#TravelTuesday Dreaming of Playing Golf with Zebras and Monkeys? 6 of Kenya's Best Golf Courses!

NAIROBI

Windsor Golf & Country Club

18 holes, Par 72, Length : 6571 yards

An 18 hole championship golf course laid around the sprawling 5 star luxury golf resort. Windsor Golf & Country Club is the only African member of the " Great Golf Resorts of the World". The course has a sprinkling of water hazards and bunkers to make it a challenging, yet enjoyable golf course. The lush fairways are lined by forests where you might even spot the Sykes monkey apart from the dozens of exotic African bird species.

Muthaiga Golf Club

Proudly called the Home of Golf by its elite membership, is in many ways the ultimate embodiment of Kenya’s unique marriage ancient golf tradition and a modern 18 hole championship golf course.

As this club prepares to celebrate its long-awaited centenary, Muthaiga G.C. has also been reborn as one of the most prestigious and challenging courses in the region.

The force behind this renaissance is an extensive course reconstruction by the celebrated South African course designer Peter Matkovich, which in 2004 returned Muthaiga to prominence as the finest course with the fastest greens in East Africa.

Golfing with Monkeys Windsor Golf Resort, Kenya © Flyga Twiga™ LLC

LAKE NAKURU

Nakuru Golf Club

18 holes, Par 73, Length : 6802 yards

Nakuru Golf Club 18 hole golf course was opened in 1929 by Lord Francis Scott and rests peacefully on the slopes of the volcanic Menengai Crater. It is the only uphill course in Kenya – the rolling fairways gradually lead to the mostly uphill greens. Spectacles of the blazing coral pink flamingo patches dotting the deep blue hue of Lake Nakuru, greet your eyes on the 8th and 18th tees. This championship course is visually pleasing and has some unusual challenges and therefore exciting to play.

Golfing with Zebras Great Rift Valley Lodge Kenya ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC

MT. KENYA

Mount Kenya Safari Club

9 holes/ 18 tees, Par 72

This beautiful short course is set at the foot of the snow capped Mount Kenya, and lined by tall mountain fir trees. Lush and hilly, the course is a series of interesting par 3 holes on which players may use a range of irons ranging from a 3 iron to a Pitching Wedge off the tee.

The course is located in the Mount Kenya Safari Club grounds. Activities at the club also include fishing, horseriding, swimming and tennis. An animal orphanage is also located in the club grounds.

Great Rift Valley Lodge Kenya © Flyga Twiga™ LLC

NAIVASHA

Great Rift Valley Lodge & Golf Resort

18 holes, Par 71, Length : 6580 yards

This resort course is on a hill set against a backdrop of Lake Naivasha and the extinct volcano, Mount Longonot. Irrigated Fairways are lush and springy and greens well maintained. The course, designed by Swede Thomas Fjastadt, snakes through the natural Lake Naivasha vegetation such as exotic Acacia trees, and also contains water hazards. The lodge offers bird walks, mountain biking, and horse riding.

Sigona Golf Club

Sigona Golf Club combines luxury, exceptional service and the ultimate golfing experience. Located in Kikuyu, along the Nairobi-Naivasha highway, the club is a twenty minutes drive from Nairobi. Sigona Golf Club lends itself a serene atmosphere amidst beautiful flower bushes and scenic greenery. Constructed in 1938, this very lovely private members club has an inviting, modern club house and a golf course designed to championship standards. It also boasts a swimming pool with a bar and a children’s’ play ground to meet your recreational needs.

Muthaiga Golf Club © Flyga Twiga™ LLC

Thank you Military Spouse Magazine for naming Flyga Twiga™ one of the top "21 Businesses We Love"!

What could be better than being in South Africa on EcoTraining & being named one of the top "21 Businesses We Love" by Military Spouse Magazine?

#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!

#TravelTuesday ArmaSkin Selected Me As a Brand Ambassador! Woohoo!

Deeply honored to be selected by ArmaSkin as an ArmaSkin Ambassador.

Their Program:
Each calendar year ArmaSkin refreshes its Ambassador Program. In simple terms the invited Ambassadors receive access to substantial reduced prices in return for the ability for us to share media about the Ambassadors’ exploits.

To find out more about ArmaSkin, you can click here. And, if you want to talk about my experiences and see if this is the right product for you, please feel free to contact me.

Use Code "Flyga20 " & you will receive a 20% discount.

I will be sharing more about ArmaSkin during an upcoming special adventure in South Africa. More on that soon….Until then, Happy Day! Safe Safari!

Ostrich Cape of Good Hope South Africa©Flyga Twiga™ LLC

#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

#TravelTuesday 1st Time in a Bush Plane? Kait Hanson, of Communikait, Shares Her Experiences on Kenya's Safarilink

Ever wonder what it is like to fly in a Bush Plane?
Click here to read Communikait’s Kenya Bush Plane Review.
Any questions? Feel Free to Leave them Below!

#TravelTuesday Evaluating Captive Wildlife Attractions and Activities

The Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA) has issued a guide and tool for Evaluating Captive Wildlife Attractions Activities. A copy of the indepth document can be found here.

From SATSA:

The study conveys findings and recommendations around:

·         Performing animals (all types of animals, including elephants, predators, primates, cetaceans, birds, reptiles etc. trained to perform in a public show or display)

·         Tactile interactions with infant wild animals (e.g. cub petting)

·         Tactile interactions with predators or cetaceans (any interaction with land predators or aquatic mammals)

·         Walking with predators or elephants

·         Riding of animals (including sitting on elephants, ostriches etc.

As the Study states, this is a complex issue. But, through knowledge you can practice Sustainable, Ethical Wildlife Tourism.

Happy Day! Safe Safari!

Elephant Sanctuary South Africa ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC

Thank You to Everyone Who Made the 1st South Korea Screening of Blood Lions Such a Success!

On Friday, November 1st 2019 Flyga Twiga™ in Collaboration with the Itaewon Global Village, Hosted the 1st Screening in South Korea of the Blood Lions Documentary.

Attendees from Morocco, Spain, France, Germany, USA, Philippines, South Korea, and South Africa Learned About Canned Hunting and the Role “Voluntourism” Plays in Habituation of Lion Cubs.

Braai Republic’s Newest Restaurant, Pie Republic, Helped Sponsor the Event with Delicious South African Pies, Meat, Vegetarian & Vegan!

Following the Screening Attendees Discussed the Film, Their Reactions, and Their Experiences with Wildlife Interaction/Petting “Sanctuaries”.

Being a Smart, Educated Tourist = Wildlife Conservation!

Happy Day! Safe 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!

#TravelTuesday As Saudi Arabia Opens Up for Tourists - Interior Ministry Announces New Public Decency Regulations

Exciting times for Saudi Arabia!

As Saudi Arabia opens up for Tourists, the Interior Ministry has announced new Public Decency Regulations and Penalties. These Regulations may be found here.

Most of the Regulations are common courtesy, a decent traveler would adhere to at home or abroad. Of those specific to an Islamic country, many of the Regulations will be familiar to anyone who has traveled in Middle East or Africa.

For instance, “not taking pictures or videos, without permission, people, traffic accidents, crimes, or other incidents” is a common politeness in traveling throughout the world, but legally enforced in the Middle East and most of Africa.

One offense I found interesting and had not noticed during my travels in the Gulf States, is “playing music during prayer times.” Which, of course, makes sense.

If you would like further information, Saudi Arabia has created a beautiful website for Tourists. And, with my deep love of Middle Eastern Culture & Architecture, I can’t wait to visit!

Have a great Travel Tuesday!

Saudi Arabia will be host to the Dakar Rally in January 2020. Photo courtesy of the General Sports Authority (GSA), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

#TravelTuesday 5 Distinct Safaris - When to Go and When to Book! Safari Guide

One of the questions I am most frequently asked is “when is the best time to on an African Safari?” As I always say, it depends on what you want see.

Gorillas? The Big 5? Great Migration? Cultural Experiences? Wine Tasting? Helicopter Rides? Train Travel? Surfing?

The question I dread the most is someone asking about booking a Safari last minute – especially for High Seasons and the Great Migration. Here are five distinct Safaris and when to book.

If you still have questions, I am happy to answer them & you can contact me here.

Maasai Mara, Early Migration Starting in Kenya 2014 ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC

Kenya Great Migration

Many who grew up watching National Geographic® have their hearts set on seeing the Great Migration. One of the largest and most famous mammal migrations on the planet sees the vast herds following the rains for the grasslands.

In Kenya, a country known for its magical beauty and hospitality, this migration takes place in August through October. The Great Migration can begin early and thus the herds start transiting into Kenya earlier than August. Kenya’s High Season for the Great Migration begins July 1st.

The most important aspect of planning your bespoke Kenyan Great Migration Safari is being aware that Lodges start booking over a year in advance. Last minute bookings can be extraordinarily expensive. So, planning your personal and unique Great Migration Kenyan Safari should start at least a year before you plan to travel.

Maasai Cultural Experience ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC

Kenya “Low Season” aka “Perfect Season”

If you have a vision of being alone out on the Savannah, with the total quiet of just you and the animals, then the Kenyan “Low Season” may be perfect for you.

Running April 1st through June 30th and November 1st through November 30th, this Season offers less crowds. Hotels, Lodges, Restaurants, Museums, and National Parks are less crowded. And, Lodges are often more open for shorter notice bookings.

Part of having less crowds can also offer more opportunities to engage in one-on-one Cultural Experiences. Also, the famous Tea and Coffee Plantation Tours are easier to obtain.

Add to this your overall “bang for your buck” and I personally think this is the Perfect Season for a Kenyan Safari.

Mossel Bay South Africa ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC

South Africa Summer

It is important to remember that South Africa is in the Southern Hemisphere. Thus their Winter and Summers are the opposite of those in the Northern Hemisphere Countries, such as United States and South Korea.

A “Winter’s Getaway” is an inspiration for many who travel to South Africa Summer Safari. Leaving the cold and snow of Winter and traveling to the warm South African beaches or the vibrant vineyards in full bloom, in addition to seeing “The Big Five”, tantalizes many travelers.

It is important to note that many others have the same idea. Lodges and Game Reserves book up quickly and accordingly.  Thus, planning should be made well in advance. It is not unheard of for flights and hotels to be book far ahead of the South African Summer.

Seeing the animals during the height of a South Africa Summer, combined with the beaches, wineries, and spectacular weather makes it a great time to Safari.

Wine Tasting South Africa ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC

South Africa Winter

South Africa has a temperate climate. So, South African Winter Safaris offer a different experience in seeing the animals. With the grasses on the Bushveld dry and less, spotting animals in this Season can make for spectacular photographs.

Part of this exceptional experience may be chilly mornings and evenings. Often on South African Winter Safaris, early morning Game Drives will start with blankets and hot water bottles. Evenings may be spent cozying up to a fire for an evening Braai. Romantic indeed!

There are often less crowds in the Wineries for tastings during this Season. And, the costs and lead time needed for planning can be less.

As with all Safaris, planning well in advance gives you the most options and choices. It is all about what your vision for your special Safari!

Uganda Gorilla Trekking

As Gorilla Trekking is one of the most exclusive and exciting Safari Experiences there is, it would be easy to say “it is always a good time to go Gorilla Trekking!” It seems the Uganda Wildlife Authority picked up on this. They have just changed their system to a flat fee for Gorilla Trekking Conservation Tariff, to begin July 2020. The new fees may be found here.

High Season in Uganda is considered January through February, and all the months of June, July, August, September, and October. With Low Season being the entire months of March, April, May, October, November, and December.

Planning for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda should be done as far in advance as possible. Each National Park only offers only a set amount of Gorilla Trekking Permits each day. And, while there are always tales of people who “just arrived in the country and got the permits there” it is, in my opinion, foolhardy to run the risk.

And, one of the most important considerations is one of my most favorite parks in the world, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, only has one family. So, if your “Gorillas in the Mist” dreams include a specific family, please take that into consideration for when to go and when to book your Gorilla Trekking.

Again, if you have any questions about what this blog post and your African Safari, please feel free to contact me. I love talking about Safaris and sharing my passion for Africa’s Wildlife with you!

Twiga in Uganda ©Flyga Twiga™ LLC

Excited and Honored to be Invited to Attend Global Business Forum Africa Hosted by Dubai Chamber UAE

2019 Global Business Forum Africa

Under the Patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Global Business Forum Africa (GBFAfrica) encourages international revenue flows into Africa by engaging leading decision-makers on the global investment scene. The Forum will involve prominent African stakeholders to engage in a dialogue at the highest level of implementation.

فعالياته يومي 18-19 نوفمبر المقبل، تحت شعار "أفريقيا الغد، نماء المستقبل"، مشاركة رفيعة المستوى من رؤساء دول أفريقية، و17 وزيراً أفريقياً، وعدداً من كبار المسؤولين الحكوميين ورؤساء كبرى المؤسسات الاقتصادية الأفريقية والعالمية، بجانب عدد من كبار الشخصيات الاقتصادية ورواد الأعمال من مختلف دول القارة السمراء، وذلك لبحث سبل التعاون الاقتصادي وتعزيز نمو الأعمال ومناقشة مختلف القضايا المتعلقة بالتجارة والاستثمار المشترك.

ويشهد المنتدى الذي يعد من أبرز منتديات الأعمال العالمية حضور فخامة جورج ويا رئيس جمهورية ليبيريا، وفخامة داني فوري رئيس جمهورية سيشل، بالإضافة إلى عدد من الوزراء وكبار المسؤولين الحكوميين والشخصيات الاقتصادية في أفريقيا.

We are ready to welcome heads of state, 17 ministers, high-ranking government officials and prominent business leaders from Africa to our 5th Global Business Forum on Africa, on November 18-19. Among the high-level attendees taking part in #GBFAfrica2019 are: H.E. George Weah, President of Liberia; H.E. Danny Faure, President of Seychelles; and 17 ministers from Sierra Leone, Ghana, Namibia, Kenya, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Angola, Senegal, Uganda, Malawi, Congo, Tanzania, Niger and Liberia; as well as high-level public and private sector stakeholders from several other African countries, including former heads of state, CEOs, entrepreneurs, industry experts and economists. Under the theme “Scale Up Africa”, the forum will highlight the important role of cross border cooperation in supporting and accelerating’s Africa’s next phase of sustainable economic growth and development.

#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.

#MotivationalMonday An Honor To Have a Twitter Mention by Scott Adams, Creator of Dilbert Comic. What a GREAT Start to the Week!!!

#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.

#TravelTuesday May 8th Republic of South Africa Goes to the Polls to Decide Its Future

Tomorrow, May 8th, the Republic of South Africa (RSA) goes to the Polls. While I have been involved in Politics (& Africa) long enough to know no one day of voting completely determines the future of a country, May 8th is pretty daggone significant for the RSA.

Please join with me in sending good thoughts and prayers to the Citizens of the Republic of South Africa. Just like the Rare & Vulnerable Blue Crane, RSA’s National Bird, they choose their own path going down this road.

Table Mountain©Flyga Twiga™ LLC

#TravelTuesday My Magnificent 7 - New Finds in South Africa #WTMA19

This year I was surprised to find 7 new experiences in South Africa that truly are extraordinarily unique. Ranging from new takes on old experiences to those most definitely practicing Sustainable Tourism, each of my 7 brings an exciting inspiration on journeys through South Africa.

Café Gannet Gin School©Flyga Twiga™ LLC

1) Gin School

Last year Janine, Café Gannet, and Mossel Bay stole my heart. This year they went for my Soul. How have I lived without going to Gin School?

Created by the wonderful Team Café Gannet, the Inverroche at Café Gannet Gin School "... offers visitors the opportunity to craft their own unique bottle of gin, sample gins from the leading artisanal producer in South Africa and learn more about local fynbos*."

*Fynbos is a small belt of natural shrubland or heathland vegetation located in the Western Cape and Eastern Cape provinces of South Africa.

The awesome takeaway? "...each imaginative scholar leaves with their very own craft gin creation to take home." This is the place which completely encapsulates my Grandfather’s saying, “It’s Schooling to Travel” and what a great education!

Photo Credit: Ocean Experiences

2) Ocean Safari

Swim with the Seals! You read that right. Can you imagine SWIMMING WITH SEALS? This ethically based Wildlife Experience was introduced to me by Carla at OceanX (the name even rocks!).

With OceanX, you will experience the “…beauty of the ocean and its most playful mammals …[with the] seal snorkeling experience, you will not only learn about the Cape fur seals habits, but you will also get to experience their friendly nature first hand.”

While I didn’t get to experience my own Ocean Safari this time in Cape Town, it is now on my CPT Bucketlist. I can’t wait!

Sand Safari Atlantis Dune Experience©Flyga Twiga™ LLC

3) Sand Safari

Organized by Cape Town Tourism, I spent a wonderful day experiencing a “Sand Safari.” Located approximately 32 kilometers away from Cape Town, the Atlantis Dunes offer sandboarding, quad biking, extreme (and not so extreme) 4×4 rides, self-drive dune tours (with permits), and off-roading adventures.

Having grown up with the fragile, endangered Dunes of the Outer Banks (OBX) of North Caroline, my big question is how ethical or sustainable are these Dune Experiences? Turns out, extremely ethical and sustainable. Unlike the OBX, the Atlantis Dunes are a filtration system for huge aquifers beneath the sand. Thus, erosion for the Adventure Sports Tourism is not an issue. On top of that, I experienced firsthand how the Atlantis Dune Experience supports not only local Tour Companies, but the entire community as well.

If your idea of fun travel is Adventure – the Atlantis Dunes Experience is for you. I loved it!

Design Afrika©Flyga Twiga™ LLC

4) More Baskets, Please!

While my dear husband has issued a polite warning that I am not allowed to purchase any more African Masks unless I have the specific place it will hang in our home, baskets can be used everywhere! And, thus I found myself back in Africa and deciding I simply needed more baskets for our new house in South Korea.

Enter, Design Afrika. Located in Cape Town, the sprawling store was established in 1995 by Binky Newman after she “…had just left the Okavango Delta, where she had run a wilderness camp for five years.”

Design Afrika is all that is absolutely good about “Fair Trade” and “Ethically Sourced.” Binky’s mission is to “…strive to nurture the creative and entrepreneurial initiative of rural communities by encouraging the production of high quality, on trend products.”

Anyone visiting Cape Town who has a passion for finding honestly Fair Trade and Ethically Sourced Baskets and Crafts must make Design Afrika a stop on their journey. Well done Binky!

Tranquila Spa©Flyga Twiga™ LLC

5) A Day at the Safari Spa

And then I found myself with a day off after the World Travel Market Africa 2019. What to do? I immediately thought of consulting my most adorable dear friend Liezel. I met Liezel three years ago at WTMA when I had a meeting with Aquila Private Game Reserve Safari & Spa.

If you believe in Spiritual Connections, I truly have one with Liezel. So, when I started thumbing through my Rolodex of “things to do around Cape Town,” she of course came to mind. And to my rescue.

Liezel planned the perfect day for me at Tranquila Spa – the aptly named new Spa at Aquila. Being picked up from my hotel early in the morning (6:30 am!) for the two hour drive to Aquila was well worth it. While those traveling in the transport with me were shocked to learn I wasn’t going on Safari, I knew I was in for an special treat.

Tranquila Spa has been designed to offer the ultimate in Luxury Safari Lodging Spa Experience. The Spa has “…2 large heated indoor pools, steam room, sauna, nail bar, 10 treatment rooms, a couples or group treatment room and an outdoor pool.”

Spending a day at Tranquila Spa at Aquila Private Game Reserve, with the spectacular South African views along the route to and from, is perfect way to spend a “day off” or simply a day for relaxation and rewinding. Tranquila indeed!

Moyo Restaurant Blouberg©Flyga Twiga™ LLC

6) African Urban Cuisine

An unexpected surprise treat came from the Cape Town Tourism Board, a delightful lunch at Moyo Restaurant.  Moyo Restaurants are located throughout South Africa and I had the pleasure of dining at the Blouberg Moyo.

Moyo is a “…destination for a unique African dining experience. Inspired by the traditions and values of our ancestors, moyo is a celebration of, and commitment to, the beauty of Africa, and the industry of her people.” The food reaches into the Urban Centers of Africa for inspiration.

One of the most important aspects of Moyo is their commitment to StreetSmart South Africa. Since 2005, StreetSmart South Africa been operationg “…under the founding patronage of Emeritus Archbishop Desmond Tutu. The funds raised go to selected and approved organisations that run programmes for the normalisation of street and vulnerable children’s lives. The restaurants, accommodation establishments and wine tasting centres in each town raise funds for their own community street children programmes.”

Often establishments like to promote “dining for a cause.” Moyo Restaurants practice what they preach in giving back through StreetSmart South Africa. Again, an example of supporting local communities through Tourism and Travel. The exact ideals Flyga Twiga was established on over 5 years ago.

John My Private Sommelier©Flyga Twiga™ LLC

7) Private Sommelier

Having been on numerous Wine Tours on 5 Different Continents, you’d think I would have had just about every type of Wine Tour possible. Then, along comes Wine Escapes. Arranged by my dear friend and South African Travel Partner, Michael English, I spent a lovely day in Stellenbosch with my own Private Sommelier.

Prior to my tour, John, the Creator of Wine Escapes, called to ask my Wine and Food Preferences. In addition, upon my request, he was able to get a tasting with Lola, the Owner of my absolute favorite Boutique Winery in South Africa – Mitre’s Edge. Where, of course, I got my dose of “the kids,” aka “Lola’s Dogs”!

Each Wine Escape Tour is "...conducted by a Certified Tour Guide with certificates in wine from the Cape Wine Academy" Their vision is to"...offer specialized, exclusive wine tours where guests are introduced to some of the best Estates and wines, whilst providing them with excellent service and hospitality.”

So, the next time you are in the Western Cape, I highly recommend arranging a tour with your own Private Sommelier. Wine Touring simply at its best!

Mitres Edge Estate with Dog©Flyga Twiga™ LLC