The Airbnb Experience was the most unforgettable part of my five-day trip.
By Jessica Poitevien
When traveling alone, I typically stay in dorm-style hostels, simply because I’m an extrovert who loves befriending new people. As I planned my June trip to Johannesburg, however, I knew my solo travel skills were a bit rusty, so I decided to ease back in with more upscale accommodations at the Voco Johannesburg Rosebank. The property is one of the newest in the posh neighborhood of Rosebank and an ideal watering hole thanks to its café, co-working space, and (my personal favorite) the Proud Mary Modern Eatery & Wine Bar.
While I enjoyed the oasis-like retreat—Voco’s turndown service even included packets of powdered CBD that dissolved in water and lulled me to sleep—I also wanted to venture into other Joburg neighborhoods and get back to the root of what made me first fall in love with solo travel: connecting with people, deep conversations, meaningful cultural experiences, and, of course, some good times.
Having already done all the usual Joburg tours and museum visits during my first few days in the city, I turned to Airbnb Experiences to find something a little different. That’s how I discovered Sebo Marobela, the fashion designer behind Caraci Clothing.
Design a bespoke African print masterpiece, the description read. I was instantly intrigued, but the five-star rating and photos of happy customers in incredibly beautiful gowns, jackets, and more sealed the deal. I booked a visit immediately.
The next morning, I met Marobela at his studio in downtown Joburg. After introductions and light refreshments, we walked to the fashion district together and got to know each other better. Along the way, Marobela encouraged me to strut my stuff on the remains of an old outdoor catwalk from Johannesburg Fashion Week.
My runway walk was far from anything you’d see in a fashion show, but Marobela cheered me on as if I were Naomi Campbell or Bella Hadid. It was the first of many moments that I realized what a safe and welcoming space he created throughout the experience. He’d later explain that his cheerful outlook grew from both positive and negative childhood memories.
Growing up in the township of Namakgale, Marobela said his interest in fashion was frowned upon and even openly mocked. It was difficult to feel different from his peers, but that didn’t stop him from enjoying weekly styling sessions with his mom and sister as he dressed and accessorized them in their Sunday best before church.
Now, he looks at every piece of clothing he makes as a form of activism, allowing people to express their true selves. So when we arrived at the fabric shop, it came as no surprise that Marobela gave me free rein to choose from hundreds of African prints, some more traditional than others. I pried a few opinions out of him when my indecisive nature got in the way and eventually settled on an intricately patterned red and orange fabric with hints of blue and white.
We headed back to his studio, where Marobela taught me some of the basics of sewing and was kind enough not to laugh at my rudimentary skills. His master tailor then took my measurements as we discussed the style I wanted for my dress. Once that was decided—I went for a strappy crop top with a matching maxi skirt—Marobela and I went out for a traditional South African lunch and he showed me around the artsy neighborhood of Maboneng. Our conversations deepened even further as we shared tales of love, moving abroad (he spent time living in China), and the differences between race and racism in the U.S. versus South Africa. It was exactly the kind of conversation and connection I was looking for.
By the time we returned to Marobela’s studio two hours later, my dress was ready. It fit perfectly so we went straight to the building’s rooftop for the signature ending of every Caraci Experience: a photoshoot and mini dance session. I couldn’t believe that such a beautiful garment was made from scratch in so little time. I loved it so much that I ordered a matching shirt for my fiancé, another dress for myself, plus outfits for the whole family, which I was able to pick up the next day.
In the end, my time with Marobela through this Airbnb Experience was the most unforgettable part of my entire five-day trip to South Africa. I explored Joburg with a local, learned about South African food and culture, and left with the best souvenirs I could’ve asked for. Even better, I left with a new friend.
Read the original article on Condé Nast Traveler.
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