#TravelTuesday - 6 Unique Discoveries On Garden Route Tour in South Africa

In the week following World Travel Market Africa (WTMA) 2018, with the assistance of my South African Destination Management Company (DMC), I planned to do a tour along the famed Garden Route. While I couldn’t do the entire route, I did get a feel for this beautiful part of South Africa. Here are 5 unique discoveries I made during this super fun Road Trip through the Garden Route of South Africa!

1- Surprising History & Great Location

Protea Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Mowbray©Flyga Twiga LLC

The first day of my post WTMA travels started with my checking out of my beloved Westin Cape Town. I only ventured across town to stay at the Protea Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Mowbray. The Marriott International had purchased the Cape Town based Protea Hotels in 2013. I was really interested to see how after 5 years how the integration into the Marriott fold had worked.

The Mowbray sits on one of the oldest Land Grants in South Africa. The main building is a converted Cape Dutch Manor House. For those who love history, this is a perfect place to stay in the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town.

The River Club is nearby for those who love to golf. I attended a meeting at The River Club prior to WTMA and had a chance to speak with Jonathan, The River Club’s Sales Executive, tour the facilities, and see the course. The River Club, built in 1939 and now under new ownership, has undergone a deep renovation. Need a bit of inspiration for your game? If you hit a hole-in-one you win an Audi A1.

In addition, The River Club gets my award for one of the best named pubs in the world, “The Slug & Lettuce.”

The Old Werf © Flyga Twiga LLC

2- The Best Afrikaans Sunday Brunch – Ever!

Route 62 Stop ©Flyga Twiga LLC

As we took off on a bright Sunday morning from Cape Town, we had a long 5 hour car drive ahead. I looked forward to traveling with my business colleague and family friend, Michael. Michael has all the qualities of the perfect traveling companion. He remains calm under pressure, and loves good food and luxury travel. So, leave it to Michael to find one of the best meals I’ve had in South Africa!

Located on South African Route 62, The Rambling Rose Restaurant in Montagu offers an exceptional Afrikaans Sunday Brunch. Having been traveling to and working in South Africa for 10 years now, the bar is set pretty high for delicious food. And, bar none this was the most delicious traditional Afrikaans food I have ever eaten. Their homemade Peri-Peri Sauce was so good, I ate half a large sized bottle. Nyom-Nyom!

Rample Rose Montagu ©Flyga Twiga LLC

3- When in the Western Cape, You Can Always Find a Local Wine!

Mooiplaas Estate Wine ©Flyga Twiga LLC

The first overnight of our roadtrip was in the “Ostrich Capital of the World” Oudtshoorn. Here we stayed at Mooiplaas Guesthouse and Spa. In addition to getting the Estate Wine, another “Insider Tip” is to ask for “Guesthouse II.” If it is available this beautiful property is secluded across the road from the original Guesthouse. And, the staff is awesome. If you want to have wine with dinner, they will come and pick you and drop you off. And, be sure to take advantage of the Stargazing after dinner.

View From My Room at Mooiplaas Guesthouse II ©Flyga Twiga LLC

4- A Restaurant Who Can Even Cater To Jains

Lunch at Café Gannet Restaurant ©Flyga Twiga LLC

Located in the stunning town of Mossel Bay, Café Gannet Restaurant has a bright, relaxed-sophisticated interior and bar area overlooking the Indian Ocean. I met Managing Partner Janine at WTMA and was highly impressed with Café Gannet Restaurant’s ability to meet some of the most obscure dietary requirement, with one of those being the restrictive diet of Jains. The Restaurant has several stylish private rooms, perfect for a casual Business Dinner or privacy for a family traveling together.

We had a relaxing, delightful lunch and would make Café Gannet Restaurant a must-stop in Mossel Bay.

Mossel Bay Lighthouse ©Flyga Twiga LLC

5- Small, Private Game Lodges Can Offer Niche Safaris

Garden Route Game Lodge  ©Flyga Twiga LLC

Would it come as any surprise that I believe each Safari experience has its merits? Located approximately 3 ½ hours (depending on road construction) from Cape Town is the Garden Route Game Lodge. The Lodge is going through a bit of an expansion. The owners of Garden Route Game Lodge are redoing the entire pool area, building a new spa, and adding more Villas. They are also acquiring more adjacent properties to increase their size.

We are placed in the Luxury Villas and the Owners’ eye for detail is clear. I found the amenities on par with 5 Star Luxury Safari Lodges. And, for those who are looking for a close Safari experience near Cape Town, Garden Route Game Lodge has exceptional Safari Guides. The other advantage with the location is that it is Malaria free. Thus, if you wanted to do a Beach / Golf / Wine South African Vacation, but still wanted to get in a Safari, this might a good place for you.

Rhino GRGL ©Flyga Twiga LLC

6 – Business Hotels Can Offer Great Services for the Weary Traveler

Vines in Stellenbosch ©Flyga Twiga LLC

Nearing the end of my over two week Business Trip to South Africa, I chose to stay at the Protea Hotel by Marriott Stellenbosch. This is in what is called “Techno Park.” This hotel is a Conference and Meeting Center. It is so large they offer to take you to your room in a golf cart.

There is an additional Protea property in Stellenbosch, which has a spa. But, I knew I wanted to get laundry don, completely repack my two huge bags, and prepare for the 22 + hours flight home, which included an 8 hour layover in Doha, Qatar. Thus, I wanted a hotel which catered to the Business Traveler.

Disclaimer: I do get upgraded by Marriott Properties, due to my Silver Elite Status. But, I pay for all my rooms. None of the above hotels were comped. This way, I believe I can give an honest, full assessment. I do not “owe” the owners of the properties a good review.

Protea by Marriott Stellenbosch Technopark ©Flyga Twiga LLC

The last two days in Stellenbosch were spent Wine Tasting & Touring. I will cover those in detail in another blog post. I had a wonderful experience on the Garden Route. This was the first proper “Road Trip” I had taken in quite a while. And, it made me want to go back and visit all the other great Lodges, Restaurants, and Properties along the famed Garden Route of South Africa.

Taking a Break on Route 62 Road Trip©Flyga Twiga LLC

Thank you MOAA for the Awesome Interview. The Honor is Deeply Appreciated!

"Navy Reserve Spouse Helps Clients Plan the Safaris of Their Dreams," Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), 14 May 2018. Click here for online interview.

Flyga Twiga Logo ©Flyga Twiga LLC

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kicho Products © Flyga Twiga LLC

Lodge Cast Iron Wok Review - Amazing Product that Would Even Be Perfect for the Bush Camp!

Having grown up learning to cook on a woodstove with Cast Iron, I have a deep history with and love for cast iron. Now living in Asia, I have embraced Asian Cooking, taking various cooking classes, and experimenting with my own variations of “fusion cooking.”

Thus, the moment I clicked the “Specialty” section of the Lodge Cast Iron website and saw the 14 Inch Cast Iron Wok – my heart skipped a beat. My dream cookware item was being manufactured in Tennessee. But, I needed to get it to South Korea.

Thankfully Lodge has some of the nicest customer service people on Earth.  I wrote a frantic email asking could they mail to an Army Post Office (APO) address?  Not all companies in the US do. Furthermore, this was one HEAVY piece of cookware.

I received a nice email back from Danielle F. who said “yes, we do ship to APOs, but that is a special order and you need to call to place the order.”

So, factoring in the time difference, I stayed up late one night and called the Lodge Cast Iron Company in Tennessee and guess who answered? Danielle F., of course!

There are several details which set this item apart from others. First, it is 100% Cast Iron. USA made Cast Iron is the ONLY Cast Iron that is guaranteed pure iron.

Second, the Cast Iron Wok, is a beautiful symbol of all that is good about America. Asian Cookware made in Pittsburg, Tennessee. They deliver what they promise – for a fair and honest price.  And, they truly support the US Troops – thank you Lodge!

Lodge Cast Iron Products © Flyga Twiga LLC

Now…on to the big event, the first time using the Lodge Cast Iron 14 Inch and the Mini Woks!!!

Both Woks are exceptional cookware. The Mini Wok worked surprisingly well in making just the perfect amount of rice for me and my husband.

The 14 Inch Wok performed to a tee. All the food was evenly cooked and the Cast Iron retained its heat inbetween servings. 

One of the reasons I mention that this would be perfect in a Bush Camp is the depth and amount of food you can cook at once. So, for example, if there was a group of Koreans or Taiwanese who asked for a Stir Fry, this would be an excellent addition to any Bush Camp for that purpose.

Lodge Wok & Mini Wok © Flyga Twiga LLC

I'm really impressed with these Lodge Cast Iron products. I already had purchased the 12 Inch Skillet. I added two of the 6 Inch Pans to my order. And, the Mini Wok was a surprising hit in my kitchen.

I'd love to get a chance to try cooking over an open fire with the Woks. Until then, I will just keep practicing in my tiny Asian kitchen on "Stir Fry Friday." 

Dinner is Served! 

Dinner is Served! © Flyga Twiga LLC

Please note: I was not compensated for this review/blog post. I purchased the Lodge Cast Iron Products!

#TravelTuesday The Westin Cape Town's Excellent Response Its Worst Drought Ever

The Westin Cape Town has come-up with a great initiative to conserve water. For every night you decline room services, you get to choose from:

• R45.00 credit at F&B or
• 500 SPG Starpoints® or
• Donating 500 SPG Starpoints® to UNICEF

Well done Westin Cape Town!

#TravelTuesday Sneak Peak - Post WTMA18 Tours in South Africa!

Ostrich Capital of the World – Garden Route – “and, of course wine, there was always wine.”

***In addition to several privately owned Game Lodges & Guests Houses, I will be checking out several Protea Properties. As many of you may know, about five years ago, Marriott agreed to purchase the Cape Town-based Protea Hospitality Holdings. It is now time to see how the merger went!

Protea Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Mowbray

Mooiplaas Guest House Oudtshoorn

Garden Route Game Lodge Garden Route

Protea Hotel by Marriott Stellenbosch

Winery Stellenbosch South Africa December 2018 © Flyga Twiga LLC

Travel Tuesday The Sheraton Grand Taipei Hotel

There is a lot to be said about The Sheraton Grand Taipei Hotel. Great food, friendly club floor attendants, amazing florist, etc. But, the Devil really is in the details. The brochure of Historical Buildings in Taipei was well produced and was exceptionally helpful during our stay in Taiwan. 

I really wish more hotels produced items like this. A great benefit to our Taiwan travels. 

Sheraton Grand Taipei Brochure & Map © Flyga Twiga LLC

Travel Industry and Taxes

Living in Seoul, South Korea, I love spending time walking along the Han River and listening to podcasts. One of the podcasts I enjoy is Alexa Meisler's "Break into Travel Writing" podcast.

One day, about three years ago, I was listening to Episode 82 with Amy Northard, linked here. OH MY GOSH! This show saved my company!

Well, at the very least, the episode, “Bookkeeping for Travel Bloggers with Amy Northard” saved me from a heap of heartache with the United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

My husband and I have, for well over a decade, had a brilliant accountant in Virginia who does our taxes. I had really great coaches and business advisers at the Alexandria Small Business Development Center.  I even had an attorney, whose specialty is the travel industry, draw-up my legal agreements.

But…I didn’t realize, until listening to this episode, that I had to report to the IRS any and ALL “freebies” I was given for my business. In particular to my company, the travel and tours to Kenya, Uganda, and South Africa as a Fully Hosted International Buyer and the Travel Show Booths I ran on behalf of the Kenyan Embassy in Seoul. All expenses and costs paid for by Tourism Boards or Exhibition Companies are INCOME! That’s right, taxable income.

So, while I love my business and wouldn’t trade the lifestyle it offers for the world, my Familiarization (Fam) Trips are work and they are taxable. But, we won’t tell the Gorillas in Uganda. They think I was there simply for pleasure and to visit their remote jungle. They don’t need to know about the IRS. ;-)

Disclaimer: I am not a financial or legal professional and the above blog is from personal experience and you should seek out a Certified Public Accountant or Legal Professional for your own business.

Where I might be permanently living had I not listened to this podcast….

Tented Banda Swahili Language School Arusha, Tanzania © Flyga Twiga LLC

#TravelTuesday Flyga Twiga™ Honored to Again be Asked to Attend World Travel Market Africa

Flyga Twiga™ is honored to once again be asked to attend the World Travel Market Africa. Taking place in Cape Town, South Africa, WTMA is one of 6 shows offered by WTM of Reed Exhibitions. WTMA sees “…nearly 5000 travel industry professionals attend Africa’s leading and only business to business (B2B) exhibition for inbound and outbound Africa travel and tourism markets.”

WTMA 17 © Flyga Twiga

In addition to over 36 private one-on-one meetings Flyga Twiga™ is scheduled for the Speed Networking Session, exclusive lunch and aftershow tours hosted by Cape Town locals, and evening networking and entertainment events.

This year I’ll be staying at my favorite Westin Hotel - Cape Town! The staff at The Westin Cape Town is second to none. The food in the Club Lounge is delicious. Their laundry services are exceptional. And, the Westin is just an overpass walkway to the Cape Town International Convention Center.

Westin CPT © Flyga Twiga LLC

Can’t wait and I will be blogging and posting on my social media some special tours that are in the works. So excited for WTMA 18 and to be back in South Africa!

#TravelTuesday Sleeping in Chiang Kai-shek's Bed & the Taiwan Travel Act

Chiang Kai-shek led the Republic of China (Taiwan), in various roles, from 1928 until 1975.  During his long and successful leadership of free China he repeatedly reached out to the United States of America. One of his generous gestures was gifting an entire bedroom set to the Army Navy Club (ANC) in Washington, DC.

As members of the Club, my husband and I were offered a night’s stay in the ANC’s accommodations. My wonderfully foresightful, history-buff husband suggested we spend the night in the “Chiang Kai-shek Room.” Upon check-in we were informed that they were glad to see someone stay in the room. The reason, they stated, for the room going “without guests” is a lot of the older members refused to stay in the bed.

Hmmm…Chinese ghosts from the Chinese Revolution and Liberation was my first guess. The clerk behind the desk burst out laughing. “No, the bed is Chinese and therefore is completely enclosed save for only one, small opening. The older couples have to crawl over their spouse to get out of bed to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night.”

And, that is how I got to sleep in Chiang Kai-shek’s bed.

The Taiwan Travel Act, passed by the US Congress on 28 February 2018 and signed into law by President Trump on 16 March 2018, states:

(1)  allow U.S. officials at all levels to travel to Taiwan to meet their Taiwanese counterparts;

(2) permit high-level Taiwanese officials to enter the United States under respectful conditions and to meet with U.S. officials, including officials from the Departments of State and Defense; and

(3) encourage the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office and any other instrumentality established by Taiwan to conduct business in the United States.

The Taiwan Travel Act is good news for US – Taiwan relations. I am sure Chiang Kai-shek would be pleased. And, it is of particular good news to me, having reposed in the great Chiang Kai-shek’s bed.

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Changing of the Guard © Flyga Twiga LLC

Able Seaman Just Nuisance, the only dog ever to be officially enlisted in the Royal Navy. This picture is from the Simon's Town Museum, South Africa.

But which dogs are prohibited in the UAE? Click here to find out!

New FAQs - Traveling To The Middle East For The First Time? 10 Frequently Asked Questions For The Female Traveler.

Click here to read my new Frequently Asked Questions for first time female travelers to the Middle East. 

Spring Cleaning! Made even better as a local business asked for my Middle East & Africa Travel Magazines.

Spring Cleaning 2018! © Flyga Twiga LLC

Happy Seollal - Korean Lunar New Year 2018 - Year of the Dog!

What is charye? 
Seollal, Korean Lunar New Year, often involves the ritual of charye, paying memorial to your ancestors.

How do I wish someone good fortune?
Say, “Saehae bok mani badeuseyo”  새해 복 많이 받으세요 which translates to “Please receive a lot of luck in the New Year!”

Happy Saint Valentine's Day! Hope you Enjoy this Romantic Sunset from beautiful Uganda!

Sunset Uganda © Flyga Twiga LLC

#TravelTuesday What will I eat on Safari? That is one of the questions I am asked a lot on my #SafariAMA

Bush Camps usually have buffets or set menus. And, the costs are included in your Safari Package. In Kenya and Uganda Bush Camps, many times, you will find Indian Food on the Buffets. If you stay at luxury hotels or Glamping Safari Camps, you most likely be served almost any kind of food & drink you want, including exceptional African Wines.

As with any travel, if you have allergies or special dietary needs, you must inform the Safari Service Provider and check to be sure they can meet your needs.

And, in East African cities, such as Kampala and Nairobi, you will find fine dining restaurants. In Kampala, Mythos Greek Taverna & Lounge is one of my absolute favorites. 

And, if you are into “Celebrity Chefs” I can personally recommend Kiran Jethwa's Seven Seafood and Grill in Nairobi, Kenya. Kirwan’s first show on National Geographic People was “Tales from the Bush Larder”. Now he appears in his new show “The Fearless Chef”.

The above picture is our unique lunch in Kibale Forest National Park. Our lunch was served in a Banana Leaf,  and provided the perfect "to go" meal for the Trek. Provided by our host the Uganda Tourism Board, we were treated to a wonderful day of Chimpanzee Trekking. Kibale Forest is such a special place! 

Mweya Safari Lodge Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda©Flyga Twiga™ LLC

I was invited to join the social media platform AMAfeed & I'm really loving it!

I held my first "event" - an Ask Me Anything about Safaris and Travel to Africa. It is so much fun.

Part of my takeaway from this platform is using search engines to answer questions is great - but you have to know what to search for. AMAfeed, in my experience with my first event, helps direct further research. Especially for Safaris and Travel to Africa, there are rarely "yes" or "no" set answers. Furthermore, how on Earth do you know the links you are following are real or have any expert, honest advice? 

With AMAfeed #SafariAMA it is MY reputation on the line. AMAfeed allows a really good balance of letting me promote my business and work, while offering information people want/need. 

The reason for the picture above? I received a lot of questions about Gorilla Trekking and how close you can get to the Gorillas. This was taken last year Mgahinga Gorilla National Park on my Gorilla Trek. Truly an amazing experience which I am so glad to share with the AMAfeed Community.

Happy Day! Safe Safari!

#TravelTuesday Preparing for Safari? Attending Pyeongchang Winter Olympics? Which Travel Insurance is the best?

Boma, Jonglei State, South Sudan © Flyga Twiga LLC

The kind folks at Reviews.com reached out to me. They have recently completed a review of travel insurance. Click here to read their reviews.

I believe this is a good place to start when trying to determine what travel insurance will meet your needs. Travel insurance comes in different types, for various forms of travel. I always suggest travel insurance, as you will see from my Safari Guide here.

Of course, a disclaimer, I do not receive any compensation from Reviews.com.

Happy Day! Safe Safari!