At AAFRICAA, the Hambela in-house label brings together some of the most exciting contemporary interpretations of African creativity — and few are as instantly joyful and recognisable as the playful illustrations of Alex Latimer. Best known internationally as a celebrated children’s author and illustrator, Latimer has built a reputation for storytelling that is witty, visually engaging, and full of warmth.
His books, including The Boy Who Cried Ninja, Pig and Small, The Twighlight Herd, and The Last Zebra, have become modern classics in children’s literature, loved for their humour, rhythm, and expressive visual language. This same storytelling sensibility carries through into his collaboration with AAFRICAA’s Hambela label, where his focus shifts to the rich wildlife of the African continent.
In this collection, Latimer turns his attention to iconic safari animals — reimagining them with charm, character, and a distinctly playful twist. Lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and rhinos are not rendered as static or overly formal illustrations, but as animated personalities full of humour and life. Each drawing captures movement and emotion, making the wildlife of Africa feel both familiar and freshly observed.
This approach has made his work especially successful within the AAFRICAA range of contemporary African gifts and souvenirs. His illustrations feature across some of our best-selling products, including children’s T-shirts, art posters, greeting cards, magnets, and pouches. Each item carries a sense of joy and accessibility, making them ideal keepsakes for visitors, families, and design lovers alike.
The appeal lies in their versatility. For children, Latimer’s safari animals are playful companions — characters that feel alive and approachable. For adults, they offer a nostalgic connection to storytelling and illustration, while still functioning as beautifully designed objects rooted in African identity and place. This dual appeal is part of what makes the collection so consistently popular in-store and online.
As demand grows for authentic, design-led African gifts, Latimer’s work stands out for its ability to combine humour with craft, and storytelling with commercial appeal. His safari illustrations are not only visually distinctive but emotionally resonant — they invite connection, imagination, and delight.
At AAFRICAA, the Hambela collection continues to evolve as a platform for contemporary African storytelling and a celebration of your Cape Town experience, and Alex Latimer’s contribution remains one of its most beloved expressions. Through his playful safari animals, he transforms everyday souvenirs into something far more memorable: joyful, collectible moments of African design, made for both children and adults to enjoy.
