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This is a curated space for African events, guesthouses, and tourism experiences — reinforcing tourism as an economic driver. Go ahead, browes and book your next holiday. To list your business or event, register as a member, this will open a listing menu.
Often overlooked but deeply rich in history and nature, Central Africa is home to untapped beauty and emerging voices. From Cameroon to the DRC, Congo-Brazzaville, and Chad — here you'll find unique stories, hidden gems, and welcoming businesses ready to share their world with you.
West Africa is bold, creative, and full of rhythm. From the bustling markets of Nigeria and Ghana to the historic cities of Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire, this region beats with entrepreneurial energy and cultural pride. Explore events, services, and stays from local hosts who represent the future of African hospitality.
TOUR EAST AFRICA
East Africa is a region of breathtaking beauty and thriving enterprise — home to the innovation hubs of Kenya and Rwanda, the cultural depth of Ethiopia, and the coastal charm of Tanzania and Uganda. Discover authentic experiences, hosted by proud locals building Africa’s tourism and small business economy from the ground up.
From the vibrant townships of South Africa to the majestic landscapes of Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and beyond — Southern Africa offers a rich blend of culture, heritage, wildlife, and economic potential. Here you'll find events, guest houses, and local businesses ready to welcome you with warmth and entrepreneurial spirit.
Why Tourism Matters to Africa’s Grassroots Economy
Tourism is often seen as luxury travel and leisure—but in Africa, it is much more than that. It is an engine of survival, a bridge between local cultures and global audiences, and one of the most powerful tools for grassroots economic development.
At Eight Red Apples (ERA), we recognise tourism not just as a sector, but as an opportunity. An opportunity for communities to thrive, for heritage to be preserved, and for small businesses—from food vendors to craftmakers, guides to guesthouse owners—to participate meaningfully in the economy.
The Ripple Effect of Tourism
When a traveller visits an African village, small town, or rural site, the economic impact ripples far beyond hotel bookings and souvenirs. That visit creates income for:
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The homestay host who offers accommodation
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The taxi driver who provides local transport
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The craftswoman selling handmade jewelry
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The young person hired as a tour guide
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The farmer supplying fresh produce to the guesthouse
Tourism injects money directly into the hands of community members, often with little or no need for formal employment or external aid. It supports informal businesses, encourages youth entrepreneurship, and promotes local ownership.
Tourism as a Tool of Dignity and Cultural Exchange
Tourism also brings dignity to local knowledge and traditions. When visitors engage with African history, music, storytelling, and cuisine, they validate and celebrate what communities already have. This cultural appreciation is priceless. It builds confidence, preserves identity, and positions Africa not as a charity case—but as a destination of richness, wisdom, and innovation.
Why Eight Red Apples is Adding Tourism to Its Priority List
ERA exists to promote economic participation at every level. Tourism is a natural extension of that mission.
Through our Tour Africa initiative, we are:
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Creating visibility for local African events, guesthouses, and destinations
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Encouraging domestic tourism and intra-Africa travel
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Providing affordable listings for grassroots tourism operators
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Partnering with institutions like the Africa Tourism Board to drive community-led tourism growth
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Helping African travellers find African-owned options that circulate the rand and dollar locally
We believe tourism should not be the preserve of large corporations. It should be a people’s economy
— owned, defined, and shaped by Africans themselves.
Tourism Is Not Just About Travel. It’s About Transformation.
When a tourist chooses a village guesthouse over a foreign-owned hotel, they shift the power. They put
money in the hands of real families. They validate rural experiences. They feed local markets. They fuel dignity.
At ERA, we are committed to supporting this transformation. Tour Africa is our invitation to the world—
and to Africa itself—to see what we have, to visit, to invest, and to participate.
Because every journey into Africa should also be a journey into its people. And every rand spent should plant a seed that grows in the soil.
