The Magic of Africa

From time to time I get the chance to fly around Europe, USA and sometimes the rest of the world directing films for clients, whether ads or corporates or documentaries. Recently I found myself in Cape town and then Pretoria with my old friend and cameraman Alex Scaglia.

Neither of us had ever been to Africa before, and I know SA is 'different' but its still Africa. We were filled with horror stories of car jacking, folk cutting your hand off to get your watch, general advice about what not to wear, what not to do, where not to go etc. It seemed to me that the biggest problem South Africa has is its reputation.

We were treated with huge respect, sincerity and generosity by everyone we met. It was a truly surprising reaction that neither of us expected and one that has stayed with me since I returned to London. There is of course some wise words in the advice of those who know the place better than us, especially with regard to where not to go at night etc but such advice is as relevant in London, Edinburgh, Paris and New York as it is in Cape Town or Pretoria.

The difference is that people talk about those other cities in such glowing terms, whereas people do not give South Africas major cities the same plaudits. They should, because we had a great time in Cape Town & Pretoria, every bit as much fun as I've had in other big cities (NYC aside perhaps).

The country is another matter entirely.

It is a magical, beautiful and truly inspiring country and although it still has its problems, and is plagued by corruption and more than its fair share of violence, its a stunningly beautiful place to see. It wont cost the earth to visit and it will linger in your soul long after you return home. We were lucky enough to handle Lion cubs at one sanctuary and watch Rhino and Elephants living their lives in the wild elsewhere. The landscape is epic, the earth full of iron ore, it glows red in the sun, and the light that falls across the land makes the entire place feel like its been brushed with gold.

People that have been open minded enough to ignore the negative image of many African countries talk about visiting them changing your life. Even after one trip I understand now what they mean. I want to see Kenya now, then maybe the Congo. The list of places to visit where someone wont pull an AK47 on you is endless. I'm compiling mine now.