A familiar face from the evening news is charting a new course, trading the studio for the open road in a vibrant exploration of Africa. The presenter, best known for decades of serious journalism, reveals a different side in this travel series, approaching each destination with infectious curiosity and deep respect.
The journey begins in South Africa, a country the host knows from past postings. Reuniting with an old colleague, they discuss how international reporting often captures only one facet of a nation’s story. This episode serves as a poignant counter-narrative, celebrating the energy of places like Soweto while honestly engaging with history. A particularly moving moment finds the host sharing a meal with the family of a global icon, a personal full-circle moment from childhood inspiration.
Enthusiasm is the series’ driving force. Whether trying his hand at street art, tackling the vigorous stirring of a traditional stew, or attempting delicate beadwork at a community centre, the host throws himself into every experience. The soundtrack is the continent’s own, from jazz rhythms to the pulsating beats of popular dance music.
Yet, the series doesn’t shy away from weightier themes. In Ghana, the journey becomes profoundly personal. Visiting the haunting remnants of the transatlantic slave trade, the host, whose own roots trace back to West Africa, reflects on a painful legacy with raw emotion. This is balanced by moments of pure joy, such as a traditional naming ceremony where he is warmly welcomed into a community.
The series also spotlights modern innovation, meeting entrepreneurs tackling issues from textile pollution—where the host is fitted for a suit made from recycled sportswear—to healthcare access, exploring digital solutions in regions facing doctor shortages.
While later segments in Morocco offer more classic travelogue pleasures, complete with a memorable attempt at goat milking, the series’ strength lies in its blend of celebration and clear-eyed engagement. It proves that travel television can be both uplifting and insightful, moving beyond well-trodden paths to showcase the dynamism, challenges, and profound humanity of a continent. Viewers are left hoping this is just the first leg of a much longer journey.