Samburu Jackal ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC
#TravelTuesday Africa's Best - The most aspirational Africa destination book - Ever!
While on Safari in Kenya last November, I picked up “home” a Southern African Magazine. Their tagline line is “your guide to beautiful living”. I like that. In the back of the magazine (where good surprises are always found), under the Shopping Guide was:
Stay in Africa’s Best
This book was compiled by a team who travelled to some of the most breathtaking places in Africa. And the focus isn’t just on elegance or style. They’ve considered social initiatives, environmental impact, management styles and visitor’s experiences. In Africa’s Best, you will find everything from a beach holiday to a safari and cultural experiences.
Count me in! There was an email that I quickly sent asking if they were in bookstores in Nairobi. Tanith “Tan” Hobson quickly got back to me with a friendly email saying not yet. Well, as I now must have this book
Tan kindly indulged me as we checked into shipping either to the United States or South Korea. When she came back with the pricing, while taking a deep breath, I realized this wasn’t the little book on sustainability I had imagined. This was a REAL book.
As I had to get home from Kenya and get a bank transfer done, I thought I’d be lucky to get the book by my birthday in February. The book made its way from South Africa, to the United States, and then shipped via the Army Post Office to me. It arrived on January 6th. Tan had kindly sent me happy birthday wishes. And while we are not Orthodox Christians & January 7th is Orthodox Christmas, we had been to Greece last year & I pretended it was my Christmas Eve gift.
First a bit about the book. It is, without a doubt, the most beautiful book on Africa I have ever seen. Aspirational. The book weighs 3.475 KG (just under 10 pounds) and is 5 cms (over 2 inches thick). Africa’s Best covers 94 destinations in 15 countries.
Each country starts with an overview and then offers unique “Bucket List Experiences” found in that country. Then, for each destination, there are three catagories:
How They Dazzle Us
Why We Love Them
Their Sustainable Superpower
When I asked my husband why he thought I am so in love with the book, he said, “Its been a long time since we had a good book.” I think that’s true. The book is a breath of fresh air in the age of everything digital and audio books.
There are a few ads in Africa’s Best, but they fit with the book. I appreciate the information. The book will hopefully be available for international shipping via Amazon later this year. The ISBN is 978-0-6397-3020-2
If you truly want to know the destinations that should be on everyone’s bucket list - that is Africa’s Best!
This is how thick Africa’s Best is! #love it
#TravelTuesday Thank you Erin Henderson Media for the Shout Out and Beautiful Pictures from Your South Africa Safari Adventure!
#TravelTuesday So proud to be an ArmaSkin Ambassador! Please use promocode Flyga20 to get 20% off!
My favorite Aussie product! If you’ve ever suffered from blisters, you know how devastating it can be.
Please visit the ArmaSkin Store to find out more about this amazing product!
ArmaSkin at Acropolis of Athens, Greece ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC
#TravelTuesday Sustainable Tourism - Who's Really Sustainable?
#TravelTuesday New! South Africa Girls Getaway Safari
Penguins South Africa ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC
#TravelTuesday What's Happening With 2024 Safari Pricing?
While working on a Safari for 2024, my South African Travel Partner, Nikki Thaver of Southern Africa 360, informed me that South Africa 2024 rates would be going up between 10%-15%. In my opinion, East Africa will follow suit.
These increases are not random “money grabs.” Rather, they are in response to immense outside factors. Increasing prices is vital for Sustainable Tourism, Wildlife Conservation, and Supporting Local Communities.
Below is an email I recently received from Joe Cloete, Shamwari CEO. Joe’s email is the most thorough and transparent discussion, I have seen, of what is happening in the Safari industry. With permission, I am sharing this information. I am honored to work in an industry with such examples of honesty and integrity.
Thank you Shamwari!
Zebras South Africa©Flyga Twiga™ LLC
Dear Travel Partner
I thought it would be prudent to inform you about the challenges that the hospitality sector and, in particular, private game reserves are facing due to the current economic climate and some of the hard decisions we’re having to make as a result.
Having emerged from three years during which the Covid-19 pandemic devastated the sector and affected many people’s lives and livelihoods, intense cost pressures are now causing further serious headwinds.
It is apparent that we will face at least four to six stages of load shedding [rolling blackouts] and possibly worse throughout 2023/24. This means our back-up generators will have to run for between six and 12 hours a day.
Eskom [South Africa's state-owned electricty utility] has announced that when electricity is available it will be at a higher price. Tariffs will increase by 34% over the next two years. In addition, the price of fuel has increased by 52% year-on-year.
Given this we are investing in hybrid solar-energy solutions across the reserve during 2023/24. Unfortunately, while a judicious investment under the circumstances, the capital cost runs into millions of rands.
Other costs that are beyond our control are food-price inflation, which is at its highest in 14 years and a 9.6% increase in the national minimum wage from April 2023.
All these rising costs are putting incredible pressure on our business.
Shamwari has always prided itself on running a successful conservation project that is sustainable and self-funding. We get no help from Government, despite the considerable contribution private game reserves make to conservation. For example, a recent University of Stellenbosch study found that private reserves support the largest number of white rhino on the continent.
To continue this work and secure our future we only have two options: to increase revenue or to reduce costs.
Our revenue model is already finely tuned and there’s very little we can realistically do to grow income and offset the considerable and rising costs we now have to bear.
We have, however, reviewed our current seasonal rate structures. As of April 2024, we will offer two rate seasons i.e. Winter (April to September) and Summer (October to March). The winter rate will be the extension of April 2024 rate, which is already contracted with you. The Summer rate increases by 10% from October 2024.
The existing conservation levy of R150 per person daily is being increased to R650 per adult / R300 each for children between the ages of four and 11 years old. The levy is used to support local community projects, our considerable anti-poaching efforts and our Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. This has already been implemented with our direct bookings as of 01 March 2023.
Please note the new conservation levy applies to all bookings, direct or otherwise.
Our 2024/2025 rates are now available. To request Shamwari Private Game Reserve rates please fill out the form below.
I hope you will understand the unprecedented circumstances that have forced us to make such a difficult decision. I acknowledge and greatly appreciate your support, which has contributed to making Shamwari a 30-year conservation success story. I trust that we can rely on you to continue this legacy.
Best Regards
Joe Cloete
CEO
Shamwari, meaning "my friend" in Shona is the pinnacle of private game reserves and home to the coveted Big 5. Stretching over a vast, malaria free landscape, it offers an award-winning nature experience and is one of the largest private conservation initiatives in Southern Africa. Shamwari incorporates six lodges and an explorer camp: each unique in its own essence.
Video Credit: Shamwari Private Game Reserve.
#TravelTuesday How Do You Practice Sustainable Tourism? Supporting Local Nonprofits
Photo Courtesy of Barocco Foundation
#TravelTuesday Great Day at Osan Air Base Spring Bazaar!
A bit windy, but wonderful talking to the Airmen & all who support them.
Click here to see my Military History Safari.
Happy Day! Safe Safari!
#TravelTuesday Grateful to ArmaSkin asking me to continue as Ambassador!
Whether at the Acropolis in Athens, on Safari in Africa,
or Hiking your Local Trails,
Armaskin has you covered!
Your blister protections socks!
EcoTraining South Africa ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC
#TravelTuesday Travel is Back!!!
Saturday’s booth at Osan was the busiest - ever. People were lining up to talk about going to Africa. Already helping several Airmen plan their 1st Safari. What I love doing so much!
#TravelTuesday Is this the coolest pet friendly bar in Seoul?
From making sure it is the Doggy Beer you ordered, to a pet friendly menu, the Side Note Club at Ryse, Autograph Collection Marriott, is all about taking pampering your precious pooch to another level!
Side Note Club ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC
Located on the top, 15th floor of the Ryse Hotel, the Side Note Club overlooks energetic and vibrant Hongdae, Seoul. But, who can enjoy an evening out without your best fur buddy?
Ryse in the Evening ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC
Ryse is a Pet Friendly Hotel, with major emphasis on “friendly”. Upon arrival, your pet is welcomed with a bed and bowls awaiting in the room. If you pass by the Concierge Desk, a jar of Dog Treats is immediately brought out for your pup.
Pet Menu ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC
Dubbed Pet.Project, Side Note Club offers a menu for both Cats and Dogs. During our stay, Fynbos decided to try the Dried Sweet Potato and the Chicken Breast Jerky. As a Korean Village Dog, he should have preferred the Sweet Potato. Instead, he ate the Chicken Breast Chicken so fast, we ordered more.
Please note: While Pets are most definitely welcome, minor humans are not allowed in the bar after 6:00 pm.
Checking out Dog Friendly Beer ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC
And while he seemed to be more partial to licking the botte than drinking the nonalcoholic “Doggy Beer”, it was super fun when the Waiter offered him to see if it was the Beer he ordered. It was just enough theatrics and silliness to be perfect!
Needless to say, Side Note Club is Fynbos APPROVED and we will most, most definitely be back.
Well done Ryse Hotel’s Side Note Club!
Fynbos at Side Note Club ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC
#TravelTuesday Is Ethical Silk Safari Chic?
Silk Pillowcases?
Until this year, one of my favorite products were silk pillowcases from Africa Silks, located in South Africa. Unfortunately, they no longer are carrying them.
Taking to the internet, I found the amazing “The Ethical Silk Company”.
Opening Ethical Silk with Fynbos©Flyga Twiga™ LLC
Ethical Silk?
I’d never heard of “Ethical Silk”. How can silk be ethical?
According to The Ethical Silk Company’s website:
…[they] found a particular mulberry silk production, made in India, that extracts the silk from the cocoon after the moth has left the cocoon. It is not a wild silk as all mulberry silk is farmed through a production known as sericulture. The result of the production is a beautifully rich mulberry silk (momme weight 19) which, because of the particular way it is produced, is more like a fine linen with a beautiful matte lustre rather than the shiny finish of traditional silk.
Perfect! The texture and finish is what I had loved about my silk from Africa. Now, I have gorgeous pillowcase that also align with my values and adherence to Sustainability & Conservation.
I love the beautiful, all natural gift wrapping.
Definitely Safari Chic!
Ethical Silk Information Tag©Flyga Twiga™ LLC
For anyone who cares about eco-friendly, fairtrade, ethically sourced products, I highly recommend them.
I’m truly over the Moon to find The Ethical Silk Company.
Now, what to order next….?
Ethical Silk Unboxing©Flyga Twiga™ LLC
#TravelTuesday So happy to be attending Our Africa Travel 2022. My Office Mate is excited as well!
Timba Kenya ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC
#TravelTuesday 5 Must Ask Safari Questions Post Covid19
As our world prepares to travel again, a lot has changed in the Travel Industry. Here are 5 Must Ask Questions for your Safari Designer, to prepare you for the best, post Covid19 African Safari Experience.
Please feel free to use these same questions for all your travels. I think they apply to most Luxury Destinations, worldwide.
1) Have you lived or worked in (or even been to!) Africa?
A lot of excellent, knowledgeable industry experts were let go during the Pandemic. A disturbing shift saw their replacement by inexperienced staff. While “Junior Consultants’” low pay may help a company’s financial bottomline, the loss of Senior Travel Staff my mean the difference between a calamity ridden Safari, or the Wildlife Experience of a Lifetime.
You want an African Expert to help you design your Safari.
2) Why are you an Expert in the field of African Safari Planning?
This is a bit different than the above question. Flyga Twiga has been honored to have many people, who live and work in Africa, seeking our Safari services. With trusted, in-country partners, keeping up-to-date on industry changes, and personally living, working, & traveling extensively in East and Southern Africa - all create truly Expert Advice.
3) How long have you specialized in African Safaris?
A little known “Insider Secret” is many Big Box “Luxury” Travel Firms will move successful Sales Staff around. One week a staff member may be working on Cruises, then the next on African Safaris. I love a good Salesman. I also know specializations mean knowledge of travel specifics which may make or break a Safari Experience.
Ellie & Babies, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda © Flyga Twiga™ LLC
4) Where are you headquartered?
Where the company is headquartered regulates business and banking laws. Your due diligence starts with knowing not only who, but also where, the professional accountability will be held. Consider this question an insurance policy – hoping for the best, while being prepared.
5) How long have you worked with your Destination Management Company (DMC)?
DMCs are our trusted, in-country partners. The DMC is the person(s) for whom your bespoke Safari Planner is vouching. They are telling you they know and rely on the DMC’s qualifications and professionalism. Why is this so important? I still get shutters thinking about the “Luxury Travel Expert”, who asked last year, on a Professional Luxury Travel Forum, if anyone had a DMC in Ethiopia. She was planning on sending clients to not only a place she had never been, but also with people she had never worked with.
You need to have faith that the people sending you on Safari, know and trust the people in charge of your Safari Experience.
As the questions suggest, you are really conducting an interview with the person you are entrusting with your African Safari safety and experience. These questions should assist in your traveling with confidence and the freedom to enjoy the amazing African Wildlife. Because our mission is for you to have a…
Happy Day! Safe Safari!
Two Brother Gorillas, Nyakagezi Group MGNP © Flyga Twiga™ LLC
#TravelTuesday Great to be back at Magical Kenya Travel Expo MKTE 2021 Virtual
Meeting with old friends and making new ones!
#TravelTuesday Top 3 Safari Questions to Answer Before Your Bespoke African Safari Consultation
Top 3 Safari Questions
The first question people often ask is “How much does it cost to go on an African Safari?” While this question is understandable, there are 3 Questions I request Clients answer, prior to their first Bespoke Safari Consultation.
The Reason for the Consultation
Flyga Twiga™, as a Personal Safari Service and Consultancy, does not have pre-designed “packages”. Rather, the whole reason for the founding of Flyga Twiga is to give you the Safari Experience YOU want. Not what someone else “thinks” you want or should have.
So, prior to your first Personal Safari Consultation, please ask your self the following 3 Questions:
Ellies & Kili, Amboseli Kenya © Flyga Twiga™ LLC
1) Who is going on the Safari?
A couple, a family, a multi-generational family, friends, business associates… For example, while many Game Lodges and Safaris welcome young children, some restrict ages.
2) When do you want to go?
There are High Seasons and Low Seasons in East and Southern Africa. And most definitely benefits to each.
3) What is your “Dream Safari Experience”?
Each Safari should be as unique as your Dreams.
Perhaps you have your heart set on the great Mountain Gorillas. Or learning how to be a Safari Guide, on EcoTraining, is the adventure of a lifetime you seek. The unique Maasai Culture has fascinated you. Let’s make those dreams a reality.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park © Flyga Twiga™ LLC
There a lot more fun and involved questions we will go over when we begin planning our bespoke Safari. These are just the exciting starting point…
Until we talk, please take a look at our suggested Safaris here.
Asante Sana & Happy Day! Safe Safari!
#TravelTuesday Sneak Peak - New Safaris on the Way!
Fynbos Asan Millican © Flyga Twiga™ LLC
Fynbos’ Ears Have Perked Up!
Heard There’s a New K9 Adventure in the New Safari Offerings.
Coming Soon!
#TravelTuesday Pro Tip
Etihad Flight Uganda ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC
Always check to see if your airline (especially the ME3!) requires you to show - at the Airport - the same Credit Card which purchased your Airline Ticket.
They made not let you Board without it!
Etihad Business Class Uganda ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC
#TravelTuesday Legendary Dogs of Africa
Benji English of Zimbabwe Photo Credit: Michael English
Michael English
Cape Town, South Africa
Mad Dogs and Englishmen
Man’s best friend. Dogs are used to detect anything from cancer to COVID or contraband or for tracking poachers. They are protectors, companions, and friends - especially in the African bush. Karen Blixen, of Out of Africa fame, had faithful Irish Wolf Hounds on her Kenyan Coffee Farm.
In his book The Story of the African Dog, Johan Gallant delves into the history of dogs in Africa. Gallant states that when the Portuguese explorers arrived in Africa, the San and Hottentot people already had dogs. The most famous dogs are the ones immortalised through books. They were the companions of some of the early colonial explorers. They accompanied their masters everywhere.
Jock of the Bushveldt, by Sir James Percy FitzPatrick
Jock of the Bushveldt
Perhaps the most famous African dog is Jock of Jock of the Bushveldt, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier Cross. Jock’s exploits, and adventures in the 1880s in the Transvaal bush were recounted by his human, author Sir James Percy FitzPatrick. Jock has many exciting encounters during FitzPatrick's days as a Transport Rider in the Transvaal. Jock too took encountered snakes including Mambas!
Jock grew up to become an excellent hunting dog who helped Percy hunt game such as Kudus and Impalas. Jock also was fearless and took on dangerous opponents such as Porcupines with their sharp quills and was not averse to trying to take on Hyena, Lion, and Crocodiles too. He even attempted to intervene in a fight between Baboons and a Leopard (called a “Tiger” in the book), which is an incredibly dangerous escapade.
Sadly, Jock was killed in a case of mistaken identity, by a farmer who thought Wild Dogs were killing his chickens – meanwhile, Jock had already dealt with the marauding intruder. Jock's story became world-famous and is one of the best-known tales about dogs in Africa.
Today visitors can visit the Panorama Route in Mpumalanga, which is where Jocks adventures took place. Pass through the towns of Barberton and Lydenberg mentioned in the book. They can visit his statue situated outside the town hall in Barberton. Tourists can stay in the historic gold mining town of Pilgrims Rest, which has been preserved as a national monument, just as it was when Jock slept under FitzPatrick's feet in the bar in the Royal Hotel.
Visitors can experience the bush that Jock loved by staying at Jock Safari Lodge in the Kruger National Park, which was built using funds from the Fitzpatrick Trust in the heart of all the places which Jock loved.
Killer
K9 Ranger Killer
Continuing the legacy of Jock in the region are members of the K9 Anti-poaching unit in the Kruger National Park. The most famous of which is K9 Ranger Killer. Killer was awarded the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) Gold Medal in 2016 for tracking down and helping apprehend 115 poachers in just four years.
Ranger Killer and his handler, Amos Mzimba, are flown by helicopter to track and apprehend armed poachers when sighted or when a dead Rhino was discovered. In a world-first, Killer was allowed into the courtroom, where Amos acted as his voice to give testimony against poachers, leading to many successful convictions. In his working life, he helped lead to the apprehension and conviction of over 200 Rhino poachers.
Sadly, Killer had to be put down at the age of 11 years in June 2020. He was suffering from a degenerative illness. He was mourned by many South Africans and Conservationists around the world, if not by poachers. However, his canine colleagues continue this important work in the Kruger National Park.
Just Nuisance AB Photo Credit: Australian War Memorial
Just Nuisance
Another of South Africa’s most famous dogs was Just Nuisance. He was a Great Dane who became famous around the British Naval Base at Simons Town. He was a very friendly dog who loved the Sailors as they treated him to pies, titbits, and even beer. He would follow them aboard the ships moored at the base, with a particular favourite being HMS Neptune, where he would often lie right at the top of the gangplank and refuse to move. The sailors always commented “You’re just a nuisance!” as they stepped over him, hence he got his name.
Just Nuisance would also follow the Sailors on shore leave onto the trains to the city of Cape Town. Just Nuisance began to ride the trains regularly until the rail authority wanted to have him put down for being a nuisance. This greatly upset his many Navy friends who appealed to the Commander-in-Chief to intervene. It was decided that Just Nuisance would be enlisted into the Royal Navy as Able Seaman Just Nuisance. This would enable him to travel the railways for free like other Sailors.
While he never served at sea, but some Airmen at Wingfield Airbase took him up for the occasional spin in their plane! He got into many scrapes, fights with other dogs, and was a beloved nuisance as his conduct sheet attests. Sadly, he was put down on the 1st of April 1944, as he was being paralysed from an injury sustained in a motor accident. He was treated as a human and taken to the ward at the Simons Town Naval Hospital. His legend lives on to this day. There is a much-visited statue in his honour in Simons Town and you can also visit his grave in the nearby cemetery.
Benji and one of his Foes Photo Credit: Michael English
Benji
Our dog, Benji lived on the shores of Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe, a still wild beautiful place. Ben was a fearless hunter, especially of anything that scuttled, slithered, or chattered - from meter long Water Monitor Lizards to venomous Mozambique Spitting Cobras. He would kill several cobras a month.
He had a daily game challenging the Vervet Monkeys stealing mangoes off the tree. He once found a Crocodile in the swimming pool. His dutiful alarm skills even alerted my Father to a Cobra in his bedroom in the middle of the night.
This kamikaze bravery was dangerous. While Benji was a faithful shadow, if he spotted a likely quarry, nothing would deter him from the chase. Ben had proved adept at tackling Cobras, but we knew that a should he encounter a Mamba, it would be a different story as they are much faster snakes.
Sadly, one evening last month, it was a Black Mamba he found in the garden next to the garage. The snake was not far from where my Father stood in a pair of sandals. Ben, in a spurt of courageous zeal, took on the Mamba, before my Father could see what was happening. In the Mamba, Ben met his match. He died as he lived, in the thrill of the chase, defending his territory and family from intruders.
Just Nuisance AB Simons Town©Flyga Twiga LLC
Although not a Dog of Africa, Fynbos Asan, Dog of South Korea, loves assisting in all projects Africa! ©Flyga Twiga LLC