The AirBnb Revolution Hits Africa
The AirBnb revolution has hit Africa. Though its offerings are still quite small compared to Europe or North America, the popular home-sharing site is rapidly gaining ground, allowing travellers to see a different side of Africa, save money, and make friends.
Instead of checking into an impersonal hotel in Lagos, Nigeria, try a private room in a houseowned by Jerry and Eva. Their thoughtful attention and local knowledge instantly makes this chaotic city feel less daunting.
If Cairo’s calling, get a room with a view in the Pyramids Loft owned by Thomas, Zizo and Ahmed. Their apartment sharing a communal rooftop lounge is just 50m from the entrance to the pyramids at Giza. “Loved my stay there! The hospitality, the advice and the laughs!” wrote one delighted guest.
Jerry & Eva’s Lagos rental (Courtesy of AirBnb.com)
So far Airbnb.com only has about 60 listings in Egypt, including Ayman’s offer of a spare bedroom in Cairo, with a scooter thrown in.
Great swathes of Africa are yet to be reached at all, but more houses, flats and bedrooms are going online every day.
