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The ULTIMATE Guide To Yacht Week East Africa Seychelles! | What to expect on your 1st sail + more!

Enjoy this 10 minute read!

Disclaimer: Was this an AMAZING trip? Yes! But did it have it's hiccups? ABSOLUTELY! Just like with all my other blogs, I will always give you my honest opinion! This article will be no different. There were a lot of great moments.....but there were some moments that had me giving some serious side-eyes. Here we go! 

The BREATHTAKING islands of the Seychelles is probably on many travelers bucket lists! It had most certainly been on my list for a long time! Planning a trip to the Seychelles can seem like a daunting task; tracking flights, booking hotels, researching day trips from 1 island to the next - it's A LOT to organize even for the best of trip planners! 

When my friend, Alena, hit me up in 2019 about doing a yacht week trip for her 40th birthday in 2020, I was PSYCHED! I presented her with 2 companies for us to potentially set sail with - ' Yacht Week East Africa ' (also known as AfroTravel Agency ) & ' The Yacht Week .' After some research we decided to go with Yacht Week East Africa! Why?  Well.....MELANIN! There were about to be a whole bunch of BEAUTIFUL brown faces exploring the islands of the Seychelles! (Heeeeeeeeey)! You know we had to be a part of this! 

This was my 1st time ever booking a yacht week and I had NO clue what to expect. I did as much research as I could to properly prepare for a trip of this magnitude.....but I couldn't. I just had to do it! 

This will be a lengthy blog (so grab a cocktail, some snacks and settle in), but I want you to experience this crazy adventure with me day-by-day as if you were there! Let’s goooooooo!

Yacht Week East Africa (Y.W.E.A for short) starts their sailing on the main island of Mahe, Seychelles. From there you'll be on a hell of a journey island hopping with some of the most picturesque scenery in the world! But here's a few things you should know before you go: 

☀️ Y.W.E.A costs: prices for this trip will vary by the type of yacht you select for sailing. We selected the ‘ Beats ’ yacht. The price was  $2,199.02 per person   (a deposit of $500 is due at booking. 6 payments of $283.17 will be due over the next 6 months). A couple of weeks before the trip, Y.W.E.A will request an additional  $235  per person  for groceries, the Seychelles Travel Authorization and WiFi on board (which didn’t work our entire sailing). *Prices are subject to change*

I paid a total of  $2,434.02  to Yacht Week East Africa. That is not including the flight to Seychelles and travel insurance.  *NOTE: THERE ARE NO REFUNDS FOR THIS TRIP*

Alena and I started paying for our trip in 2019. Our original voyage date was June 2020. Once the pandemic hit, the trip was rescheduled to September 2021. We tried to get refunds from Y.W.E.A due to the pandemic but they refused. So please be aware of this before booking. Make sure to have travel insurance to protect your trip!

☀️ You'll spend the first 2 nights at the host hotel:  Savoy Seychelles Resort & Spa  and 7 nights on the yacht. Each yacht comes with a skipper and a chef onboard along with 3 meals a day! 

☀️ Here is what is included on your Y.W.E.A trip:

☀️ The Y.W.E.A team members communicate with ‘WhatsApp’. Make sure you download the app before arriving in Seychelles. 

Let’s take a look at how to pack for yacht week! Here is the packing list that the Y.W.E.A team sent to us sailors:

*Note: I would also consider adding quick dry towels to your packing list as well as mosquito repellent and a compact first aid kit! 

☀️ The currency in Seychelles is the Seychellois rupee. Make sure to withdraw rupees from the ATM at the airport. Avoid using USD. My USD was turned away because the serial numbers were dated before 2009.

☀️ If you want to get your sip on during Y.W.E.A, buy your alcohol at the duty-free store at SEZ airport. 

☀️ Pack light! Pack light! Pack light! Did I mention to you to pack light?! I’m serious! Leave the hardshell luggage at home and opt for a soft duffle bag instead.  

☀️ If you are prone to seasickness, don't forget your meds or you may want to rethink this trip altogether (you'll see why towards the end of this blog)! 

☀️ Keep yourself hydrated. If you can fit it, bring a reusable water bottle with you. 

☀️ Make sure to save some rupees to tip your skipper & chef at the end of your trip. Our guys did an EXCELLENT job keeping the yacht clean and our bellies full! (Shout out to China & Archille)!   

Before I break down the 10-day itinerary, let's get into the specifics of the yacht accommodations! 

During our sail, Y.W.E.A offered 3 different yacht models (actually catamarans) for the trip! Here's the model of the yacht we were on:  Helia 44 with A/C .  This model comes with 4 cabins and it sleeps 10 people. 

The  yacht itself was BEAUTIFUL! We for sure enjoyed sitting on the deck watching the sunrises & sunsets, hanging with our boatmates and soaking up the sun....and the rain (it rained on & off a lot during this vacation). 

But....(hell yeah there's a BUT), the rooms on this thing are the size of a shoe box! Under no circumstances could my friend & I fit in that room together unless we were going to sleep. Then there's that - the sleeping arrangements. You will literally share 2 twin-size mattresses pushed together! And the bathroom! *sigh* I HATED it! Too cramped for me!  

Don't even get me started with trying to use the bathroom while we were in route from 1 island to the next! OMG! That was INSANE being on the toilet while the boat was heavily rocking from side to side! I was PRAYING nothing back splashed on me! *insert gagging emoji* 

Please, please, PU-LEAZE don't over pack for this trip! If you do, you're making a HUGE mistake! There will NOT be enough space for luggage. The cabin has a small closet to store your clothes, but not your luggage. Here's how I packed. As soon as I stepped onto the yacht, I was wishing I would've left my hardshell luggage at home! 

If you're feeling cramped in your cabin, I suggest sleeping out on the deck for a night or 2! I tried it for one night, and it helped to not feel as claustrophobic. It was actually a pretty relaxing sleep!   

I'm not trying to scare you, but I want you to be aware of the living arrangements while you're on the yacht for 7 nights. A few of our boatmates got rooms when we docked at a couple of the islands that had hotels. Put some $$$ aside for that if you can't hang on the yacht for 7 nights. Other boatmates decided to forgo the yacht after night #5. They flew back to the island of Mahe. Hell....I thought about doing that too, but I stuck it out and made it work! And I'm glad I did! 

Now it's time to break down how we spent our days & nights on this Y.W.E.A adventure! 

Travel time from the U.S.A to Seychelles takes about 30 hours one-way (layover included). Y.W.E.A had an event planned on the day of arrival. There was NO WAY I was doing a 30-hour trip and then heading to an event afterwards so I decided to arrive in Seychelles a day early. 

I booked a room at LXR’s brand new hotel, Mango House Seychelles for the evening. Best move ever! Mango House was PURE PERFECTION! Alena & I were able to relax, take in some breathtaking scenery and eat GOOD before we started yacht week! I won't get into all the details in this blog but check out my review right now on the fabulous hotel!

ON THE BLOG!

Staying at Mango House was a great introduction to the beautiful islands of the Seychelles! I know EXACTLY where I'll be staying on my next visit! Right here! 

Today’s adventure:  Arrive @ the host hotel  |  Y.W.E.A welcome dinner

It was ridiculously hard leaving Mango House behind, but we had to make our way to  Savoy Seychelles Resort & Spa  to start yacht week. We took a taxi from Mango House to Savoy which took about 1 hour with the traffic (the cost was 1200 rupees). Airport transfers are included in the Y.W.E.A rate, but since we got in early, we spent a little extra to transport ourselves.

Once we arrived at the Savoy Hotel, Y.W.E.A already had our rooms assigned so the check in process was a breeze.

Y.W.E.A offered optional beach activities (parachuting, jet skiing, windsurfing, etc.) for anyone who wanted to participate. Jetlag was kicking Alena & I’s butts, so we decided to rest until the welcome dinner that evening.

Usually, large events will have signs up welcoming their guests to their event, but for whatever reason, Y.W.E.A did not. We barely knew where to go for dinner. I thought that was odd. The seating arrangements were also a bit weird. We were scrambling trying to figure out where to sit.

The dinner was buffet style prepared by local Seychelles chefs. The food was delicious! Alcoholic drinks had to be purchased separately. A DJ did his thing while everyone chatted and got to know each other! The Y.W.E.A host (Kelsey Horton) & the team members introduced themselves as well! After dinner, the night was free to do whatever!

Today’s adventure:  Visit the Victoria Street Market | All-White day party poolside

The breakfast buffet at the Savoy is worth getting up for! Mimosas were included, so I was there front & center (LOL)! After breakfast there were shuttles lined up to take anyone who wanted to visit the Victoria Street Market. It's a cool place to visit to get a glimpse into the culture of Seychelles and to pick up a few goods. A lot of us were ready to go after about 30 minutes though.  Unfortunately, there was a miscommunication with the Y.W.E.A team and us on where we were supposed to be picked up from the market. We started wandering around trying to figure out where to go. Finally, after several minutes we got to the right spot to be picked up.

The All-White party that was held poolside that evening was lit! The DJ did his thing and at one point a whole lot of champagne came out of nowhere! The Y.W.E.A team made toasts to a beautiful night as everyone mingled and danced!

After the party, we all hit another spot near Savoy called ‘Boat House’, but with curfews still in place on the island, it closed early. We took the party back to Savoy and chilled at 1 of their bars, Gecko Bar. I think my favorite thing about this night was the constellation! Looking up and seeing the shining stars on the beautiful island of Mahe was majestic! 

Today’s adventure:  Get ready to hit the Indian Ocean! 2-hour sail to Port Launay | Movie night under the stars

Today's the day we set sail! We got up early to watch the sunrise at Beau Vallon Beach (it was so beautiful), and to enjoy the last breakfast buffet + Mimosas! The Y.W.E.A team members informed us that check out time was at 12 noon. After that, we just hung out in the lobby until we received word that our yacht was ready (you can also hang out at the hotel's pool, beach, bar, etc.). 

Around 4 P.M we received a Whatsapp message saying that our yacht was ready to board! We were too excited at this point! 

For whatever reason, we all thought that we were going to board the yacht from a dock. Nope! We were actually taken to Beau Vallon beach where the team members from Savoy loaded us and our luggage onto a dinghy (a smaller boat) and took us over to the yacht. Let me say this - if you have issues with mobility, be aware that you will need to be able to climb on & off the yacht and onto the dinghy A LOT during this trip! 

Once we were on the yacht, we got acquainted with our skipper, the chef and our other boatmates! We were the 1st yacht to board, so there was plenty of time to get in as many pictures/videos as we wanted since there were 12 more yachts to board! 

After all the yachts were checked in (which took around 3 hours), we set sail to Port Launay! The sun started to set around us and we were treated to one of the most beautiful sights EVER! 

While our skipper, Archille, steered us to where we needed to be, our chef, Steffan (a.k.a. China) got to work in the kitchen! He whipped up some bomb creole food; red snapper, rice, chili sauce, sausages + more! His food was unbelievable (the BEST cook for this event)! It was crazy though, while we were en route to Port Launay, the ocean became choppy and the fish China prepared went flying out of the oven! I stopped breathing for like 10 seconds! I thought our dinner was gone (LOL)!  But our chef with the quick hands did what needed to be done and saved our food that evening (LOL)! Whew! 

After dinner was served on the deck of the yacht, our crew sipped on some tequila, vodka and whatever else we brought with us! We also played a couple of card games before ish' got real intense between a couple of my boatmates, so we ended that game - quick (LOL)!

Movie night under the stars took place that night but it started pouring rain, so we decided not to go. A lot of the other sailors just chilled out on their yachts that night as well. Night #1 on the yacht was a success!

*Sidebar:  Our 1st night (and thereafter) sleeping on the yacht was a COLD one! The A/C in our cabin worked a little too well (even when we turned the thermostat up). Luckily Alena brought a couple of quick dry towels that we used as blankets. Be sure to bring a lightweight blanket with you just in case. 

Today’s adventure:  1-hour sail to Anse Major, Mahe Island | Yacht hopping party @ night

The next morning I realized that being anchored in the Indian Ocean was unreal! I couldn’t believe I was in the Seychelles WAKING UP ON A YACHT! We started this day watching the sunrise from the deck while enjoying a delicious breakfast prepared by our chef accompanied by edibles & Mimosas! (It was a GOOD morning, OK?! LOL)! We got a little bit of a late start due to the rain, but we set sail to Anse Major from Port Launay late that morning. 

When I caught my 1st glimpse of Anse Major beach, my mouth DROPPED! This beach is ridiculously beautiful! We couldn't wait to explore it! There is a trail on this beach that you can hike as well so wear comfortable shoes & bring water if you choose to do so! 

We stayed on the beach for about 1 hour doing some rock scrambling and just marveling at the scenery. It started to rain, so we motioned for our skipper to come back to the beach to get us. Back on the yacht, we chilled for the rest of the afternoon because it was pouring rain. That gave us time to rest up for the evening! 

It's time now y'all! All of the skippers from every boat did their THANG' and positioned the yachts together for us sailors to start hopping!! We were about to be LIT!!  

For the yacht hopping party each yacht crew throws a party while everyone hops from 1 yacht to the next (if you choose). Most crews decorated their yachts with lights, glow in the dark paints, beach balls, glow sticks, and other fun accessories! The music from every yacht was turned up to the max (cue Bia's "Whole Lotta' Money"), drinks were flowing, and everyone was hopping from yacht to yacht having a damn good time in the middle of the night, in the middle of the Indian Ocean, in the beautiful Seychelles! What more could you ask for?!?! This was such a DOPE experience! The parties went on into the early morning, but I powered down around midnight. Blame it on the jet lag (LOL)! 

*Sidebar:  Was yacht hopping a fun experience?! ABSOLUTELY! But be mindful of how you cross from 1 yacht to the next. Check with your skipper on the best way to cross over to each yacht. After the drinks started flowing, a couple of us sailors started doing the most (LOL)! 

Today’s adventure:  3.5 hour sail to Anse Lazio, Praslin Island from Anse Major | Y.W.E.A party @ Café des Arts (Cote D'Or Beach)

On this morning we woke up to loud thumping sounds on the windows of our cabin. It was POURING rain! But that didn't stop us from hitting the deck and enjoying another great breakfast from our chef!

After breakfast we got our last views of Anse Major before we set sail to Anse Lazio, Praslin Island. Our typical sailing on the previous days were a little different. They were no more than 2 hours. 

......the sail today was going to be 3.5 hours long AND in the rain! If you suffer from motion sickness, now is the time to take your Dramamine! 

Nothing about this voyage was calm. As soon as our skipper revved up the engine, we started rocking! We rocked and we rocked AND WE ROCKED all the way to the next island! Some of my boatmates retreated to their cabins to try and relax during this trip, while my other boatmate threw up her breakfast in a bucket and off the side of the yacht! Personally, I sat inside the yacht, poured up a cocktail and rode the wave while trying my best to get my stomach out of my throat! I was honestly loving every second of this voyage! 

Perhaps the craziest thing about this sail was our chef, China, going out to the deck of the yacht during all of this and catching a fish to cook up for dinner that evening! He gutted it right in front of us and I sat there in complete awe!

Once we arrived at Praslin, we couldn't WAIT to get back on land (LOL)! This was the 1st island we anchored at that had hotels, so some of the sailors decided to stay the night. 

The Y.W.E.A team threw a party at the beach club, Café des Arts, that night! The party started at 10 P.M., so to get there we had to take the dinghy from the yacht to the beach. 

Y'all.....it was pitch black out! 

Getting onto the dinghy without falling into the ocean was a miracle! 

Our skipper navigated the dinghy IN THE DARK to the beach like it was nothing! 

Sh*t was CRAZY! 

Once we arrived to the beach, the club was just a few feet away! It was a very nice club too! Be sure to bring rupees with you for food/drinks! 

When it was time to leave the club, we got back in the dinghy to head back to the yacht. I was fortunate enough to catch a sight that'll be etched into my memory FOREVER! All the yachts were just floating in the middle of the ocean in pure darkness while the stars lit up the sky. It was something I had never seen before and it stunned me! Experiencing that was a great way to end this adventurous day! 

*Sidebar:  if you are prone to motion sickness, bring your meds! The ocean can get rough! Also, if you must use the restroom, try doing so BEFORE you sail. Using it during the sail may be a challenge! 

*Another Sidebar:  be extra careful getting on & off the dinghy. I watched a fellow sailor take a wrong step and into the water he went! 

Hotel on the island of Praslin:   Le Duc De Praslin

Today’s adventure:  30-minute sail from Anse Lazio, Praslin Island to Curieuse Island | Beach BBQ + Game night

Us sailors received a welcomed surprise when we arose this morning - SUNSHINE! Yaaaaaaaass! The sunshine made Seychelles look unbelievable! This weather was perfect for our short sail to Curieuse Island! 

After we anchored, we hopped on the dinghy and headed over to Curieuse Island! Y'all this island at 1st sight is BREATHTAKING! The huge boulders, the beach, the scenery - UNREAL! If you're into rock scrambling, this is the perfect beach to do so! 

We've all probably heard about the large tortoises in Africa, right?! Guess what?! This is the island to check them out! To get up close & personal with an Aldabra giant tortoise was a very cool experience! They are docile creatures and very easy to pet! 

Once my boatmates & I were done hanging with the tortoises, we hiked back to the other side of the beach to catch the dinghy to our yacht. This hike lasted about 45 minutes with a little bit of incline. We also got to walk on the longest boardwalk in Seychelles while on this hike! So much fun! 

Back on the yacht, a few of us decided to blow up our floaties to relax in the ocean! If you have room in your luggage, be sure to pack a fun floaty to bring with you! A couple of my boatmates brought water guns with them as well. I'm pretty sure 1 of those water guns was full of tequila! Haaaaaaaa!

Later that night, the Y.W.E.A team threw a BBQ in the pavilion on the island. The food was TOO good! The chefs hooked us up with red snapper, pasta, potato salad, grilled chicken, ribs + more! I had to go back for seconds & thirds (LOL)! Game night was a success as well! We mostly played card games, but it was fun!  

Getting back on the yacht after a long, sweaty day of exploring in the heat had me ready for a nice hot shower, then the bed. I got in the shower and noticed there was NO hot water! I can't lie, I became annoyed and my OCD started to get the best of me which made things even worse. I started to lose it. At this point, I'd had enough of "yacht life" (LOL)! 

Today’s adventure:  1.5-hour sail from Curieuse Island to La Digue |  'Stunt Day' on the yachts

Whew! Y'all my attitude was on 10 by the time day #7 rolled around (LOL)! The cabin was making me feel claustrophobic, food particles (amongst other things) were coming up through the toilet after we flushed, there was no hot water in our shower which had me feeling filthy - it was a mess! Alena had to throw me some Clorox wipes to get me back going (I swear the smell of bleach is an aphrodisiac for me LOL)! I tried my BEST to clean that bathroom until it made me feel at least somewhat clean! But I wanted OFF this yacht and to be in a nice hotel room (Mango House for example LOL)! 

Leaving Curieuse Island and heading to La Digue was a smooth sail. Just a few bumps here and there. When we made it to La Digue, half of our boat left. Two boatmates were scheduled to leave early due to a prior engagement and the other 2 mates said, "Screw this sh*t. We're out!" They flew back to the main island of Mahe. Our yacht is now down to 3 sailors, the chef and the skipper (LOL)! 

We did however participate in 'Stunt Day' photoshoots before everyone left! This is when each yacht crew dresses up in a theme to represent their yacht! All the crews slayed their photoshoots! Our crew went with the 'BAE Watch' & Seychelles flag theme! This was so much fun! 

On this day it rained literally ALL damn day! It wouldn't let up for us to get off the yacht to explore La Digue! Personally, the highlight of this day was our chef, China! He made a dinner that evening that was out of this world: pork chops, fresh veggies, potatoes, rice and his special chili sauce + more! I ate enough for 5 people....which turned out to be a HUGE mistake! 

I won't get into all the details, but let's just say this meme is the PERFECT depiction of how my night went. *sigh*

R.I.P to that toilet brush that I used as a plunger. 

Moving on. 

I was hoping the next morning we had some sun to explore La Digue! This was 1 of the main reasons I came on this trip! I had to see Anse Source d'Argent beach in person! This beach has been voted as 1 of the most beautiful beaches in the WORLD time & time again! I couldn't WAIT! 

*Sidebar:  If you clog the toilet on the yacht, you will incur a fee of $150.00 (USD) so be careful! Also, you cannot flush any tissues or wipes. There is a small trash can to discard them in. 

Hotel on the island of La Digue:  Le Domaine de L'Orangeraie Resort & Spa ​

Today’s adventure:  Explore La Digue Island: bike riding, Union Estate National Park  

There was gloom this morning when we woke up. Literally, there was NO sun in sight! But I was determined to get off the yacht to explore La Digue! Plus, we had to get off anyway to take our PCR-COVID test to reenter the U.S. The Y.W.E.A team scheduled our test at a nearby facility that cost $160.00 (way too much $$$). 

Once that was out of the way, we ran into this super flirtatious guy that rented us bikes to ride around the island (the cost is $7.00 per bike). We rode around La Digue admiring the charm of the island while getting a glimpse of the Seychelles culture. 

The main thing on the agenda this day for me was seeing Anse Source d'Argent beach in person! I needed to see if the Google Images were accurate or not (LOL)! Anse Source d'Argent beach is located inside of Union Estate National Park. The fee to get into the park is $8.00.

You are free to ride your bike inside of the park if you'd like. If you missed the Aldabra giant tortoises on Curieuse Island, you can catch them here as well! We parked our bikes off to the side to hit the beach. Then it happened.....I got an eyeful of massive boulders! I turned into a 5-year-old on Christmas day! I eventually ventured off from my boatmates to do some exploring on my own.  

Anse Source d'Argent beach is EVERYTHING I thought it would be and MUCH MORE! It's astoundingly beautiful! I couldn't believe what I was actually witnessing! My brain was working overtime at this point, "OMG! I'M IN THE SEYCHELLES AT ANSE SOURCE D'ARGENT BEACH! I'M ACTUALLY HERE! 10 THOUSAND MILES AWAY FROM HOME! THE GOOGLE IMAGES ARE TRUE"!

Anse Source d'Argent beach is perfect for swimming & snorkeling. The water is shallow and crystal clear! There are several beach activities you can partake in as well!

I decided to rock scramble a little bit and get some drone footage of this otherworldly beach! After that, I continued to walk along a sandy path leading to the other side of the beach passing by massive boulder after massive boulder! Unbelievable!

If you continue down the path long enough, you'll run into 'Fruita Cabana' beach bar! It's run by some silly locals! This bar will have a limited cocktail & food menu, but who needs all of that anyway? You're in PARADISE (LOL)! I spent around 2 hours just hanging out here! The vibe was crazy FUN, and the beach was simply breathtaking! 

After hanging out on the beach for a while, it started pouring down rain! I pulled into one of La Digue's local spots, the 'Reggae Bar'. This bar is also a nightclub that the locals absolutely love! 

Once the rain subsided, I hopped back on my bike and came across a BEAUTIFUL hotel on the opposite side of the island. Le Domaine de L'Orangeraie Resort & Spa is FABULOUS, and I see why a few sailors decided to stay the night there instead of on the yacht! This place was amazing and the pool was just what I needed to relax for a few minutes! 

As I'm heading back to drop my bike off, I noticed a man at a makeshift bar on the side of the road frantically waving me down. I parked my bike to see what he wanted and within 3 seconds, this man had a Takamaka rum cocktail made for me along with a marriage proposal (LOL)! His name was "Bob” and his energy was on 10 (LOL)! I loved it! We chatted for a bit, and he explained to me how he saved up to get his bar and bought his house right on La Digue! I congratulated him and let him know that he's doing big things! If you're in La Digue and you happen to come across Bob & his bar, stop by for a cocktail! You won't regret it!

Exploring the island of La Digue was a dream come true for me! The only thing that would have made this day more perfect was a little more sunshine. But other than that, it was incredible and I can't WAIT to return! 

*Sidebar:  Be sure to have rupees on you when you visit La Digue. My USD was turned away because my bills were dated before 2009. 

Today’s adventure:  Final sail from La Digue to Eden Island (4-hour sail)

You read that right! Today is the final sail and it was FOUR HOURS LONG! My boatmates & I tried our BEST to get our minds right for this journey.

…….but we couldn’t (LOL)!

The 3 of us sat on the deck of the boat for the first 30 minutes of the sail. It was lightly raining, and the ocean was calm for the most part. Then out of nowhere, “SPLASH”!!! And then another, “SPLASH”! AND THEN ANOTHER! The floor of the yacht was now soaking wet, and the rain had gotten intense! Our yacht starts rocking heavily from side to side! While all of this is going on, I’m determined to get myself a cocktail made! I barely succeeded, but I got it done (LOL)!    

We tried to stay on the deck as long as we could, but it was CLEAR we needed to get inside! We made that decision just in the nick of time because sh*t got REAL! I love rollercoasters and the rush that I get from my stomach dropping, but even I wasn’t ready for this sail! I found myself getting a bit nauseous too! Much of this sail was us going up against a rough sea while trying to keep our breakfast down! Whew! We rode the waves though....all the way to Eden Island!

Arriving at Eden Island was JUST what we needed! There was an actual dock here! All we had to do was step off the boat and onto land! We were officially done with the dinghies (LOL)!

You'll notice very quickly how beautiful Eden Island is! The island is artificially built and boasts very ritzy accommodations and a gorgeous marina! There were a few shops available to buy things if you needed it, but they closed pretty early. 

That night, the hangout spot on Eden Island was ' The Boardwalk '. It's no more than a 5-10 minute walk from the dock. You’ll be able to grab a drink, some food and hangout with your Y.W.E.A friends since this was last night! 

Today’s adventure:  Head back to Savoy Hotel to start the journey home

There was nothing but SUN on our last day in Seychelles! Eden Island looked STUNNING by day! I couldn't help but to snap as many last minute pics/videos before we said goodbye! We had to be checked out of the yachts by 9 A.M. China made us his last breakfast before we hung out at The Boardwalk to wait on our ride to Savoy Hotel.

Back at the Savoy Hotel, we purchased a day use room for $100 to store our luggage and freshen up before the journey home. The remainder of our afternoon was spent at Savoy's sparkling pool recapping this trip over cocktails (I swear this trip was Hedonism for some of the sailors! Not me though! I just came to see the islands! Hehehehe)! 

The Y.W.E.A team sent messages through WhatsApp on what time we needed to be ready to head to the airport. It was time to go home! And I was more than ready (I desperately missed my bed and hot showers LOL)!​

All in all, this was an adventure that I will NEVER forget as long as I live! I embarked on a journey with people I had never met before, but they turned out to be my boatmates for life (*waves* Heeeeeeeeey Alena, Willete, Nye, Janell, Tan & Chima)! I even learned a thing or 2 about myself (like don't book trips on yachts with itty bitty cabins LOL)!

If you're looking to explore the Seychelles for the 1st time by yacht with a group of beautiful melanated people, then this trip is for you! Yacht Week East Africa provided us with a safe, hella' FUN adventure where we made memories that'll last a lifetime!

Until next time, Seychelles!

So! How are you feeling about yacht week?! Do you think you can hang? Drop a comment below! Let's talk about it! 

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How A Chicago Native Created 'Yacht Week East Africa' For Black Travelers

Kelsy Horton, a native of Chicago, is the founder and host of Yacht Week East Africa . Kelsy has lived in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania for the last three years and has become very familiar with the region.   Kelsy found his love for sailing after being exposed to the vibrant boat scene, filled with day parties and sunset charters, on the waters of Lake Michigan. Once he moved to Dar es Salaam, he connected with local Tanzanian sailors. Together, they began to charter yachts to explore the coast and to celebrate while doing so.   He fell in love with the beauty of East Africa the moment he arrived. The crystal blue waters, white sand beaches, amazing islands, and rich culture heightened his love for the region.   Photo provided by Yacht Week East Africa.   Related: 11 African Travelers You Need To Follow On Instagram.   Travel Noire had the opportunity to speak with Kelsy about Yacht Week East Africa and how it came about.   Photo provided by Yacht Week East Africa.   Travel Noire: What...

DeAnna Taylor • Oct 16, 2018

Kelsy Horton, a native of Chicago, is the founder and host of Yacht Week East Africa . Kelsy has lived in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania for the last three years and has become very familiar with the region.

Kelsy found his love for sailing after being exposed to the vibrant boat scene, filled with day parties and sunset charters, on the waters of Lake Michigan. Once he moved to Dar es Salaam, he connected with local Tanzanian sailors. Together, they began to charter yachts to explore the coast and to celebrate while doing so.

He fell in love with the beauty of East Africa the moment he arrived. The crystal blue waters, white sand beaches, amazing islands, and rich culture heightened his love for the region.

Related: 11 African Travelers You Need To Follow On Instagram.

Travel Noire had the opportunity to speak with Kelsy about Yacht Week East Africa and how it came about.

Travel Noire: What inspired you to create Yacht Week East Africa? What was the “ah-ha” moment for you?

Kelsy: I knew that I was in one of the most beautiful places on the planet. By this time, I had already developed a passion for sailing. I also wanted to share my African experience with as many of my brothers and sisters as possible. Lastly, I observed sailing events taking place everywhere in the world except for Africa. These factors led me to create Yacht Week East Africa.

Travel Noire: What is the vision for this event?

Kelsy: For people of color to discover Africa and also discover a piece of themselves. Visiting Africa will undoubtedly raise your consciousness, and potentially unlock opportunities that you didn’t know existed. Our company also plans to serve as a way to connect more people in the African diaspora with the Motherland for leisure, business, and self-exploration around Tanzania/Zanzibar, Seychelles, Kenya, and Mozambique.  

Related: Marriott Hotels To Increase Reach In Africa By 50 Percent By 2023.

Travel Noire: What is it really like to live in Tanzania?

Kelsy: Tanzania is a peaceful place that has a calming effect on the mind. Swahili culture is beautiful and leaves a lasting impression on you. Tanzanians are very warm and welcoming. Tanzania has a tropical feel to it, and the scenery is second to none with its beautiful islands, lush mountain regions, and amazing national parks. Juxtaposed with life in America, it’s refreshing to live in a culture that isn’t driven by the constant hustle and pursuit of money. I also enjoy the absence of racism.

Travel Noire: If you could describe Africa in 3 words, what would they be?

Kelsy: Beautiful. Underrated. WAKANDA.

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Bye, Greece: There’s A Yacht Week In East Africa Now

As tourism booms in Africa, so does the number of curated experiences on the continent. One unique expedition that’s caught TravelCoterie’s eyes is the East African Yacht Week taking place off the coasts of Kenya and Tanzania.

Yacht Week has traditionally been known as a pretentious European event involving celebrities, models, oligarchs and über successful businessmen sailing around the Mediterranean or Aegean Sea. It’s an expensive experience costing as much as $100,000 for a 100-foot fully-staffed vessel. The prices in East Africa may be significantly cheaper, but the white sand beaches and turquoise waters are just the same.

East African Yacht Week was created by Chicago native and entrepreneur, Kelsy Horton. His love of sailing, history and Pan-Africanism are parts of the reason he now resides in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.  With “beauty and culture of the Eastern coastline of Africa and its neighboring islands” on the itinerary, Black folks stateside are prepping their passports for a week on the water this fall.

If sailing around the motherland’s coast sounds like something you might be interested in, head over to the East African Yacht Week website .

Eric has revolved in and out of passport controls for over 20 years. From his first archaeological field school in Belize to rural villages in Ethiopia and Buddhist temples in Laos, Eric has come smile to smile with all walks of life. A writer, photographer and entrepreneur, the LA native believes the power of connectivity and community is enriched through travel.

• EricBerry https://www.travelcoterie.com/author/ericberry/ Exploring The Coast of the Gullah Geechee 
• EricBerry https://www.travelcoterie.com/author/ericberry/ A Guide To Little Ethiopia 
• EricBerry https://www.travelcoterie.com/author/ericberry/ From Alabama To Cape Town: Black Girls Travel Too
• EricBerry https://www.travelcoterie.com/author/ericberry/ South Africa's Omicron Travel Ban Is Racism On Display

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October 14 – 22, 2024

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single & double occupancy available

– Set Sail & Explore –

Imagine yourself sailing in stylish yachts, island hoping off the breathtaking archipelago of Seychelles.

This dream vacation will provide you with an unprecedented adventure of exploring the shores of Seychelles, both off and aboard the yacht.

Seychelles is known for clear blue oceans, picturesque backdrops and endless miles of white sands. Looking to create an unforgettable experience that sunbathing, snorkeling, fishing and a rainforest hike? Then we have a room aboard the yacht with your name on it. See you in Seychelles!

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Arrive in Seychelles & Unwind

Monday, october 14, 2024.

After landing at the Seychelles International Airport (SEZ), or Aéroport de la Pointe Larue in French, your private Away to Africa driver will transport you to your lodging.

  Constance Ephelia Mahe Seychelles . Dinner Included  

Mahe – Full day Tour

Tuesday, october 15, 2024.

Spend the day exploring the main and largest island of the Seychelles, Mahe.

Your first stop will be at Mission Lodge, a historical site which today include the ruins of an ancient school for freed slave children.

Leaving Mission Lodge, you will then make your way to Victoria, the world’s smallest capital, for a guided tour of the bustling Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke market, the Hindu temple, the cathedrals and the Clocktower.

You will proceed to the Takamaka Bay Distillery where our much loved local rum going by the same name, Takamaka Bay is made.

The next stop will be Cap Lazare Nature Reserve for a delicious Creole lunch and exploring the reserve.

  Constance Ephelia Mahe Seychelles . All Meals Included  

Anse Major Nature Trail

Wednesday, october 16, 2024.

Today you will go on a wild and scenic coastal walk with views of waves breaking on the granite boulders.

The first part of the trail is through patches of open woodland areas, small river valleys and over exposed, rocky ridges.

Enjoy spectacular views across the sea over Silhouette and North islands as you make your way towards the stunning Anse Major beach.

  Constance Ephelia Mahe Seychelles . Breakfast & Dinner Included  

Star Fish Excursion – Full day Cruise on Catamaran

Thursday, october 17, 2024.

Today you will discover St. Anne Marine Park onboard a catamaran.

Spend the day swimming and snorkeling in the marine park, exploring its exciting underwater world. You will get to disembark on Moyenne island, for a tour before enjoying a delicious lunch at the island’s restaurant.

After lunch, you will re-embark on the catamaran to spend the rest of the day cruising along the islands of the marine park.

Friday, October 18, 2024

After breakfast, head to the domestic airport for your 20 minute flight to Praslin.

  Constance Lemuria Resort . Breakfast & Dinner Included  

Visit of Vallee de Mai and La Digue Island

Saturday, october 19, 2024.

Start your day with a guided tour of Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve, a UNESCO protected site where our unique Coco de Mer, the world’s heaviest seed, grows naturally. The reserve is also home to other endemic flora and fauna of Seychelles, including the Black Parrot.

You will then make your way to the jetty to board the ferry to La Digue, where you will explore the island like the locals do – by bike, to visit:

• Anse Source D’argent.
• L’union Estate
• Anse Severe Beach

  Constance Lemuria Resort . all meals Included  

Robinson Crusoe Cruise – Full day tour to St. Pierre and Curieuse

Sunday, october 20, 2024.

Your first stop today will be at St. Pierre Island, for its vibrant marine life.

You will then head to Curieuse Island, for a hike through the mountains and mangrove swamps to Anse Jose in time to enjoy a mouth-watering BBQ lunch following by some relaxation time.

The final stop is the stunning Anse Georgette beach for a photo stop and a refreshing swim.

Day At Leisure

Monday, october 21, 2024.

Laze around the pool, go for a refreshing dip in the turquoise ocean or pamper yourself at the spa.

Depart Mama Africa

Tuesday, october 22, 2024.

Transfer to Praslin airport for your flight to Mahe Island. Once on Mahe, transfer to the Mahe international Airport for your international flight back home.

  Travelling & Breakfast Included  

“The opportunity that God sends does not wake up him who is asleep.”

– Seychelles PROVERB

Your investment, we offer flexible & custom payment plans, contact us for a quote with flights included, single occupancy, one room with one large bed. paired travelers or couples will share a room & a bed., deposit $250.

For alternate payment options including direct deposit & PayPal please contact us.

Custom Payment plans available at booking

*If booking a double room as a solo traveler we will attempt to pair you with another solo traveler. If we’re unable to match within 60 days of tour, you must upgrade and pay a single traveler supplement (single occupancy).*

Double occupancy

Our tour to Seychelles includes enjoying diverse cultural expeditions throughout the country based on single occupancy ensuite for all lodging.

• Swag Bag including our ‘I Met God’ T-shirt upon arrival
• All Lodging Accommodations.
• Breakfast and specified Meals throughout the entire tour.
• Return domestic flight (Mahe – Praslin – Mahe)
• Return ferry (Praslin – La Digue – Praslin)
• An Away to Africa Tour Representative that travels with you 100% of the time on the ground during the duration of the tour.
• All Transportation Costs which includes Personal Driver and Airport Pickup & Drop-off.
• This Trip includes all boating experiences via our “at sea” provider.
• Entry Fees into all Excursions and all lounges we attend as a group.
• Pricing is contingent on the time which tickets are purchased.

Not Included

• International Round Trip Flight Add-On is available for each departure.
• Required travel documentation (Valid Passport &/or Visa).
• Parties and Events not included in package.
• Transport outside of tours.
• Gratuities for Guides & Drivers.
• Travel Insurance (More Info About Insurance). *affiliate link*
• Hotel Room Charges, Personal Telephone Calls on Hotel Phones & Laundry.
• Souvenirs & Snacks, Lunch, Dinner & Alcoholic drinks.

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YachtWeekEA/ Yacht Week East Africa - Kendwa Beach Resort

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Yacht Week East Africa: Your Next Stop to Experience Tanzania’s Beauty and Opportunities

As the Africa Rising narrative continues to spread, interest in Africa for both travel and business is booming. As more people travel to the continent, perceptions are changing and new opportunities are being created as Africa becomes a desirable place to live, work and play. The East African countries of Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania have all experienced recent booms in tourism and the private sector. Oil and natural gas discoveries have fueled the interest of multinational corporations, while improved business environments have attracted smaller investors to the region.

Kelsey Horton, a Chicago native, is capitalizing on this opportunity by merging the best of both worlds and introducing people to both the beauty and opportunity that Africa has to offer. Kelsey just wrapped up his first successful ‘ Yacht Week East Africa ’ and sat down with Gaidi Faraj to share some insights into doing business in Africa and his contribution to the Black travel movement.

How did you wind up in Tanzania?

As a kid, my mom worked at what was then called the Center for Inner City Studies, a satellite campus of Northeastern Illinois University located on the South Side of Chicago, (now called the Jacob H. Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies). The campus offered curricula through an Afrocentric lens and celebrated African culture and traditions. She would take me and my brother to work with her during summer breaks, and it was within this atmosphere that I first became enamored with Africa. Later, I began working as a finance manager in the international development space and began traveling to Africa frequently for business. It was at this time that my affinity for Africa grew and when an opportunity to live and work in Tanzania presented itself, I jumped on it.

Why Yacht Week?

My interest in yachting initially came from attending yacht events on Lake Michigan in Chicago. When I moved to Dar es Salaam, which sits on the Indian Ocean, I began to attend yacht events more frequently. I noticed many travel companies organizing yachting trips throughout Eurasia and the Americas, but Africa was being totally overlooked. Fully aware of the unparalleled beauty and potential of East Africa, I began to develop the Yacht Week East Africa concept. In addition, African-Americans had been attending other yachting events in Europe and felt that those events didn’t particularly cater to their travel needs. Yacht Week East Africa was also designed to address this gap.

How did you market your event?

Considering it was a new event, it made sense to initially market it to my existing networks in the U.S. As a result, the first Yacht Week East Africa cohort was primarily from the states. Future Yacht Week East Africa events will be marketed to African-Americans as well as others within the African Diaspora.

What was the local reception to the idea?

Yacht Week East Africa was well received by the local community. They viewed it as an exciting and refreshing idea that could potentially boost tourism.

What was the international reception like?

The Black travel movement is at an all-time high and people are very interested in seeing what Africa has to offer. Many Black people came across Yacht Week East Africa in their social media feeds and not only saw it as an amazing way to explore Africa but also as more meaningful and culturally relevant version of the yachting events being offered in Eurasia and the Americas.  

Did you encounter any fears or concerns based on negative perceptions of Africa?

Yes! Someone wanted to know how will they be protected from a Captain Phillips situation! I quickly alleviated those concerns by informing guests that pirate incidents are rare, and those that do occur typically take place off the coast of Somalia, a country about 1500 miles away from Tanzania, about the distance from NYC to Kansas. Tanzania has no such issues and is one of the safest and most peaceful countries in Africa.

What were some of your obstacles in implementing your first Yacht Week East Africa?

One of the biggest obstacles was yacht availability. There are no official charter companies in East Africa, so I had to search for and source yachts from private owners based in Dar es Salaam.

What were some of your biggest successes, and what are the lessons learned from this first event?

Some aspects of the event were absolutely amazing, others aspects will require some fine-tuning before the next Yacht Week East Africa event. The land component of the event, which was primarily managed by my team and included the welcome reception, tours in Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar and all of the official Yacht Week East Africa parties went extremely well. And the guests absolutely fell in love with Zanzibar! The sea component of the event, which was outsourced to the private yacht owners, is an area that I’m committed to improving. I’m currently in discussions with charter companies in the Seychelles that would be able to provide better yachts, and I’m also exploring the possibility of hiring our own captains. There will be other improvements, including an update to the route so that it is more efficient and impactful, and the hiring of more staff to assist with logistics and guest services. This was the first run of the event, and I’m committed to refining it in order to make it the premier yachting experience in East Africa.   

What potential do you see for expanding?

I’ve contemplated having similar events in other parts of Africa, but considering I live in Tanzania and I’m well-connected here, I would like to focus on Yacht Week East Africa for now. With that said, I would like to eventually secure funding to procure my own yachts and provide daily charters to Tanzania’s network of islands in addition to hosting Yacht Week East Africa several times per year.

What would you say to other African-Americans interested in moving to East Africa?

East Africa is a beautiful and peaceful region of the continent and we’re definitely welcome here. There are many other African-Americans here, and numerous business and career opportunities. The same ingenuity that we use to make it in America can certainly be applied in Africa, perhaps with greater impact and reward.

—————

Dr. Gaidi Faraj is a Pan African scholar, writer and entrepreneur. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of California at Berkeley in African Diaspora Studies and resides between the U.S. and Mauritius. His twitter is @iamgaidi

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East Africa Charter Itineraries

Below are samples of luxury yacht charter itineraries for private crewed yachts which cover East Africa. These itineraries are here to offer inspiration and give you a feel for the area and some of the best things to do whilst sailing there.

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7 Best Travel Groups for Black Travelers

Sustainable travel expert, adventure seeker

Laurel, MD, USA

Exploring a destination with a group may help you navigate a new city better than you might have if you were traveling solo. But have you tried traveling with a group of people who inherently understands your existence? As humans, we are likely to group ourselves with people similar to us, so it isn’t a coincidence that Black people tend to travel in groups. From gathering at some of the best Black festivals IRL to cheerleading other Black travel bloggers online, for Black travelers, community and travel have always been intrinsically interlinked. If you’re a Black traveler looking to scratch your travel itch, try one of these seven Black travel groups on your next trip.

For Creative Travelers: Wind Collective

Wind Collective has only been around since 2017, and they’re already a force to be reckoned with. Their itineraries have taken travelers from places like Brazil all the way to The Philippines. The London-based collective believes in meshing creativity with travel, which is evident from their Instagram feed. Travelers joining this Black travel group can expect a ‘creative session’ where they’ll be authentically photographed and recorded as they enjoy their trip. These creative sessions serve as beautiful reminders of the experience (and make for great travel ‘grams, too).

As a way to infuse social good into everything they do, every Wind Collective trip includes a ‘give back session’ where travelers contribute to bettering the local communities in the destinations that they visit. They’ve given back in places all over the world like Bali, Cuba, and Colombia.

For Single Black Travelers: Haywire Weekend 

If you’re a single traveler, then Haywire Weekend might be for you. Touted as “the best weekend of your life”, Haywire expertly combines island life, luxury travel, and partying. They pride themselves on finding the best and most exclusive villas for every trip. If luxury travel is your thing, Haywire is for you.

As erratic as its namesake, Haywire Weekend is absolutely for single people, groups of friends, or couples who are traveling together. The crew is fun to follow along with on social media too. The company films epic episodes on their trips similar to the style of a reality television show. If boat parties and flowing bottles sound good to you, don’t forget to add Haywire to your list. 

For Solo Women: Black Girls Travel Too 

Black women looking to join a group trip should definitely consider Black Girls Travel Too . The travel company was founded to steer away from the narrative that Black women don’t travel. In her youth, BGTT’s founder, Danny Rivers-Mitchell, fell in love with traveling after a school field trip to Washington, D.C. The Alabama native started the organization as an online community on Instagram in 2015.

Since then, over 100K people have followed the company’s far-flung adventures. Previous destinations for their group trips have included London, Thailand, India, and Australia. Barbados, in particular, is a favorite destination for the group as they take travelers to the island each year to celebrate crop over: a carnival-style celebration held every summer. Black Girls Travel Too trips are immersive in the local cultures, often including volunteer opportunities, while providing camaraderie amongst Black women.  

For Adventurers: Urban Events Global 

Founded in 2011 as a camping trip for a group of friends, Urban Events Global is the go-to Black travel company for those seeking a bit of adventure. Every year, they host a range of trips including a camp weekend, two international trips, and a cruise weekend. UEG events are made for the curious, thrill-seeking Black traveler.

Urban Camp Weekend is usually held in the South; this year’s event was in New Braunfels, Texas. Campers can pull up in their own RVs, cozy up in a cabin, or pitch a tent. Activities include everything from tubing on the river to beach volleyball. The best part about this camp? No kids are allowed and there’s an open bar all weekend–a true adult camping experience. 

The company has hosted International trips in destinations like Capetown, South Africa where travelers got to explore nature and dive into the historical culture of the region. Urban Cruise Weekend takes travelers to breezy Caribbean destinations like Cozumel, Mexico. Adventurous Black travelers shouldn’t miss the chance to travel with this group. 

For Luxury Lovers: Yacht Week East Africa 

If your idea of luxury travel is living on a yacht in Seychelles for a week, then book your trip with one of our favorite Black travel groups— Yacht Week East Africa —immediately. This Yacht Week is a lot more welcoming than what some Black travelers have experienced when attending Croatia’s version. In Seychelles, travelers get to spend two days on land before hopping on the water for a week-long expedition. Water activities include snorkeling, fishing, swimming, and some yacht hopping, too.

Unique activities on the YWEA itinerary are a sunset beach BBQ and a full moon party. If Tanzania is tugging on your passport strings, the collective will bring in 2021 exploring Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar island. During 7 days of authentically experiencing Swahili culture, travelers will get to take a Spice Tour and visit Mikumi National Park. If Keyna is calling, join the community in Nairobi for safaris, white water rafting, and a visit to the best place for handcrafted goods, Maasai Market. 

For Group Tours Across Africa: Tastemakers Africa 

Traveling across the continent hasn’t always been easy or well connected, but Tastemakers Africa is the missing link. With Black travel group tours and experiences hosted by locals, Tastemakers is allowing people of African nations to tell their own stories. From Johannesburg to Accra, the platform lists various types of locally-led tours for travelers to choose from.

In Accra, one tour takes attendees to the former slave castles of Cape Coast, which was the last time many West Africans stepped foot on African soil before being shipped to The Americas during the transatlantic slave trade. Tastemakers tours allow travelers to link up with local insiders for experiences like a live music crawl in Johannesburg or fabric dying in Ghana. These authentic experiences are a great way for Black travelers of the African diaspora to connect with the parts of their ancestral roots. 

For Black Teens: beGirlWorld

beGirlWorld was founded in 2014 in Philadelphia as a way to empower young Black girls through global education and travel. Here, travel is a vehicle for cross-cultural experiences, future career paths, leadership, and inspiring new possibilities. The organization accepts donations that are often used to sponsor passports for their travelers. On their trips, the teens are exposed to cultural activities like language learning and culinary arts.

The program isn’t just about travel. It’s a structured two-year cohort that features notable guest speakers, lessons in travel planning, and assignments like interviewing travel professionals. At the end of the two years, the girls travel to destinations like London and Madrid as part of their graduation from the program. Organizations like beGirlWorld serve as important pillars in the Black community. 

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