#TravelTuesday Africa's Best - The most aspirational Africa destination book - Ever!

January 16, 2024 Flyga Twiga

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 New! South Africa Girls Getaway Safari

May 2, 2023 Flyga Twiga

If You Want To Go Fast, Go Alone.
If You Want To Go Far, Go Together.
~ African Proverb ~

New! South Africa Girls Getaway
A Special Whale Season Safari!
Explore, Indulge & Relax
With Your Favorite Girls

Escape with your best girls on a getaway in South Africa! This Girls Getaway Safari, across South Africa, gives you the chance to explore, indulge and relax. From private tours of Robben Island, enjoying Cape Winelands, Safari in Krugar, to Whale Watching in Hermanus, this bespoke adventure offers the best of South Africa for Safaring with your favorite girls!

Cape Town ~ Franschhoek ~ Kruger National Park ~ Hermanus

#TravelTuesday Is Ethical Silk Safari Chic?

April 19, 2022 Flyga Twiga

Silk Pillowcases?

Until this year, one of my favorite products were silk pillowcases from Africa Silks, located in South Africa. Unfortunately, they no longer are carrying them.

Taking to the internet, I found the amazing “The Ethical Silk Company”.

Ethical Silk?

I’d never heard of “Ethical Silk”. How can silk be ethical?

According to The Ethical Silk Company’s website:

…[they] found a particular mulberry silk production, made in India, that extracts the silk from the cocoon after the moth has left the cocoon. It is not a wild silk as all mulberry silk is farmed through a production known as sericulture. The result of the production is a beautifully rich mulberry silk (momme weight 19) which, because of the particular way it is produced, is more like a fine linen with a beautiful matte lustre rather than the shiny finish of traditional silk.

Perfect! The texture and finish is what I had loved about my silk from Africa. Now, I have gorgeous pillowcase that also align with my values and adherence to Sustainability & Conservation.

I love the beautiful, all natural gift wrapping.
Definitely Safari Chic!

Ethical Silk Information Tag©Flyga Twiga™ LLC

For anyone who cares about eco-friendly, fairtrade, ethically sourced products, I highly recommend them.

I’m truly over the Moon to find The Ethical Silk Company.

Now, what to order next….?

#TravelTuesday 10 Authentic South African Food Experiences You Should Try!

June 9, 2020 Flyga Twiga

Michael English
Cape Town, South Africa

One of the greatest pleasures of travel is discovering new tastes and flavours. Trying local foods is a gateway which allows you to understand the local culture. South Africa is called the Rainbow Nation due to the many different ethnic groups that live here.

There are twelve official languages in South Africa. And, many different religions are observed from traditional beliefs to Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, and Islam. These cultural and religious influences have created a fusion food scene worthy of the title the Rainbow Nation.

South Africans are known for their warm hospitality which is often expressed through food. South Africa generally has high levels of hygiene and eating out at restaurants is one of the highlights of visiting the country. Cape Town and Johannesburg are especially known for their food scene.

The standard of food at South African Safari Lodges is generally excellent. Most lodges will have different dining experiences on offer during your stay. You could have sumptuous buffets and communal affairs around a Boma Fire to romantic fine dining moments for honeymooners.

Here are some foods and dining experience with which to tantalise your taste buds while on your next trip to South Africa.

1) Boerewors Braai

Boerewors means “Farmers Sausage”. Made from ground beef, pork, and spices, Boerewors is often cooked as part of a Braai (barbeque). Braai and cooking Boerewors are common to most people in South Africa – so much so that Heritage Day is informally referred to as National Braai Day.

The mildly spicy sausage is beloved by many South Africans.

2) Biltong

A dried cured meat like American Beef Jerky, Biltong is commonly eaten as a snack in South Africa. The meat is often spiced with Coriander Seeds and Cumin. Game meat from animals such as Kudu and Eland are considered by some to make the tastiest Biltong. Springbok Biltong is often sold to Tourists as a Novelty. You might find some in snack packs or served with Peanuts as part of your Sundowners while on Safari.

Note: Many a person has learned the hard way, most countries won’t allow Biltong to be imported. So enjoy this unique South African dish on your Safari!

Rusks Awaiting Second Bake EcoTraining South Africa © Flyga Twiga™ LLC

3) Rusks

Often on Safari, you will be woken before dawn to set out on your early Morning Game Drive. Likely you will be presented with Tea and Coffee, as well as a hard, dry biscuit to dunk. This is a Rusk. Dipped in Tea or Coffee, they soften but hold their shape - so that you can eat them without breaking a tooth.

Rusk is an anglicized term for the Afrikaans beskuit. The Voortrekkers made these long-lasting twice-baked biscuits to take on long journeys such as the Great Trek or during the Boer Wars.

Lodge and Guest House Cooks, if they don’t make their own, pride themselves on procuring the best, local handmade Rusks for their Guests. For many South Africans, Rusks have nostalgic value and rank high as comfort food.

4) Amarula Cream

The fruit of the Amarula Tree is beloved by Elephants and many different species of animals. The trees only occur in Africa and the fruit has been used to create a Cream Liquor that is almost as much associated with being on Safari as a Gin and Tonic.

Poured over ice and sipped slowly around a crackling fire after dinner, this liquor captures the Spirit and Taste of Africa.

South African Rooibos © Flyga Twiga™ LLC

5) Rooibos Tea

Rooibos, Afrikaans for “Red Bush”, belongs to a group of rare plants only found on the southern tip of Africa called Fynbos. Rooibos is often referred to as “Bush Tea”.

The fine leaves of the Rooibos plant are used to make a herbal tea which has a honey-sweet taste and a heady perfumed fragrance. There are two types of fermented and green.

The tea has become popular throughout the world as it is caffeine-free, is high in antioxidants and has many health benefits. You may find some South Africans who do not prefer the taste, as they associate it with Granny giving it to them when they were sick in childhood.

In South Africa, you will often be given the choice of Black Tea or Rooibos. And, will most definitely be offered Rooibos on your Sunrise Safari.

Restaurant South Africa©Flyga Twiga™ LLC

6) Fine Dining

South Africa has gained an international reputation for the quality of its Fine Dining. Due to the exchange rate, international guests can eat at some of the top restaurants in the world such as Nobu, The Test Kitchen or Woflgat for a reasonable price.

You would need to book these top restaurants well in advance as they do book out. There are many great restaurant options to be found especially in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Pretoria.

Diemersdal Wine Tasting ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC

7) South African Wine

South Africa has a reputation around the world for the quality of its wines. Especially, their Sauvignon Blanc. Pinotage, a unique varietal to the country, a hybrid of pinot noir and cinsault, was created at Stellenbosch in 1925.

However, it was a dessert wine called Vin de Constance, produced on Groot Constantia Estate which made South African wine famous. It was so beloved by Napoleon Bonaparte that he had it sent to him when he was exiled on the island of St Helena.

There are hundreds of Wine Estates, ranging big Estates such as Diemersdal boutique Wineries of which Mitre’s Edge would be a perfect example. Enjoy a South African Wine Tasting with local cheeses and charcuterie. Some offer fabulous dining experiences, and all come with spectacular views!

Cape Malay Cooking Class©Flyga Twiga™ LLC

8) Cape Malay Food

From the Malay Archipelago slaves were brought to the Dutch East Indies, Madagascar and East Africa. Here they worked the farms in the Colonial Settlement at the Cape.

This mixed heritage brought many cultural influences together and gave birth to a unique Cape Malay Cuisine. The food is based on Spice (not hot), Sweet, and Sour. While in the country try a Malay Curry, Pickled Fish, Babotie, Samosas, and Doughnuts.

Or better yet, have a true cultural experience with one of the many Cape Malay Cooking Classes. You can return home a Cape Malay Cook!

9) Nando’s Peri Peri Chicken

Nando’s is one of the most famous South African fast-food chains. Famous for its Mozambican Portuguese style Peri Peri Chicken, Nando’s even sells its famous sauce.

While you can get Kentucky Fried Chicken in just about any small town in the country, Nando’s is a South African specialty which is not to be missed. Flame-grilled the chicken is coated in a special chilli Peri Peri Sauce before serving. Sides such as Peri Peri Chicken Livers and Mixed Grilled Veg are also popular.

While most fun trying at its home, don’t despair if you can’t make it during your time in South Africa. Nando’s has become an international sensation. Nando’s can be found throughout the Gulf States as well as in and around Washington, DC. And, for more fun from home, search for Nando’s Ads – the are often timely and hilarious. Enjoy!

10) Malva Pudding

A rich sweet dessert of apricot flavoured sponge which is soaked in a sweet custard, Malva Pudding tastes of South Africa. It is an extremely popular dessert among all South African’s. You will often find it on menus at Restaurants, Safari Lodges, and Hotels throughout the country. It is perfect if you want to indulge your sweet tooth.

There is controversy as to where the name Malva comes from. Some people claim that it comes from the Afrikaans word malvalekker meaning marshmallow for its texture. Regardless, this uniquely South African Dish is the must have to have truly experienced the Rainbow Nation.

South Africa Awaits, So Let’s Start Dreaming!
Happy Day! Safe Safari!

Gannett Restaurant Mossell Bay©Flyga Twiga™ LLC

#TravelTuesday Wine Escapes Special Offer for Your Private South African Wine Expert Experience!

April 28, 2020 Flyga Twiga

Our Favorite Private South African Wine Expert is offering a Special with NO Expiry Date. Please see the Information below & please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. John offers a truly unique experience & is a gem of knowledge on South African Wines.

#inthistogether

***Purchase Offer Valid Through 31st December 2020***

Wine Escapes South Africa ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC

#TravelTuesday 8 Hour Layover In Doha? Perfect Place To Stay - Oryx Airport Hotel Hamad International Airport مطار حمد الدولي‎ DOH

May 29, 2018 Flyga Twiga

Key Card Covers Oryx Airport Hotel © Flyga Twiga LLC

Why Stay?

My preferred airlines, for flying longhaul flights to Africa, are absolutely one of the ME3. Attending the World Travel Market Africa in April, Qatar had an amazing deal for Roundtrip Seoul to Cape Town. One leg was even a Q Suite flight, which will be in a future review.

My flight had an 8 hour Layover. This was not long enough for Qatar Airways to provide me a room in Doha. But, it was longer than I preferred to stay in the Business Class Lounge. While the new lounge is spectacular, I wanted a bit more privacy & relaxation. So, I booked a room in the transit hotel in Hamad International Airport مطار حمد الدولي‎ DOH - the Oryx Airport Hotel.

Regular Room Oryx Airport Hotel © Flyga Twiga LLC

The 1st Room - Then the Suite!

My first room was spacious and nice. But, unfortunately (or lucky for me!) the Wi-fi wasn't working. So, they upgraded me to a Suite. They did so quickly and without complaints. As there were several people at the front desk asking for rooms, I had no doubt my room would be turned around & sold as soon as possible.

Suite Bedroom Oryx Airport Hotel © Flyga Twiga LLC

The Suite bathroom was spacious and offered a huge shower to refresh before my next 10 + Hour Flight to Seoul.

Suite Bathroom Oryx Airport Hotel © Flyga Twiga LLC

Comfortable Sitting & Desk Areas

The Sitting & Desk Area was extremely comfortable. I was genuinely surprised how quiet the hotel was. Aside from an occasional "Loud Talker" in the hotel hall, I heard very little noise.

As I was trying not to sleep, I had time to periodically chat with my Husband, order Room Service, & calmly repack my Carry-on.

Suite Sitting & Desk Area Oryx Airport Hotel © Flyga Twiga LLC

One of the features I liked about the Oryx Airport Hotel was each television, of which there were two in the Suite, had a channel devoted to the Departure Times & Up-to-the-minute Departure Gates.

Traveling alone, I found this feature extremely comforting. With long layovers, when traveling as a solo female traveler, my worse case scenario is always falling asleep and missing the last leg of my flight. And, while the Qatari are an immensely welcoming hosts - I was ready to be home!

Suite Bedroom Sitting Area Oryx Airport Hotel © Flyga Twiga LLC

Rituals Bath Products Oryx Airport Hotel © Flyga Twiga LLC

The Amenities

The amenities were what you would expect from one of the ME3 - luxurious Rituals Cosmetics. An extraordinary amount of towels and plush bathroobes.

But, handsdown, my favorite amenity was the Porsche Design Sleeping Eye Mask. How perfect! The card aptly had a note & map of where to find the Porsche Design Store in Duty Free.

The perfect touch for a relaxing 8 Hours in the Oryx Airport Hotel.

Can't wait for my next Stay!

Porsche Design Sleeping Eye Mask Oryx Airport Hotel © Flyga Twiga LLC

Insider Secret - New Line Being Launched By KICHO Korea - 키초 코스메틱 Commleaf

May 9, 2018 Flyga Twiga

While attending the CosmoBeauty 2018 Show at COEX in Seoul yesterday, I learned from a KICHO Korea - 키초 코스메틱 Executive that they are launching a new brand, Commleaf, in the United States. KICHO Korea - 키초 코스메틱 is already sold at Sally Beauty and Duty Free JFK in the United States.

KICHO Korea - 키초 코스메틱 is one of the first brands I discovered over 3 1/2 years ago when I arrived in South Korea. They make some of my favorite products.

Full disclosure: I was gifted the new Commleaf Set. I purchased the new Tea Pot Brush Set at CosmoBeauty. I love the color! And, for animal rights activists, they are synthetic - no animal hair in the making.

Also, pictured below is my absolute favorite KICHO Korea - 키초 코스메틱 Product, their Argan Brush Cleanser, which comes in Travel Packs as well. Perfect for my Business Travel!

I have a lot more pictures and ideas from CosmoBeauty 2018- but wanted to share the Insider Secret asap!

#TravelTuesday Flyga Twiga Stickers arrived ready for #POATE2017 in Uganda! Can't wait!

January 17, 2017 Flyga Twiga

Travel Tuesday's Back!

November 8, 2016 Flyga Twiga

#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!