Tourism
Why Black American Women Are Choosing Mexico City Over the U.S. in Search of a New Dream
On a bright afternoon in Mexico’s sprawling capital, a group of Black American women sit at a street-side café, shifting easily between English and Spanish as they discuss everyday life — health care costs, dating, and where to find the city’s best pastries. For them, this is no vacation. It is home.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Mexico City has become an unexpected destination for Americans seeking opportunity outside the United States. Among those leading this quiet migration are Black women who say the promise of safety, affordability and dignity has been harder to secure back home.
For many, the move is deeply personal. Retirees, single mothers, teachers and wellness professionals describe leaving the U.S. after years of political tension, racial stress and economic uncertainty. Mexico City, with its layered history, cultural depth and comparatively lower cost of living, offered something they felt was increasingly out of reach in the United States: the freedom to live without constant scrutiny.
“Here, I feel like a person first,” said Sara Wright, a retired paralegal who relocated from California and is now pursuing permanent residency. “In the U.S., being Black often comes with assumptions. Here, it doesn’t.”
The shift gained momentum during the pandemic, when remote work untethered many professionals from physical offices. According to Mexico’s Migration Policy Unit, applications and renewals for U.S. residency visas in Mexico rose sharply between 2019 and 2022, reflecting a broader movement of Americans settling south of the border.
Yet these women reject the popular label “expat.” Instead, they insist on being called immigrants — a deliberate choice that reflects both their long-term intentions and their awareness of global inequality.
“We’re not here to pass through,” said Zakiya Harris, a wellness coach from Oakland who moved to Mexico City with her teenage daughter during the height of pandemic lockdowns. “We came with legal residency to build a life.”
Safety is a recurring theme. While Mexico is often portrayed internationally as dangerous, many of the women say daily life in Mexico City feels calmer than in U.S. cities shaped by gun violence and racial profiling. Mothers, in particular, speak of the relief of raising children in an environment where curiosity outweighs fear.
At the same time, their presence exists within a growing debate about gentrification. Protests have erupted in parts of Mexico City over rising rents and the displacement of local families, with activists accusing foreign newcomers of driving up housing costs. In neighbourhoods such as Condesa and Roma Norte, rents have surged since 2020.
The women acknowledge the tension but argue their experiences differ from wealthier foreign arrivals. Many live in less fashionable districts, rent modest apartments, share housing and prioritise local businesses. They speak openly about their privilege as Americans — even as Black women — and the responsibility that comes with it.
For a Ghanaian and African audience, the story resonates beyond borders. It reflects a global pattern of Black diaspora movement, where people of African descent are reassessing where they feel most valued and secure. Much like return-to-Africa conversations among African-Americans, the Mexico City migration is rooted in agency, choice and the search for belonging.
“It’s about dignity,” said one woman who left the U.S. after decades of working in public education. “Not struggling to prove your humanity every day.”
Mexico City is not without contradictions. Violence against women remains a serious national issue, and economic inequality is stark. But for these Black American women, the city offers room to breathe — to slow down, to engage with culture, and to imagine a future not defined by survival.
In a world where mobility is increasingly global, their journey underscores a shifting truth: the dream once sold as uniquely American is now being re-imagined — and sometimes realised — far from U.S. shores.
Sights and Sounds
From Kayaks to Cliff Edges: A Day at The Enclave Adventures in Kumasi
The first thing you notice is the water.
Stretching across the floor of an old quarry at Truba, near Kenyasi on the outskirts of Kumasi, the lake glimmers beneath steep rocky cliffs while the sound of laughter drifts across the breeze. Above the water, a pair of zipliners race side by side, suspended high in the air.
Below them, kayaks cut gentle ripples across the lake’s surface. For a moment, it is easy to forget that you are just minutes from Ghana’s second-largest city.
Welcome to The Enclave Adventures, one of the most exciting additions to Kumasi’s growing tourism scene.
Built around a former quarry site transformed into an outdoor recreation park, the destination offers visitors a rare blend of nature, adventure, and panoramic views of the Ashanti landscape.
The park features kayaking, paintball battles, ziplining, canopy walks, and abseiling from cliffs that rise as high as 160 feet above the lake.
Where Adventure Meets Nature
The journey through The Enclave is as much about the scenery as it is about the adrenaline.
Rocky ridges overlook the spring-fed lake, while patches of greenery soften the rugged terrain. The contrast creates a dramatic backdrop for outdoor activities.
Visitors can paddle across the calm waters in solo or tandem kayaks, taking in views of the surrounding cliffs and open skies. For those seeking a bigger thrill, the zipline carries riders across the lake, offering a bird’s-eye view of the entire site.
The canopy walkway adds another layer of excitement, suspending visitors high above the water and quarry walls. Meanwhile, paintball enthusiasts can gather friends and family for fast-paced battles in an environment designed to test teamwork and strategy.
A New Side of Kumasi
Kumasi is celebrated around the world for its royal heritage, colourful markets, and Ashanti traditions. The Enclave introduces a new dimension to the city’s tourism offering—one centered on outdoor recreation and active exploration.
@yayraa_j I explored The Enclave in Kumasi, the Ashanti Region of Ghana 🇬🇭 It was adventurous and fun. This is a place for every tourist to visit in Ghana. My hair by @Magic Comb #ghana #explorer #fyp #kumasi #theenclave ♬ original sound – yayraa_j
Visitors can easily combine a day at the adventure park with trips to cultural landmarks such as the Manhyia Palace Museum or the bustling Kejetia Market, creating an itinerary that blends culture and adventure.
Why It Belongs on Your Ghana Travel List
What makes The Enclave memorable is not just the activities but the feeling of discovery. One moment, you are standing on a cliff edge overlooking a sparkling lake; the next, you are gliding across the water or soaring above it.
For travellers who think they already know Kumasi, The Enclave offers a fresh perspective. It reveals a city that is not only rich in history and culture but also ready to embrace a new era of adventure tourism.
Long after the kayaking ends and the harnesses come off, the image of that quarry lake framed by cliffs and open sky is likely to stay with you.
Sights and Sounds
Ghana’s Ultimate Forest Adventure Awaits at We-Ape Mega Zipline Park
A rush of wind, a burst of laughter, and then the feeling of soaring above a sea of green. At We-Ape Mega Zipline & Adventure Park in Aburi, visitors trade city noise for birdsong and the thrill of gliding through a tropical rainforest canopy.
Just a short drive from Accra, this outdoor adventure destination transforms the rolling hills of the Eastern Region into a playground for nature lovers and adrenaline seekers alike.
Spread across more than three acres of rainforest near the famous Aburi Botanical Gardens, We-Ape combines outdoor recreation with environmental awareness, creating an experience that feels both exhilarating and deeply connected to nature.
Adventure Above the Trees
The park’s biggest attraction is its network of ziplines and aerial obstacle courses. Suspended among towering trees, visitors navigate canopy walks, rope challenges, cable bikes, climbing nets, and ziplines that send them gliding across the forest.
@naa_ashorkor_ We ape adventures 😉
♬ оригинальный звук – Samvel Gulyan
There are courses designed for families and beginners, as well as more demanding routes for those looking to test their endurance and courage.
From elevated platforms, the scenery unfolds in every direction. Sunlight filters through the leaves, butterflies drift across the trails, and the cool mountain air of Aburi provides welcome relief from the heat of the coast.
Every step, climb and zipline ride offers a new perspective on the rainforest below.
Beyond the aerial adventures, the park features open spaces for picnics, team-building activities and outdoor gatherings. Visitors can also relax at the forest café, where the sounds of nature replace the usual soundtrack of urban life. The park’s commitment to conservation and environmental education adds another layer to the experience, making it popular with families, schools and corporate groups.
A Different Side of Ghana
Many travellers visit Ghana for its historic forts, vibrant markets and cultural festivals. We-Ape offers something different: an opportunity to experience the country’s natural beauty from above the forest floor. Combined with nearby attractions such as the Aburi Botanical Gardens and the scenic mountain roads of the Akuapem Ridge, it makes for an unforgettable day trip from Accra.
Whether you arrive seeking adventure, fresh air or a new perspective on Ghana’s landscapes, We-Ape delivers a simple but memorable reward: the chance to feel, if only for a moment, like you’re flying through the rainforest.
Travel
Ethiopia’s Ancient Wonders and Unique Culture Continue to Attract Global Travelers
Ethiopia’s ancient landmarks, distinctive cuisine and rich cultural heritage are drawing growing attention from international travellers, reinforcing the country’s position as one of Africa’s most compelling tourism destinations.
Known as the birthplace of one of the continent’s oldest civilizations, Ethiopia offers a mix of historical, cultural and natural attractions that continue to attract visitors seeking experiences beyond traditional safari tourism.
Among the country’s most visited sites is the National Museum of Ethiopia in Addis Ababa, where the fossilized remains of “Lucy,” one of the oldest known human ancestors, are preserved.
The Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela, carved directly into volcanic rock centuries ago, remain one of Africa’s most celebrated architectural achievements and a major draw for both pilgrims and tourists.
Ethiopia’s tourism appeal also extends to its landscapes. The Simien Mountains National Park attracts hikers and wildlife enthusiasts with its dramatic scenery and rare species, while the historic city of Gondar, known for its medieval castles and palaces, has earned international recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The ancient city of Aksum, once the centre of the powerful Aksumite Empire, offers visitors towering stone obelisks, royal tombs and archaeological treasures that highlight the country’s long and influential history.
Beyond its landmarks, Ethiopia is widely recognised for its unique cultural identity. Addis Ababa hosts the headquarters of the African Union, reinforcing the country’s longstanding role in continental affairs.
As one of the few African nations to successfully resist long-term European colonisation, Ethiopia occupies a distinctive place in African history and remains a symbol of independence for many across the continent.
Food is another major attraction. Ethiopian cuisine, centred around injera, a spongy flatbread made from teff, is known for its communal dining traditions and richly spiced dishes.
Popular meals such as doro wat, a spicy chicken stew, have gained international recognition, while traditional raw meat dishes, including kitfo and gored gored, continue to intrigue adventurous visitors.
Many travellers also cite the cleanliness of Ethiopian cities and public spaces as an unexpected highlight of their visits. Local authorities maintain strict standards in many urban areas, contributing to an environment that visitors often describe as orderly and welcoming.
With its blend of ancient history, distinctive food culture, dramatic landscapes and strong African identity, Ethiopia continues to strengthen its reputation as one of the continent’s most rewarding destinations for cultural and heritage tourism.
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