Namib-Naukluft National Park © Flyga Twiga™ LLC
#TravelTuesday Top 5 Must Ask African Safari Questions
Help! I’ve got a client who wants an African Safari! I’ve never sold Africa - What do I do?
The number of times I’ve seen this on Luxury Travel Boards is disheartening. Who would go on Safari with someone who knows NOTHING about Africa? Apparently lotsa folks. Here are the Top 5 Must Ask Questions for Safari Planning.
1) Have you lived or worked in (or even been to!) Africa?
The vast Continent of Africa is diverse. East Africa completely different than Southern Africa. Namibia and Zimbabwe could be on different Planets!
You want an African Expert to help you design your Safari. For many, this will be a trip of a lifetime. Even if it isn’t a just once, it is still your precious time and money. You need someone who can help plan, who knows Africa.
2) Why are you an Expert in the field of African Safari Planning?
This is a bit different than the above question. Flyga Twiga™ is honored to work with trusted, In-Country Partners/Destination Management Companies (DMCs) , keeping up-to-date on Industry Changes, and continuing to Travel Extensively*, in East and Southern Africa, all create truly Expert Advice.
*A question you should ask is who pays for the Travel? While Fam Trips are great, I want to support Locals and Local Economy. The vast majority of my travel has some paying component. It is the right way as an African Travel Planning Expert.
3) How long have you specialized in African Safaris?
A little known “Insider Secret” is many Big Box “Luxury” Travel Firms will move successful Sales Staff around. One week a staff member may be working on Cruises, then the next on African Safaris. I love a good Salesman. I also know specializations means knowledge of travel specifics, which may make or break a Safari Experience.
4) Where are you headquartered?
Where the company is headquartered regulates business and banking laws. Your due diligence starts with knowing not only who, but also where, the professional accountability will be held.
5) Who is your Destination Management Company (DMC)?
DMCs are our trusted, In-Country Partner. DMC is a term replacing “Ground Handlers”. The DMC is the person(s) for whom your bespoke Safari Planner is vouching. They are telling you they know and rely on the DMC’s qualifications and professionalism.
Why is this so important? I still get shudders thinking about the “Luxury Travel Expert”, who asked last year, on a Professional Luxury Travel Forum, if anyone had a DMC in Ethiopia. She was planning on sending Clients to not only a place she had never been, but also with people she had never worked with. As I mentioned at the beginning, this happens all the time – scary!
You need to have faith that the people sending you on Safari, know and trust the people in charge of your Safari Experience.
As the questions suggest, you are really conducting an interview with the person you are entrusting with your African Safari safety and experience. These questions should assist in your traveling with confidence and the freedom to enjoy the amazing African Wildlife and Culture.
Please feel free to use these same questions for all your Travels. I think they apply to most Luxury Destinations - Worldwide.
Please explore here for your
Happy Day! Safe Safari!
#TravelTuesday Meeting lots of great folks and learning new products at 2026 OurAfrica.Travel! Top picks posting next week!
#TravelTuesday Update: When Should You Start Planning Your Safari?
The Safari Industry has changed a lot in the last five years. You may have seen the horrendous OverTourism Videos coming out of Great Migration 2025. Since founding Flyga Twiga™ I’ve advised to look at “Shoulder Seasons”. What has changed is how far in advance planning is needed.
Deadvlei © Flyga Twiga™ LLC
Time is your friend. Starting in 2024, East and Southern Africa Safaris began being planned over 2 years out. In 2025, I was already booking 2027.
When in Namibia last year, I toured a property second to none for Photographers. The General Manager informed me they were already booking 2027.
The same is true for Gorilla Trekking. There are only a limited number of Permits given by the Wildlife Authorities. And, if AstroTourism is part of your Safari objective, every booking must be made around the New Moon.
I did have Clients last year who luckily were able to snag a 4 Star Property cancelation. That is a rare occurrence. We were planning only 4 months out. They were flexible and changed which African Country was their Safari Destination.
Male Desert Elephant, Namibia © Flyga Twiga™ LLC
All of these changes have also shifted how much Booking Confirmation Deposits have to be placed. In order to secure bookings, Safari Lodges and Camps are now requiring 30% Non-Refundable Booking Confirmation Deposits within 15 Calendar Days of Written Confirmation.
The Booking Confirmation Deposit also means you should obtain Comprehensive Travel Insurance up front. We will note this when discussing your Budget. Please plan accordingly.
FOMO, Fear of Missing Out, is real. Safari Lodges and Camps are filling up 2 years in advance. With Tanzania increasing Tourism Taxes, in order to try and combat OverTourism, Kenya in particular has seen a huge increase in Bookings.
I love my Clients. Each and everyone has been a gem to work with. If you are looking at going on an African Safari, and especially if you have your heart set on a particular place or experience, please consider planning well ahead. I want you to have a
Happy Day! Safe Safari!
Silverbacks, Rwanda © Flyga Twiga™ LLC
#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
#TravelTuesday DIY Africa Travel Costly Critical Mistakes!
According to 2025 Independent Survey by Australian Travel Insurance Provider Insure&Go - 1 in 6 Aussies make DIY Travel mistakes.
Overall 58% admitted to making costly mistakes, with a whopping 78% of under-30's having made critical errors.
With the rise of AI and On-line Platforms, there is an impression that ANY form of Travel can be DIY. I can assure you, that is not the case for Africa!
A quick glance at my Testimonials and you will see recurring themes. The deep desire for African Safari Travel Adventure and the need for a Planner.
11 years ago Flyga Twiga™ was born out of a passion for Africa, Wildlife, and its People. Most importantly, helping you create your Personal Safari. Your African Safari Adventure should be yours!
Please let me know how I can help make your Africa Safari Dreams come true!
#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
#TravelTuesday 5 Exciting Products from OurAfrica.Travel Show!
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
#TravelTuesday New! Rwanda Gorilla Trekking
#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 Updated Safari Guides are Now Up!
Samburu Jackal ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC
#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 Thank you Erin Henderson Media for the Shout Out and Beautiful Pictures from Your South Africa Safari Adventure!
#TravelTuesday So proud to be an ArmaSkin Ambassador! Please use promocode Flyga20 to get 20% off!
My favorite Aussie product! If you’ve ever suffered from blisters, you know how devastating it can be.
Please visit the ArmaSkin Store to find out more about this amazing product!
ArmaSkin at Acropolis of Athens, Greece ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC
#TravelTuesday Sustainable Tourism - Who's Really Sustainable?
#TravelTuesday New! South Africa Girls Getaway Safari
Penguins South Africa ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC
#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.