#WildlifeWednesday Why my passion for Humans and Wildlife coexisting? My Grandfather!

As many know, I was raised by my Maternal Grandparents. My Grandfather spent part of his youth on a Farm in rural Southwest Virginia. In order to help me sleep, my Grandaddy told me “Big Black Bear” stories.

Each story was about how a Big Black Bear would have some sort of interaction with humans. Each encounter would be resolved without anyone, bear or human, getting hurt. Peacefully co-existing.

Sometimes the Farmer would find the Big Black Bear in his orchard. When the parents went to town, the Bear would get in the house. The children would hide, watching the Bear eating their food. One of my favorites was coming upon a Bear, on our way to go fishing.

I was raised believing there was a way to live with Wildlife. Now, my business is dedicated to African Wildlife Conservation through Safari Adventures.

I think my Grandaddy would be proud.

Big Black Bear Stories © Flyga Twiga™ LLC
Commissioned Artist: Kazakhstani Korean Tanya Kim

#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

#WildlifeWednesday Want to go Back to School with Elephants, Lions, & Giraffes? Try EcoTraining!

My latest article for united on the RoK is out!

#WildlifeWednesday Wildlife Conservation, Sustainable Tourism & Friendship in Challenging Times

Please see page 84 for the latest article in my United on the RoK sustainable Tourism series,
Wildlife Conservation, Sustainable Tourism & Friendship in Challenging Times

#WildlifeWednesday Thank You Kenya Kait for the Awesome Shout Out!

Great Advice!

#WildlifeWednesday Thank you EcoTraining for the Awesome New Flyer Design!

Click here to find out more about the “Safari behind the Safari”

#WildlifeWednesday New Special Needs Mobility Challenged Safari

In memory of a dear friend, and all those who “face their fears” - we are honored to offer a new Special Needs & Mobility Challenged Safari. Click here to find how you can Safari & Travel in Comfort, with Confidence!

Happy Day! Safe Safari!

Morning Coffee & Beet Root Juice Ole Sereni Nairobi Kenya © Flyga Twiga™ LLC

#WildlifeWednesday What is happening in Africa?!?!

There is good news.
And, there is bad news.

Starting with the bad news, first.

Thanks to OurAfrica.Travel 2021 Virtual Trade Show, I’ve spent the past few weeks catching up with friends, new & old. So, what is happening in Africa?

The rumors of horrendous Wildlife Poaching are all too real. Clint Robertson, of Umdingi Safaris, shared with me what his team is experiencing in Zimbabwe. Clint’s Umdingi Safaris Team are on the front lines of this unprecedented human and wildlife travesty. The African Tourism Industry is decimated.

As a result, Wildlife Poaching is on the rise!

Some hard facts: for each one (1!) person who worked in Wildlife Tourism, at least 6 people were dependent on their income. This is GONE. No tourists. No jobs. No income….no food. What would you do if your family was starving? The taking of African Wildlife for money and food is now irresistible.

Now for Good News!

I think the Good News will save both humans & wildlife.

African Tourism Is Coming Back!

OurAfrica.Travel generated immense excitement and energy. But, that is anecdotal, isn’t it? Then, yesterday I was contacted by a previous client - about an African Safari Family Vacation!

Traveling in Africa, for me and my clients, has always been about International Development, Wildlife Conservation, and Sustainable Tourism. Wildlife is being poached right now. Yet, as Tourist comes back, Safaris begin, and Travel returns, the beauty of the African Savannah will heal and journey back. And, we will be saying again, soon…

Happy Day! Safe Safari!

Photo Credit: OurAfrica.Travel 2021

#WildlifeWednesday Dung Beetles - Natures Clean Up Crew

Michael English
Cape Town, South Africa

The Lords of Dung

Growing up in the Bush in Zimbabwe, I spent my holidays out in the bush in places like Mana Pools National Park. This is one of the few parks in the world where you can walk in Big Five Country - unguided. My father and uncle were both Game Rangers and we’d often take our morning walk out in the park among the wildlife. 

I thought nothing of following the faint lily pad impressions of Elephants. Partly the thrill was hoping to spot these gentle giants; but more importantly I was looking for great piles of Elephant Dung. Hey, get your mind out the gutter! I was looking for the Elephant Dung as that was where I’d find my quarry - Beetles. I was fascinated by the large black Dung Beetles. I loved them almost as much as my beloved Tok Tokkie Beetles, which are known for their knocking tap dancing.

Dung Beetles Makuleke Camp Ecotraining SA ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC

What are Dung Beetles?

You may have seen a member of the Dung Beetle family without realising it. There are thousands of species of Dung Beetles belonging to the group Scarabaeidae. They make up 10% of all Beetle species on Earth, with over 30,000 species and 780 of these occur in South Africa alone.

The Beetles range in size from 0,08 inches to over 6 inches in length. Most are black but they also come in a range of fabulous colours. Many people associate the Dung Beetle with a large black beetle rolling balls of dung away to bury as food for their larvae. But, this is only one type of Dung Beetle.

Dung Beetles are reputed to be the strongest insects in the world, able to pull/push up to 1,141 times their body weight. This is the equivalent of an average person pulling six double-decker buses -full of people.

Hard at Work Dung Beetles EcoTraining SA ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC

Types of Dung Beetle

Dung Beetles can be broken down into four distinct groups based on their behaviour – the stayers, burrowers, the rollers and the thieves. The word Endocoprids describes Dung Beetles, who lay their eggs in a fresh pile of dung and stay there.

The next type is called Paracoprids. These Beetles dig down below a pile of dung and create a burrow with their food source (the dung) above.

Telecoprids are the most famous of the Dung Beetles, who roll balls of dung away and bury them elsewhere.

The final type of Dung Beetles is the and Kleptocoprids who, as the name suggests, have group case of Kleptomania. By strength and guile these Beetle steal the balls from the hardworking Telecoprids.

Dung Beetles Pushing and Rolling Elephant Sanctuary SA ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC

The Role of Dung Beetles in Ecosystems

Dung Beetles occur on every continent on Earth except Antarctica (there is not enough dung found there). The Beetles play a vital role in the ecosystems of the World. Dung Beetles along with vultures, scavengers, termites, and other insects form a vital part of nature’s clean-up crew.

They bury the dung and lay their eggs in it. This in turn, becomes a food source for their larvae when they hatch. If you imagine the amount of dung produced by the great herds of the plains of East Africa, you will see how important they are.

By burying the dung these enterprising Scarabs remove the food source for flies, helping to keep the flies under control. And thus, curbing the spread of infectious diseases.

The Dung Beetles generally bury the dung along with the larvae. This takes the waste underground, In the Earth, nutrients are recycled in the soil, helping to fertilise the savannahs, rejuvenating the vital food source for all the grazers.

Dung Beetles Beginning Work EcoTraining SA ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC

Sacred Scarabs

Scarab Beetles were sacred to the ancient Egyptians as a symbol of rebirth and regeneration. It is reputed that this was inspired by the Telecorprids (Dung Deetles who form balls of dung and roll these away to bury with their larvae). This habit was linked in ancient Egypt to the deity Khepri – the god of the rising sun.

The ancient Egyptians believed that the beetles did not have females so the males had to form a ball of to create the egg into which they injected their semen and thereby reproduce. Due to this belief, the Scarab became a symbol for rebirth, resurrection and transformation - even the symbol for life itself. Rather a great honour for the Lords of Poo! They became linked with funeral rites and regeneration and their significance lasted through many Egyptian Dynasties.

Being linked with the Sun is not the only celestial link that Dung Beetles have. Scientists have long known that Dung Beetles use the symmetrical pattern of polarized light from around the Sun to help them navigate. The canny beetles always choose the straightest and most direct route to their burrow as they must fight off competition from other Dung Beetles.

Scientists have also discovered that the species scarabaeus satyrus in South Africa, can in fact navigate by the stars using light from the Milky Way. This is the first instance of this known in nature – Dung Beetles navigating by the stars!

Dung Beetles Beginning Work Closeup EcoTraining SA ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC

Dung Beetles in African Folklore

The southern African tribe of the Batonka have a traditional tale about the Dung Beetle. It is said that in the days of the First Man and First Woman the Dung Beetle and the Butterfly were best friends. When the first man and woman came walking in the evening, they always complimented how beautiful butterfly was. The Dung Beetle was jealous and sad. He said to Butterfly “why do they always look at you and never comment on me?”

“They only admire strength and beauty. You have little beauty but perhaps you should become the strongest of the insects” said the Butterfly.

So Dung Beetle went off and spent years doing many challenges to become strong. One day he came home and while visiting with Butterfly, the first man and woman came by. Dung Beetle rolled a huge ball of Elephant Dung many times his size and pushed it along the ground. The first man and woman were very impressed and exclaimed over him instead of the Butterfly.

That is why to this day Dung Beetles roll balls of dung and push them around.

(A summary from When Lion Could Fly: And Other Tales from Africa; by Nick Greaves and Rod Clement)

So next time you are on Safari in Africa, why not escape the confines of the Safari vehicle and go on a bush walk? You can set off in search of the Lords of Dung yourself. Its always interesting to see how skilfully they can sculpt a sphere of poop!

Dung Beetle Elephant Sanctuary SA ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC

#WildlifeWednesday Conservation in the Time of Covid19!

Michael English
Cape Town, South Africa

How does your Safari benefit Conservation?

The last few months have put all our travel plans on hold due to Covid-19. Many of us are dreaming about freedom and where we will travel next. While this Pandemic is happening, the future of Africa’s natural landscapes hangs in the balance.  How does your next vacation impact on this? In short, tourism keeps the Rhinos and Elephants alive.

Swimming Elephants Queen Elizabeth National Park ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC

Funding for Conservation

Game Reserves rely heavily on Tourism and related donor funding to support Conservation efforts. Funds raised support the continued existence of some of the World’s most biodiverse landscapes. It is estimated that less than 4% of the world’s charitable donations are to Wildlife and Conservation causes. South Africa has some of the best-funded National Parks and Conservancies in Africa, but just 25% of the money comes from the government. The rest is garnered through conservation fees levied on Tourists visiting these wildlife regions. Going on Safari!

Ready for Business!

EcoTraining Vehicle, South Africa © Flyga Twiga™ LLC

Conservation as Business will be the future of travel

It is estimated that 8 million tourism-related jobs in Africa are at risk due to the global shutdown. All Lodges, Bed & Breakfasts, and Hotels near Game Reserves provide employment and socio-economic benefits to the local community. Thereby giving value to the protection of these habitats. Conservation-as-business is going to be a key component of Tourism going forward. Moving beyond mere job creation, responsible Operators and Eco-Tourism will form the bedrock of local communities.

An example of low impact high-value sustainable tourism saved a species is that of the Mountain Gorillas. Here initially the Lodges were less concerned about being sustainable. However, their very presence meant that the Gorillas had economic value to the local community beyond that of bushmeat and muti. A greater goal was achieved, that of preserving an Ecosystem and saving a highly endangered Species that many agree without tourism would only exist in a zoo today.

Alpha Male Nyakagezi Group Mgahinga Gorilla National Park ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC

Conservation in the time of Covid-19

An effect of Covid-19 has been to bring these revenue streams to halt as Tourists can no longer travel. One of the greatest fears of Conservationists during the Covid-19 pandemic is that due to a lack of income for local communities, the animals and land will be viewed as a resource for the taking. Wildlife will be more valuable to them as bushmeat, or in trafficked parts.

The land better turned over to slash and burn agriculture. Human-wildlife conflict is already on the increase with a marked increase in reports of poaching incidents throughout Africa. We need to continue to show the local people the benefits of these regions.

Supporting Local Communities!

Maasai Village Amboseli National Park, Kenya © Flyga Twiga™ LLC

How you can support Conservation efforts

The best way to support conservation will be to travel once you can after Covid-19. Yet the reality is that we do not know how long we will have to wait to do so. The opportunity now is to use this time to dream and plan. Please click here if you would like to schedule a free, two-hour planning session. We will answer questions and help you plan your dream Safari. Our in-country Partners continually contact us & your interest would be a huge moral booster to the local communities. And, in turn, you will be helping and becoming a part of Sustainable Tourism and Wildlife Conservation.

Happy Day! Safe Safari!

We will be back!

Wildebeest Amboseli National Park, Kenya © Flyga Twiga™ LLC

#WildlifeWednesday Get Out and Walk - Discovering Safari From a Different Perspective!

Michael English
Cape Town, South Africa

The Bushwalk Experience

Ranger Dave stops ahead of us on the animal path that we are following. We huddle up behind him as he crouches down over a huge pile of dung. 'Can anyone guess what animal this is from?' he asks. 'Um, Elephant?' ventures one of the group members. 'Correct,' he replies, as he reaches out and plunges his finger deep into the pile. Ugh! Gross, what is he doing? ‘I can feel it’s still warm inside which means that it's from last night. Just a few hours ago, a large bull elephant walked down this path,' he announced to the group. 'Now, if you come over here you can see the tracks.'

Dave picks up a stick and traces the outline of the soft impression in the powder-soft sand of the track. 'Can any of you guess which way the elephant was going?' he asks the group. 'That way,' Theresa guessed, pointing down the track we were following. 'Actually, he was headed back the way we came away from the river,’ replied Dave. He proceeded to explain how the shape of the track allowed him to deduce the direction the animal went in.

Later, we stopped in front of a shrub that Dave explained was a bush toothbrush. We watched a Dung Beetle energetically rolling a ball of Elephant dung which it was going to lay its egg in. Dave brought bird calls to our attention and we peered among the vegetation to try and spot the birds that he pointed out – the man had the eyes of a Hawk!

Evening Walking Safari EcoTraining Kruger National Park ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC

benefits of taking a guided Safari walk

As the above anecdote illustrates, getting out of the Safari vehicle and heading out into the African bush is an immersive experience. All your senses get involved.

Listen to the sounds of the Cape Turtle Dove’s alarm calls.

Feel the long strands of the Elephant Grass run through your fingers.

Taste the Dew on a Marula Fruit.

Watch the smallest of critters in the bush. Termites collect grass and take it back to their impressive mud fortresses. Small Frogs leaping along the Bush.

Smell the fresh Elephant Dung.

Getting off the vehicle and walking allows you to reconnect with nature. It allows you to understand the complex symbiotic relationships between each plant, animal, and yourself. Most people come away from Bush Walks with a deeper appreciation of the African bush.

Nelsons Frog EcoTraining Makuleke Camp ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC

Types of bush walks

The guides pace the excursion according to the ability within the group. You may feel nervous about heading into the Bush. But, these walks are always done by experienced professionals who know the Safety Protocols. Listening to your Guides and Trackers talk about how you could survive out in the Bush, or telling tales of Animal Encounters, is always a rewarding experience.

Different Reserves and Camps will conduct walks in different ways according to the local regulations. You may head out first thing in the morning, or later in the Evening for a “Sundowner in the Bush”, but generally, they will take place in the cooler part of the day.

1)      Kids Bush Walks

At many lodges there are “Mini Ranger Programs”. Here children are taken out on walks in areas where there is no dangerous Big Game Wildlife. The children can discover the secrets of the Bush. This experience often kindles their curiosity through making plaster of Paris moulds of animal tracks or looking at skulls of animals.

One such experience is the Tswalu Junior Ranger Programme. Located in the Kaluhari, “every child is welcomed with a backpack full of guides and tools.”

Children learn how much alike Animal Parents are to their own, protective and teaching the ways to Adulthood. Wherever the Kids Bush Walk, they always get a thrill learning about dung!

2) Nature Walks

Many lodges offer nature walks for adults too. These are not strenuous and allow you to encounter different species of antelope. The focus is more on Tracking, Birding, and the Flora and Fauna, which may be missed while in Game Drive Vehicles. These are a great way to learn about unique Plants and the Ecology of the region you are in.

3) Big 5 Bush Walks

Some private reserves in both southern and east Africa allow you to do a Walking Safari in areas where the Big Five (large more dangerous wildlife such as Lion, Buffalo, Elephant, Rhino and Leopard) occur. These walks are generally conducted with two Guides – one who will lead from the front and one at the back to ensure everyone’s safety. They will be armed with rifles should they need to protect the group, but they always use their knowledge to read animal behaviour and keep everyone safe

EcoTraining Tracking Pridelands South Africa ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC

The Safari Behind the Safari - EcoTraining

If you are looking for a more in-depth walking Safari Vacation, then you should sign up for one of the short courses offered by EcoTraining in the Makuleke concession in the Kruger National Park. Walking between 5 – 10km a day, courses focus on Wilderness Survival Skills, Animal Tracking, and Guiding. Weather permitting, you can even experience sleeping in the Bush - out under the stars. This is a truly immersive bush experience which will leave you with a new appreciation for the natural wonders of Africa.

Please feel free to contact us if you would like to create your unique EcoTraining Experience.

Walking Safari EcoTraining Makuleke Camp ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC

#WildlifeWednesday Done it all? Not just yet! EcoTraining here we come!!!

Not just camping – sleep OUT IN THE OPEN BUSH!

I often brag “I don’t do camping”. Glamping is a far stretch for me. Well, EcoTraining is going to put an end to that, in a big way!

The South African based EcoTraining Team – The Pioneer & Leader in Safari Guide & Wildlife Training – made a challenge I simply could not refuse. Give them one week and we will sleep out in the Open Bush. Under the stars. In the wild.

Of course, my heart raced as I jumped at the opportunity. Immediately I got to work getting my Team Together.

The Challenge

Get a team of 6 together, fly into Kruger, and take a week of EcoQuest, EcoTraining’s one week Course. Our team represents 3 decades. Two outdoorsy, young men in their early 20’s. A husband and wife team in their early 30’s – the wife of whom is the Journalist, Writer, & Social Media Influencer behind Communikait. And, the early 50’s represent with me & my husband, both passionate about Africa & Wildlife.

Team cohesion was essential in the design. And, it was extremely important to me that we represent various age groups. EcoTraining is for everyone with a desire to truly be in the African Wild.

What does it really take to be a Safari Guide?

The extraordinarily talented team at EcoTraining designed a custom, week long course for us.

• 6 – 9 February 2020: EcoTraining Makuleke Camp – Tracking course.
This Course culminates in SLEEPING OUT IN THE BUSH.

• 9 – 11 February 2020: EcoTraining Pridelands Camp – we will do a customized itinerary from the 9th – 11th of February 2020 in Pridelands camp.

Activities will be done at Pridelands camp and accommodation will be provided at Leopard’s Lair.

• 9 – 13 February 2020: EcoTraining Selati Camp – We then have a FGASA Level 1 Course starting on the 11th February which we will join on until our departure on the 13th February.

In addition to gaining in personal knowledge and spiritual enrichment, we will also have an opportunity to meet some of the future Stars of Safari Guiding. These are the future Safari Guides, working in and supporting Wildlife Conservation and Sustainable Tourism. Our team is immensely honored to be asked to participate in the amazing program.

Personal Note: While this is a Familiarzation (Fam) Trip, I do not receive any compensations or commissions for attendees of any EcoTraining Courses. Rather, I consider this part of my Philanthropic Side to my business. Through places such as EcoTraining, they help fulfill my company’s mission of International Development & Wildlife Conservation through Sustainable Tourism.

EcoTraining embodies my motto: Happy Day! Safe Safari!

Please join me & our team as we post updates as this adventure unfolds.

Gelukkige Dag! Veilige Safari!

#WildlifeWednesday Thank you and A Very Happy New Year to Our Clients and Partners. May 2020 Bring You Continued Success And Many Exciting Safaris!

Three cheers for 2020! Below is from the beautiful Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda.
How cute is that baby Ellie?!!?!?
#Safari

#WildlifeWednesday EXCITING UPDATE! Venue Change Due to Popular Demand!

Thanks to popular demand Blood Lions will now be Screened on Friday, November 1st at Yongsan District Office Audiovisoual Room 문화강의실 2 (Cultural Room 2) Basement 2. The Venue can accommodate twice as many people.

In addition, Braai Republic, the leading South African Restaurant in Seoul, will be showcasing its newest Restaurant, Pie Republic. Braai is generously offering light snacks during the Showing.

Looking forward to seeing everyone there!

#WildlifeWednesday Can Tourism Save the Precious, Highly Endangered Mountain Gorillas? The Integral Key Part!

The Poaching Continues

On Monday, August 26 at 9:26 PM, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) posted to its Facebook Page:

Our Veterinary team and Gorilla doctors rescued and treated this young Gorilla named Tulambule, a member of the Nyakagyezi Gorilla Group in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. He was found caught in a snare wire laid by poachers. We wish Tulambule a quick recovery. Poaching does not only hurt wildlife, it also steals from us all. The Wildlife Act 2018 provides punishments for poachers up to life imprisonment.

UWA Guard & Tracker Mgahinga Gorilla National Park ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

In 2017 the Uganda Tourism Board invited me to take part in the Pearl of Africa Travel Expo, which included a Gorilla Trek Familiarization (Fam) Trip. Accepting the invitation immediately, I started that day to research, prepare, and get my Gorilla Trekking Kit together. An adventure with one of the most Endangered Species on Earth!

Current estimates suggest there are just under 1,000 Mountain Gorillas left in the world. Of those, the only two safe countries in which to see the Gorillas are Uganda and Rwanda. And, as I have covered extensively on this blog, Uganda has vast wildlife & exceptionally welcoming people, offering spectacular Safaris, in addition to Gorilla Trekking.

Michael & the Mgahinga Alpha©Flyga Twiga™ LLC

Intimate Relationship with Tulambule

My first Gorilla Trek was one of the most – unexpectedly – life altering experiences I have ever had. We woke up at 5:00 am, venturing out into the cloudy, dark Ugandan Mountains. After an Introductory Session, our group of 7 headed off. In Uganda, only 8 Gorilla Trekking Permits are allowed per Gorilla Group each day. Conservationists believe this is perfect balance, not allowing for total habituation. And, as the Gorillas are not “GPSed” it can often take as long as 6 hours to find Groups,especially in places such as Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

We were guided by our armed Uganda Wildlife Authorities into the thick, overgrowth of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Once the Ugandan Trackers found the Nyakagyezi Gorilla Group, we spent just over an hour with our family, the highest allotted time. Tulambule and his brother entertained us with their mock fighting, beating their chests at each other. Developing their skills to one day become Alpha Males.

Our interactions were so intimate that Tulambule’s younger brother played with one of our group member’s legs. The Nyakagyezi Group was so familiar, as the above picture shows, the Alpha Male Silverback decided to inspect what to him appeared to be our (human) Group’s Alpha Male. While my heart was deep inside my throat (and I may have been shaking a bit!), my dear friend and Travel Colleague, Michael English, displayed one of the calmest, and most appropriate under the circumstances, reactions to being inspected by an Alpha Male Silverback Mountain Gorilla.

After Gorilla Trekking, I returned home to cold, snowy South Korea,  from the cloudy, cool Mountains of Mgahinga. The importance of my work seared into my Soul by Tulambule  and his Nyakagyezi Family.

Gorilla Tracking Certificate ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC

The Solution

After years of working in Africa, on the heels of my being with the Wildlife Conservation Society in South Sudan, and utilizing my unique Skill Set, I founded Flyga Twiga™ LLC. International Development, helping the people of East and Southern Africa, and Wildlife Conservation, saving highly Endangered Species, can be achieved through Sustainable Tourism.  

I take Tulambule’s pain from attempted Poaching personally. Gorilla Trekking in Uganda offers some of the closest encounters with a nearly Extinct Primate Species. The Nyakagyezi Gorilla Group of Mgahinga, , Tulambule’s family, will survive due to an integral, key part – tourism. Tourists insure the Ugandan Government and the Uganda Wildlife Authority’s commitment to Mountain Gorilla survival. You, as a Tourist to Africa, have the power to save a Species.

Nyakagyezi Alpha Male Gorilla Uganda 2017 ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC

#WildlifeWednesday Congrats to Saudi Arabia as Royal Commission Announces Birth of Two Arabian Leopard Cubs - a Critically Endangered Species

Saudi Arabia’s two young and curious Arabian leopard cubs prepare for their next life lesson from their mother Hamms, as the Royal Commission for AlUla proudly introduces them to the world.

#WildlifeWednesday Flyga Twiga™ Signs Born to Live Wild™ Pledge - Becomes 1st To Screen Blood Lions® in South Korea!

Happy #WildlifeWednesday!
Beyond excited about today’s announcements!!!
An Official Press Release may be downloaded here.

Flyga Twiga™ Signs Born to Live Wild™ Pledge

Following a successful meeting with Blood Lions® in Cape Town, South Africa, Flyga Twiga™ officially signed the Born to Live Wild™ Pledge. This pledge signifies that, as a Creator of Ethically Based and Sustainable Tourism in Africa, Flyga Twiga™ commits to and agrees that:

a) we wish to continue promoting and encouraging responsible tourism worldwide, as well as to endorse Africa as an authentic, wild and rewarding tourism destination; and

b) as lions and other predators are wild species, we wish to continue our support and promotion of the formal conservation community in their endeavours to secure the survival of Africa’s predators in the wild.

More information on the Born to Live Wild™ Pledge can be found here.

Becomes 1st To Screen Blood Lions® in South Korea

In addition Flyga Twiga™ also signed Blood Lions® Screening Agreement, becoming the first to offer screenings of Blood Lions® in South Korea. The award winning documentary, Blood Lions®,

…follows acclaimed environmental journalist and safari operator Ian Michler, and American hunter, Rick Swazey, on their journey to uncover the realities of the multi-million dollar predator breeding and canned lion hunting industries in South Africa.

The film shows in intimate detail how lucrative it is to breed lions, and how the authorities and most professional hunting and tourism bodies have become complicit in allowing the industries to flourish.

To find out more about Blood Lions® please visit their website.

Flyga Twiga™ is proud to continue being a part of setting industry standards in Ethical, Sustainable Tourism and Wildlife Conservation through the sharing of Blood Lions®. Screening times and places will be announced and please feel free to contact us for more information.  

Happy Day! Safe Safari!

2 Brothers Madikwe SA 2008 ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC
The first two lions in the wild who stole my heart! Madikwe, South Africa, 2008.