Samburu Jackal ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC
#TravelTuesday Updated Safari Guides are Now Up!
#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 Sustainable Tourism - Who's Really Sustainable?
#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 Thank you United on the RoK for the Feature
Why Perspective Is the Best Guide:
How Embracing Adventure Opened the Door to Flyga Twiga
Please turn to page 58.
#TravelTuesday Evaluating Captive Wildlife Attractions and Activities
Elephant Walking South Africa ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC
The Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA) has issued a guide and tool for Evaluating Captive Wildlife Attractions Activities. A copy of the indepth document can be found here.
From SATSA:
The study conveys findings and recommendations around:
· Performing animals (all types of animals, including elephants, predators, primates, cetaceans, birds, reptiles etc. trained to perform in a public show or display)
· Tactile interactions with infant wild animals (e.g. cub petting)
· Tactile interactions with predators or cetaceans (any interaction with land predators or aquatic mammals)
· Walking with predators or elephants
· Riding of animals (including sitting on elephants, ostriches etc.
As the Study states, this is a complex issue. But, through knowledge you can practice Sustainable, Ethical Wildlife Tourism.
Happy Day! Safe Safari!
Elephant Sanctuary South Africa ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC
Excited and Honored to be Invited to Attend Global Business Forum Africa Hosted by Dubai Chamber UAE
2019 Global Business Forum Africa
Under the Patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Global Business Forum Africa (GBFAfrica) encourages international revenue flows into Africa by engaging leading decision-makers on the global investment scene. The Forum will involve prominent African stakeholders to engage in a dialogue at the highest level of implementation.
فعالياته يومي 18-19 نوفمبر المقبل، تحت شعار "أفريقيا الغد، نماء المستقبل"، مشاركة رفيعة المستوى من رؤساء دول أفريقية، و17 وزيراً أفريقياً، وعدداً من كبار المسؤولين الحكوميين ورؤساء كبرى المؤسسات الاقتصادية الأفريقية والعالمية، بجانب عدد من كبار الشخصيات الاقتصادية ورواد الأعمال من مختلف دول القارة السمراء، وذلك لبحث سبل التعاون الاقتصادي وتعزيز نمو الأعمال ومناقشة مختلف القضايا المتعلقة بالتجارة والاستثمار المشترك.
ويشهد المنتدى الذي يعد من أبرز منتديات الأعمال العالمية حضور فخامة جورج ويا رئيس جمهورية ليبيريا، وفخامة داني فوري رئيس جمهورية سيشل، بالإضافة إلى عدد من الوزراء وكبار المسؤولين الحكوميين والشخصيات الاقتصادية في أفريقيا.
We are ready to welcome heads of state, 17 ministers, high-ranking government officials and prominent business leaders from Africa to our 5th Global Business Forum on Africa, on November 18-19. Among the high-level attendees taking part in #GBFAfrica2019 are: H.E. George Weah, President of Liberia; H.E. Danny Faure, President of Seychelles; and 17 ministers from Sierra Leone, Ghana, Namibia, Kenya, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Angola, Senegal, Uganda, Malawi, Congo, Tanzania, Niger and Liberia; as well as high-level public and private sector stakeholders from several other African countries, including former heads of state, CEOs, entrepreneurs, industry experts and economists. Under the theme “Scale Up Africa”, the forum will highlight the important role of cross border cooperation in supporting and accelerating’s Africa’s next phase of sustainable economic growth and development.
#MotivationalMonday An Honor To Have a Twitter Mention by Scott Adams, Creator of Dilbert Comic. What a GREAT Start to the Week!!!
#WildlifeWednesday Flyga Twiga™ Signs Born to Live Wild™ Pledge - Becomes 1st To Screen Blood Lions® in South Korea!
Lioness ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC
Happy #WildlifeWednesday!
Beyond excited about today’s announcements!!!
An Official Press Release may be downloaded here.
Flyga Twiga™ Signs Born to Live Wild™ Pledge
Following a successful meeting with Blood Lions® in Cape Town, South Africa, Flyga Twiga™ officially signed the Born to Live Wild™ Pledge. This pledge signifies that, as a Creator of Ethically Based and Sustainable Tourism in Africa, Flyga Twiga™ commits to and agrees that:
a) we wish to continue promoting and encouraging responsible tourism worldwide, as well as to endorse Africa as an authentic, wild and rewarding tourism destination; and
b) as lions and other predators are wild species, we wish to continue our support and promotion of the formal conservation community in their endeavours to secure the survival of Africa’s predators in the wild.
More information on the Born to Live Wild™ Pledge can be found here.
Becomes 1st To Screen Blood Lions® in South Korea
In addition Flyga Twiga™ also signed Blood Lions® Screening Agreement, becoming the first to offer screenings of Blood Lions® in South Korea. The award winning documentary, Blood Lions®,
…follows acclaimed environmental journalist and safari operator Ian Michler, and American hunter, Rick Swazey, on their journey to uncover the realities of the multi-million dollar predator breeding and canned lion hunting industries in South Africa.
The film shows in intimate detail how lucrative it is to breed lions, and how the authorities and most professional hunting and tourism bodies have become complicit in allowing the industries to flourish.
To find out more about Blood Lions® please visit their website.
Flyga Twiga™ is proud to continue being a part of setting industry standards in Ethical, Sustainable Tourism and Wildlife Conservation through the sharing of Blood Lions®. Screening times and places will be announced and please feel free to contact us for more information.
Happy Day! Safe Safari!
2 Brothers Madikwe SA 2008 ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC
The first two lions in the wild who stole my heart! Madikwe, South Africa, 2008.
#TravelTuesday My Magnificent 7 - New Finds in South Africa #WTMA19
Aquila ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC
This year I was surprised to find 7 new experiences in South Africa that truly are extraordinarily unique. Ranging from new takes on old experiences to those most definitely practicing Sustainable Tourism, each of my 7 brings an exciting inspiration on journeys through South Africa.
Café Gannet Gin School©Flyga Twiga™ LLC
1) Gin School
Last year Janine, Café Gannet, and Mossel Bay stole my heart. This year they went for my Soul. How have I lived without going to Gin School?
Created by the wonderful Team Café Gannet, the Inverroche at Café Gannet Gin School "... offers visitors the opportunity to craft their own unique bottle of gin, sample gins from the leading artisanal producer in South Africa and learn more about local fynbos*."
*Fynbos is a small belt of natural shrubland or heathland vegetation located in the Western Cape and Eastern Cape provinces of South Africa.
The awesome takeaway? "...each imaginative scholar leaves with their very own craft gin creation to take home." This is the place which completely encapsulates my Grandfather’s saying, “It’s Schooling to Travel” and what a great education!
Photo Credit: Ocean Experiences
2) Ocean Safari
Swim with the Seals! You read that right. Can you imagine SWIMMING WITH SEALS? This ethically based Wildlife Experience was introduced to me by Carla at OceanX (the name even rocks!).
With OceanX, you will experience the “…beauty of the ocean and its most playful mammals …[with the] seal snorkeling experience, you will not only learn about the Cape fur seals habits, but you will also get to experience their friendly nature first hand.”
While I didn’t get to experience my own Ocean Safari this time in Cape Town, it is now on my CPT Bucketlist. I can’t wait!
Sand Safari Atlantis Dune Experience©Flyga Twiga™ LLC
3) Sand Safari
Organized by Cape Town Tourism, I spent a wonderful day experiencing a “Sand Safari.” Located approximately 32 kilometers away from Cape Town, the Atlantis Dunes offer sandboarding, quad biking, extreme (and not so extreme) 4×4 rides, self-drive dune tours (with permits), and off-roading adventures.
Having grown up with the fragile, endangered Dunes of the Outer Banks (OBX) of North Caroline, my big question is how ethical or sustainable are these Dune Experiences? Turns out, extremely ethical and sustainable. Unlike the OBX, the Atlantis Dunes are a filtration system for huge aquifers beneath the sand. Thus, erosion for the Adventure Sports Tourism is not an issue. On top of that, I experienced firsthand how the Atlantis Dune Experience supports not only local Tour Companies, but the entire community as well.
If your idea of fun travel is Adventure – the Atlantis Dunes Experience is for you. I loved it!
Design Afrika©Flyga Twiga™ LLC
4) More Baskets, Please!
While my dear husband has issued a polite warning that I am not allowed to purchase any more African Masks unless I have the specific place it will hang in our home, baskets can be used everywhere! And, thus I found myself back in Africa and deciding I simply needed more baskets for our new house in South Korea.
Enter, Design Afrika. Located in Cape Town, the sprawling store was established in 1995 by Binky Newman after she “…had just left the Okavango Delta, where she had run a wilderness camp for five years.”
Design Afrika is all that is absolutely good about “Fair Trade” and “Ethically Sourced.” Binky’s mission is to “…strive to nurture the creative and entrepreneurial initiative of rural communities by encouraging the production of high quality, on trend products.”
Anyone visiting Cape Town who has a passion for finding honestly Fair Trade and Ethically Sourced Baskets and Crafts must make Design Afrika a stop on their journey. Well done Binky!
Tranquila Spa©Flyga Twiga™ LLC
5) A Day at the Safari Spa
And then I found myself with a day off after the World Travel Market Africa 2019. What to do? I immediately thought of consulting my most adorable dear friend Liezel. I met Liezel three years ago at WTMA when I had a meeting with Aquila Private Game Reserve Safari & Spa.
If you believe in Spiritual Connections, I truly have one with Liezel. So, when I started thumbing through my Rolodex of “things to do around Cape Town,” she of course came to mind. And to my rescue.
Liezel planned the perfect day for me at Tranquila Spa – the aptly named new Spa at Aquila. Being picked up from my hotel early in the morning (6:30 am!) for the two hour drive to Aquila was well worth it. While those traveling in the transport with me were shocked to learn I wasn’t going on Safari, I knew I was in for an special treat.
Tranquila Spa has been designed to offer the ultimate in Luxury Safari Lodging Spa Experience. The Spa has “…2 large heated indoor pools, steam room, sauna, nail bar, 10 treatment rooms, a couples or group treatment room and an outdoor pool.”
Spending a day at Tranquila Spa at Aquila Private Game Reserve, with the spectacular South African views along the route to and from, is perfect way to spend a “day off” or simply a day for relaxation and rewinding. Tranquila indeed!
Moyo Restaurant Blouberg©Flyga Twiga™ LLC
6) African Urban Cuisine
An unexpected surprise treat came from the Cape Town Tourism Board, a delightful lunch at Moyo Restaurant. Moyo Restaurants are located throughout South Africa and I had the pleasure of dining at the Blouberg Moyo.
Moyo is a “…destination for a unique African dining experience. Inspired by the traditions and values of our ancestors, moyo is a celebration of, and commitment to, the beauty of Africa, and the industry of her people.” The food reaches into the Urban Centers of Africa for inspiration.
One of the most important aspects of Moyo is their commitment to StreetSmart South Africa. Since 2005, StreetSmart South Africa been operationg “…under the founding patronage of Emeritus Archbishop Desmond Tutu. The funds raised go to selected and approved organisations that run programmes for the normalisation of street and vulnerable children’s lives. The restaurants, accommodation establishments and wine tasting centres in each town raise funds for their own community street children programmes.”
Often establishments like to promote “dining for a cause.” Moyo Restaurants practice what they preach in giving back through StreetSmart South Africa. Again, an example of supporting local communities through Tourism and Travel. The exact ideals Flyga Twiga was established on over 5 years ago.
John My Private Sommelier©Flyga Twiga™ LLC
7) Private Sommelier
Having been on numerous Wine Tours on 5 Different Continents, you’d think I would have had just about every type of Wine Tour possible. Then, along comes Wine Escapes. Arranged by my dear friend and South African Travel Partner, Michael English, I spent a lovely day in Stellenbosch with my own Private Sommelier.
Prior to my tour, John, the Creator of Wine Escapes, called to ask my Wine and Food Preferences. In addition, upon my request, he was able to get a tasting with Lola, the Owner of my absolute favorite Boutique Winery in South Africa – Mitre’s Edge. Where, of course, I got my dose of “the kids,” aka “Lola’s Dogs”!
Each Wine Escape Tour is "...conducted by a Certified Tour Guide with certificates in wine from the Cape Wine Academy" Their vision is to"...offer specialized, exclusive wine tours where guests are introduced to some of the best Estates and wines, whilst providing them with excellent service and hospitality.”
So, the next time you are in the Western Cape, I highly recommend arranging a tour with your own Private Sommelier. Wine Touring simply at its best!
Mitres Edge Estate with Dog©Flyga Twiga™ LLC
#TravelTuesday The Westin Cape Town's Excellent Response Its Worst Drought Ever
Save Like A Local © Flyga Twiga LLC
The Westin Cape Town has come-up with a great initiative to conserve water. For every night you decline room services, you get to choose from:
- R45.00 credit at F&B or
- 500 SPG Starpoints® or
- Donating 500 SPG Starpoints® to UNICEF
Well done Westin Cape Town!
Safari Travel Tip - Don't forget to turn off the lights in your tent!
TZ_Tent©FlygaTwigaLLC
Especially if you are staying in a Safari Camp run by Solar Power. If you don’t turn off your lights during the day – you won’t have any lights at night!
Happy Day! Safe Safari!
#WTMA2017 Flyga Twiga Selected as International Hosted Buyer for World Travel Market Africa 2017
Flowers of the Western Cape © Flyga Twiga LLC
Flyga Twiga Selected as International Hosted Buyer for World Travel Market Africa 2017 #WTMA2017
Flyga Twiga LLC has been selected by the World Travel Market Africa 2017 (WTMA 2017) as an International Hosted Buyer. The WTMA 2017 will take place in Cape Town, South Africa from the 19th through 22nd of April.
#TravelTuesday #Safari - Climbing Lions Uganda at Queen Elizabeth National Park
Tree Climbing Lions Uganda 2017 © Flyga Twiga LLC
#TravelTuesday Click Below for our New 2017 Kenya Packages - Happy Seollal!
©Elsa’s Kopje Meru, Kenya
Our packages include the romantic Lewa Camp in Kenya.
#SafariChic Hosted Buyer Fun Day Program 14th Feb in Jinja! Guess which one I picked? #POATE2017
These are the awesome options given by Uganda Tourism Board:
Fun Activity Options -
Option 1: White Water Rafting on the Nile
Option 2: Bungee Jump on the River Nile
Option 3: Quad Biking
Option 4: Horse Riding Along the Nile
Thx UTB – Can’t wait!
#TravelTuesday Flyga Twiga Stickers arrived ready for #POATE2017 in Uganda! Can't wait!
Flyga Twiga Stickers © Flyga Twiga LLC
