Africa Travel WeekRichard Haubrich is a social media entrepreneur and digital storyteller who is passionate about showcasing all of the incredible travel experiences that Africa has to offer. Always up for an adventure, he has ventured extensively through the continent and beyond, partnering with a range of top-notch brands ranging from GoPro, Nikon and Amarula, to Superdry and STA Travel. He is also the founder of Chasing Africa, the creative agency behind one of the largest Instagram communities promoting South Africa: @Instagram_SA
How did you fall in love with travelling? My parents first took me to the U.S (where my dad is from) when I was 7 years old. I absolutely loved the airplane and arriving in a new country where everything was so different from what I was used to. As a little kid, this completely blew my mind and I have been enthusiastic about travelling ever since…
What kind of traveller are you? I would say I am definitely an intrepid traveller. I’m always looking to see what type of adventures I can embark on and what new activities I can try, from scuba diving, hiking, kayaking, to bungee jumping and skydiving. I am naturally drawn to things that get me out of my comfort zone.
What’s your travel philosophy? Live a little. Don’t be afraid to try new things, meet new people and face your fears. This became my mantra when I was first considering skydiving and I was trying to decide if I should jump out of the plane or not…I did jump, but after I remember telling myself to “live a little”, and since then, I always have.
What are your top travel essentials? Besides the obvious like cash, my phone and passport, I’d say my camera so that I can document all of my experiences. I also always pack sunblock, comfortable shoes and a hat.
Where was your most memorable trip? All of them! But if I have to pick, it would be in the year after high school. I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life so I took a gap year and ended up working at a summer camp in North Carolina. That’s where my first real travel adventures started.
How has travelling changed your life? I’ve been able to celebrate the beauty of the world and all it’s people, places and experiences that come with it. It has opened up my mind to meet new people from all over the world, understand different cultures and experience things outside of the place I grew up in (Cape Town).
When borders open again and the world starts to return to ‘a new normal’ what’s your first travel destination on your list? I’d like to explore even more of South Africa and Africa because that’s where my passion lies when it comes to creating online content. Internationally, I’d like to travel to the Philippines, Sri Lanka and Croatia.
Best travel advice you can share? Don’t be boring, keep exploring! #livealittle
