‘Africa is a continent of endless wonders’
Isaac and Nneka Moses, the dynamic duo behind Goge Africa, have spent decades traversing the African continent, showcasing its rich cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant people. But their journey hasn’t been without its share of perilous moments and unforgettable experiences. The duo spoke with ANDREW IRO OKUNGBOWA on some of their most harrowing travel experiences and reflected on some of the countries that have left an indelible mark on their hearts.
Close Shaves: Tales of turbulence and triumph
Isaac: The risks are part of the job, but our passion keeps us going. One of the most unforgettable moments was during a trip to a monastery in Ethiopia. We were advised to leave before 6 p.m., but we got so engrossed in our work that we lost track of time.
By the time we reached the boat to cross the water, it was pouring
rain, with thunder and lightning. The captain lost his compass, and the
wind was so strong that the boat was tossed violently. There was a monk
on board who slept through it all, completely unfazed, but the rest of
us were terrified. It was anything but funny.
Another time, we were flying from Nanyuki to Nairobi in a small aircraft
with Chioma Akpotha, Uche Jombo, George Nnanwubar, Mr Evans, my crew,
and two bloggers. The turbulence was so severe that Chioma was screaming
and crying.
Nneka: She wasn’t the only one scared, though. We all were. But Chioma’s reaction stood out.
Isaac: Her fear was contagious, but we tried to act brave, as if we were used to it.
Then there was a flight from Paris to Berlin—or maybe it was Berlin to Paris—where the turbulence was so bad that the passengers, who had ignored us earlier, suddenly started speaking English. “Are we going to die?” they asked. I couldn’t help but laugh. It was ironic how the turbulence united us.
One of the most chilling experiences was on a flight from Gambia to Lagos. The plane had suffered a bird strike, and we were told it couldn’t fly. The Gambian government’s protocol officer took us back to the hotel, assuring us they’d keep us updated.
We expected to fly the next day, but they came for us at midnight and took us back to the airport. The pilot assured us the plane was fixed, but the sound and smoke during the flight were unsettling. Thankfully, we made it to Lagos. That same plane was supposed to fly to Abuja afterward, but it was grounded. Later, it crashed—the infamous Bellview Airlines crash of October 22, 2005.
These experiences remind us that the journey isn’t always smooth, but we press on because we love what we do. Sometimes, you just have to say, “God dey!” and keep moving.
Covering Africa: A continent of wonders
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