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Mossel Bay South Africa ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC
Michael English
Cape Town, South Africa
The worldwide shutdown of travel due to the global pandemic has had an unprecedented impact on tourism and hospitality businesses. Travel restrictions, quarantines, and ever-changing rules laid down by governments around the world has led to the greatest collapse of the global economy since the Great Depression. According to the World Tourism Council, prior to the Pandemic, tourism employed 1 in 10 jobs (over 330 million people globally) and generated 10% of the global GDP. This all came to a sudden halt with devastating impacts on the jobs, colleagues, friends, and families that make a living from tourism.
Flyga Twiga partners with many people to bring clients the perfect trip to Africa, relying on their experience on the ground to add value to the trip. These partners are on the frontline of this situation. One trait tourism professionals, particularly those operating in Africa, have in common is adaptability, resourcefulness, and resilience. Strategies to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on individuals have been creative and awe-inspiring.
Ypie Kingma hails originally from the Netherlands but has lived in the Garden Route of South Africa for over 20 years in the beautiful town of Knysna. The Garden Route is a scenic region on the southern coast of South Africa known for its coasts, mountains, ancient forests, estuaries, semi-deserts and a myriad of adventure activities.
Ypie's company is Destination Garden Route represents multiple small entities such as guesthouses and travel businesses from the region to international partners and agents. They cannot afford to market themselves individually and make an impact on the global stage. She considers her role as that of connecting the right people, so that smaller businesses can access clients internationally. Ypie also works as a ground handler, running the logistics of trips in the region. This is where her extensive knowledge and personal relationships with accommodation and activity providers in the area plays a vital role.
Ypie says "creating individually tailor-made tours with the preferences and budget of the client in mind is what I enjoy, with a personal preference for unique, owner-run and managed properties, and small scale experiences where visitors get to see 'real-life' so to speak. For example, visiting a local artist in his home, meeting the wine-, beer- or olive oil maker, or having a meal with locals."
As a qualified tour guide, Ypie also takes clients out on customised tours. "I thoroughly enjoy meeting people from all over the world and 'comparing notes' on life here in South Africa as compared to our guests' respective countries. It is always interesting to learn about different cultures and customs, yet at the same time to realize how similar we all are. In that respect, I can't wait to get together with future guests and learn how we all went through this current crisis."
What ways have you found to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on your business?
"I was about to launch the Garden Route Collection, doing exactly that - travel trade representation - when Covid-19 hit us all. And although that was initially put on the back burner, it is coming back slowly now that visitors worldwide are thinking about travelling to South Africa again.''
As lockdown started there was a demand for fabric face masks, so Ypie teamed up with one of the local seamstresses who has previously made quite a few of her 'African inspired' jackets and dresses to make masks to sell. She had to move her business so she could work from home and started making face masks which were then sold through Destination Garden Route's network. "Amy and other operators supported the initiative, and we even sent some to Europe! Part of proceeds went to our local Rotary, who supported our municipality in distributing food parcels to those in need. Win-win for everybody!"
Since then Ypie has opened GROwn Online, or 'Garden Route's Own online' shop, selling locally made home & kitchen, luxury gifts, arts, fashion & jewellery, health & beauty and kids' collections. The idea is to be the connection between local artisans and artists and invite visitors to meet them in their workplace or workshop once travel resumes. Of course, in the meantime selling their products as well, so we can all 'survive' until then. The 'shop' is being stocked as we speak, with new products being added weekly! Once the shop starts making money, Ypie wants to support one or two charity organizations or ideally set up her foundation, supporting budding artists or entrepreneurs in setting up their business.
Ypie has also been honoured by our local tourism marketing office Visit Knysna to conduct a virtual tour of the Greater Knysna area. It is part of a bigger campaign showcasing the diversity of the region, and she 'virtually' took one of our celebrity radio hosts Africa Melane on a virtual tour, combining Google street view with running commentary and pictures taken on previous tours. "I can't wait to take some 'real' guests on tour showing them these places in 'real-life' again!"
To learn more about Ypie’s work, please visit:
Garden Route Collection (www.gardenroutecollection.co.za to be launched soon)
Bernard Munyanziza is a fourth-generation Rwandan born in Uganda and is the founder of Nziza Hospitality and Product Manager at Footprints Travel Uganda. His passion for the tourism and hospitality industry started in the early '90s when he visited his uncle at Mweya Penisula. His Uncle was serving as a leading Zoologist with Uganda National Parks. His father was running a successful cross border business at the time between Uganda and Rwanda when they were impacted by the genocide.
Bernard says "My family was overwhelmed with bank loans and I dropped out of school. In 1998, doorways opened for me when I was recruited by Patrick and Debbie Lewis at Jacana Safari lodge. The property was owned and managed by Inns of Uganda, the first eco-luxury safari company in Uganda.
In the early 90's it was quite challenging serving the tourism and hospitality industry. We had the entire northern circuit that includes Murchison Falls and Kidepo cut off by the Lords Resistance Army (LRA) and the western circuit was cut off by Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) operating between Semliki, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. But Inspired by a handful of people that crossed my career path, we served the industry with a lot of bestial strength.
I hold an IATA Consultant Diploma with a major in International Travel and Tourism. I have had the privilege to work for one of the leading brand house and consultancy firm that majored in tourism and hospitality startups. This helped me improve my knowledge for branded marketing, administration, and management. From all perspectives, my experience in founding and successfully managing start-ups, I am convinced I'll lead Nziza Hospitality in the right direction over the coming years. I'm an extraordinarily strong advocate of both ethical conservation and humanitarian programs that include: The Gorilla Research Clinic managed by Conservation Through Public Health, Chances for Children, Paper Craft Africa.”
When the global shutdown happened Bernard and his team specialised in creating itineraries that focus on the relationship between man and wildlife. "man has been the only primate that has created an extremely negative impact on the planet. At Nziza Hospitality, we would love to create an industrial revolution. We showcase our style of safaris in a way that man and nature must co-exist. I lead a team of naturalists whose mission is to offer specials to showcase the uniqueness of a place beyond what is displayed on the internet. We book lodges that reflect the style of the places our clients visit and also create employment for the locals. All in all, wildlife, philanthropy & environmental preservation of Africa is the central principle of our ethos."
What ways have you found to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on your business?
Bernard says “The tourism and conservation industries are seriously underfunded. While we all must take the pandemic seriously, the repercussions of not travelling are disastrous to wildlife and communities that rely heavily on tourism.
We are seeing new developments by East Africa partner states easing the lockdown. Tanzania and Zanzibar are welcoming wageni [guests] on wildlife and beach holidays. Kenya and Rwanda have both set new tourism covid19 protocols and announced that their airports will open from the 1st August 2020. I'm hoping Uganda will follow soon but unsure this will happen as Uganda is home to the largest concentration of primates. We share 98.4% of our DNA and I'm afraid this would affect the primates and communities living on the boundaries of the parks.
But we are not just seated waiting for directives from higher authorities. We are taking a two- way holistic approach towards our business. We understand most clients are no longer receiving pay cheques. However, for those who still get paid and can afford to buy a safari, we encourage our partner agents to engage their clients to book trips using early bird rates. While the current impact across East Africa is very low, we have encouraged our clients to stay calm and observe how the situation unfolds. And the feedback has been very positive.
I can see the future of the 1.2+ billion US dollar Africa Safari industry recover but it requires a lot of time. It is encouraging to read that scientists are doing everything possible to have the vaccine under trial and believe the virus will be contained worldwide but for most western countries that are source markets for the travel industry in Africa a lot of restrictions will be applied for cross border travels.
Although Africa was hit by the last covid19 bullet, a lot has to be done in terms of improving our health systems and tourism infrastructure. Governments in partnership with the private sector have to set up stimulus packages. Small and medium-sized companies will take time to recover. Rest assured we stand in this together, moving forward let's keep monitoring the situation.”
Ri-han and Brian are the co-owners of the 4-star Rexford Manor Boutique Hotel on the top of Rexford Hill overlooking Knysna's famous lagoon. They took over the running of the Hotel 3 years ago when they were looking for a new start in their lives together. They have grown the scope of the business and have an emphasis on personal service. The hotel is sumptuous with many theatrical touches. Ri-han says " We want guests to have an experience, live like royalty, be over the top and yet feel that warm, welcome homely feel. It might look like a palace but you still feel like you can walk around barefoot." They have racked up a slew of good reviews online and been voted one of the best honeymoon suites in the World.
What ways have you found to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on your business?
Ri-han says that their saving grace has been that they decided to change their business model two years ago to focus on Medical Tourism. They used their contacts with some of the most eminent plastic surgeons in the World and refocused the business as a place where clients can recuperate from surgery. Ri-han says "We have the best plastic surgeon in the world on our doorstep, Dr Marshall Murdoch. As well as one of the best Laser Eye Correction surgeons in South-Africa here, Dr Dylan Joseph."
They have been fortunate that medical services are not affected at level 4 lockdown so they have had some local business with South African clients taking advantage of the shutdown to have some procedures done. They spend a week or two recuperating at Rexford Manor as they are close to the specialists. Since they are used to having patients recuperating from surgery, Rexford Manor had already implemented stringent cleaning and hygiene policies, so the new procedures for Covid-19 are not very different.
Brian is an IT Specialist in addition to running Rexford Manor and due to lockdown, his skills have been in high demand so they are earning an income through that. Brian and Ri-han also moved into one of the rooms of the hotel, so that they could rent out their place to try and supplement their income. They applied for government funding, but this was a real struggle and was only for three months, taking a toll on their staff. "This means that we will have to let some of them go, not easy because these people are like family to us.”
They looked into applying for the tourism relief fund promised by the government and South African Philanthropist but it comes with many strings such as being BBEEE compliant. Rexford Manor is too small to have directors who meet these equity requirements. These bailouts also have to repaid with an additional interest rate of 7% as well as additional fees from the banks. This is a risky business move that they are not willing to commit themselves to as they are not sure when they will have full beds and be able to pay everything back. Their Business Interruption Cover was denied as their insurance company amended their policy to avoid paying out interruption cover for the international shut down due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
They are managing to get by on what Brian can earn and the few medical recovery patients that they have. "So with all of this in consideration, I see myself and Rexford Manor still one of the lucky ones," said Ri-han.
Mark de Villiers is South African born and bred but has spent many years travelling the world from the Channel Islands to Singapore and Australia. He worked in finance and skills development while completing his Master's degree in Project Development via correspondence course through the George Washington University School of Business in Washington DC. He worked in the mining sector for a few years before the lure of travel drew him in once more. He has spent the last three years with Amazing Africa where he developed new business for the company.
"I have gained unbelievable destination knowledge, an understanding of different cultures in Africa and have met so many like-minded great people. I found my love for nature and a passion for tourism," said Mark.
The pandemic has pushed many of us to re-examine our lives and what we want to achieve. The global shutdown was the final impetus for Mark to push forward with his ambitions and he has just been appointed as Co-Owner and Managing Director of Global Sales at New World Safaris with his business partner Mariano Cuervo. New World Safaris is an existing luxury tour company which offers travel to southern and eastern Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands. Mark says, "the company's in-depth local knowledge and its network of contacts built up over years in the field, make sure that guests' time in Africa is everything they hoped for and more."
One of the real advantages that Mark and his team have is the level of communication with their agents and partners around the world. The team consists of consultants who can speak many different languages, so they have a large global client base. Mark and Mariano are very hands-on with the team always asking, 'what else can we do to make you succeed.' They pride themselves on being the support that overseas agents need on the ground to make sure that their clients experience the trip of a lifetime.
What ways have you found to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on your business?
Marks main role has been communication, instilling hope in clients and travellers that we will travel again. "We as an industry will get through this if we support and stick together. We have found to use this 'down-time' to punt this message and get to that admin we have been putting off, we use this time for planning, having a Resilience Plan, Communication Plan, Strategic Plan and Recovery Plan. This has helped us to stay focused and helped build trust and relationships with new and existing clients."
The company operates across many countries in Africa and he has kept their partners appraised of the situation on the ground – what travel is allowed and the restrictions in place. Mark says "Our communication plan is running shared weekly destination training for clients with the registered guides, product training and meetings to educate, teach and support our employees, agents and clients. We are doing weekly product training with our suppliers and partners to keep up to date with new details, information, the rules and regulations of Covid for example that they have put in place in hotels, restaurants, on transport, etc, upskilling ourselves to educate our agents and travellers, maintain, involve and support the suppliers and partners.
One of Marks most successful platforms has been the use of LinkedIn to communicate with agents and make new connections. Mark says he feels that "agents and travellers will look to Tour Operators that did something during lock-down, those that were active and showing support, being front of mind with agents when this is over." He feels that this is a time for operators to re-evaluate and be flexible to the needs of clients. He feels that there will be a large shift towards FIT (Free Independent Travel) and shift towards younger travellers.
“Having a safe start-up will set the trend for travellers and word of mouth will encourage more to explore our continent as long as all the players in the industry participate and exercise the same caution and safety guidelines. This will create trust and a safety blanket for travellers. I have had positive feedback from people in and outside of my contacts (Domestic and International) and the different industries from LinkedIn enquiring about travel again into Africa, especially agents wanting to upskill their destination knowledge to discuss with their clients where to go and what to do. I trust the industry is using this time for planning and implementing strategies, getting ready for when we can travel again and they have the necessary steps in place.”
You can visit New World Safaris on LinkedIn or visit their website.
Diana Schrieber and Richard Adika are the husband and wife team behind Adventure Expeditions in Kenya. They offer ground handling of tours throughout Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and further afield. Diana was born and grew up in former East Germany behind the Berlin wall. When the wall fell, she studied business and economics and founded a business as a tax consultant. Diana used her leave to travel and says "from the moment that the charcoal scented air hit me as I got off the plane in Mombasa I was lost," her heart to Africa. And, a few years later she met Richard.
Richard was born in the Eastlands area of Nairobi and he recalls watching the Mombasa – Nairobi train halting at the station next to his school during class and wondering about the magic of travel and where it can take you into the unknown. This 'unknown' grew into a passion for travel and he has spent over two decades as a Tour Guide and Manager for many safari companies in Kenya before founding Adventure Expeditions with Diana. Richard is very well known within the industry in Kenya and his many personal connections mean that they can call on people to help them create experiences that other operators cannot.
“We run it as a family business and don´t want to compete with the big market players. Our intention is it to show the beauty of Kenya - classic, off the beaten track and unknown corners. We commit ourselves to create the most beautiful travel experiences.”
Diana is also the author of the Dumont Travel Guide for East Africa and is constantly travelling and meeting the locals, researching the travel guide throughout the region. This helps her obtain a better understanding of the logistics and creating personal connections that many of their competitors lack.
Diana says, "We are bringing a European mindset and an African understanding to the fore in our operations. We are very hands-on with operations for a constant comprehensive quality all our products. We are focused on sustainability, conservation and walking safaris if possible."
What ways have you found to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on your business?
“We tried to keep costs small, e.g. break of insurances for liability and vehicles for non-operational time and moved to a home office”. They were involved in getting the Kenya Tourism Board to cut National Park Fees to encourage tourists to return. They took the time to work on their website and make their online presence stronger. They renegotiated with all the lodges to get special rates and specials for the rest of 2020 and 2021.
Tanzania and Kenya have been among the first African countries to re-open for tourism. The Kenyan government along with the WHO and UNWTO put in place stringent hygiene protocols for all accommodations, tour operators, and activities. This meant that Kenya achieved a Safe Travel Certification.
Adventure Expeditions adheres to all the rules with guides being regularly tested for Covid-19 before starting tours and after tours. They have been trained to keep socially distant and ensure that vehicles are constantly sanitized. Adventure Expeditions will only work with properties which have passed the inspections and have a Covid-19 Clearance Certificate. They also work closely under the guidance of AMREF Health Africa.
However, the reality is that while Kenya is open for business, few international travellers are travelling. Many bookings are deferred for travel until next year. The new business for 2021 is non-existent. So, while ready and willing to assist with safaris – they have to look at alternative means to generate income. Richard is looking into agriculture, growing vegetables for local markets. Diana is working on a project to design garden furniture and pet beds along with other local entrepreneurs.
Find out more about Diana and Richard at Adventure Expeditions.
Eugene Relling was born and bred in Durban but traded his surfboard for a pair of "vellies" to move to the Lowveld city of Nelspruit, located on the doorstep of the world-famous Kruger National Park, Recently Eugene relocated with his family down to the Mother City of Cape Town. He has been in the Tourism & Hospitality Industry for the past 12 years in roles that range from Shebeen Manager, Restaurant Owner, Project & Operations Manager for a Nature Training Company, and now the Sales Manager for Tourvest IME.
Tourvest is a South African company with a global footprint, specialising in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events (MICE) industry part of Tourvest Destination Management. Working with Tourvest in the Meetings, Incentives and Conferencing sector allows Eugene's clients to take advantage of the economies of scale and financial stability offered by such a large group.
Eugene says that the team is made up of highly regarded industry leaders. One of the huge advantages of working with them is that they can accomplish so many varied services in house with their own airline experts. They have an inhouse creative studio who use digital and print mediums to enhance clients marketing. They have their own décor and bar teams, meaning that they are very competitive.
What ways have you found to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on your business?
“When South Africa went into "lockdown" and the MICE industry came to a standstill, we took all took a few moments to wipe the tears but got straight back into the battle. We focused on Innovation and reimaged the way we do MICE and decided if we can't get our clients to a Meeting, have them enjoy an Incentive, attend a Conference or socialise at an Event then we will bring MICE to them, digitally! We spent weeks on demo's so that our client didn't have to and have partnered with leading companies to bring online solutions and experiences that deliver and achieve the needs of our clients. This is done through Online Team Building, Online Cocktail Events, Hybrid Conferences, Virtual Stands for Expos and Product Launches to name a few.”
Eugene says “Covid-19 has brought with it challenges but it has also opened our eyes in terms of how we conduct "normal" day-to-day business internally moving forward. We are thinking about how does the office environment look like post Covid19 especially given the fact that all of us have been working from home and the office has been standing empty – so we are looking into our rental contracts across the board as well as looking into an office 2.0 where we rather have the likes of hot desks, better meeting spaces, awesome wifi and better coffee. The truth is Covid19 has proved that we don't all need to be in the office from 9 am – 5 pm and then we can work effectively by working remotely.
At the moment we are focusing on hybrid and online solutions (Hybrid meaning that we have a few people coming together for a conference or Awards Ceremony in line with Government Regulations and Health & Safety protocols and the rest of the delegates calling in with video conferencing platforms. Online Solution is where everything is completely online.) These are short term solutions in my opinion, which comes in more affordable than your conventional conference, product launch and similar. While these solutions are great and can achieve what they are designed for, they still lack the X-Factor of physical human Interaction which is a fundamental need for our industry as a whole.
We are focusing on "intelligent tourism" post Covid19 as we look into innovative ways of putting programs together from cost-saving plans, innovative ways of planning and executing elements within the MICE industry. We are focusing on finding unique ways of doing business with Social Distancing in mind and also focusing on keeping clients engaged with their staff, their clients and stakeholders and remain relevant in their various industries.”
Liezel Viljoen originally hails from a small town in the Groot Karoo called Laingsburg in South Africa and moved to the coastal town of Strand about 50km from Cape Town after school. She lives with her husband Jaco and their two children Ashley, aged 9 and AJ who is turning 2.
Liezel has worked in the Tourism Industry for 6 years, first with Aquila Game Reserve. And, up until the Covid Pandemic, she was with Marine Dynamics which offers day trip marine tours such as whale watching off the Cape coast. Currently from June to November is when the whales are off the coast and would be their busy time of year. She is also the secretary for her local branch of Skal International in the Cape Winelands.
What ways have you found to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on your business?
After lockdown started, it became apparent that the Tourism Industry would be severely impacted by the Covid virus. Liezel says "I had to start looking at alternative means of income and it quickly became apparent that masks would become a necessity. Mine and Jaco's preferences are to wear buffs instead of masks." The need for masks was the spark that generated their new business.
Liezel says “my parents bought me an overlocker [sewing machine] while I was still in high-school for sewing projects, thus I haven't worked on it for some time. Changing treads was a big challenge for me at first. One night, I was standing with the sizer ready to cut the treads and just kept it there in place. Jaco asked me what's happening, why am I not cutting the tread. I replied nervously that I have not done it for a long while and was so afraid that I wouldn't be able to re-tread it again. Luckily everything went smoothly and I quickly learnt how to tread the overlocker.
I started by making buffs for myself, Jaco and the worker's in his company. I wanted to make a product that is durable, comfortable, breathable as well as affordable. Other people in the same industry as Jaco saw his buffs and so the word spread. I also started making children buffs and designed a buff with ears for Ashley for when school started. I then expanded my product range and started making blankets.
Janine from Magnolian Design, a school friend of mine, contacted me (LJ Design), The Graceful Hippie, and Hello Soap with the wonderful idea to combine our four products and give away a Woman's Day prize to get exposure for everyone. All products are locally produced and handmade. Something that started as a small idea, added to about 300 likes on my Facebook page, LJ Design.
What makes my products special is that they are handmade and affordable. I visit four different fabric stores regularly to source for specific materials. I offer clients the option to personalize the items by branding them with vinyl or embroidery.
Seeing that we were at the beginning of winter, I started making blankets with the option to have a name embroidered on them. I also started selling leather handbags and leather shoes named vellies. Adele and Nina, the two lovely ladies doing my vinyl on my buffs and embroidery on my blankets have been so amazing, that I recently started advertising branding clothing for example on jackets, jerseys, caps, beanies, shirts, towels, etc. I can also do custom made buffs and buff alterations.
I feel that the tourism industry will take a while to recover and I do think that my products will keep me busy for some time to come. Buffs is such a lovely and versatile product, especially in winter. Perhaps with some creative branding and printing, I can sell buffs to tourists. When people can travel again, I will make use of my contacts and maybe leave some buffs at guesthouses for guests to purchase.
Travelling in Africa and Tourism overall will take a while to recover and go back to where we were. A lot of people have been forced to start working in other sectors and that alone might leave a gap in Tourism. We hope that Tourism recovers as soon as possible because it is such an essential part of our economy and plays a vital role in conservation.
All the beautiful things people from abroad love about Africa is still here and I'm sure they would still like and love to come and experience South-Africa. I am grateful and thankful for the support I've received from my wonderful husband, my parents, family, friends and friends in tourism.”
Visit LJ Design’s Facebook Page, give it a Like, and place your Order!
John grew up in a farming community in northern KwaZulu Natal in South Africa and moved to Cape Town to study a B Com in 2002. "In 2005 I got a job at a winery called Buitenverwachting as a barman and the trajectory of my life changed. Wine had to be a part of it. I then moved to work as a sommelier at Belthazar Restaurant, where the idea to start a specialist wine tourism business, Wine Escapes, was born."
Wine Escapes offers private, tailored and informative tours of the Cape Winelands, taking international clients around some of the finest wineries in the Cape while providing them with in-depth information about our growing areas, history and culture.
All tours are totally private and are tailored around the client's palates and tastes. The main distinction is the experience of the guides who lead the tours – all are wine specialists – with a long history in the wine industry and huge knowledge of the wines guests are tasting.
What ways have you found to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on your business?
“When the Covid-19 shutdown started, we realised that although people were stuck at home, they still wanted to have some entertainment, interaction with people and information about various topics. We saw a potential for wine to fit into this and used a lecture that I had given for years, adapted to work online. The concept was to make the courses live so that people could interact with each other and us and ask all the questions they needed to about wine. It was a great success and have had about 135 people from all around South Africa and the world doing it already!!
We started with our "Introduction to Wine" Course, and have now launched "South Africa Uncorked", a course for staff of lodges, restaurants and hotels and private, virtual tastings. We are also offering vouchers, with unlimited validities for redemption when the shutdown ends.”
Uncork a bottle and visit Wine Escapes’ Website, Facebook Page & Course Information – cheers!
Anton is the Managing Director of EcoTraining, a guide training school in South Africa. EcoTraining was established in 1993 in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve in South Africa. They aim to enhance professional guiding standards in the safari industry.
Having worked in several top safari lodges Anton realised the impact that well-trained guides have on the environment and local African communities. As well the guides create the experiences and impressions of international travellers. These combine to shape the country and this led him to EcoTraining, where he worked his way up to become Managing Director.
EcoTraining is the longest standing, most accredited, and largest organization of its type in Africa. EcoTraining has now trained over 13,000 people from 33 countries. Graduates from their courses have very high standards of training, and a culture of nature guiding that is sought after in the Environmental and Safari industry. Their training camps are unfenced and situated in magnificent wildlife areas such as the Kruger National Park in South Africa, Botswana, and the Masai Mara in Kenya.
The scope and mission of EcoTraining has evolved and they now train people from all over the world on different programs to suit their interests in Wildlife and Environmental awareness.
They train Universities from the USA and UK on their study abroad programs, Chinese EcoQuest groups, individual adventure seekers, people taking sabbaticals, gap years, birders, trackers, to name a few! Anton says "we simply want to connect people with nature, provide a real understanding and respect for the natural world and to inspire people to do what is right."
Anton says "I see EcoTraining as a movement for developing and inspiring environmental champions. We are a business but its people that will make the decisions and policies and laws around the world in future. I want to make sure we equip people with a real understanding and respect of our natural world so that we can steer the future sustainability of our planet.
We choose and develop the right team of people that have a very high level of commitment and purpose towards empowering the people we are responsible for.”
What ways have you found to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on your business?
Its been hard for the team as we have been separated for 4 months now but technology is allowing the team to stay in touch and led to constant innovation. The team decided to offer 'coupons' which people could purchase for a guaranteed course after the shutdown to try and guarantee some cashflow. Its also very important to remain connected with our community throughout this Covid era.
However, one of the main innovations has been the way that the EcoTraining Team have developed e-learning / online courses that are becoming very popular. "It is a way for people to bring nature home, and we have managed to expand our reach and delivery of our mission through media. We currently feature on WildEarth Safari live for about 6 hours a day with guides out in various reserves in South Africa such as the world-famous Sabi Sands. Streamed Live on the internet and various cable television channels the programs are interactive and members of the public can message and interact with the guide hosting the stream, meaning that they can answer questions about what people are watching in real-time. This creates an authentic experience just like being on a real safari.
The WildEarth Safari Live is also broadcast on national television in South Africa on SABC 3 for an hour a day, allowing many ordinary South Africans who may not be able to afford to go on safaris in these wildlife areas to get a glimpse of the wonderful wildlife that their country is home to.
The programs are also being promoted through the most successful tourism website in South African tourism called Latest Sightings.com and they have partnered with Painted Dog TV to produce more and varied content to inspire people to become passionate about conservation.
In a way, the global shutdown has made what the company offers much stronger as they are a stronger combination of e-learning / digital/virtual experiences and practical/sensory experiences. There is ultimately no comparison to the natural freedom and importance of being out in nature.
Anton is positive about the future, "resilience is the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties. We as humans are part of a naturally resilient world. Micro and macro organisms in nature have countless interrelationships that keep our natural world healthy and our modern world functional. Through our eyes, we only see the macro-organisms around us but there is so much more going on that sustains us beyond our modern perceptions. We are not voyeurs of nature, we are citizens of the natural world! Our bodies rely on and are made up of many microorganisms as part of a healthy system."
Humanity is being reminded now more than ever that we are not the owners of this planet. We have the choice to live as respectful inhabitants and behave as responsible guardians of the natural world. The lessons and solutions rest in nature, our scientific community is valuable but ultimately it is the understanding of our natural world that offers us the solutions we seek. As we seek solutions from nature in times of crisis, let's hope that we remember to protect nature when we continually place nature in crisis.
It is profound to witness humanity acting collectively against a common threat, perhaps for the first time in history at this scale? It is natural because we feel threatened but it gives me hope that we humans are potentially a caring being. It gives me hope that we can extend this care to the natural world as it has cared for us since the beginning of our existence. EcoTraining is committed to teaching people how resilient nature is and in turn how resilient we are as people."
You can find out more and support EcoTraining’s Mission, creating World-Class Safari Guides and passionate Guardians of Nature, on YouTube, Facebook, and their informative website. Be sure to follow them on Instagram and Twitter @ecotraining as well!!
Louise Dodgen was born in Africa in Rhodesia/Zimbabwe. She says "my passion since a child of 5 guiding my friends around on bicycles, has always been to show people the most amazing gems from bush to beach, big 5 to small 5, sunrises to sunsets. With my passion for people, travel, exploring and adventures the combination is just what fuels me and gives me life. I moved "down south" to Cape Town where fynbos, flowers, beautiful sights and enjoying the 4 seasons in one day became just as exciting."
My first tourism job at 18 was taking people on canoe trips down the rivers of South Africa, then onto becoming the first qualified canoe and rafting woman to guide on the Zambezi River based in Victoria Falls. [Editor: Emphasis added. Is that not amazingly spectacular or what?!]
I have such fun driving and laughing with my clients running wild and free and just being me. I just absolutely love and cherish my chosen career. I am a lover of making memories, capturing the moments and savouring each day as a blessing of adventures, friends and fun.
There is nothing like toasting to the sunset with good company, sun-kissed faces, great experiences throughout the day, "no more space" on the camera's no matter how many cards were brought. Cheers to you all! That's what I call Life!
Lisa Steffen grew up in Cape Town and is officially a True Capetonian. She says "I love, breathe and live for Cape Town! I have always had a love for travel and originally wanted to be an Air Hostess, but due to my height was not able to reach the overhead baggage cabins. My career began in the corporate world, but all that admin and fine red tape with strict clerical uniforms just dampened my personality.
After 14 years in Corporate I realized if I did not make a drastic change now, I never would. So I dropped the briefcase, high heels, suits and makeup and replaced it with my first pair of jeans and flat shoes. Went back to College as a student when my daughter started Grade 1 to study International Tourism and do a Tour Guiding course."
African Trax Tours/Travel was birthed in July 2008 with a passion for people and travel. As registered Tour Guides, we saw a market open for personalized tours and flexibility. Louise Dodgen was one of the first registered tour guides in South Africa, her badge number is 01**, Lisa Steffen tour guide badge number 27**. South Africa at present has over 15000 registered tour guides, so we have been in the industry a long time, previously working and freelancing for various companies. Thus, our experience of what clients want and what works is what makes us stand out.
Our company then expanded from school groups where we prepared fresh homemade meals to wedding groups, couples who wanted to get married in South Africa and bring their friends and family for tours and Safaris. Our reputation steadily grew through word of mouth and more families wanted our services, where we included fun activities for children.
Lisa says one of their greatest assets is "our love for the industry, our honesty, flexibility and that each client is VIP and not just a number. Our tours are informative with loads of fun added to maximize their vacation experience. We have also not spent any monies on marketing, all our clients have been from word of mouth referrals, repeat clients and our Facebook page African Trax Travel and our webpage."
What ways have you found to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on your business?
Since February we have had cancellations, no bookings, hence no income. Tourism shut down, and we were in lockdown for 4 months. Later to break the chains for survival we hosted an open and honest raffle, with only 150 tickets available to win a family weekend away. We were blessed that friends/clients came on board and purchased tickets.
With proceeds of the raffle, we donated 10% to a feeding scheme at our church to help with food parcels to the starving people. We know what it's like to have no money for food. We also personally blessed another family with an additional 5-10% of the proceeds. The raffle helped to cover some of the build-ups of the last 4-5 months expenses, yet not enough to cover everything/salaries.
Lisa says "I love my 'job' which really is not a job, but my passion. I cannot wait to be on the road again.... but in the meantime, I have gone from being on the road to being in the kitchen. We had to think out of the box, and after much thought, Our Bakes & Rusks began as a side-line to the tourism business. Lots of experiments and 'failed recipes 'we finally developed our flagship Gourmet Health Rusks, which have become addictive.
We have also added Rustic Buttermilk rusks and 100% Sugar-Free Rusks. With a request for Pecan Nut Pie from a client celebrating Canada day, we now offer Pecan Pie - freshly made pastry, loaded with pecans and a caramelized centre, as a weekly order. And finally, after baking my traditional Chocolate Cake, we have had 2 orders already. We hope to continue offering this service, expanding to employ staff once Tourism opens again.”
Louise says "I definitely miss being on the road, laughing and exploring but in the meantime, I am assisting with "Our bakes and rusks" making labels, deshelling pecan nuts, deliveries so vehicles don't get cobwebs and battery stays charged, washing pans, dishes, taking orders, sanitizing counters and the works so until Covid is over you'll find me in the kitchen, apron on running my legs off in a different way."
Tourism is a luxury and we believe it will take a while to get back on its feet. Once a vaccine has been discovered and tested, it will be we believe come back to normal. People are wanting to get out and about again and enjoy freedom once more.
Lisa and Louise’s inspiring ventures can be found on Facebook: African Trax Travel and the newly invented Our Bakes & Rusks
Time to mount the soapbox and tell you about the author of this article. My name is Michael English and I was born and raised in Zimbabwe on farms and ranches among cattle, ostriches and a crocodile farm. Holidays were often spent out in the African bush in Hwange National Park and Mana Pools where we could walk on foot in Big Five country and a love of the African bush was born.
However, I never intended to go into the tourism industry – that was just serendipity. I got a job copywriting for a tour operator and have spent the last decade in various tourism companies on website content and product development roles. The job has been a wonderful gift which has allowed me to see parts of our beautiful continent that I never thought that I would see – from a closer than expected face to face encounter with a Silverback Mountain Gorilla to hiking through the remaining Madagascan jungle in search of lemurs. This on the ground knowledge and contacts led me to be a Luxury Travel Consultant and share these incredible regions of Africa with people from around the world.
I worked for a very small boutique luxury travel company called Africa&You when the global shutdown happened. We were busy growing the business and the team during the last year, but as the forward cancellations came in, it was clear that they would not be able to keep the staff going forward. Sadly, I was retrenched along with most of the staff. So I have spent the last few months relying on my skills as a copywriter, editor and storyteller to get by - writing articles about travel in Africa until we can all travel again. I took a course in digital marketing and SEO to improve this area of my knowledge in building websites so that they rank and get better traffic and conversion.
Revenue from tourism supports a huge number of jobs throughout Africa as well as funds conservation for the protection of these wilderness areas. Without the income from tourism, these regions come under greater threat from poaching.
Nature is resilient. The people of Africa are resilient and resourceful. We are finding ways to make ends meet, drawing strength from each other and our communities. New opportunities are opening up and many of us are hopeful that tourism will return in a more thoughtful, sustainable manner than before. There will be many opportunities for rebirth, growth and renewal in the silver lining which the current Covid storm brings. We look forward to the day when we can welcome travellers back to our special part of the world so they can experience it for themselves.
Editor: You can find and keep up with Michael’s inspirational & thought provoking writings on his LinkedIn Page.
Mweya Safari Lodge, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC
Impala, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC
Michael English
Cape Town, South Africa
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
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
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
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
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.
We will be back!
Wildebeest Amboseli National Park, Kenya © Flyga Twiga™ LLC
Scarred Giraffe Uganda ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC Note: The Scar is most likely from fighting another Giraffe.
Michael English
Cape Town, South Africa
The name Flyga Twiga is a combination of Swedish (Flyga) = Flying and Swahili (Twiga) = Giraffe. Giraffes are one of Amy Millican's favourite animals, inspiring her to name her company after them. Giraffes are one of the iconic Megafauna of Africa that many travellers look forward to seeing on Safari.
Giraffe Tower Uganda ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC A group of Giraffe is appropriately called a Tower.
Giraffes are often overlooked from a Wildlife Conservation point of view. Therefore, it came as a shock to many when they were moved to the “Vulnerable Classification” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List in 2016.
There are currently 9 sub-species of Giraffes recognised. Many of the sub-species such as the Kordofan and Nubian Giraffes are listed as “Critically Endangered” on the IUCN Red List. Even the Masai Giraffes, that many will be familiar with from their East Africa Safari, was listed as endangered in 2019.
Why did this happen so suddenly? It has not been that sudden. Giraffe numbers have declined by 40% in the last three decades alone. It is estimated that there are only about 68,000 mature individuals of breeding age left.
Giraffes Uganda ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC
The plight facing the Giraffe is the same that faces all our Wildlife and Ecosystems. They have been somewhat overlooked as the plight of Lion, Elephant, and Rhino made the headlines.
Now, people are starting to realise the Giraffe are also vanishing. More projects and studies are being conducted to understand the best way to help conserve the tallest land mammal. Following are some of the major threats facing these beautiful creatures.
The greatest threat facing Giraffe is that of habitat loss. One of the major contributors to this is the charcoal industry. Charcoal is the main source of fuel for Local Communities throughout their range. This leads to trees being cut down which are the Giraffe’s food source.
The situation is exacerbated by variations in weather. Droughts and unpredictable Rainy Seasons are impacting the growth of the specific trees that giraffes feed on, such as the Giraffe’s favourite, the Acacia Tree.
Giraffes, along with most Wildlife, have been forced into living in “Protected Areas”, which are small pockets spread out from each other. This means that the Giraffes are confined and can only mate within a small Genetic Pool. This makes the species weaker and more vulnerable to disease.
Giraffes are poached not only for their meat to feed local communities, but also for their use in traditional African medicine. Sadly, their tails are also popular in Western Africa as a good luck charm.
Giraffe Kenya ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC
There are many ways you can help, even from home.
Talk with others about the challenges facing Giraffes. Sharing this important information will help enlighten others about the Vanishing Giraffe.
Many conservation groups, such as the Wildlife Conservation Society, have a wealth of information. Your knowledge, combined with sharing, can be a powerful force in helping save the Giraffes.
Giraffes, as with all African Wildlife, have great value to local communities through Safaris. Your Safari is part of Wildlife Conservation. In addition to seeing these “Beauty Queens of the Bushveld” in person, your Safari will help protect their future and future generations.
Giraffe Among Acacia Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC
Walking Safari EcoTraining Kruger National Park ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC
Michael English
Cape Town, South Africa
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
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
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
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
