#TravelTuesday Updated Safari Guides are Now Up!
Samburu Jackal ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC
#ThrowbackThursday Honeymoon Couple in Mara North Conservancy
“Honeymoon Couple” is what you call when the male Lion of a pride takes a young Lioness out to mate for the first time. This Lioness was young and still had some of her spots! While you can’t see him, the male Lion’s brother is nearby, for protection.
Last November I had the most romantic, perfect Safari with my husband in Mara North Conservancy. It was his first trip to Kenya. After 31 years of marriage, it felt like we too were on our Honeymoon. 💜💜💜
#TravelTuesday Chef’s Garden Sharing Kenya’s Culinary Heritage
#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
#TravelTuesday Great to be back at Magical Kenya Travel Expo MKTE 2021 Virtual
Meeting with old friends and making new ones!
#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!
9 Profoundly Different (and Some New!) Approaches to Wildlife Conservation
Giraffes, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda ©Flyga Twiga LLC
I am always amused when I hear someone claim their’s is the “best approach” to Wildlife Conservation. As a Wildlife Conservationist, I adhere to the wholistic approach – everyone, every group, every method, who is striving toward the same goal of saving Endangered Animals, plays a vital role in Wildlife Conservation.
And, there are profoundly different approaches, all of whom should be cheered and lauded for their parts in helping save the Endangered Wildlife of Africa. Here are 9 of my favorites, with some new approaches making the list as well. Please feel free to put your favorite in the comment section!
Lodge Guard in Siana Conservancy, Overlooking Maasai Mara Game Reserve Kenya ©Flyga Twiga LLC
1- Boots on the Ground
With the increase in violent poaching in the past few decades, there has emerged groups of highly trained Counter or Anti-Poaching Units (APUs). Two such groups are Vetpaw and the Black Mamba APU. These highly trained “Boots on the Ground” APUs conduct Wildlife Conservation by going on the offensive against often highly armed, dangerous Criminal Poachers.
Vetpaw was founded by Ryan Tate with the idea of using his military experience. Mr. Tate’s group’s approach to Wildlife Conservation began after he “…interviewed his colleagues and saw the difficulties and frustrations of men and women who are highly skilled in combat-related areas, but unable to leverage those skills in a conventional civilian setting. They have a continuing dedication to serve others, and Ryan helps them channel it.”
The Black Mamba APU consists of 33 Women and 1 Man working in boundaries of the 52,000ha Balule Nature Reserve, which is part of the Greater Kruger National Park, South Africa. Their objectives include educating “…their communities to understand that the benefits are greater through rhino conservation rather than poaching, addressing the social and moral decay that is a product of the rhino poaching within their communities. They are concerned for their children’s sake as the false economy has brought loose morals and narcotics into their communities.”
Both groups offer back-up and assistance to the courageous Wildlife Rangers who put their lives on the line everyday to stop Poaching. Bravo to VetPaw and The Black Mambas!
Alpha Male Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda © Flyga Twiga LLC
2- Artificial Intelligence
One of the hottest, most exciting new developments in Wildlife Conservation is the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Headquartered in Washington, DC, the nonprofit RESOLVE's Biodiversity and Wildlife Solutions Program just announced its new TrailGuard AI.
Without getting too technical, the way this AI works is:
“TrailGuard AI is the first wildlife-oriented security camera system designed for the rigors of the bush that combines: easy concealment due to its small size (i.e. the length of one’s index finger), human detection algorithms performed on the Intel computer vision processing unit housed in the camera head, long battery life, and near-real time connectivity to alert rangers at park HQs to be able to make timely interventions.”
As my good friend Matt Thomas, who has long been interested in and studies AI says, ”AI is like any other major advancement in technology. We can use it for great evil or great good. It is our choice.” TrailGuard AI, and its ability to help Conserve African Wildlife, is most definitely for the greater good.
3- Activist Groups
Often giving the loudest “voice” to Conservation, Activists Groups play a central role in saving the Endangered African Wildlife. There are so many wonderful groups, I will highlight one whose work I have supported and who’s current Chief Operating Officer (CEO) is one of the Powerhouse Stars in African Wildlife Conservation.
WildlifeDirect (previously the Africa Conservation Fund) was founded in 2004 by the beloved conservationist, Dr. Richard Leakey, and former World Bank Representative to Kenya, Harold Wackman. With this great heritage, in 2008 Paula Kahumbu became CEO of WildlifeDirect. Under her Leadership, she has helped transform Conservation in Kenya. Through her work, WildlifeDirect playing an instrumental role in seeing the first ever, First Lady of an African Nation, adopt a Conservation Campaign. Through the “Hands Off Our Elephants” Ms Kahumbu’s WildlifeDirect has been a guiding force in changing the way Kenyans view Wildlife Conservation.
As the video above from the Nairobi 2015 “Global March for Elephants & Rhinos” shows, Activist Groups play a key role in having local communities become involved in Wildlife Conservation. I had the honor of attending and meeting Ms. Kahumbu in person and march with her during the rally. Again, each approach to Wildlife Conservation is like the Ecology itself, we all have a role to play.
Monkey and Baby ©Flyga Twiga LLC
4- Zoos
This may be a bit controversial. And, by Zoos, I mean modern-day, state-of-the-art, compassionate, well designed Zoos. I am of the opinion that Zoos are one of the Cornerstones of Wildlife Conservation. Aside from the great work they do to help protect animals, it is here, at the Zoo, where many children first learn about Wildlife. For some children, seeing a Giraffe, or an Elephant at the Zoo will spark a lifelong love of Wildlife, which I believe can lead to a passion for Conservation.
Additionally, a lot of people don’t know about the amazing work modern day, state-of-the-art Zoos are doing – beyond the gates of the Zoos. In fact, the Wildlife Conservation Society, founded in 1895, is actually the international branch of the New York Zoological Society/Bronx Zoo. I proudly say, I worked for one of the oldest Conservation Zoos in the World!
Kilimanjaro & Zebras, Amboseli National Park, Kenya ©Flyga Twiga LLC
5- Tourism
No surprise this one is near and dear to my heart. I truly, deeply believe that traveling to Africa and seeing the animals in the wild, is life changing. I have seen time and time again the shifts in perspectives, the transformational experience that is going on Safari in Africa. Having been blessed with a set of skills and knowledge, born from living and working in Africa, it seems natural to bond my passion for International Development and Wildlife Conservation through being part of the Tourism Community.
But, it isn’t just me who sees the hand-in-hand relationship to Travel and Conservation. Each year The Explorers Club, of which I am a Member, Lowell Thomas Award is given. Nicknamed “The World’s Foremost Globetrotter,” Mr. Thomas instilled a passion for exploration, and conservation, at a time when the world was “opening up.” Mr. Thomas was a Member of The Explorers Club as well, and I hope to instill the same love of Travel and Conservation to others, just as he did for so many in his time.
David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage ©Flyga Twiga LLC
6- Animal Sanctuaries
There are so many wonderful Animals Sanctuaries, all over the world, doing amazingly awesome work in Wildlife Conservation. One of the best known is the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (DSWT). Founded in 1977, DSWT has become “…today the most successful orphan-elephant rescue and rehabilitation program in the world and one of the pioneering conservation organisations for wildlife and habitat protection in East Africa.”
While DSWT is committed to re-introducing orphaned elephants to the wild, my all-time favorite Animal Sanctuary, The Elephant Sanctuary, South Africa, takes in Elephants who cannot be re-introduced into the wild. Through positive reinforcement domestication, these Elephants live out their lives being Ambassadors for their highly Endangered Species.
By interacting, ethically, with these magnificent Ambassadors, visitors to the Elephant Sanctuary can learn more about the true nature of the Endangered Elephants. It was during my first visit to the Elephant Sanctuary South Africa, over 10 years ago, where a deep love for and desire to save African Wildlife began to encircle my heart.
Animal Sanctuaries, and especially those working with the highly Endangered Elephants, have an extremely important role to play in Wildlife Conservation.
Zebra Wildlife Warning Sign ©Flyga Twiga LLC
7- Animal Kingdom Parks
Much like Zoos, Animal Kingdom Parks have to be qualified. The Animal Kingdom Parks, of which I am speaking, offer safe “Safaris” and Wildlife Experiences. And, as with Zoos, I see these as highly beneficial for sparking an early interest in Wildlife Conservation in young children.
The best example I have of this is the experiences my friend Heidi Thomas (wife of aforementioned Matt Thomas!). Heidi & Matt have regularly taken their three children to experience Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Heidi has shared with me the true joys here children have gotten from their “Safaris.” I am not surprised honoring Walt Disney’s legacy with an Animal Kingdom Park. A little known fact, at the time of his death in 1966, Walt Disney had one of the largest African Mask Collections in the entire United States.
And, if Walt Disney’s and other Animal Kingdom Parks inspires future Wildlife Conservationists – I am all for them!
Amboseli Elephant Family, Kenya ©Flyga Twiga LLC
8- Writing
Often after a first Safari and seeing the African Wildlife in the wild, people often look for ways to share their soul changing experiences. Many also look for avenues to support and become part of Wildlife Conservation. One way of doing this is by writing a book.
For example, inspired by her first Safari, my Friend and Author, Mary Jane O'Loughlin, was inspired to write the book “Ruby and Baby an Unlikely Friendship.” It is through this book that she shares her love of African Wildlife while having a portion of the proceeds support, Amboseli Trust for Elephants.
Sharing her love for African Wildlife and supporting the Amboseli Elephants at the same time, Mary Jane greatly contributes to Wildlife Conservation!
Kait Hanson at Finch Hattons Luxury Camp, Kenya ©CommuniKait
9- Social Media Influencers
My favorite new way to approach Wildlife Conservation is Social Media Influencers using their Platforms. A unique, and extremely effective form of communication, these Influencers can reach a vast audience.
The perfect example of this is Social Media Influencer, Kait Hanson, of Communikait. Kait is a Lifestyle and Travel Blogger, Writer and Photographer. In addition to her exceptional Website & Blog, Communikait, Kait’s influence includes nearly 9,000 followers on Instagram. Her Communikait Facebook Page has over 3,000 Likes, and she has over 4,500 followers on Twitter. She rounds out her Social Media Powerhouse with 709.4k monthly viewers on Pinterest. That is a lot of Influence.
During her first Safari in Africa, Kait used her Social Media Platforms to showcase her Safari and the highly Endangered African Wildlife. Each of her posts had hundreds of Likes and Comments. For instance, her posts about seeing one of the last remaining Rhinos in the Wild, went out to her tens of thousands of followers. And, equally as important, to followers who may never been exposed to the realities of Endangered Animals and how close we are losing whole Species.
As a high-profile Social Media Influencer, Finch Hattons Luxury Tented Camp, asked Kait during her Safari to take over their Instagram Account. Located in Tsavo West National Park, Kenya, Finch Hattons astutely has realized the power of Infuencers in Social Media. And, they picked up numerous followers thanks to Kait’s Infuencer Status.
By using her powerful Social Media Influence, Kait is able to reach and educate a vast amount of people on the importance of saving Endangered African Wildlife. As one of the newest approaches to Wildlife Conservation – Kait’s contributions as a Social Media Influencer are the absolutely perfect Win-Win. A thousand cheers to Kait for all she does for Wildlife Conservation as a Social Media Influencer – Brava!
Amboseli Elephants, Kenya ©Flyga Twiga LLC
Thank you to everyone for
their role in Wildlife Conservation!
Happy Day! Safe Safari!
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
Here's to the Year of the Dog! Seollal - Korean Lunar New Year - will take place February 16, 2018 during the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics!
Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS) Working Dog © Flyga Twiga LLC
Travel Advisory - East Africa Tourist Visa
EATV © Flyga Twiga LLC
As Flyga Twiga has been covering, there seems to be quite a bit of change going on within the tourism regulations and procedures in the Republic of Rwanda. Earlier this year, the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) announced the doubling of Gorilla Trekking Permit Fees. This was discussed widely within the East African Tourism Industry (our reporting on this discussion). And, sparked a response from neighboring Uganda, who share the border and the few remaining Mountain Gorillas with Rwanda (Uganda Tourism Board Statement).
Now, Rwanda appears to be reinterpreting the much touted “East Africa Tourist Visa” (EATV). In a “Travel Tips Press Release” dated 2 August 2017, Coastal Aviation, one of the leading East African Safari Aviation providers, stated:
Visa Issues in Kigali
We have recently had a case where guests arrived in Kigali and were deemed to not have a valid visa. This caused us to be fined $3,000 by the Rwandan authorities. It transpired that the guests had an East African Univisa. They had applied through Uganda for this. The Rwandan authorities deemed this visa to be invalid as the guests should have applied to Rwanda, their first arrival point, rather than Uganda. Please ask you guests to double check this should it apply to them. We will no longer be responsible for any fines, should this recur. On Application for a Visa, the applicant is given a tracking number. It is important that we receive this tracking number, in order to be able to verify the visa, before flight.
This interpretation of the EATV was not a “one off” fluke, or misinterpretation by a rogue Rwanda Customs & Immigration Agent. Julian Edmunds, Managing Director of Coastal Aviation, only two days after the initial Press Release, sent out an email, subject, “Rwanda Visa Issues.” He stated in his 4 August 2017 email:
The Rwandese seem to interpret the multiple entry as that you may cross the borders between Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya...but that as soon as you leave these countries (ie to Tanzania) then the visa is deemed to have expired and a second visa is then required.
Yesterday we had another such incident. Guests had the East Africa Tourist Visa and used it to enter Kenya. They then left Kenya and then went to Tanzania; we then flew them from Tanzania to Rwanda. The immigration officers in Rwanda would not accept their East African Tourist Visa as they deemed it expired. Luckily the guests were American and therefore eligible to purchase a visa on arrival...had that not been the case, we would have been forced to repatriate them to Tanzania and fined $3000!
Nowhere in the documentation, in English and Korean, does it state that this should be the case. Rather, the document, titled, “Take advantage of the new East African Community Visa” states:
“The holder shall also be allowed to move out of the Republic of Kenya, the Republic of Rwanda, and the Republic of Uganda and return without having to pay for another visa. This will only be applicable for 90 days.”
What all this means for those traveling on the EATV is unclear. Hopefully the respective Tourism and Development Boards will issue clarifications on this matter. When they do, we will immediately provide the information here.
Until then, have a Happy Day! And, a Safe Safari!
#TravelTuesday Flyga Twiga Honored to Partner with Kenya Embassy KITS 2017
Won Sun Jang Tourism Student KITS 2016 © Flyga Twiga LLC
OVERVIEW
Title Korea International Tourism Show 2017
Slogan Light Up!
Dates and time August 24th (Thu) 2017 to August 27th (Sun) 2017 10:00AM ~ 6:00PM
Sunday, 10:00AM ~ 5:00PM
Venue IlsHall 7, Exhibition Center Ⅱ, Ilsan KINTEX
Capacity 11,290㎡ (Approx. 500 booths in total)
Hosted by Organization committee of Korea International Tourism Show, The Kookje Daily News, KyongbukIlbo, KyeonggiIlbo, JeonnamIlbo, JoongdoIlbo, KangwonDominIlbo, ChungbukIlbo, JeonbukDominIlbo, GyeongnamIlbo, HallaIlbo, The Korea Travel Times
Organized by Korea International Tourism Show Head Office l Universal Live Co., Ltd.
Sponsored by Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Korea Railroad Corporation, Korea Tourism Organization, Goyang City, Korean Food Foundation
Composition
- Opening Ceremony
- Domestic/International Pavilion
- Travel Information Pavilion
- Held together
- Special Hall
Special Event
- Global International Students Festival
- The World Alcoholic beverages Festival
- Travel talk Show
- Culture trip with tour commentator
See you there! Happy Day! Safe Safari!
KITS 2016 © Flyga Twiga LLC
#TravelTuesday What are the High and Low Seasons? I've added a new section to my FAQs!
What are the high and low seasons?
Each country has its own “High and Low Seasons” which are dependent on weather, the movement of animals, and tourist vacation time preferences. Why this is important information is that, as might be expected, the seasons offer different rates for Safari.
As with all aspects of a great journey:
Planning + knowledge = an awesome Safari!
Kenya:
High Season:
July 1st through October 31st and December 1st through March 31st
Low Season:
April 1st through June 30th and November 1st through November 30th
Kenya has clear, distinct high and low seasons, based primarily on “The Great Migration” as well as vacation season preferences of Europeans, Asians and the Kenyan Citizens themselves.
What does this mean for you and your Kenyan Safari? The Low Season offers exceptional bargains in Kenya. Without an intense “Monsoon” or rainy season, Kenyan Safaris, as well as other outdoor activities, such as golfing and fishing, can be enjoyed year round.
Tanzania:
High Season:
December 1st through March 31st and June 1st through October 31st
Mid-Low Season:
All of November
Low Season:
All of April and May
Much like Kenya, Tanzania has its high season partly during “The Great Migration.” If you look closely at the two country’s dates, you can see how the migration moves from one country to the other, shifting the High Season dates.
In Tanzania, the weather plays a key role in tourism and Safaris. The rains make roads muddy and boggy. If you are interested in climbing Mount Kilimanjaro or Mount Meru, the low season is extremely uncomfortable for climbing.
Uganda & Rwanda:
High Season:
January through February, and all the months of June, July, August, September and October
Low Season:
The entire months of March, April, May, October, November and December as low seasons for both Uganda and Rwanda
Click here for more FAQs!
Travel Tuesday's Back!
#TravelTuesday The below picture is Crescent Island in Kenya where Out of Africa was filmed. I'm working on several #TravelTuesday articles based on my Fam Trips and experiences at #MKTE2016 Have a great week and a safe Safari!
CrescentIsland_KE©FlygaTwigaLLC
Sekenani Camp Evening Bonfire & Drinks
Sekenani Camp Evening Fire © Flyga Twiga LLC
