the city’s Black heritage have been painted by street artists and bars featuring live salsa music welcome tourists.

But Rocha points out that the neighborhood’s turnaround has also been driving out many of its Black residents, who are no longer able to afford the rent. 

Rocha said his goal is not just to provide visitors with historical facts, but to show the city through “a Black man’s perspective.” 

“It is time for us to claim our rights.” Alex Rocha, tour guide in Cartagena, Colombia

“It is time for people out there — especially minorities — to come together and have a voice, so that this society understands that they have caused a lot of damage to these ethnic groups,” he said. “It is time for us to claim our rights.”

While Colombia was a Spanish colony, from the early 16th-19th centuries, at least 250,000 slaves were shipped into the area, which was then known as the viceroyalty of New Granada. Most arrived through the port of Cartagena, where, in the early 17th century, 25% of the population was made up of African slaves, according to historical records .

Slavery was abolished in 1851, 30 years after Colombia gained its independence from Spain. Today, however, Colombia’s Black population is still behind in areas like educational achievement and access to basic services like the internet. According to a national census conducted in 2018, 30% of Afro-Colombians live in “multidimensional poverty,” meaning they lack access to adequate housing, formal employment and basic schooling. In that same census, 3 million people around the country self-identified as Black. Afro-Colombian organizations, however, have complained about the census’ methodology, and estimate that the number could be up to three times higher , with descendants of Africans making up anywhere from 15% to 20% of the population .

Related:   In Colombia, companies expedite vaccine rollout with private funds

Rocha, who is a native of Cartagena, grew up in one of the low-income neighborhoods on the city’s periphery, and started out working as a guide after he learned to speak English on his own.

Initially, he worked for companies that offer walking tours of Cartagena’s historic district, listed as a UNESCO world heritage site, thanks to its colorful, well-preserved colonial architecture.

But he encountered Black tourists who encouraged him to veer “off the script” and turn his sights to Afro-Colombian heritage. A new business idea flourished as more Black Americans encouraged Rocha to conduct tours focused on Black culture in Colombia, he explained.

“I started doing private tours until people started to put my name in Black travel groups and that’s how everything started,” he said.

Rocha now runs his own tour company, which also takes visitors to nearby locations like the island of Baru and San Basilio de Palenque, a village founded in the early 1700s by runaway slaves.

Everyone is welcome on his tours, he said, but Rocha admits that 99% of his clientele are Black Americans and Black travelers from Canada and Europe, who are curious to see how the African diaspora has fared in different parts of the world.

Related:  Colombia loosens COVID restrictions to save the economy as deaths soar

Some travelers said they joined Rocha’s tour because it shows a side of history not often told in textbooks. 

“We’re taught about the Spaniards, and the different places they colonized. But what we aren’t taught is the history of the enslaved people that built these countries.” Norelle Combest, tourist from Chicago

“We’re taught about the Spaniards, and the different places they colonized. But what we aren’t taught is the history of the enslaved people that built these countries,” said Norelle Combest, a visitor from Chicago, who recently took Rocha’s tour of Cartagena.

“I just wanted to hear the experience of a place where there are lots of Blacks from a Black person’s point of view.” Mac Shed, tourist from Maryland

Mac Shed, from Maryland, said that he joined the tour because it provided a unique perspective. “I just wanted to hear the experience of a place where there are lots of Blacks from a Black person’s point of view,” he said.

Rocha said that through activism and art, the city’s Afro-Colombian population has become increasingly visible. That is now reflected in murals, statues and public spaces named after Black Colombians.

While many Afro Colombians have stood out in fields, such as music and sports, Rocha points out that discrimination is still prevalent.

“We live in a country that, for generations, has been controlled by the powerful, so it is hard for minorities to succeed,” he said.  “But little by little, we are making changes, and we hope things get better for our people.”

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HAVANA CUBA 

Afro-Cuban Culture: Havana, Viñales, Varadero 

Quick facts.

Travel Dates: 

June 24 - 29, 2023

Duration: 6  days/5 nights

*Early-bird Price: 

$2,195 p.p. double occupancy

$2,575 single occupancy 

Travel Category:   International 

A valid passport with at least 6 months validity after the date of travel is required. We will guide you through the process for obtaining the Cuban Visa under the "Support of the Cuban People".

Group size:  16

Payment Plan is Not Available

Included: ​

Transfers from airport/hotel/airport

Breakfast daily

Lunch & dinner as noted in the itinerary 

Air-conditioned Motor Coach

English Speaking Guide

Guided Tours of Old Havana and Vinales Valley & Regla Town & Varadero Beach

Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Old Havana and Vinales Valley

Not Included: ​ ​

Round Trip airfare (can be added)

Gratuities/Tips

Personal expenses

Travel insurance

* Full price after March 15th: 

$2,345 per person double occupancy

$2,725 singe occupancy

All prices are expressed in US dollars. Travel insurance is highly recommended. 

All bookings require a $300 deposit. Your deposit and all payments are non-refundable and non-transferable. 

By making payment you agree to the  terms and conditions.

When your registration has been reviewed and accepted you will receive an invoice via email to collect your deposit payment.  

Join our mailing list to stay informed. No obligation necessary.

Welcome to  Havana , an open-air museum city that can be a jarring collision of historical and modern scenes at times and bursting with spellbinding music for sure. Your jazz festival Cuba tour begins every January! 

The Jazz festival of Havana also known as “Jazz Plaza” dates back from 1963.  The Leonardo Timor Jazz Big Band was at the epicenter of the event which marked an awakening of the Cuban jazz scene at the time. This jazz event has helped to bring attention to many Cuban musicians. Many of the Cuban artists who have performed at Jazz Plaza have gone on to be nominated for and even receive Grammy awards within the Latin Jazz category, with Chucho Valdes certainly remaining among the most globally renowned of them all.

Cuba has consistently produced legendary jazz musicians like trumpet player Arturo Sandoval and sax player Paquito Rivera, former members of Cuba’s Irakere, a Grammy Award Cuban band founded by Chucho Valdez. Again, no surprise here as Cuba is the birthplace of the Latin Jazz, a combination of the Afro-Cuban clave beat, different Cuban rhythms and jazz harmonies. 

A Look Back

The 33rd International Jazz Festival of Havana “Jazz Plaza 2018” took place in January. It drew the largest number of US musicians in its 30 plus year history. US jazz singer Dee Dee Bridgewater and Grammy award winning US saxophonist Ted Nash delivered powerful performances. It also broke records of attendance by American jazz fans that were in attendance in record numbers at the numerous prestigious Havana venues that hosted the international jazz event such as the National Theatre of Cuba, the Havana’s Mella Theatre and Casa de la Cultura de Plaza.

photo credit:   http://www.blacksoulrhythms.com/

Callejon de Hamel

Noteworthy rumba music and art

Located in an alleyway near the University of Havana, Callejon de Hamel is the epicenter of artwork by cuban artist Salvador Gonzáles Escalona.  His work is known as an "afro-cuban" style. He describes his work as a mix of  surrealism ,  cubism  and  abstract art . Today there are  workshops  for young Cuban children to learn painting. Every Sunday there are  rumba  performances, and every Friday Cuban music in the street.

Cuba's Art Schools

 Buildings are outstanding architectural achievements of the  Cuban Revolution

Cuba's National Art Schools (Escuelas Nacionales de Arte, now known as the  Instituto Superior de Arte ) are considered by historians to be among the most outstanding architectural achievements of the  Cuban Revolution . These innovative, organic  Catalan-vaulted  brick and  terra-cotta  structures were built on the site of a former  country club  in the far western  Havana  suburb of Cubanacán, which used to be Havana's "Beverly Hills" and was then mainly reserved for Communist Party officials. This site was added to the  UNESCO   World Heritage  Tentative List on February 28, 2003 in the Cultural category

photo credits: 

By DuendeThumb - Donated to Creative Commons by author John Loomis, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=14906270

EXPERIENCES

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Afro Tour in Comuna 13

Private tour.

Go deep into Comuna 13 to meet with resilient artists who recovered youth and public spaces through reconnection to their African roots in music, dance, and art.

$380USD Per person

Description

Not included, important information, additional information, cancellation policies.

Comuna 13 has become a synonym of transformation and resilience and a definite must-visit for travelers in Medellín. On this tour you will immerse into this inspiring place, visiting three different neighborhoods within the Comuna and learning beyond its history directly from impressive artists who led impactful projects that managed to transform Colombia’s most feared district.

The tour starts at the highest part of the Comuna, Nuevos Conquistadores neighborhood. At this place, you can see Medellín’s rural outskirts and have a privileged view over Comuna 13 and the entire city. Descending by foot though the intricate streets of the comuna where mass tourism has not arrived, you will learn the impressive story of how hip-hop and musical culture helped local youth and led into a more peaceful context. You will understand the dimensions of the transformation as you hear the locals narrating the rough context that they had to face years before due to gang wars, paramilitary groups, and urban guerillas.

Then, we will visit Sonbata’s urban gardening project at the roofs of local homes, and learn about the innovative model. After having a refreshing popsicle it’s time for the action. We will join one of the senior instructors of the school of arts and learn some rhythms through persuasion or dance, using the same methodology they use with local youth. To finish off, we will walk from there to the well-know and bustling area of the comuna displaying graffities and murals depicting the story of the Comuna, and full of shops, galleries and souvenir stores. There we will see the stark contrast of the two faces of the community and get to enjoy the lively local vibe with views over the city.

• Hotel pick-up and drop-off in public transportation
• Knowledgeable Guide in the language of your preference
• Unspecified food or beverage

How this tour creates an impact The leaders of the Afro Tour in Comuna 13 have built an impressive project that creates an impact in the community in several ways. The funds of the tour support to Son batá foundation that creates artistic initiatives with children and young adults. The intention behind this is to create alternative activities for the violence and gang context through music and dance with a mix between afro Colombian culture and urban environment. Other social groups from Comuna 13 also contribute to the tour, such as the women-led gastronomic initiative that provides delicious snacks to visitors. This way, your immersive experience in the community contributes to making art and social projects flourish. This experience is part of our HEART experiences .

Things to bring:

• Comfortable walking shoes

Cancellation policies (Free cancellation available)

This experience can be cancelled up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund

The following reviews are real and have been verified. They are pulled from our online profiles at Trip Advisor and Google Business .

W3782WUamandam | Bogota | Jan 2024

Great time in bogota ★★★★★.

My son and I had a great tour of Bogota with Gigio. He was very friendly and knowledgeable. Our driver Andres was excellent. I highly recommend them for your tour.

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Explore63232633506 | Medellin | Dec 2023

Experience the reality of a transforming community ★★★★★.

This was the best experience of the visit to Medellin. Our guide through the Comuna was an activist and a community organizer, giving us insights into the lives of the residents. We appreciated and were inspired by his commitment to the people of his community.

cindycP6349XC | Bogotá, medellin | Nov 2023

One of our most memorable trips-and we travel a lot ★★★★★.

We had the most amazing tour planned by Juliana with Raoul Posse as our guide in Bogota and Anna Christina in Medellín. The focus was on Weaving Peace had multiple profound experiences, where we witnessed and interacted with people that are working towards and making progress in healing their communities and their country from their painful, violent history. In addition, we went to a coffee farm and had a great bike ride with Marco and Ana Maria outside of Medellín. It was a perfect trip. The guides went the extra mile for us, taking photos, recommending music and attending concerts with us (which was not part of the program). We loved Colombia and plan to return. Impulse Agency was a find and would use them again in a heartbeat.

Ricky Fishman | bogota, medellin | Nov 2023

Just magical ★★★★★.

  When we decided to visit Colombia I searched for a local agency that was aligned with our interests in culture, history,  both old and contemporary and importantly, social justice. Impulse took care if all of it!! We spent ten days in Bogota and Medellín and surrounds [...] But what really stood out were the incredible guides we had. Raul in Bogota and Marcos, Ana Maria and Ana Cristina in Medellin.  Mature, hip, knowledgeable and fun!! We learned so much. I have only one complaint: we needed more time to explore more of this amazing country. We will be back. And will definitely be using Impulse again!

Margarita Cancino from Colombia | Medellin | Sep 2023

Experiences for adventurous souls ★★★★★.

For a year now I have traveled and made experiences with IMPULSE and without a doubt they are moments that fill the mind and heart. Understanding, knowing and traveling around Colombia connecting with people I never imagined connecting with, knowing incredible places and entering deeply into the culture of the places I have visited have made me understand from other realities many places, from Medellin and Afrotur, to meet the guys from MORAVIA and connect with their realities. I recommend it for all people who have adventurous spirits and want to connect on a more personal level with the spaces, people and traditions in Colombia.

MomMD2003 | Medellin | Aug 2023

Much deeper dive into the communa ★★★★★.

African Music Roots Private Tour in Comuna 13, Medellin. This was an amazing tour that gave you the history of the communa 13 community with an emphasis on the emergence of an Afro Colombian culture there. It was physically demanding walking and climbing through the narrow walkways amongst the houses, so not for the physically challenged. We got to the touristy part of the tour and I was so glad we had spent the majority of our tour learning about the communa. It was crowded, commercial and loud. The artwork was beautiful but you could hardly appreciate it because of all the people everywhere. If you’re going for the cart, go early in the day! In the end, this particular communa 13 tour was worth the effort!

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Bogotá, Colombia Phone: +57 (601) 9143928 Whatsapp Only: +57 320 5827252 Address: Calle 65 # 16 - 09 New York, United States Phone: +1 7866 658 438 Whatsapp Only: +57 310 3754179 Address: 137 W 25th Street, Fl 11. New York, NY, 10001

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Bei der Reise wurden die tollsten Ziele aus Botswana und Zimbabwe und Südafrika erreicht. An Natur und campingmöglichkwiten kaum zu übertreffen!! Dennoch sind die Fahrtzeiten logischerweise recht lang, es lohnt sich jedoch jeden Tag wieder! Ich habe so tolle Leute kennengelernt, einige fürs Leben. Meine Gruppe und die Guides waren hervorragend. Ich würde diese Reise jedem empfehlen.

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Ergs and regs may at first glance seem like Boggle attempts gone wrong, but they’re actually distinct physical features of the mighty Sahara. The world’s largest hot desert is 3.3 million square miles, including ergs (huge sand dunes), regs (sand and gravel plains), hamada's (rock and stone plateaus, including the Atlas Mountains) and oases (springs or wells). 

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The Sahel  

Between the Sahara and the savannahs to the south lies the Sahel region, an area of barren plains that stretch for 3,300 miles across the African continent. One of Africa’s longest rivers, the Niger, is in the Sahel, but is quickly becoming desert after decades of drought and agricultural and forestry practices. 

Almost half of Africa is covered by savannah or grassland (5 million square miles). The Serengeti Plains are here, well known for their prime wildlife viewing and the annual wildebeest migration. The Serengeti lies between the Maasai Mara in Kenya and Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. 

The Swahili coastline runs 1,000 miles from Somalia to Mozambique along the Indian Ocean. While not a prime wildlife-viewing area in Africa, the coast is knowns for its mangrove forests, barrier islands and coral reefs. 

Rainforest  

Visitors to Africa won’t see as much rain forest as in past centuries due to development and agricultural practices. Most of today’s African rain forest is in the central region of the continent along the Congo River. There is a wide variety of wildlife within the rainforest, including 400 bird species, butterflies, elephant, gorilla, black colobus monkey, okapi and 60 species of amphibians. 

African Great Lakes  

Surrounding the Great Rift Valley, the African Great Lakes can be found in nine countries. The geographical history here is fascinating, dating to when the African continent separated from Saudi Arabia. The resulting cracks in the Earth’s surface later filled in with water, creating massive lakes. There are seven Great Lakes in Africa, including Lake Victoria, the continent’s largest lake and the southern source of the Nile River. Look for wildebeest, hippos, crocs and more wildlife in the African Great Lakes.

Southern Africa 

Numerous wildlife reserves dot the rugged landscape of Southern Africa, providing homes to lion, elephant, baboon, rhino, zera, impala and springbok. The geological characteristics of this wildlife-rich region of Africa include Kaapvaal craton, bedrock that is move 2.6 billion years old, as well as the Drakensberg mountains.

Safari Dreams

The second-largest continent, Africa is definitely big in size -- but to many outsiders it’s an even bigger mystery. We’ll fix that. What adventuresome person hasn’t dreamed of taking an African safari, gazing upon the pyramids of Giza, haggling in a Moroccan souk or trekking across the Sahara? It’s time to get your “Dr. Livingstone on.”

A safari is the first thing that usually comes to mind when you think about visiting Africa. Translating as “to journey” in Swahili, “safari” tours offer opportunities to see animals found nowhere else.. The big ten of African wildlife are elephants, lions, hippos, Cape buffalo, crocodiles, giraffes, zebras, rhinos, cheetahs and leopards. But don’t overlook the thrill of possibly encountering a mountain gorilla, watching an ostrich sprint across the Savannah, or looking up to see a long-tailed widow bird streaking through the air.

Top Wildlife Sightings in Africa 

• Elephants - Chobe National Park, Botswana
• Wildebeest - Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
• Giraffe - Etosha National Park, Namibia
• Gorillas - Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda
• The "Big 5" - Kruger National Park, South Africa

When considering the top wildlife sightings in Africa, one can think about it a couple of ways: the best places on the African continent to view wildlife of all kinds, or the main animals you will see when you are visiting Africa.

First, let’s look at what are generally considered the best countries in Africa to view wildlife , from cheetahs to giraffes:

Botswana : If you want to see elephants in the wild, head to Botswana, and in particular, Chobe National Park . Explore the Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve as well, expecting to see the Big Five - lion, leopard, elephant, black rhino and buffalo, as well as hippo, wildebeest, giraffe, zebra and antelope. 

Tanzania : An excellent Tanzania safari will include a guided drive through Serengeti National Park , hopefully timed with the great migration of two million wildebeest as they move from the Maasai Mara to the Serengeti - a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife-watching experience. Head to Ngorongoro Crater and watch for rhinos, elephants, buffalo and lions. 

Namibia : Want to see giraffes? Take a wildlife tour in Namibia, to the white saltpans of Etosha National Park , where you see herds of these gentle creatures. The whole country is a spectacle, with its massive Namib Desert and striking red sand dunes. Head to Sossusveli to see gemsbok and Skeleton Coast to spy on hundreds of seals.

Rwanda and Uganda : Just about everyone who dreams of a safari in Africa has envisioned getting up right up close to a gorilla. The best places in Africa for gorilla trekking are Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. 

South Africa : With several national parks that are reputedly malaria-free, South Africa is home to all of the Big Five wildlife in Kruger National Park . Other wildlife-rich parks in South Africa include KwaZulu Natal and Madikwe Game Reserve. 

Kenya : Safaris in Kenya showcase the popular park, Maasai Mara, a highlight of many guided African wildlife tours. Look for lion, leopard, cheetah, rhino, elephant and more throughout the country, that lives up to its reputation as the home of the classic safari. From the Mara to the Tsavo and Amboseli, there are wildlife-rich parks and private conservancies perfect for the wildlife lover. 

Now, let’s look at the actual animals you’ll see the most in Africa . Of course, this depends on which country and which game reserve you visit, but in general, you can expect to see:

• African lion . “King of the jungle,” the lion is a massive predator seen throughout African game parks and while imposing, the Masai people have actually referred to the Africa lion as a shy cat. 
• Africa elephant . Without a doubt, one of the top animals travelers want to see on an African safari, the African elephant lives in matriarchal herds of females. There are opportunities within Africa to visit and support elephant orphanages and conservancies, if this is something that interests you as part of your guided Africa safari.
• Cheetah (both Kenyan and Tanzanian). You’ll have the best chances of seeing a cheetah in Kenya, home to the largest population of Eastern African cheetahs. 
• Rhinos . After the elephant, rhino are the largest land mammal in the world. There are five species in the world, two of which are African: the black and whie rhinos. 
• Ostrich . Look for these powerful, flightless birds running at great speeds. 
• Cape buffalo . Buffalos are one of the top wildlife sightings you’ll have in Africa, weighing up to 1,500 pounds each. Their herds can be in the hundreds of thousands. 
• Wild dogs . Found in Sub-Saharan Africa, wild dogs travel in packs, and, like giraffe and zebra, have distinctive markings that set them apart from one another.
• African leopard . Leopards are the smallest African cat and most often seen during night safaris.
• Zebra . A favorite wildlife sighting in Africa, the native African zebra - like the giraffe - have distinctive brown or black patterns. 
• Giraffe . The world’s tallest living land animals, vegetarians and sporting uniquely spotted coats - no two are the same - giraffes will be spotted throughout your Africa safari, mostly likely traveling in herds across savannahs and grasslands. 
• Hippo . The third-largest land mammal in the world, hippos can be spotted in areas with an abundance of water. 
• Wildebeest . For a fantastic wildlife experience, take a guided Africa safari timed with the great wildebeest migration from the Maasai Mara to the Serengeti. 
• Baboons . Look for baboons ranging in size from 30 to 80 pounds. These ancient monkeys have been around for two million years. 
• Antelope . One of the most common wildlife seen on an African safari due to the high concentration. There are more than 91 species throughout the continent, including gazelle, steenbuck, waterbuck and kudu.

Best Safari Parks in Africa 

Serengeti National Park 

The Serengeti is Tanzania’s oldest park and offers the most quintessential of Africa safari experiences. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to the massive wildebeest migration in June and July and a favorite destination for hot-air balloon safaris. Look for four of the Big Five wildlife, including black rhino, plus cheetah, spotted hyena and jackal.

Mala Mala Game Reserve 

This private game reserve is set within Sabi Sand Game Reserve in South Africa and borders Kruger National Park. Guided safaris in Mala Mala offer easy sightings of the Big Five.

Okavango Delta 

One of Africa’s most famous safari destinations, the Delta is home to several private reserves and the Moremi Game Reserve. Guests can head out on safari on foot or by dugout canoe (mokoro) for a unique way to view Botswana wildlife. The Okavango is a top bird-watching destination in Africa and showcases four of the Big Five. 

Moremi Game Reserve

The best place for wildlife viewing within the Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve offers classic jeep safaris as well as dugout canoe (mokoro) safaris. All of the Big Five are present here, plus large concentration of waterbirds, wild dog, impala, blue wildebeest and Burchell’s zebra. 

Lower Zambezi National Park

Lower Zambezi National Park is an excellent choice for canoe safaris on the Zambezi River. Offering a completely different vantage point on the wildlife you’ll see, canoeing on the mighty Zambezi is a thrilling and distinctive way to experience an African safari. Four of the Big Five are here, minus the rhino. 

Ngorongoro Crater National Park

Where can you see all Big Five animals in one day? Ngorongoro Crater is the likeliest spot. The wildlife is so dense and there is so much variety that you will see an incredible amount of animals every time you head out on a day or night safari. This is one of the best places in Africa to spot the black rhino. And if you love flamingos, this is the place to be. Head to Lake Magadi to see huge flocks of these wonderful pink birds. 

Sabi Sand National Park 

The top wildlife viewing in South Africa is in Sabi Sand National Park, bordering Kruger National Park. There are several private game reserves on the park’s acreage. Look for all of the Big Five animals on your Sabi Sand National Park guided safari. If you only have time for a short Africa safari, choose Sabi Sand in South Africa, where even over the course of two days, you will likely see all of the Big Five, as well as lions and cheetah. 

Maasai Mara National Park 

One of Africa’s most famous safari parks, the Mara offers spectacular wildlife viewing all year. The annual wildebeest migration runs through the park in September and October. Hot-air balloon safaris are popular in the Maasai Mara, giving you a birds-eye view of the wildlife-rich savannahs. The Maasai Mara is a top place to see leopard and cheetah, who are generally more relaxed in this environment, making them easily observable. 

Chobe National Park  

Explore Chobe National Park by boat and come face to face with elephant and buffalo who have come to the water to drink. Chobe is a favorite birding destination, and as for wildlife, four of the Big Five are here (no rhino). Look for hippo and crocodile, lion, spotted hyena, leopard and cheetah, all lying in wait near the river’s edge, waiting to pounce.

Kruger National Park 

One of Africa’s most famous safari parks, Kruger National park is home to all of the Big Five in large concentration, as well as amazing birdlife. You’re likely to see elephant and buffalo throughout the park, while the white rhino is becoming increasingly rare.

Overland Tours in Africa 

Imagine your perfect Africa safari. Bumping over the plains and savannahs in a custom-built vehicle, stopping to gawk at an abundance of wildlife, seen barely anywhere else on Earth. Here’s the thing. Those daydreams, those visions of romantic Africa and safaris from the grand era of travel … they are exactly what overland Africa tours are all about. 

Adventure travelers, outdoor enthusiasts, photography buffs, lovers of wildlife and nature … guided overland tours of Africa were built for you. You’ll see wildlife up close, meet native residents, see scenery like nothing else you’ve experienced … all in the capable hands of expert Africa tour guides and naturalists.

An Africa overland tour is really the best way to see the most of the continent. Typically, one travels to Africa over the course of two to four weeks to capitalize on all there is to see. In this time frame, you could venture all the way from Zimbabwe to Kenya, from the Serengeti to Zanzibar.

Overland tours of Africa are meant to take the guesswork out of your adventure. Thoughtfully prepared itineraries, stays at wilderness lodges, transportation throughout various African countries, visits to local family homes - it’s all been specially designed to maximize wildlife sightings and cultural immersion during your Africa tour. 

Speaking of who’s in charge … Africa overland tours run the gamut from extremely basic, to comfortable, to ultra-luxe, yet they all boast expert tour guides. You’ll likely have everything from a chef and jeep driver, to a lead guide and accommodation support person on your Africa overland tour with you, ensuring that every detail has been taken care of. You’re far from home, in a land so very different from that home, that the peace of mind that comes from an expertly crafted Africa tour is priceless.

Remember, Africa is big, with a capital “B.” This means the other “B”: bus. Your Africa overland tour will include a lot of transfer time by bus - typically one that has been outfitted for your tour group only.

Bring lots of entertainment (books, podcasts, Netflix series), but also take advantage of the downtime to just gaze out the window at the raw, natural landscapes passing by, glimpsing everyday life in villages and markets. This is also a fantastic time to get to know your overland tour guide, Africa and wildlife experts who will enthusiastically answer all of your questions. 

A few more tips to consider for your Africa overland guided tour: 

• Store your luggage overhead in the overland bus, freeing up leg space. 
• Bring along a travel pillow - the memory foam variety is especially nice. 
• Pack a variety of healthy snacks, from dried fruit to granola. 
• Take anti-malarial medication deemed appropriate for your Africa itinerary by your home doctor.
• Pack mosquito repellent, lots of it.
• Stay hydrated. Bring along a BPA-free refillable water bottle and a water filtration bottle. (Most Africa overland tours will provide vehicles that have their own water filtration tank, always available to provide clean water, but it can’t hurt to have your own system and water bottle for when you’re away from the truck.) 
• Forget about that snooze button. Prepare to wake with the sun (or well before it) on your Africa wildlife safari in order to get a jump on the day’s travel or bet the best animal sightings. 
• Pack some TP and antibacterial wipes. 
• Stay charged so you’re ready to snap once-in-a-lifetime photos at a moment’s notice. Most deluxe overland tours in Africa provide USB charging ports in each seat of their vehicles. That being said, bring backup batteries for your camera(s). 

Your Africa overland safari will likely be a highlight of your life’s travels. Prepare for the unexpected, be open to possibilities and get set to experience wonder like never before.

Top Cultural Activities in Africa

There is so much more to Africa than an abundance of wildlife. Travelers seeking a cultural trip to Africa have countless opportunities to witness tribal traditions, learn about the continent’s history and meet indigenous people.

The leading Africa guided tour companies can arrange for behind-the-scenes visits to museums, visits to artisan workshops and archaeological dig sites, and meals with local families. 

Among the best cultural experiences in Africa are:  

1. Touring the birthplace of civilization

Africa tours focusing on history and archaeology typically include a visit to the birthplace of civilization, also known as the Cradle of Humankind. The significant site is home to around 40 percent of Earth’s human ancestor fossils, some as old as 3.5 million years. Travelers interested in science and fossils will enjoy the Sterkfontein Caves, where one can see Mrs Ples and Little Foot, both major paleontological discoveries.  

2. Meeting indigenous people throughout Africa

If history, culture and local people are important on your Africa tour, look for opportunities to visit villages and townships along the way. Ethiopia is a top destination for Africa cultural immersion - there are approximately 80 languages spoken throughout the country.

Look for tours that visit the culturally rich Oma Valley area, where fascinating tribes live along the massive Omo River. Visit with the Hamar tribe, the Dassanech or the Mursi, each a distinctive microcosm of African culture.

3. Meeting the Kalahari’s San Bushmen

Get to know southern Africa’s oldest inhabitants - the San Bushmen of the Kalahari - on an Africa tour focusing on cultural interactions.

The San Bushmen are thought to have lived in Botswana for more than 20,000 years, passing down traditions and hunter-gatherer techniques through the generations. Learn of these rituals and traditions through face-to-face meetings on your guided Africa tour.

4. Visiting Stone Town in Zanzibar

  A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Stone Town (Mij Mkongwe in Swahili) was originally the capital of the Zanzibar Sultanate and heart of the spice trade. Africa history tours will unveil Stone Town’s darker side, when it was home to an open slave market. Look for the varying Arab, Euopean, Persian and Indian influences in the cultural opportunities and architecture throughout Stone Town. 

5. Touring District Six in South Africa

Learn about the destruction of Cape Town, South Africa’s District Six community. Formerly an impoverished community of 55,000, the residents of the community were forced to evacuate in the ‘70s and live in the Cape Flats. The apartheid government tore down many of the buildings in District Six, hoping to sell the land for a pretty penny.

This plan never came to fruition and today, as then, District Six is a barren area. Your South Africa tour operator can arrange for a visit to the enlightening District Six Museum. 

6. Learning about apartheid

History buffs can delve into South Africa’s apartheid era at the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg. It’s an opportunity to understand this dark period of the country’s history, an era of racial discrimination that also paved the way for the rise of Nelson Mandela. 

7. Touring one of South African’s oldest wine estates

South Africa wine tours celebrate the wine culture of the country with visits to Groot Constantia. The wine estate dates back to the late 1600s and is still fully operational. Tour the estate by bus for the best vineyard views or venture into the Groot Constantia wine cellar on a guided tour and learn the techniques of wine making. 

8. Visiting the Himba villages of Namibia

Visit northern Namibia and tour the Himba villages of the raw and wild Kaokoland region. The striking Himba people are unused to western visitors and so you can expect to be observed just as much as you observe. Consider a game-viewing tour in Etosha that includes encounters with the Himba, as well as a stop at the Sossusvlei dunes. 

9. Marveling at the Maasai  

Kenya and Tanzania cultural tours often include encounters with the Maasai herdsmen, who seem as tied to the landscape as the cattle and predators who roam here. Ask your Africa tour operator is there is an opportunity to attend a jumping dance (or adumu) while you’re in Maasai territory. It’s a real highlight of Maasai culture, with impressive jumping feats.

10. Honoring the souls of the KwaZulu-Natal Battlefields

Take a break from the big game parks of South Africa and visit thesomber KwaZulu-Natal Battlefields. Your South Africa tour guides can explain the significance of the white-washed stones scattered throughout the battlefields. Africa history tours often include the site of Isandlwana, which marks the spot where 1,300 British Empire troops were met with the spear-wielding Zulu army.

Off the Coast of Africa 

To the 47 countries on the African continent, one can add 6 more - the islands of the African coast. For those seeking a different kind of African holiday, or are hoping to combine a safari with a trip to the African coast - these 6 sovereign nations hold much appeal. The six African island countries are Cape Verde, Madagascar, Comoros, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles and Mauritius. Instead of elephants and giraffes, think white, sandy beaches and crashing waves. There is wildlife on the African islands, to be sure, just not the Big Five.  

Here’s a primer on the six African islands , the best way to see the stunningly beautiful African coastline:

• Cape Verde . The most popular place to visit on Cape Verde, off the west coast of Africa, is Sal, typically considered one of the most beautiful islands in Africa. White, sandy beaches extend for miles and Santa Maria, the main town on Sal, brims with vibrant bars and restaurants, nightlife and music. Honeymooners visiting Africa might consider combining a relaxing beach holiday in Cape Verde with a wildlife safari. 
• Comoros . Comoros is an off-the-beaten-path island nation of Africa and a huge proponent of eco-tourism. It’s easy to see why, with the island’s pristine beaches, snorkel-friendly coral reefs and lush rainforests. 
• Madagascar . There’s an island off the coast of Madagascar that was once completely overrun by pirates. Learn about the buccaneer history of the island, then lounge the day away at Nosy Boraha beach. The true highlight of Madagascar, however, is its lemur population, its signature animal. Outdoor enthusiasts love Madagascar for these cuties, as well as the island’s baobab trees, rain forest, desert, mountains, mongoose, turtles, birds, sharks, orchids - animals and plants are alive and well here, though under growing threat from climate change. 
• Mauritius . As close to Eden as you may come in your lifetime, Mauritius is an island of spectacular beauty. Active travelers in Mauritius can spend their days hiking, snorkeling, diving, boating or - when it’s time to relax - slipping away to a powdery-soft beach and drinking in all those fantastical shades of green and blue. Ask your African island tour operator if there is a chance to visit the “real Mauritius” - away from the resorts and into the sleep fishing villages, where you'll experience a melting pot of cultures. 
• Seychelles . The Seychelles is comprised of 115 islands, an Indian Ocean archipelago that is a favorite African destination for active travelers and honeymooners. Outdoor and especially water sports enthusiasts visit the Seychelles for its abundant diving and snorkeling opportunities, while wildlife lovers are fascinated by rare animals, including the Aldabra giant tortoise and pelagic seabirds. The cuisine is a highlight of the Seychelles, a blend of African, European and Asian flavors.  
• Seal Island . Africa wildlife tours focusing on marine life typically include Seal Island. Set along the South African coastline in the Indian Ocean, Seal Island is home to several varieties of African seal, including the popular Cape Fur seals. 
• Zanzibar . For an African island trip that includes culture, history and beautiful beaches, take a guided tour of Zanzibar, the largest island in Africa, off the coast of Tanzania. Visit the former island capital and heart of the spice trade, Stone Town. Wander through vibrant bazaars and the remnants of palaces and mosques. Zanzibar is a popular island for an Africa culture tour, thanks in large part to its mosaic of African, Indian and Arab influences.

Once you’re on your way…

• Pack some warm clothing for high-elevation areas, such as Tanzania’s Mt. Kilimanjaro (19,000-feet-plus) and Ngorongoro Crater (5,900 foot elevation). And nights can get downright chilly anywhere in Africa, even near the Equator.

• The African sun is hot. Bring wide-brimmed hats, lightweight long sleeve shirts and, of course, good sun block for your safari.

• Be prepared to get up early and out into the game park as near to sunrise as possible, while the air is still cool. That’s when the animals are up and about – but not all the competing safari vehicles will be.

• As a buffer against long hours of riding on bumpy, unpaved roads, consider bringing a seat cushion along. Cameras take a beating, too, especially from the dust (protective plastic bags help).

• As for keeping the camera steady in a safari vehicle, a tripod is best but bean bags (if supplied by your driver/guide) fit easily across the edge of roof openings and reduce shake.

• Bring a good pair of high-powered binoculars – you won’t regret it.

• Don’t ignore some of the “lesser” creatures in the wild, such as hyenas and lizards, or the bird life: ostriches, cranes, flamingos, secretary birds (named for their quill-like feathers) and nest-knitting weaver birds.

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Afro-Puerto Rican Heritage Tour

Enjoy a 5-hour combination tour that immerses you in the culture, history and beauty of Puerto Rico.

Quick Details

Start time:  9 a.m.

Duration:  5 hours

Days available: Tuesdays and Thursdays

Maximum occupancy: 11 people; more can be accommodated upon request

Ages:  All ages

Tour Type:  Public, walking & driving

Inclusions:  Transportation, entrance fees

Discover Puerto Rico Heritage on this Island Tour

Experience with us the roots of Puerto Rico on this 5-hour combination tour where you will enjoy deserted beaches and scenic views. You will visit an open cave in the historical park Maria de La Cruz, visit galleries showcasing local International artist, and try the local cuisine at one of the many restaurant in the area!

We will pick you up from your accommodation and drive to the Loiza Pinones area where the African heritage can be seen all around town—the music, dance, art and food are all deeply rooted in African tradition. See how the locals live here and prepare their food on wood-fire BBQs. At the Historical Park Maria de la Cruz in Loiza we explore the cave that is more of a large open area than a deep cave system. The park is of great historical value to the area with lots of interesting facts to discover. You will learn a little bit about the Folklore Bomba music and dance through a short workshop.

We continue our experience by visiting 1 or 2 local art galleries/workshops of the famous Puerto Rican artists Samuel Lind and Castor Ayala. As you walk inside, you might get overwhelmed by the colors and beauty of the art. The work is mainly inspired by their life in Loiza, its nature, people, beauty and heritage. You can bring home a souvenir if you like!

Our next stop is at the beautiful tropical beach Vacia Talega, where we will take you on a short 10-minute hike through the bush to a scenic view, overlooking the cliffs, beach and ocean.

It’s time for lunch! At one of the local beachfront restaurants in the area you are able to try out the local Puerto Rican cuisine before we transport you back to your accommodation.

This tour is conducted in English, but can be conducted in Spanish by request.

• Chevron down Itinerary

9:00-9:30am: Pick up from accommodation or central meeting point Plaza Colon. Fill in our waiver form, 1 per person. We handle a 30-minute pickup time frame.

10:00-10:50am: Visit Art Gallery of Samuel Lind and/or Castor Ayala

11-12pm: Historical Park Maria de la Cruz

12:10-12:40pm: Vacia Talega beach

12:50-1:40pm: Lunch

2:00pm: Drop off at location

• Chevron down Recommended Attire

Dress comfortably and remember that Puerto Rico is hot and humid. The van is air-conditioned but our stops will be outside. Also be sure to remember that the tour takes place rain or shine… it’s a tropical island after all. Prepare properly for any weather occasion.

• Chevron down Pick-Up Information

You will be picked up at the address of your accommodation in the San Juan metropolitan area. Guests staying in Old San Juan or arriving on cruise ships will be picked up from central meeting point Plaza Colon, taxi stand. Your pick up and drop off location will be the same, unless requested different.

• Chevron down Group Size Information

We require a minimum of 2 people to operate this tour. The maximum of people per group is 11 though we can accommodate bigger private groups upon request. In case the minimum numbers are not reached, a full refund will be granted or you will have the option to reschedule.

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Afrobeats Superstar Davido Talks Headlining Madison Square Garden and Wanting to Work With Rihanna and Jelly Roll

By Emanuel Okusanya

Emanuel Okusanya

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Afrobeats has been one of the fastest-growing musical genres of the past decade, but if any further evidence were needed that it has reached new peaks, just look at Nigerian singer Davido : Not only was he nominated for the first-ever Best African Music Performance Grammy earlier this year, he’s headlining New York’s Madison Square Garden tonight (April 17).

Popular on Variety

Davido’s 2017 hit single, “Fall,” is often hailed as America’s gateway to modern Afrobeats. The track made its mark on urban and rhythmic stations nationwide, climbing the charts nearly two years after its initial release and securing a spot in the top 20 on both formats. Notably, it garnered attention from Cardi B, who, amidst her soaring success with “Invasion of Privacy,” teased a potential remix.

Fans can expect the high-octane energy Davido brings to his live performances, alongside higher grade of production and storytelling within the setlist. Davido spoke to Variety about his excitement for the show, new music and projects, and even the Cardi B collaboration that almost was. 

Where are you calling from?

You performed in L.A. during Grammy Week and were nominated for the African Performance award — how does it feeling seeing the mainstream respond to African music and particularly your music? 

I always knew it would happen eventually, you know what I’m saying? I did two years of college in Atlanta. Even then, I used to play Nigerian music in the dorm for my American friends, and they always loved it — like, “What are you playing? That sounds hard” I’m just happy to see everything coming together. I remember in 2016, telling my label, ‘Yo, this is the new sound.’ Every day, we wake up to somebody breaking a record, somebody selling out a show or winning an award. It’s beautiful to see.

A lot of people don’t know that you were born in Atlanta and that you have a huge connection to the hip-hop community. Has Atlanta influenced your music?

I’ve always been the guy to like put people onto African stuff — music, food, clothes, social media, you know what I’m saying? I woudln’t say Atlanta has like influenced my music because I really make African music. But I’d say it’s influenced my style – people say I dress like a rapper [laughs]. I understand both worlds.

It feels like 2017 was when things really started to heat up in the U.S. with African music. When did you feel it with your songs?

“Fall” was like the first time I was like, “Yeah, we are arriving.” Hearing my song on the radio every two hours was crazy! But like I said, we were given the opportunity to be heard.

Speaking of “Fall,” whatever happened with the Cardi B remix that was supposed to happen in 2019?

Shout out to Cardi B, shout out to her for getting on the record. People don’t understand that behind every record there is paperwork. We were on different labels and it was complicated at the time.  But I appreciate her for taking out her time to do that. I believe me and her will work together again… Me and Offset are locked in, man. That’s my brother. 

That Atlanta connection again?

Every time! Me, [Young] Thug, Migos, those are my brothers, for real. 

Last year you partnered Apple Music to host their Africa Now show , you highlighted Lojay and mentioned that he’s one of the ones that you feel is just going to be up next and have like a moment. What’s your relationship with some of the new African artists?

Music is everlasting. There’s no limit. The smallest person can give you the biggest record of your life. I don’t really look for anything crazy. What I look for is talent. If we can make good music together, I’ll do it. Afrobeats is in great hands.

Headlining Madison Square Garden is a huge moment for any artist. In order to sell out an arena like that, you have to be reaching multiple demographics, right?

What can we expect from this show? You’ve been dancing a lot more – especially with the “Unavailable” dance becoming popular. 

Oh, definitely. MSG is going to be the first of a lot of like crazy stuff that we’re trying to do. We’re definitely going to have a storyline — it’s not going to be a concert that you just come to to dance and drink. Trust me, we’re going crazy on production.

I walked past MSG so many times when I was younger. I want to take the subway to the show. 

You’ve already collaborated with a lot of top artists — who is still on your wish list?

Rihanna — we were supposed to link up a lot of times, I know it’s going to happen, though. And ya, it’s weird — you’ve heard of Jelly Roll? Yeah. He has some dope music. I like his music. 

What else we can expect from you this year?

I’m announcing a full-blown tour soon, I have documentary we’re working on — it’s following me the past three years. I think it’s going to be out this year, maybe next year.

Do you feel any sense of pride or responsibility for helping usher Afrobeats into the mainstream? You were the entry point for a lot of people. 

I wouldn’t say responsibility, but I feel like I have the culture on my back, like I have to deliver. I feel like we’re like 60 percent in when it comes to influencing the culture — I think it’s going to get to the level that you see in Latin music. It might not be my generation, it might be the next one. The people that came before me built a foundation for what we are enjoying now. 

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Comuna 13, Medellín, Antioquia

Afrocolombian

A collective of artists and warriors who transform their neighborhoods with the music, dances and afro-culture hidden in the periphery of Medellín. They use art and urban tourism to communicate their processes and activities for social change.

Comuna 13th is synonymous with transformation and resilience in Medellín. For more than 15 years, Son Batá collective has used hip hop and afrocolombian rythms as a tool to keep the yougsters away from violence, urban militias and micro-trafficking. They also developed the Afro Tour, an urban tourism experience that tells the history of the comuna, from the perspective of the displaced afrodescendant population who has lived for decades in 3 vulnerable neighborhoods of the Comuna. Both initiatives create artistic projects for children and youth.

Business Idea

Commercialization of experiential classes ans workshops of music and dance, integrated to urban tourism experiences.

OUR CURRENT GOAL

Reactivate tourism in the neighborhood, attract attendees to the new virtual version of the Afrotour and offer classes in virtual mode.

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Tyla Talks Creating "Water," First Grammy Win, Cancelled Tour Dates & More | Billboard Cover

Posted: April 17, 2024 | Last updated: April 17, 2024

Billboard cover star Tyla talks about creating her viral hit "Water," the journey to creating her recently released debut album 'Tyla,' the diverse collaborations from Becky G, Tems, Gunna and Skillibeng, how her sound has evolved from R&B and pop to more Ampiano focused, how she feels to be the first artist to win a Grammy in the new African Music Performance category, how the South African dance Bacardi dance style inspired the viral "Water," dance, canceling her highly anticipated Coachella performance and tour due to injury and more.

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The banjo is a star of Beyoncé's new album. Turns out it has African roots

Aaron Cohen

Beyoncé accepts the Innovator Award at the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards on April 1. Her new album is "Carter Country" and it features a banjo on the hit song "Texas Hold 'Em." At right: a gourd banjo was an early American incarnation of an instrument that originated in Africa and was played by African Americans. Michael Buckner/Billboard via Getty Images; Heritage Art/Heritage Images via Getty Images hide caption

Beyoncé accepts the Innovator Award at the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards on April 1. Her new album is "Carter Country" and it features a banjo on the hit song "Texas Hold 'Em." At right: a gourd banjo was an early American incarnation of an instrument that originated in Africa and was played by African Americans.

Pop superstar Beyoncé released "Texas Hold 'Em" a few weeks ago and it features an instrument that she had never emphasized before. This hit song, on her new (and hugely popular) Cowboy Carter album, is both an invitation to dance and an assertion of African American cultural identity.

And the banjo, an instrument often associated with American Appalachian bluegrass music, has an overlooked cultural identity of its own — rooted in Africa, where a traditional instrument with a long neck and a body fashioned from a calabash gourd is clearly a banjo ancestor.

The banjoist on Beyoncé's album is the Black American musician (and Pulitzer Prize winner) Rhiannon Giddens. She's part of a group of musicians and musicologists who have been looking into the African origins of the banjo as well as its important place in the Black music legacy.

Pulitzer Prize-winning musician Rhiannon Giddens plays banjo on Beyoncé's hit single "Texas Hold 'Em." Above: Giddens performs on banjo with her band. Jack Vartoogian/Getty Images/Getty Images hide caption

Pulitzer Prize-winning musician Rhiannon Giddens plays banjo on Beyoncé's hit single "Texas Hold 'Em." Above: Giddens performs on banjo with her band.

Giddens is especially active in correcting the banjo's narrative through her own performances on the instrument and initiatives like her video series, "Uncovering the history of the Banjo with Rhiannon Giddens: From African Roots to American Music."

Giddens, who grew up in North Carolina, said in her video that she did not initially know about the banjo's multifaceted history.

Giddens knowingly explores the globe in her presentation, with Gambian akonting player Laemouahuma Daniel Jatta as a central source (he appears at the 10:51 mark in the video). For years, musicologists had suggested such West African stringed instruments as the ngoni and xalam as foundational to the banjo's origins. Jatta has demonstrated that the akonting is a more direct source.

The Banjo's Roots, Reconsidered

Jatta's advocacy for his instrument's connection to the banjo received a platform on NPR in a 2011 report: "The Banjo's Roots, Reconsidered." In correspondent Greg Allen's story, Jatta describes how his three-stringed akonting resembled what he saw and heard from American country banjo players while he was studying in South Carolina.

Jatta told NPR that while he pursued undergraduate and graduate degrees in the United States, he learned everything he could about the origins of the banjo. Eventually, he reached a conclusion.

"Among all the instruments ever mentioned as a prototype of the banjo from the African region," he said in 2011, "the akonting to me has more similarities, more objective similarities than any other that has ever been mentioned."

The 2011 story added that the akonting looks like a banjo. Like early banjos, it has a long neck that extends through the instrument's gourd body. And it has a movable wooden bridge that, as in banjos, holds the strings over the skin head.

But for Jatta, and other banjo scholars, what's most convincing is how the akonting is played. Players use the index finger to strike down on one of the long strings, and the thumb sounds the akonting's short string as the hand moves back upward. When Jatta looked at early banjo instruction books from the mid-1800s, he found that they described an almost identical playing style.

"What struck me was when they mentioned the ball of the thumb and the nail of the index or middle finger. I knew straight away my father was using this same style," Jatta said. "This was never a surprise to me, because I have seen this since I was 5 years old."

Banjo player and roots enthusiast Chuck Levy of Gainesville, Fla., studied with Jatta in Senegal and the Gambia. He adds that documents from centuries ago show shared physical characteristics between the akonting and the banjo.

"Starting in 1600s, there were drawings and accounts of African instruments that were sometimes called guitars but resemble modern banjo," Levy said. "The akonting does not have a tuning peg to tighten the string. The string is knotted on the bamboo neck. Instruments then started to appear with pegs and this is probably a European influence that is now being adapted to this hybrid instrument."

The Banjo Project , launched in 1997, is an online archive that traces the instrument's trajectory. This site describes the story of enslaved Africans bringing stringed instruments to the Americas and how the banjo derived from their innovations. This was during a time when slaveowners and authorities prohibited drums, which they saw as subversive.

Crucial African American musical genres also included the banjo into the 20th century. Jazz artists, like Johnny St. Cyr of Louis Armstrong's Hot Five, doubled on guitar and banjo in the 1920s.

You Can Tour This Banjo Museum Without Getting Up From Your Couch

Gradually, the instrument became a staple of bluegrass, folk and country. Due to the banjo's role in these idioms, it's been frequently characterized as an instrument of white musicians. Rhiannon Giddens says her earliest impression of the banjo was that it's played by "a white man in overalls." What's more, the banjo was prominently featured in degrading blackface minstrel shows. As a result, its Black origins were often buried.

This history does not just flow in one cross-continental direction. After the banjo became a popular and mass-produced instrument in the Americas, England and Ireland during the 19th century, British colonizers took it to West Africa. Musician and professor Chris Waterman's liner notes to the 1985 compilation album, Juju Roots 1930s - 1950s (Rounder), describes how British companies brought banjos (as well as guitars, mandolins and country music records) to Nigeria. Some musicians in Lagos, like Tunde King, played the banjo in a popular new music they created called juju, which later on featured electric guitars.

While contemporary global popular music continues to overwhelm traditional acoustic sounds everywhere, the akonting still has devoted practitioners. One such artist is Sana Ndiaye, who divides his time between his native Senegal and Massachusetts.

Another Senegalese musician who has emerged recently, Elisa Diedhiou, is one of the comparatively few women to play the akonting. She released her Ears Of The People album on Smithsonian Folkways in the United States last year.

Meanwhile, Jatta has continued his mission of performing as well as educating scholars, musicians and fans about the akonting and its connection to the banjo. This included publishing the Banjo Models: The Akonting and Other Folk Lutes of Senegambia: and I Never Allowed Poverty to Destroy My Life in 2022. He interweaves the study of the instrument and its relatives with his autobiography.

Jatta would like to return to the United States to perform and teach and is excited about the people from around the world who are reaching out to him for his thoughts. He is also seeking funds for his educational center in the Gambia.

"What you know of yourself is what you learn from your culture," Jatta said via a WhatsApp conversation from the Gambia. "If you don't know your culture and rely on people to tell you what you are, that's a problem. We have to know what we are before we become what we want to be. That's why I want to make sure to not only have this instrument played the it has always been played but to teach new generation for us to know our culture. People without a culture is like a tree without roots. You have nothing to make us stable."

Forming multicultural partnerships to trace the connections remain just as crucial, according to Jatta.

"The foundation of most of the music that America is playing today — blues, jazz, country, rock and roll — all come from banjo culture," Jatta said. "Everyone needs to have a better way of understanding it. It's the reality. We need to have this understanding to come up with a narrative that everyone can share."

And now Beyoncé's music is part of that narrative.

Aaron Cohen is the author of Move On Up: Chicago Soul Music and Black Cultural Power (University of Chicago Press), Amazing Grace (Bloomsbury) and is the co-author of Ramsey Lewis' memoir, Gentleman Of Jazz (Blackstone) . He teaches humanities at City Colleges of Chicago and regularly writes about the arts for such publications as the Chicago Tribune , Chicago Reader and DownBeat .

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Meditation Mondays: Reclaiming Our Time

• Monday, May 27, 2024
• 6:00pm - 6:45pm
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Free! Registration is Required. 

About This Event

Join us for a special edition of our Meditation Monday program to commemorate the opening of our new exhibit in the Visual Arts gallery, Reclaiming My Time. This 40-minute meditation session provides an opportunity for participants of any experience level to explore the notion that rest is resilience. Together we will experience the restorative practice of meditation and contemplate the journey of Black Americans toward liberation. 

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Tour Details

Moscow metro tour: architectural styles of the subway.

Duration: 2 hours

Categories: Culture & History, Sightseeing

This metro tour of Russia’s capital and most populous city, Moscow, is your chance to get a unique insight into the beautiful and impressive architecture of the city's underground stations. Admire their marble walls and high ceilings representing Stalin's desire for glory after World War 2, and see first-hand how the interiors change with the rise of new political eras. Your guide will lead you through the complex network, which is one of the most heavily used rapid transit systems worldwide, with over two billion travelers in 2011.

Opened in 1935, Moscow’s underground system, now 190 miles (305 km) long with 185 stations, is today one the largest and most heavily used rapid transit systems in the world. On this Moscow metro tour, discover the impressive architecture of Moscow’s underground stations and learn how they reflect the Soviet era.

Getting around by metro, your local guide will take you through parts of Moscow’s infamous history. Stop at stations built during the time of the USSR (Soviet Union) that are praised as one of the most extravagant architectural projects from Stalin’s time. After World War 2, he was keen on establishing Stalinist architecture to represent his rising regime and a recognized empire. Learn how when his successor started the de-Stalinization of the former Soviet Union in 1953, the extravagancy of the architecture was toned down.

Discover how the unique character of each station reflected several different eras. While stations like Kievskaya and Slavyansky Bulvar have pompous halls and high stucco ceilings brimming with extravagant decorations, those built later, like Volzhskaya, are lightly adorned with sparse furnishings. Architect Alexey Dushkin and painter Alexander Deyneka were just two of the many artists who made these magnificent landmarks possible.

Revel in Moscow's glory days, as well as the years of scarcity, on this fascinating Moscow metro experience. Conclude your tour at one of the central stations in Moscow. If you're lucky, you may even find the secret entrance to the unconfirmed Metro-2, a parallel underground system used by the government -- a mystery which has neither been denied nor confirmed today.

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Culture Shock Rating

We have a wide range of tours designed to give you an insight into the destination you're travelling in and there is something for everybody. The culture shock ratings considers the destination visited, transport used, activities undertaken and that "Wow, I'm really not at home now!" factor. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our gradings is as follows…

This is the least confronting of our tour range. Transport used on the trip is either private or a very comfortable public option, the activities included are usually iconic sites and locations that are not all too confronting.

The tour can include a mix of private and public transport providing a level of comfort that is slightly below what you would experience at home. Sites visited are usually iconic sites, tours can also include market visits, visits to communities etc that provide the traveller with a fantastic insight into destination.

Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether it's a packed public bus where you are forced to stand, a visit to a local market, a local community, you are sure to have an experience that is very different from what you're used to at home.

The comforts of your home town and the environment you are used to are more of a rarity. Expect some challenging transport options, visits to local sites and areas that don't resemble anything at home.

You're out there in the global community! You are likely to be exposed to the elements, travel in whatever means of transport is available and basically take it as it comes, whatever comes! It can be tough.

Physical Rating

Our physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our gradings is as follows…

These tours have very limited physical activity. Usually climbing in and out of the transport provided, walking through sites, markets etc included in the itinerary.

These tours have a bit of physical activity but nothing that should challenge you too much. This could be climbing on and off public transport through to a walk through the destination you're travelling in, they can include walking only tours or a combination of walking and transport.

These tours involve a bit of physical activity from walking up and down hills in the destination you're travelling in or the surrounding areas. Climbing on and off local transport or riding a bike up to 30 kms along predominantly flat terrain or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.

These Tours will provide you with some solid physical activity. Whether its bike riding, walking, trekking, kayaking or riding on public transport you will need to have a good level of fitness to enjoy this tour.

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. These tours are our most challenging and involve some serious walking, hiking or bike riding. Can involve step climbs by foot or pedal and some challenging public transport options in the destination you are travelling.

Luxury Rating

Some trips are like a stroll on the beach, while others have you trekking alpine passes. Some of you thrive on camping out on the savannah, while others may prefer a hot shower and a comfortable bed in a lodge. Follow the grading systems below to find the right trip for you.

To help you choose the trip that's right for you, we've broken all of our trips down into four service levels. Measuring the comfort level of the accommodation and transport. So whether you're travelling on a budget and want to save money by using public transport, or prefer upgraded accommodation and are happy to pay a little more, then we have a level for you.

This is grassroots travel at its most interesting

Authentic experiences with some of the comforts of home

For those who like to travel in comfort

All the unique experiences wrapped up with a gold ribbon

Moscow Metro Tour

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Description

Moscow metro private tours.

• 2-hour tour $87:  10 Must-See Moscow Metro stations with hotel pick-up and drop-off
• 3-hour tour $137:  20 Must-See Moscow Metro stations with Russian lunch in beautifully-decorated Metro Diner + hotel pick-up and drop off. 
• Metro pass is included in the price of both tours.

Highlight of Metro Tour

• Visit 10 must-see stations of Moscow metro on 2-hr tour and 20 Metro stations on 3-hr tour, including grand Komsomolskaya station with its distinctive Baroque décor, aristocratic Mayakovskaya station with Soviet mosaics, legendary Revolution Square station with 72 bronze sculptures and more!
• Explore Museum of Moscow Metro and learn a ton of technical and historical facts;
• Listen to the secrets about the Metro-2, a secret line supposedly used by the government and KGB;
• Experience a selection of most striking features of Moscow Metro hidden from most tourists and even locals;
• Discover the underground treasure of Russian Soviet past – from mosaics to bronzes, paintings, marble arches, stained glass and even paleontological elements;
• Learn fun stories and myths about Coffee Ring, Zodiac signs of Moscow Metro and more;
• Admire Soviet-era architecture of pre- and post- World War II perious;
• Enjoy panoramic views of Sparrow Hills from Luzhniki Metro Bridge – MetroMost, the only station of Moscow Metro located over water and the highest station above ground level;
• If lucky, catch a unique «Aquarelle Train» – a wheeled picture gallery, brightly painted with images of peony, chrysanthemums, daisies, sunflowers and each car unit is unique;
• Become an expert at navigating the legendary Moscow Metro system;
• Have fun time with a very friendly local;
• + Atmospheric Metro lunch in Moscow’s the only Metro Diner (included in a 3-hr tour)

Hotel Pick-up

Metro stations:.

Komsomolskaya

Novoslobodskaya

Prospekt Mira

Belorusskaya

Mayakovskaya

Novokuznetskaya

Revolution Square

Sparrow Hills

+ for 3-hour tour

Victory Park

Slavic Boulevard

Vystavochnaya

Dostoevskaya

Elektrozavodskaya

Partizanskaya

Museum of Moscow Metro

• Drop-off  at your hotel, Novodevichy Convent, Sparrow Hills or any place you wish
• + Russian lunch  in Metro Diner with artistic metro-style interior for 3-hour tour

Fun facts from our Moscow Metro Tours:

From the very first days of its existence, the Moscow Metro was the object of civil defense, used as a bomb shelter, and designed as a defense for a possible attack on the Soviet Union.

At a depth of 50 to 120 meters lies the second, the coded system of Metro-2 of Moscow subway, which is equipped with everything you need, from food storage to the nuclear button.

According to some sources, the total length of Metro-2 reaches over 150 kilometers.

The Museum was opened on Sportivnaya metro station on November 6, 1967. It features the most interesting models of trains and stations.

Coffee Ring

The first scheme of Moscow Metro looked like a bunch of separate lines. Listen to a myth about Joseph Stalin and the main brown line of Moscow Metro.

Zodiac Metro

According to some astrologers, each of the 12 stops of the Moscow Ring Line corresponds to a particular sign of the zodiac and divides the city into astrological sector.

Astrologers believe that being in a particular zadiac sector of Moscow for a long time, you attract certain energy and events into your life.

Paleontological finds 

Red marble walls of some of the Metro stations hide in themselves petrified inhabitants of ancient seas. Try and find some!

• Every day each car in  Moscow metro passes  more than 600 km, which is the distance from Moscow to St. Petersburg.
• Moscow subway system is the  5th in the intensity  of use (after the subways of Beijing, Tokyo, Seoul and Shanghai).
• The interval in the movement of trains in rush hour is  90 seconds .

What you get:

• + A friend in Moscow.
• + Private & customized Moscow tour.
• + An exciting pastime, not just boring history lessons.
• + An authentic experience of local life.
• + Flexibility during the walking tour: changes can be made at any time to suit individual preferences.
• + Amazing deals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the very best cafes & restaurants. Discounts on weekdays (Mon-Fri).
• + A photo session amongst spectacular Moscow scenery that can be treasured for a lifetime.
• + Good value for souvenirs, taxis, and hotels.
• + Expert advice on what to do, where to go, and how to make the most of your time in Moscow.

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