#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

Land of 1000 Hills

#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!

Please find here Pre-Trip Checklists, Gear/Safari Kit Lists, Safari Clothes Guides, and Safari Clothing Lists.

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!

Much Appreciated!

#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?

Click here for my May United on the RoK article
Sustainable Tourism - Who’s Really sustainable?

Please see page 20!

#TravelTuesday New! South Africa Girls Getaway Safari

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

Design Afrika©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.

#TravelTuesday How Do You Practice Sustainable Tourism? Supporting Local Nonprofits

Here is my first in a series of United on the RoK Magazine articles on Sustainable Tourism.
How Do You Practice Sustainable Tourism?
Supporting Local Nonprofits.

Please turn to page 30!

Photo Courtesy of Barocco Foundation

#TravelTuesday Great Day at Osan Air Base Spring Bazaar!

A bit windy, but wonderful talking to the Airmen & all who support them.

Click here to see my Military History Safari.

Happy Day! Safe Safari!

#TravelTuesday Grateful to ArmaSkin asking me to continue as Ambassador!

Whether at the Acropolis in Athens, on Safari in Africa,
or Hiking your Local Trails,
Armaskin has you covered!

Your blister protections socks!

Click here to find out more about ArmaSkin and how it can save your feet. Use promo code Flyga20 to get 20% discount.

You can also contact me if you have any questions.

EcoTraining South Africa ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC

#TravelTuesday Travel is Back!!!

Saturday’s booth at Osan was the busiest - ever. People were lining up to talk about going to Africa. Already helping several Airmen plan their 1st Safari. What I love doing so much!

#TravelTuesday Is this the coolest pet friendly bar in Seoul?

From making sure it is the Doggy Beer you ordered, to a pet friendly menu, the Side Note Club at Ryse, Autograph Collection Marriott, is all about taking pampering your precious pooch to another level!

Side Note Club ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC

Located on the top, 15th floor of the Ryse Hotel, the Side Note Club overlooks energetic and vibrant Hongdae, Seoul. But, who can enjoy an evening out without your best fur buddy?

Ryse in the Evening ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC

Ryse is a Pet Friendly Hotel, with major emphasis on “friendly”. Upon arrival, your pet is welcomed with a bed and bowls awaiting in the room. If you pass by the Concierge Desk, a jar of Dog Treats is immediately brought out for your pup.

Pet Menu ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC

Dubbed Pet.Project, Side Note Club offers a menu for both Cats and Dogs. During our stay, Fynbos decided to try the Dried Sweet Potato and the Chicken Breast Jerky. As a Korean Village Dog, he should have preferred the Sweet Potato. Instead, he ate the Chicken Breast Chicken so fast, we ordered more.

Please note: While Pets are most definitely welcome, minor humans are not allowed in the bar after 6:00 pm.

Checking out Dog Friendly Beer ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC

And while he seemed to be more partial to licking the botte than drinking the nonalcoholic “Doggy Beer”, it was super fun when the Waiter offered him to see if it was the Beer he ordered. It was just enough theatrics and silliness to be perfect!

Needless to say, Side Note Club is Fynbos APPROVED and we will most, most definitely be back.

Well done Ryse Hotel’s Side Note Club!

Fynbos at Side Note Club ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC

#TravelTuesday Is Ethical Silk Safari Chic?

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”.

Opening Ethical Silk with Fynbos©Flyga Twiga™ LLC

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….?

Ethical Silk Unboxing©Flyga Twiga™ LLC

#TravelTuesday So happy to be attending Our Africa Travel 2022. My Office Mate is excited as well!

Please feel free to contact me to find out about all the exciting new products being offered!

Happy Day! Safe Safari!

Timba Kenya ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC

#TravelTuesday 5 Must Ask Safari Questions Post Covid19

As our world prepares to travel again, a lot has changed in the Travel Industry.  Here are 5 Must Ask Questions for your Safari Designer, to prepare you for the best, post Covid19 African Safari Experience.

Please feel free to use these same questions for all your travels. I think they apply to most Luxury Destinations, worldwide.

1) Have you lived or worked in (or even been to!) Africa?

A lot of excellent, knowledgeable industry experts were let go during the Pandemic. A disturbing shift saw their replacement by inexperienced staff. While “Junior Consultants’” low pay may help a company’s financial bottomline, the loss of Senior Travel Staff my mean the difference between a calamity ridden Safari, or the Wildlife Experience of a Lifetime.

You want an African Expert to help you design your Safari.

2)  Why are you an Expert in the field of African Safari Planning?

This is a bit different than the above question. Flyga Twiga has been honored to have many people, who live and work in Africa, seeking our Safari services. With trusted, in-country partners, keeping up-to-date on industry changes, and personally living, working, & traveling extensively in East and Southern Africa - all create truly Expert Advice.

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 mean knowledge of travel specifics which may make or break a Safari Experience.

Ellie & Babies, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda © Flyga Twiga™ LLC

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. Consider this question an insurance policy – hoping for the best, while being prepared.

5)  How long have you worked with your Destination Management Company (DMC)?

DMCs are our trusted, in-country partners. 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 shutters 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.

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. Because our mission is for you to have a…

Happy Day! Safe Safari!

Two Brother Gorillas, Nyakagezi Group MGNP © Flyga Twiga™ LLC

#TravelTuesday Great to be back at Magical Kenya Travel Expo MKTE 2021 Virtual

Meeting with old friends and making new ones!

#TravelTuesday Top 3 Safari Questions to Answer Before Your Bespoke African Safari Consultation

Top 3 Safari Questions

The first question people often ask is “How much does it cost to go on an African Safari?” While this question is understandable, there are 3 Questions I request Clients answer, prior to their first Bespoke Safari Consultation.

The Reason for the Consultation

Flyga Twiga™, as a Personal Safari Service and Consultancy, does not have pre-designed “packages”. Rather, the whole reason for the founding of Flyga Twiga is to give you the Safari Experience YOU want. Not what someone else “thinks” you want or should have.

So, prior to your first Personal Safari Consultation, please ask your self the following 3 Questions:

Ellies & Kili, Amboseli Kenya © Flyga Twiga™ LLC

1)     Who is going on the Safari?

A couple, a family, a multi-generational family, friends, business associates… For example, while many Game Lodges and Safaris welcome young children, some restrict ages.

2)     When do you want to go?

There are High Seasons and Low Seasons in East and Southern Africa. And most definitely benefits to each.

3)     What is your “Dream Safari Experience”?

Each Safari should be as unique as your Dreams.

Perhaps you have your heart set on the great Mountain Gorillas. Or learning how to be a Safari Guide, on EcoTraining, is the adventure of a lifetime you seek. The unique Maasai Culture has fascinated you. Let’s make those dreams a reality.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park © Flyga Twiga™ LLC

There a lot more fun and involved questions we will go over when we begin planning our bespoke Safari. These are just the exciting starting point…

Until we talk, please take a look at our suggested Safaris here.

Asante Sana & Happy Day! Safe Safari!