#TravelTuesday My Magnificent 7 - New Finds in South Africa #WTMA19

April 30, 2019 Flyga Twiga

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.

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!

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!

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!

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 Super Excited to be Selected for the Atlantis Sand Dunes Experience WTMA19 Fam Trip

March 26, 2019 Flyga Twiga

Amy Millican Dessert Safari ©Flyga Twiga LLC

World Travel Market Africa (WTMA) Offers The Best Fam Trips
And Always Sees That I Am Challenged.
How Exciting!

BRIEF ITINERARY

The Atlantis dunes are one of Cape Town’s premier adventure hotspots. These ever-changing pure white sands offer the perfect opportunity for adventure seekers.

TOUR OUTLINE

Visitors will have an opportunity to choose from

• Quad biking

• Sand boarding

• 4x4 rides

• Guided walks of the Witzands Aquifer Nature Reserve where one can get to enjoy this city’s natural area and biodiversity heritage

After the activities International Hosted Buyers can be treated to an African inspired lunch at the African themed Moyo restaurant at Eden on the Bay.

Can’t Wait!
See you in Cape Town, WTMA!

#TravelTuesday Practicing Medical Tourism in Cape Town, South Africa - Awesome Experience!

June 26, 2018 Flyga Twiga

Hmmm...That Print Looks Small!

While finalizing my trip to South Africa as an International Hosted Buyer for the World Travel Market Africa 2018, I needed to call my Credit Card Companies to verify they had my travel places & dates.

While examining the back of the card with my Grandfather's huge magnifying glass to retrieve the number, it dawned on me - I might need reading glasses!

Longevity Health Directory © Flyga Twiga LLC

Where To Go?

In December 2017, while in South Africa for our 25th Anniversary, I had picked up a copy of Longevity Magazine. This magazine is quite good, promoting a healthy living and lifestyle. In the back of the magazine was a Health Directory.

Searching the directory, I found NH Optometrist in the Western Cape Listing. Located in the Plattekloof area of Cape Town, I went to their website. I liked what I saw. Very professional. They accepted cash payment. And, with a few clicks of an email, I had an appointment.

The Results?

My appointment was beyond what I had expected. The staff were extremely professional. And, NH Optometrist had the latest State of the Art Medical Equipment. My last eye exam was when I had returned to the United States from South Sudan in 2013.

Little did I expect the most up-to-date equipment from my appointment in Cape Town. Dr Anni Brown understood some concerns specific to my genetics and background (double whammy of cataracts on my maternal side & many years working in SubSaharan African Sun!).

I had braised myself for the arduous pupil dilation. I expected the old fashioned, spend half the day nearly-blind, fumbling around from pupil dilation. Not in Cape Town - Dr Brown had the latest, greatest computer technology to check my eyes.

No drops. No dark sunglasses, needed for even indoor use after dilation. The most modern medical technology took some pictures of my eyes & that was it! This was one of the best eye exams I had ever experienced.

In the end, I did need reading glasses. Yet, I wasn't "over prescribed" as I have learned to watch out for. I would absolutely practice Medical Tourism in Cape Town and elsewhere again.

And now I can go back to enjoying reading the inflight magazines, fine print and all, on my longhaul flight to Africa. Medical tourism is awesome!

#TravelTuesday - 6 Unique Discoveries On Garden Route Tour in South Africa

May 22, 2018 Flyga Twiga

In the week following World Travel Market Africa (WTMA) 2018, with the assistance of my South African Destination Management Company (DMC), I planned to do a tour along the famed Garden Route. While I couldn’t do the entire route, I did get a feel for this beautiful part of South Africa. Here are 5 unique discoveries I made during this super fun Road Trip through the Garden Route of South Africa!

1- Surprising History & Great Location

Protea Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Mowbray©Flyga Twiga LLC

The first day of my post WTMA travels started with my checking out of my beloved Westin Cape Town. I only ventured across town to stay at the Protea Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Mowbray. The Marriott International had purchased the Cape Town based Protea Hotels in 2013. I was really interested to see how after 5 years how the integration into the Marriott fold had worked.

The Mowbray sits on one of the oldest Land Grants in South Africa. The main building is a converted Cape Dutch Manor House. For those who love history, this is a perfect place to stay in the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town.

The River Club is nearby for those who love to golf. I attended a meeting at The River Club prior to WTMA and had a chance to speak with Jonathan, The River Club’s Sales Executive, tour the facilities, and see the course. The River Club, built in 1939 and now under new ownership, has undergone a deep renovation. Need a bit of inspiration for your game? If you hit a hole-in-one you win an Audi A1.

In addition, The River Club gets my award for one of the best named pubs in the world, “The Slug & Lettuce.”

2- The Best Afrikaans Sunday Brunch – Ever!

As we took off on a bright Sunday morning from Cape Town, we had a long 5 hour car drive ahead. I looked forward to traveling with my business colleague and family friend, Michael. Michael has all the qualities of the perfect traveling companion. He remains calm under pressure, and loves good food and luxury travel. So, leave it to Michael to find one of the best meals I’ve had in South Africa!

Located on South African Route 62, The Rambling Rose Restaurant in Montagu offers an exceptional Afrikaans Sunday Brunch. Having been traveling to and working in South Africa for 10 years now, the bar is set pretty high for delicious food. And, bar none this was the most delicious traditional Afrikaans food I have ever eaten. Their homemade Peri-Peri Sauce was so good, I ate half a large sized bottle. Nyom-Nyom!

3- When in the Western Cape, You Can Always Find a Local Wine!

The first overnight of our roadtrip was in the “Ostrich Capital of the World” Oudtshoorn. Here we stayed at Mooiplaas Guesthouse and Spa. In addition to getting the Estate Wine, another “Insider Tip” is to ask for “Guesthouse II.” If it is available this beautiful property is secluded across the road from the original Guesthouse. And, the staff is awesome. If you want to have wine with dinner, they will come and pick you and drop you off. And, be sure to take advantage of the Stargazing after dinner.

View From My Room at Mooiplaas Guesthouse II ©Flyga Twiga LLC

4- A Restaurant Who Can Even Cater To Jains

Lunch at Café Gannet Restaurant ©Flyga Twiga LLC

Located in the stunning town of Mossel Bay, Café Gannet Restaurant has a bright, relaxed-sophisticated interior and bar area overlooking the Indian Ocean. I met Managing Partner Janine at WTMA and was highly impressed with Café Gannet Restaurant’s ability to meet some of the most obscure dietary requirement, with one of those being the restrictive diet of Jains. The Restaurant has several stylish private rooms, perfect for a casual Business Dinner or privacy for a family traveling together.

We had a relaxing, delightful lunch and would make Café Gannet Restaurant a must-stop in Mossel Bay.

5- Small, Private Game Lodges Can Offer Niche Safaris

Garden Route Game Lodge  ©Flyga Twiga LLC — Garden Route Game Lodge ©Flyga Twiga LLC

Would it come as any surprise that I believe each Safari experience has its merits? Located approximately 3 ½ hours (depending on road construction) from Cape Town is the Garden Route Game Lodge. The Lodge is going through a bit of an expansion. The owners of Garden Route Game Lodge are redoing the entire pool area, building a new spa, and adding more Villas. They are also acquiring more adjacent properties to increase their size.

We are placed in the Luxury Villas and the Owners’ eye for detail is clear. I found the amenities on par with 5 Star Luxury Safari Lodges. And, for those who are looking for a close Safari experience near Cape Town, Garden Route Game Lodge has exceptional Safari Guides. The other advantage with the location is that it is Malaria free. Thus, if you wanted to do a Beach / Golf / Wine South African Vacation, but still wanted to get in a Safari, this might a good place for you.

6 – Business Hotels Can Offer Great Services for the Weary Traveler

Nearing the end of my over two week Business Trip to South Africa, I chose to stay at the Protea Hotel by Marriott Stellenbosch. This is in what is called “Techno Park.” This hotel is a Conference and Meeting Center. It is so large they offer to take you to your room in a golf cart.

There is an additional Protea property in Stellenbosch, which has a spa. But, I knew I wanted to get laundry don, completely repack my two huge bags, and prepare for the 22 + hours flight home, which included an 8 hour layover in Doha, Qatar. Thus, I wanted a hotel which catered to the Business Traveler.

Disclaimer: I do get upgraded by Marriott Properties, due to my Silver Elite Status. But, I pay for all my rooms. None of the above hotels were comped. This way, I believe I can give an honest, full assessment. I do not “owe” the owners of the properties a good review.

Protea by Marriott Stellenbosch Technopark ©Flyga Twiga LLC

The last two days in Stellenbosch were spent Wine Tasting & Touring. I will cover those in detail in another blog post. I had a wonderful experience on the Garden Route. This was the first proper “Road Trip” I had taken in quite a while. And, it made me want to go back and visit all the other great Lodges, Restaurants, and Properties along the famed Garden Route of South Africa.

Taking a Break on Route 62 Road Trip©Flyga Twiga LLC

#TravelTuesday The Westin Cape Town's Excellent Response Its Worst Drought Ever

April 18, 2018 Flyga Twiga

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!

#TravelTuesday Sneak Peak - Post WTMA18 Tours in South Africa!

April 10, 2018 Flyga Twiga

**Stellenbosch South Africa December 2018 © Flyga Twiga LLC**

Ostrich Capital of the World – Garden Route – “and, of course wine, there was always wine.”

***In addition to several privately owned Game Lodges & Guests Houses, I will be checking out several Protea Properties. As many of you may know, about five years ago, Marriott agreed to purchase the Cape Town-based Protea Hospitality Holdings. It is now time to see how the merger went!

Protea Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Mowbray

Mooiplaas Guest House Oudtshoorn

Garden Route Game Lodge Garden Route

Protea Hotel by Marriott Stellenbosch

**Winery Stellenbosch South Africa December 2018 © Flyga Twiga LLC**

#TravelTuesday Flyga Twiga™ Honored to Again be Asked to Attend World Travel Market Africa

March 27, 2018 Flyga Twiga

Cape Town Waterfront - Table Mountain © Flyga Twiga LLC

Flyga Twiga™ is honored to once again be asked to attend the World Travel Market Africa. Taking place in Cape Town, South Africa, WTMA is one of 6 shows offered by WTM of Reed Exhibitions. WTMA sees “…nearly 5000 travel industry professionals attend Africa’s leading and only business to business (B2B) exhibition for inbound and outbound Africa travel and tourism markets.”

In addition to over 36 private one-on-one meetings Flyga Twiga™ is scheduled for the Speed Networking Session, exclusive lunch and aftershow tours hosted by Cape Town locals, and evening networking and entertainment events.

This year I’ll be staying at my favorite Westin Hotel - Cape Town! The staff at The Westin Cape Town is second to none. The food in the Club Lounge is delicious. Their laundry services are exceptional. And, the Westin is just an overpass walkway to the Cape Town International Convention Center.