Jucy Top 5: African Cities

During the weekend, the Internet streets quieten down a little bit so we decided we are going to do Top 5 lists to give you a little bit of reading news during the weekend. This weekend's installment is: Top 5 African cities!
First up : Cape Town, South Africa. Cape Town is famous for its pristine mountain, beautiful beaches and vineyards. Pop the hood to read more about Africa's top 5 cities


Place to chill: The beaches are free and mostly well kept. If you like things go to Clifton 4th beach and lie in the sun with models and trendoids. If you feel like something much more chilled head out to Mnandi beach near Khayelitsha township for a clean, fun atmosphere. Go on wine tours in Constantia and Stellenbosch for a less sober experience!

Places to shop: The Waterfront is (mainly) a tourist shopping spot. You'll find Jimmy Choo, Louis Vuitton, but you'd do better in my opinion, to go to Long street and check out indie stores like Milk, A-List and MeMeMe for quirky, fun pieces.

Place to party: Jade on a Thursday night in Cape Town is rocking. Make sure to book a table otherwise you'll stand in their very Studio 54-esque line. Not ayoba.

One person you should meet: Yolisa Qunta. She owns an exclusive concierge service that can organise you pretty much anything that you need while in Cape Town including adventure trips, luxury shopping Safari's and epicurean (google it) experience's.

One thing you should know: Capetownians have not mastered the art of driving quickly in the fast lane. Just get into their (sloooowww) rhythm otherwise you will get incredibly frustrated.

Abuja, Nigeria


Abuja is the capital city of Nigeria. It has been said to be the posher, cleaner version of Lagos. Diplomats, celebrities, oil tycoons and models all love being in Abuja to do business and relax. The Defense force head quarters, Economic Community of West African States and oil giant OPEC all have offices in Abuja. Most foreign embassies in Nigeria have their residences in Abuja.

Place to chill: Take a short drive out to the Gurara Falls in the Niger district(one hour away). If you go in the dry season you can swim in the falls and in the rainy season, well just look at the awesomery.

Place to shop: Ceddi Plaza in Abuja is a mall that has a champagne lounge, beauty salon, boutiques and much more. It is a speciality mall, which has very few stores which are carefully handpicked.

Place to party: Safari Nightclub in the Transcorp Hilton is a a mix of international and local music, good vibe and drinks. If you are in the mood for something different try Salsa Abuja.

One person you should meet: Francis Duru, renowned NollyWood actor who moved away from Lagos to Abuja as he felt it was better for his spirit, he could school you on hidden gems in the city.

One thing you should know: Have your A game on, the beautiful rich and famous live and party here.

Nairobi, Kenya


Nairobi a hot bustling, cosmopolitan and party city. In this part of East Africa Matatus (local taxi's) and four by fours,dancehall and rock and roll, and the old and new live side by side.

Place to chill: Nyama Choma restaurant is a meat lovers heaven. Local game is served with a good view and a local band, the Safari cats, plays some background music as you get a real taste of Kenya. Also try the Zebra restaurant, which is sleek, contemporary and has a fusion menu.

Place to party: Galileo's is a HUGE club in Nairobi that's hosts MTV BASE parties, hot events and is a cool place to meet people from Nairobi and expats who comes and party with them. Decent prices for drinks and a good selection of local international DJ's. Also try Black Diamond.

One thing you should know: Nairobi has an unfortunate nickname; "Nairobbery". Don't be too paranoid but be vigilant and make sure you leave your valuables locked up.

Libreville, Gabon.


Libreville is the capital city of Gabon. Gabon is becoming popular with tourists who are into eco tourism, and has always been popular with French speaking people as it is a Francophone country that was colonised by the French.

Place to chill: Loango National Park is a wildlife park referred to as "Africa's Eden". It is a rainforest and you can see gorillas, birds and elephants. You can also see surfing hippos! (I'm not making this up)

Place to shop: The Mbolo shopping centre is on of the biggest malls in Libreville and is a great place to shop for basics. It is close to the more upmarket hotels so if you are staying there shopping need not be a mission. The many markets in Libreville are a good idea for local decorations, clothes and souvenirs of your trips. Learn how to haggle!

Place to party: Bijoux Beach bar is a great spot for (beautiful ) people watching, sundowners and a party.

One person you should meet: *Classified* email me for deets :-)

One thing you should know: It's beaches are awe inducing. You never know who you will see on the beach, be it a glamorous tourist or a whale(between July and September only)! It is has the dubious honour of being named the most expensive city in the world for expats to live in!

Luanda, Angola


Luanda is the capital city of Angola, situated on the coast. It has balmy weather, beautiful residents and a booming infrastructure. The city is recovering from a civil war in Angola and a lot of building and reconstruction is taking place. Despite the poverty of some of it's citizens, Luanda has lashings of glamour, funded in part by the oil and diamond money of the elite.

Place to chill: Jango Valiero A fabulous, open aired thatched roof structure that is a drinks and restaurant spot next to the beach where they serve Angolan food. If you stay a little longer you'll see the restaurant get transformed into a Kizomba dance floor.

Place to shop: A $35 million shopping mall, Belas shopping centre has just opened last week and is the biggest mall in Luanda. You will find 100 high end and reasonably priced clothing shops,eight cinemas and many eateries. There are plans to roll out more shops in 2010.The Angolan government plans to open a planetarium in the mall as well.

Place to party:
One person you should meet: Neliano Mungueira. Educated, smart, hardworking, connected Angolan gentleman who we think is going to be one of businesses' brightest stars.
One thing you should know: It's EXPENSIVE! Luanda has been named as one of the most expensive places to live in the world! So get your oil and diamond money in order before you visit!

If you would like more details about the people featured in the "Person you should meet" email us on enquiries@jucy.co.za

Have a safe, Jucy weekend!