December 15, 2020
African Insomnia
A traveler wanders the darkened streets of Morocco, observing the lives of those who thrive when the sun goes down. I’m tired, and I hate the daylight. This strange sun…
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November 8, 2020
To Reach The Summit
During a trying hike in Mozambique, a traveler pushes through exhaustion and hunger in order to experience the joy of the summit. The heat weighed down our clothes. It filled…
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September 17, 2020
Taking the High Road
In the dark of night, a traveler climbs into a taxi on an infamous highway in Senegal, and experiences a ride he won't soon forget. "Bonsoir," said a man's voice…
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August 4, 2020
Victoria Falls From Two Sides
A traveler crosses into Zimbabwe from Zambia to take in the sight of one of nature's most amazing natural wonders. Zimbabwe immediately felt different from Zambia: the asphalt was decrepit,…
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July 22, 2020
Lonely as a Cloud of Vapour
A traveler in Morocco attempts to enjoy the pain and pleasure of an ancient exfoliation practice. “Bien, euh?” the ṭayyaba asked me in French, a little breathless. That was a…
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May 25, 2020
Coffee in Kigali
In the winning story of our 2020 Chance Encounters travel writing competition, a woman shares a table with a stranger and finds that her worst days will never compare to…
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January 28, 2020
Traversing the Transkei
During a trip to South Africa, a woman has her eyes opened by a group of volunteers who spend their days restoring sight to the blind. "Are you Ilse?" asks…
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July 12, 2019
One Morning in Morocco
Camped out near a remote Moroccan beach, our writer witnesses a surprising sight while brushing her teeth. Going through the dilapidated entrance of a half-hidden local restaurant in Sidi Kaouki,…
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July 5, 2019
Getting into Guinea
On a long journey through Africa, a Kiwi traveler struggles to explain to a Guinean border guard exactly why she wants to be let in. “So, why do you want…
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May 21, 2019
Silence of the Sand
"After the heat, the first thing that hit me was the silence. I couldn’t miss it. There was nothing to absorb sound. No trees, no buildings. Just orange sand stretching…
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