#WildlifeWednesday No two Safaris are the same - ever! And, elusive Leopards only show themselves when they want to!
The same is true for me. After countless Safaris, living and working in Africa, 15 years & 3 months since my first Safari in Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa, the Leopards decided to appear for me in Kenya.
Starting with Samburu National Reserve, followed by Maasai Mara National Park, and ending with so much time with this beauty from Mara North Conservancy - Leopards in all three. Of course, if I were to be truly African, I’d say the Leopards were pleased I finally brought my husband to Magical Kenya. May be true!
Leopard Mara North Conservancy ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC
Thank you Kenya's One Way
There are few things I love more than a Date Book. One of my beloved Kenyan Suppliers, One Way Clothing, gave me this beautifully designed Date Book as a Thank You Gift. #LoveIt
Happy #TravelTuesday The Shoutout that moved me to tears this morning!
Kenya Wildlife Services & Maasai© Flyga Twiga™ LLC
#WildlifeWednesday Thank You Kenya Kait for the Awesome Shout Out!
Great Advice!
#WildlifeWednesday New Special Needs Mobility Challenged Safari
Morning Coffee & Beet Root Juice Ole Sereni Nairobi Kenya © Flyga Twiga™ LLC
#TravelTuesday Dreaming of Playing Golf with Zebras and Monkeys? 6 of Kenya's Best Golf Courses!
Kenya Golf © Flyga Twiga™ LLC
NAIROBI
Windsor Golf & Country Club
18 holes, Par 72, Length : 6571 yards
An 18 hole championship golf course laid around the sprawling 5 star luxury golf resort. Windsor Golf & Country Club is the only African member of the " Great Golf Resorts of the World". The course has a sprinkling of water hazards and bunkers to make it a challenging, yet enjoyable golf course. The lush fairways are lined by forests where you might even spot the Sykes monkey apart from the dozens of exotic African bird species.
Muthaiga Golf Club
Proudly called the Home of Golf by its elite membership, is in many ways the ultimate embodiment of Kenya’s unique marriage ancient golf tradition and a modern 18 hole championship golf course.
As this club prepares to celebrate its long-awaited centenary, Muthaiga G.C. has also been reborn as one of the most prestigious and challenging courses in the region.
The force behind this renaissance is an extensive course reconstruction by the celebrated South African course designer Peter Matkovich, which in 2004 returned Muthaiga to prominence as the finest course with the fastest greens in East Africa.
Golfing with Monkeys Windsor Golf Resort, Kenya © Flyga Twiga™ LLC
LAKE NAKURU
Nakuru Golf Club
18 holes, Par 73, Length : 6802 yards
Nakuru Golf Club 18 hole golf course was opened in 1929 by Lord Francis Scott and rests peacefully on the slopes of the volcanic Menengai Crater. It is the only uphill course in Kenya – the rolling fairways gradually lead to the mostly uphill greens. Spectacles of the blazing coral pink flamingo patches dotting the deep blue hue of Lake Nakuru, greet your eyes on the 8th and 18th tees. This championship course is visually pleasing and has some unusual challenges and therefore exciting to play.
Golfing with Zebras Great Rift Valley Lodge Kenya ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC
MT. KENYA
Mount Kenya Safari Club
9 holes/ 18 tees, Par 72
This beautiful short course is set at the foot of the snow capped Mount Kenya, and lined by tall mountain fir trees. Lush and hilly, the course is a series of interesting par 3 holes on which players may use a range of irons ranging from a 3 iron to a Pitching Wedge off the tee.
The course is located in the Mount Kenya Safari Club grounds. Activities at the club also include fishing, horseriding, swimming and tennis. An animal orphanage is also located in the club grounds.
Great Rift Valley Lodge Kenya © Flyga Twiga™ LLC
NAIVASHA
Great Rift Valley Lodge & Golf Resort
18 holes, Par 71, Length : 6580 yards
This resort course is on a hill set against a backdrop of Lake Naivasha and the extinct volcano, Mount Longonot. Irrigated Fairways are lush and springy and greens well maintained. The course, designed by Swede Thomas Fjastadt, snakes through the natural Lake Naivasha vegetation such as exotic Acacia trees, and also contains water hazards. The lodge offers bird walks, mountain biking, and horse riding.
Sigona Golf Club
Sigona Golf Club combines luxury, exceptional service and the ultimate golfing experience. Located in Kikuyu, along the Nairobi-Naivasha highway, the club is a twenty minutes drive from Nairobi. Sigona Golf Club lends itself a serene atmosphere amidst beautiful flower bushes and scenic greenery. Constructed in 1938, this very lovely private members club has an inviting, modern club house and a golf course designed to championship standards. It also boasts a swimming pool with a bar and a children’s’ play ground to meet your recreational needs.
Muthaiga Golf Club © Flyga Twiga™ LLC
#TravelTuesday 1st Time in a Bush Plane? Kait Hanson, of Communikait, Shares Her Experiences on Kenya's Safarilink
Kenya Bush Plane©Communikait Used with permission.
Ever wonder what it is like to fly in a Bush Plane?
Click here to read Communikait’s Kenya Bush Plane Review.
Any questions? Feel Free to Leave them Below!
#TravelTuesday 5 Distinct Safaris - When to Go and When to Book! Safari Guide
Sunset Amboselli National Park Kenya ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC
One of the questions I am most frequently asked is “when is the best time to on an African Safari?” As I always say, it depends on what you want see.
Gorillas? The Big 5? Great Migration? Cultural Experiences? Wine Tasting? Helicopter Rides? Train Travel? Surfing?
The question I dread the most is someone asking about booking a Safari last minute – especially for High Seasons and the Great Migration. Here are five distinct Safaris and when to book.
If you still have questions, I am happy to answer them & you can contact me here.
Maasai Mara, Early Migration Starting in Kenya 2014 ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC
Kenya Great Migration
Many who grew up watching National Geographic® have their hearts set on seeing the Great Migration. One of the largest and most famous mammal migrations on the planet sees the vast herds following the rains for the grasslands.
In Kenya, a country known for its magical beauty and hospitality, this migration takes place in August through October. The Great Migration can begin early and thus the herds start transiting into Kenya earlier than August. Kenya’s High Season for the Great Migration begins July 1st.
The most important aspect of planning your bespoke Kenyan Great Migration Safari is being aware that Lodges start booking over a year in advance. Last minute bookings can be extraordinarily expensive. So, planning your personal and unique Great Migration Kenyan Safari should start at least a year before you plan to travel.
Maasai Cultural Experience ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC
Kenya “Low Season” aka “Perfect Season”
If you have a vision of being alone out on the Savannah, with the total quiet of just you and the animals, then the Kenyan “Low Season” may be perfect for you.
Running April 1st through June 30th and November 1st through November 30th, this Season offers less crowds. Hotels, Lodges, Restaurants, Museums, and National Parks are less crowded. And, Lodges are often more open for shorter notice bookings.
Part of having less crowds can also offer more opportunities to engage in one-on-one Cultural Experiences. Also, the famous Tea and Coffee Plantation Tours are easier to obtain.
Add to this your overall “bang for your buck” and I personally think this is the Perfect Season for a Kenyan Safari.
Mossel Bay South Africa ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC
South Africa Summer
It is important to remember that South Africa is in the Southern Hemisphere. Thus their Winter and Summers are the opposite of those in the Northern Hemisphere Countries, such as United States and South Korea.
A “Winter’s Getaway” is an inspiration for many who travel to South Africa Summer Safari. Leaving the cold and snow of Winter and traveling to the warm South African beaches or the vibrant vineyards in full bloom, in addition to seeing “The Big Five”, tantalizes many travelers.
It is important to note that many others have the same idea. Lodges and Game Reserves book up quickly and accordingly. Thus, planning should be made well in advance. It is not unheard of for flights and hotels to be book far ahead of the South African Summer.
Seeing the animals during the height of a South Africa Summer, combined with the beaches, wineries, and spectacular weather makes it a great time to Safari.
Wine Tasting South Africa ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC
South Africa Winter
South Africa has a temperate climate. So, South African Winter Safaris offer a different experience in seeing the animals. With the grasses on the Bushveld dry and less, spotting animals in this Season can make for spectacular photographs.
Part of this exceptional experience may be chilly mornings and evenings. Often on South African Winter Safaris, early morning Game Drives will start with blankets and hot water bottles. Evenings may be spent cozying up to a fire for an evening Braai. Romantic indeed!
There are often less crowds in the Wineries for tastings during this Season. And, the costs and lead time needed for planning can be less.
As with all Safaris, planning well in advance gives you the most options and choices. It is all about what your vision for your special Safari!
Uganda Gorilla Trekking
As Gorilla Trekking is one of the most exclusive and exciting Safari Experiences there is, it would be easy to say “it is always a good time to go Gorilla Trekking!” It seems the Uganda Wildlife Authority picked up on this. They have just changed their system to a flat fee for Gorilla Trekking Conservation Tariff, to begin July 2020. The new fees may be found here.
High Season in Uganda is considered January through February, and all the months of June, July, August, September, and October. With Low Season being the entire months of March, April, May, October, November, and December.
Planning for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda should be done as far in advance as possible. Each National Park only offers only a set amount of Gorilla Trekking Permits each day. And, while there are always tales of people who “just arrived in the country and got the permits there” it is, in my opinion, foolhardy to run the risk.
And, one of the most important considerations is one of my most favorite parks in the world, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, only has one family. So, if your “Gorillas in the Mist” dreams include a specific family, please take that into consideration for when to go and when to book your Gorilla Trekking.
Again, if you have any questions about what this blog post and your African Safari, please feel free to contact me. I love talking about Safaris and sharing my passion for Africa’s Wildlife with you!
Twiga in Uganda ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC
Happy Independence Day Kenya!
Kenya 55th Independence Day Celebration © Flyga Twiga LLC
A wonderful evening at the Grand Hyatt Seoul celebrating the 55th Kenya Independence Day. Honored to be invited by the wonderful Ambassador Gello. An evening of warmth and friendship celebrating the truly magical Republic of Kenya!
Kenya Independence Day Invitation © Flyga Twiga LLC
#TravelTuesday I've loved partnering with the Kenya Embassy in Seoul & Africa Day is one of my favorite events of the year!
Africa Day Invitation 2018 © Flyga Twiga LLC
One of my Most Amazing Golf Experiences, Playing Golf with Zebras Great Rift Valley Lodge & Golf Resort, Kenya
Playing Golf with Zebras Great Rift Valley Lodge & Golf Resort, Kenya © Flyga Twiga LLC
We will be posting about #MKTE2016 in Korean on our Naver Blog. Please Check us out! #TravelTuesday
Fam Trip Itinerary Announced! #MKTE2016
So excited! Familiarization (Fam) Trip Itinerary
7th – 11th October 2016
NAIROBI, NAIVASHA AND ELDORET, KENYA
- Sports Tourism -
Golf Pro Rizawan Charania © Windsor Golf Hotel & Resort
I'm on the Road this #TravelTuesday Click below for my articles on wildlife and Safaris!
Honored & Excited to be Invited to #MKTE2016
Flyga Twiga Selected as 1 of 3 Hosted Buyers from South Korea Sponsored by Kenya Tourism Board for Magical Kenya Travel Expo 2016 #MKTE2016
Flyga Twiga LLC has been selected by the Kenya Tourism Board as one of 3 Hosted Buyers from South Korea for Magical Kenya Travel Expo 2016 (MKTE2016). MKTE2016 will be held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, Kenya from 12th – 14th October, 2016. In addition to attending MKTE2016, Flyga Twiga has been asked to arrive in Kenya a week prior to the event to participate in Familiarization (Fam) Trips around Kenya regarding Sustainable Tourism and Travel.
According to the Kenya Tourism Board, “Magical Kenya Travel Expo is a re-leading annual event in the African region organized by Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) that hosts overseas source markets that brings together, travel agents, tour operators and hoteliers. It gathers all the tour operators, travel agents, and destination managers. It is a unique opportunity for the tourism business operators to meet their clients, network, market, and discuss business.
The Magical Kenya Travel Expo is one of the fastest growing exhibitions in the tourism industry aimed at raising the profile of the destination. It has become an important and influential platform for tourism networking and business transactions.
The exhibition aims at showcasing Kenya as a world class tourism destination to top notch international trade. It is a key pillar of the Board’s marketing strategies aimed at increasing the tourist arrival numbers and tourism revenue receipts in line with Vision 2030.”
Flyga Twiga was chosen for the Fam Trips and MKTE2016 due to their commitment to sustainable tourism and their unique offering of bespoke, personal Safari services in Kenya. Flyga Twiga has been the exclusive partner for the Kenya Embassy in South Korea for the KINTEX 2016 Korea International Tourism Show (KITS) and the COEX 2016 Korea World Travel Fair (KOTFA). In addition, Flyga Twiga’s clients have come from such diverse places as the United States, Peru and Haiti.
Amy Millican is the owner of Flyga Twiga LLC, a personal Safari service and consultancy, focused on wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism. She has worked throughout Sub-Saharan and Southern Africa, including on sustainable tourism with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS-the international branch of the New York Zoological Society/Bronx Zoo) in South Sudan. She believes by helping people experience wildlife through Safaris, many species, who are near extinction, will be saved. In recognition of her contributions to conservation and the scientific community in 2015 she was admitted to membership in The Explorer’s Club.
To contact Flyga Twiga LLC, please click here.
For more information on MKTE2016 please click here to visit their site.
#TravelTuesday Getting Ready for Korea International Tourism Show 2016
Kenya Wildlife Services Vehicle © Flyga Twiga LLC
I am getting ready for KINTEX's 2016 Korea International Tourism Show. I leave tomorrow to help set-up the booth in Ilsan, South Korea.
Flyga Twiga is the exclusive partner for the Kenyan Embassy in Seoul. WooHoo!
And, if you are at KITS - stop-by to say "hello!" & have your picture taken as a Maasai.
Happy Day! Safe Safari!
Honored to be Kenya Embassy Seoul’s Exclusive Partner for KINTEX’s KITS 2016. Click below for News Release!
Excited to share my Korean English Brochure Click on the Maasai Lion below!
Lion©Airports&BeyondTours
You're Invited! KOTFA
Lion © Airports&BeyondTours
Honored to have Flyga Twiga asked by the Kenyan Embassy in Seoul to be their partner at The Korea World Travel Fair (KOTFA). Please stop by our booth from June 9 - 12 at COEX.
Honored to be asked by the Kenyan Embassy in Seoul to be their partner at KOTFA. June 9 - 12 at COEX.
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