Experience the very best that Africa has to offer as the continent opens the gates to Africa Village during the 2012 London Olympic Games. We’ll be live-blogging updates from the site, plus we’ve got all the essential information for you to plan your visit below:
Live Blog
Thursday, 9 August
10:30 a.m. Africa Village is closed until further notice.
Wednesday, 8 August
4:05 p.m. Africa Village is closed for “security reasons” today. May be open tomorrow but this is not confirmed. There’s no information about why it’s closed but there are a couple of policemen outside.
Thursday, 2 August
3:30 p.m. Africa Village is quiet, but later, we’re told that there should be more fun coming, in the form of music! Right now, come by and stop by the different tents to learn about Africa’s beauty. We stopped in and learned more about Morocco, top coffee exporter Ethiopia and cocoa exporter The Ivory Coast.
Need-to-know
Where is it: Africa Village, consisting of “Africa Land” and “Africa House”, will sit at Kensington Gardens, west of Hyde Park and directly across from the Royal Albert Hall.
Nearest tube: South Kensington (District or Circle Line), Hyde Park Corner, or Knightsbridge (Picadilly line). Once you exit the station, follow the signs to the Royal Albert Hall.
Hours: Open to the public from 9am to 10:30pm daily. Daily African music concerts from 5pm to 10:30pm.
Cost: Free
Watching the Games: Large television screens throughout the site and in the restaurant.
Highlights: Several stands will spotlight Africa’s cultural and artistic wealth with fashion shows, dancing, and daily modern and traditional music concerts. A photo exhibition spotlighting 50 of Africa’s greatest Olympians. African medal winners will make appearances. A wide variety of authentic African cuisine.
Restrictions: While “Africa Land” is open to the public, “Africa House” (the other part of Africa Village) is reserved for athletes and officials.
