One of the world's most respected surf photographers, Alan van Gysen, shares his love for the continent and a selection of incredible photos that show its diversity.
"If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together" - African Proverb
Life is relational. Africa has taught me this. Remove the people on the journey, at the destination, and from your stories, and it's a lonely road and empty tale. For the past 25 years I've been enamored with my home continent of Africa. From the moment I picked up a camera and looked through the viewfinder, the continent pulled sharply into focus, and I've been unable to remove my gaze ever since.
There is something about Africa, whether north, east, south or west that just feels different to anywhere else on earth. Perhaps it's as simple as the knowledge that it is Africa. Maybe it's the element of uncertainty, the possibility of still finding a world-class wave, or truly losing and finding yourself both at the same time. Perhaps it's these and more. It's a big continent, and there's more diversity and variety on offer than anywhere else on our planet. I think it's the freedom, and especially the people. The freedom you feel when you're out in Africa's vast expanse - that anything can happen, and the relationships and connections you never saw coming.
MOROCCO
One of the things that stands out to me most about Morocco and the Western Sahara is the hospitality of the Berber nomads.
Looking back, I think what really sparked my wanderlust were the countless National Geographic magazines my father subscribed to and had piled on top of the cistern in our bathroom, his love for learning and in turn teaching us about the world, and probably more so, the fact that he was bound to a wheelchair - and worse at times, since he was 21. Diagnosed with primary progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) he was not free and able to see these places we read about. At the time I felt similarly stuck, and I would pull out maps of the places I discovered in print, and stick them to the bedroom walls, dreaming and praying I would one day be able to visit them somehow. "The continent is too large to describe. It is a veritable ocean, a separate planet, a varied, immensely rich cosmos. Only with the greatest simplification, for the sake of convenience, can we say 'Africa'.
SOUTH AFRICA
There is no place like home. I have travelled the world over and am yet to find a place as beautiful and fulfilling as Kommetjie, Cape Town.
In reality, except as a geographical appellation, Africa does not exist." - Ryszard Kapuściński, from the introduction to his 2001 book The Shadow of the Sun. I believe our attitude is everything when we travel, especially in Africa. Step off a plane, train or boat with a pre-conceived attitude, expectation or worse and you'll be disappointed, beaten down or broken. Go in with no expectations, and no matter what, your expectations will be exceeded. It comes down to humility and being open to immersing yourself and engaging others. I think being the person I am today makes for a more pleasant travel experience because experience and time have taught me to be patient, present and grateful - among other things. Things are almost always out of your control on the road, and you need to be able to take a moment, pray and move with the opportunity. Every experience is an opportunity.
NAMIBIA
It is the second-least populated country on earth, but it's also one of the most beautiful places on our planet, boasting the oldest desert in the world.
The best tip I can give anyone wanting to travel anywhere in the world is to be willing to immerse yourself in the culture and environment you find yourself in, and to be willing, open, and available to engage those who are put in your path, and learn from every opportunity that comes your way.