In July 2020, with the World in Lockdown, I received an email from “OurAfrica.Travel”. Little did I know not only would it become my lifeline, it would change my life!
Through OurAfrica.Travel I’ve met so many wonderful people. Learned about great products and offerings. Discovered new Safari Lodges and Game Reserves. Met Nikki & Collin Thaver - my awesome Southern Africa DMCs. Thank you to OurAfrica.Travel for having faith the Tourism Industry would recover!
It is also now my most favorite Travel Show to attend as a Buyer. Fast forward to 2025…
5 Exciting Products from Our Africa.Travel Show
Governor’s Balloon Safaris, Kenya
Balloon Safari, Mara National Park, Kenya © Flyga Twiga™ LLC
Picture from 2014 Safari!
Governor's Balloon Safaris (GBS) have been operating since 1978. What makes them so special happened in 2024. After a significant price increase to the Mara National Park Entrance Fees, GBS was granted special permission. They could pick-up Guests staying outside the Park, bring them in for a Balloon Ride, and take them back out, for a fraction of the Park Fees.
What a win!
FedAir, South Africa
Photo Credit FedAir
FedAir offers Charter as well as Shuttle flights, connecting Johannesburg and Kruger Mpumalanga with lodges and camps in Madikwe, Kruger, Lowveld, Marakele, Phinda, Sabi and beyond. FedAir is near and dear to my heart, as my first Safari was in Madikwe in 2008.
Simbavati Collection’s Cederberg Ridge & Fynbos on Sea, South Africa
What sets these properties apart are both are Malaria Free. Only a 2½-hour scenic drive from Cape Town or the Winelands, the Cederberg Mountains are home to the unique fynbos where Rooibos aka “Bush Tea” grows. Cederberg Ridge has only 11 luxurious Rooms or Suites.
On the Garden Route, Fynbos on Sea is perched above the quaint town of Sedgefield. And like Cederberg Ridge, Fynbos on Sea exemplifies “Africalm”—a blend of excitement and surprising peace—combining high-end comfort with a deep connection to nature.
Great Plains Conservation Lodges and Camps Collection
I love Great Plains for Photographers. Each Game Vehicle is designed to hold a maximum of 6 people. Inspired by Wildlife Filmmakers and Photographers Beverly and Dereck Joubert, all of Great Plains’ properties are a Photographer’s Dream.
Spa Rooms at Le Jadis Beach Resort & Wellness Center, Mauritius
Tucked within the Wellness Sanctuary are 3 Suites. Here you can enjoy the Spa at your Leisure. Perfect for Girls Getaway, my favorite is the Orchid Wellness Sanctuary with Garden & Hammam.
Le Jadis is one of only 3 Mauritius properties highlighted in Tanith Hobon’s Africa Best!
Vitality Pool, Wellness Sanctuary, Le Jadis Beach Resort & Wellness Center