#TravelTuesday Happy World Safari Day! Hottest Trend on Safari?
Call it…
StarBathing (clothing optional!)
NocTourism
or
AstroTourism
Hot Air Balloons from Star Bed, Namibia © Flyga Twiga™ LLC
Wake up overlooking Batoka Gorge, Victoria Falls or to Hot air Balloons on a Sunday Morning!
Soak in your Private Wood Burning Hot Tub…
Photo Credit KolKol Wood-Fired Hot Tubs
Its all about being outside at night!
Star Bed Namib Outpost Namibia © Flyga Twiga™ LLC
Excited to be a Presenter at the Wells Fargo Sponsored National Military Spouse Network 2025 Summit!
Presenting “Safari to Entrepreneurship - Creating Your Journey”!
I’ll be sharing my MilSpouse Journey and how MilSpouses can leverage their unique experiences and adventures to become Entrepreneurs!
Q&A Thursday, October 16th
Wells Fargo NMSN 2025 Summit © Flyga Twiga™ LLC
Happy #SafariSunday! New E-Visa Requirements for Zimbabwe!
#TravelTuesday Top 10 Questions About Going on African Safari!
1. When is the best time to go on an African Safari?
This depends on where you go and what you want to see. For example, South Africa is in the Southern Hemisphere. During their Winter, Northern Hemisphere Summer, the Elephant Grass is dead. This is the time of year preferred for Photographers. Great Migration in Kenya? Late June, July, August, and September. Want to save money? I had one of the most spectacular Gorilla Treks in Rwanda during November “Rainy Season”. What time of year is part of the discussion when planning!
Here you will find my lists of the Seasons for East and Southern Africa.
Guide on South Africa Bush Walk © Flyga Twiga™ LLC
2. Is it safe to travel to Africa for a Safari?
Yes – when you know what to do, where to go, and with whom to go. Why my Slogan is “Happy Day! Safe Safari!” You can find out more, here.
CDC Cover © Flyga Twiga™ LLC
3. What vaccinations or medications are required for an African Safari?
This depends on where you want to go. East Africa requires “Yellow Fever”. To the point Uganda will make you take the Vaccine, at the Airport, if you forget your Center for Disease Control Card (CDC). You can find here the CDC Vaccine Suggestions for Travel.
Photo Credit: Ecca Lodge Kwandwe Private Game Reserve
4. Can children or families go on an African Safari?
Absolutely! South Africa, outside greater Kruger National Park, is Malaria Free. Places such as Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, in South Africa’s Malaria Free Eastern Cape, have entire an Safari Lodge designed for children. Ecca Lodge is entirely fenced, for your child’s safety. In addition to special programs for children, each Family is given a Private Game Drive Vehicle. The perfect way to introduce budding Conservationists to African Wildlife!
Leopard, Mara North Conservancy, Kenya © Flyga Twiga™ LLC
5. Where is the best place to see the “Big Five” on Safari?
The “Big Five” were named by Teddy Roosevelt as the most difficult to hunt. We now “hunt” the Lion, Elephant, Leopard, Cape Buffalo, and Rhinoceros with our Cameras. While you can never guarantee which animals will decide to show themselves, there are places where you will have a greater likelihood for specific animals.
While having excellent Gorilla Trekking, Uganda does not have Rhinos in the wild. Kenya does, with Amboseli National Park having the famous Elephants which migrate within the Park. In South Africa, Sabi Sand has the largest density of Leopards on Earth! That said, one of the best Leopard sightings I’ve had on Safari was in Mara North Conservancy in Kenya.
We’ll plan together where your African Safari will be best – for you!
EcoTraining Trackng South Africa ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC
6. What should I wear or pack for an African Safari?
Jomo Kenyatta Airport Nairobi, Kenya © Flyga Twiga™ LLC
7. Do I need a Visa to visit African countries for a Safari?
Yes. This is also dependent on your Passport Country. For Americans, some are Visa Upon Arrival (such as South Africa), while others, such as Namibia have a long pre-Arrival application process. Here is the more in-depth. We see you through the process and make 100% sure you have all the documentation.
Fishing at Malaria Free Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, South Africa © Flyga Twiga™ LLC
8. What is the difference between a National Park and a Private Game Reserve?
There are 3 major differences. First is Ownership and Management. National Parks are publicly run and managed by the government (e.g., Kenya Wildlife Service for Amboseli). Private Game Reserves are owned and operated by private individuals, entities, or companies (e.g., Kwandwe in South Africa).
The second is Access and Regulations. National Parks are open to the Public, with Entry Fees, Self-Drive Options (for Residents), and stricter Rules on Activities (e.g., no Off-road Driving). Kruger National Park is a good example. Private Reserves typically restrict access to Guests staying at affiliated Safari Lodges (often called Concessions within the Safari Industry), allowing more flexible activities like Guided Night Drives or Walking Safaris.
The third is Size and Experience. National Parks are often larger and busier, offering diverse Ecosystems, with potentially more crowded viewing. Currently there are numerous Viral Videos regarding this year’s Great Migration. Private Reserves are smaller, more intimate, with lower Game Drive Vehicle densities. They may offer better wildlife sightings, and they may fund Conservation through tourism revenue. Kwandwe Private Game Reserve is an excellent example.
Loving Twiga, Kenya © Flyga Twiga™ LLC
9. What does a typical day on an African Safari look like?
A sample Safari Day:
05h00 A wake-up knock on your door. Tea, Coffee, and Rusks are served on the Lodge’s Main Deck followed by the Moring Game Drive, departing 05h30. Duration is approximately 3 hours.
Return to Lodge for a hearty African Breakfast. Plan one day for Bush Walk following Breakfast.
Between Game Drives, Relax by the Pool, Go to the Gym, Enjoy the Library & Games Room, Spa Activities, View Wildlife from the Viewing Deck.
Afternoon Tea, followed by Evening Game Drive. Sundowners on Safari. Followed by Dinner at the Lodge. Possible Night Game Drive.
Enjoy drinks by the Boma, sharing your day’s adventures with fellow travelers.
Lala Salama – rest well for another early Morning Game Drive tomorrow! #SafariLife
Cheerful Waitstaff South Africa © Flyga Twiga™ LLC
10. How much should I tip on an African Safari?
As the Safari approaches, this is the biggest concern for my Clients. As such, we tailor a personalized Tipping Guide for your bespoke Safari. While we can’t anticipate every moment you will want to tip, we arm you with the best knowledge extensive Safari experience can provide.
We can’t wait to start planning your dream African Safari Adventure!
East and Southern Africa Safaris are booking 2 years out -
Let’s start chatting today!
Happy Day! Safe Safari!
Mama and Baby Ellies, Kenya © Flyga Twiga™ LLC
#TravelTuesday New Product Personalized, Custom Tipping Guide
My awesome Clients asked & will receive Online, Personalized, Customized Tipping Guide for your Flyga Twiga™ Safari!
Kenyan Travel Wallet © Flyga Twiga™ LLC
Tipping is the #1 stressor for most of my Clients. And, as each bespoke Safari we design together is unique, I am creating an overview of when, to whom, and how much you should tip. While I can anticipate every occasion, after all my years in Business I give you the best information possible.
So you can have a…
Happy Day! Safe Safari!
Learning South Africa Flora, Bush Walk on Safari © Flyga Twiga™ LLC
#TravelTuesday Importance of Having a Code Word for Your Safari Adventures!
Protect your Travels!
My advice, for safe, secure Safari Adventures, is to create a Code Word. This is a word or phrase you share only with your Traveling Companions and Emergency Contact.
Impala Uganda © Flyga Twiga™ LLC
Why? Artificial Intelligence (AI) / Deep Fakes have become so good.
Fraud is Rampant!
How easy is it to use your Voice to call for Emergency Funds to be Transferred? Beyond easy!
To insure you have an awesome Safari, create a Code Word or Phrase. If you, your Traveling Companions, or Emergency Contacts were to receive a call for “emergency” funds ~ demand the Code Word or Phrase. Protect yourself from Fraudsters, with proactive security!
Happy Day! Safe Safari!
Kenya Wildlife Services & Maasai © Flyga Twiga™ LLC
#TravelTuesday Happy to Announce Flyga Twiga™ Trademark Renewed for another 10 Years!
One of the most important parts of any Business is the name. In 2014, I knew I needed a special name. My Husband and eldest Nephew (who accompanied me on my first Safari in 2008) helped me Brainstorm.
I loved the word Twiga, Swahili for “Giraffe”. What would rhyme? One of the words we batted around was Flyga, Swedish for “Flying”.
Why a great name? In South Sudan, the UN Guys “watched over me”. As a MilSpouse, they were all protective. They included my Friend from the United States, Bob. New Zealanders, Brits, Germans, Danes, and a Swedish Naval Officer, Mikael.
The name Flyga Twiga™ perfectly honors my Journey, or Safari, to where I am today.
Here’s to the next 10 years!
Champagne Karen Nairobi Kenya © Flyga Twiga™ LLC
Thank you Soldier's Wife Crazy Life! What a pleasure to be a Guest Writer!
#TravelTuesday So excited to share a new YouTube Travel Channel - Shaka Around the World
Created by Scott! He and his wife, Christine, went on a Kenyan Safari Adventure last October. “Shaka Around the World” has great, educational, and fun videos from their Safari.
Please subscribe!
#TravelTuesday Gift of a Good Camera #10thAnniversary #FestiveSeason
Looking for a good gift for yourself or a loved one before Safari? I would suggest a great Camera and Lens Combo.
While I did initially start doing my own research (Shoutouts to Rachel Carter Images, Erin Henderson Media and CommuniKait), I quickly realized I was in WAY over my head. Turning to my friends, Avid Photographer Ara Ko Lopez and Professional Photographer Jurate Alasevičienė.
Jurate became my mentor, tutor, and my “camera therapist” through an extremely harsh learning curve. She suggested the Sony a6700 and a second-hand professional lens, both ideal for Safari.
Sony a6700 Camera©Flyga Twiga™ LLC
Protip: Sony now Region Locks the Languages on cameras - check to see if English is on yours! Been meaning to learn Korean, or Arabic! ;-)
For my first big trip in October, South Africa and Victoria Falls with my husband, I didn’t have the nerve to carry the professional lens. Our trip included a lot of regional Airlink Flights.
This actually turned out to be a wise decision. On my November Gorilla Trekking, Erin Henderson would be accompanying me. On several occasions she had to reset my camera. Thanks to her, and Jurate’s great encouragement, by the Rwanda Gorilla Trek, I hit my stride.
Beautifully Designed and Made Rift Valley Leather Bag ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC
I bookended my Gorilla Trekking with time in Kenya. There, in addition to having a Celebration Dinner, on the rooftop of Nairobi’s Trademark Suites, I celebrated Flyga Twiga’s 10th Anniversary with a Rift Africa Custom Designed, Handmade Camera Bag. Thank yous to brilliant Designer/Leathermaker Isiah and Operations Manager Zadock Langat!
While I have a long way to go with my photography, for the first time I actually have pictures I’d like to print and hang! A final shoutout to Peter Manjagaledze for taking the time to help. Much, much appreciated!
Thank you for everyone!
One and Only Gorilla's Nest Welcome Dancers ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC
Thank you to USAA and National Military Spouse Network (NMSN) for the opportunity to share my Military Spouse career journey!
My conversation with Sue
was so much fun!
Great Day at #Juneteenth 2024 Camp Humphreys South Korea
#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 New for 2024 - South Africa Family Safari
South Africa Family Safari
Highlights:
· Introducing one of the most exciting new Safari experiences in South Africa, the Kapama Kruger Homestead, offering a truly Private Family Safari. The Homestead, an exclusive use Lodge, is a family-style Homestead with 3 Ensuite Bedrooms. Includes:
- Private Game Drive Vehicle, with a Guide and Assistant Guide
- Private Chef
- Assigned Concierge
· Jock Safari Lodge Wilderness Walk allowing children over the age of 12 to participate.
· Private Robben Island Tour with Christo Brand, a former prison guard, who was responsible for guarding Nelson Mandela. Christo and Mandela developed a close friendship over the course of many years. He is the co-author of his book, Doing Life with Mandela: My Prisoner, My Friend (2014).
Discover Africa Together!
#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
#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
