Innholdsfortegnelse for Edition 99 i Travel Africa

The first person to book an advert in Travel Africa was Stewart Cranswick, founder of Landela Safaris. At the time (early 1997), the magazine was still being conceived and we had no readers, so this was a big moment. It meant that someone outside the family — a highly regarded member of the travel trade, no less — believed in the project. His faith was echoed by another 24 companies who ran adverts in our launch issue, and a further 15 for the second. The message was: “the industry needs this magazine; we'll support you for two years before we start assessing its effectiveness.” There is no question that without the belief of those pioneering advertisers, Travel Africa would not have been able to put down its roots. We are incredibly…

“ I‘m sure it was an aardvark, dad!” whispers my daughter. I remain sceptical, staring down the spotlight beam at empty space. “Let's check,” says Kyle, slipping into reverse and backing up. We wait — me, my wife, our daughter and our guide: four tiny humans beneath a canopy of stars, silently beseeching an invisible animal to re-appear. The hiccupping of zebra carries along the horizon. A nearby fiery-necked nightjar adds its quizzical tremolo. Still we wait. Then comes a nudge from Kyle, as an odd, hunched beast shuffles into our light. Long snout, rabbit ears, kangaroo tail. “Told you!” hisses my daughter. What is your recipe for the perfect African wildlife adventure? That aardvark moment, four years ago, contained all the key ingredients for mine. First there's the location;…

Guided 4x4 self-drive expedition I had always thought that driving alone and unaccompanied was too far out of my comfort zone. Heading off on your own is a daunting prospect, so join a guided tour with an expert to teach you advanced skills and help out if needed, while taking care of logistics. Mobile safari As a solo traveller I was nervous to camp on my own, but a mobile safari is another level. Get back to basics, under canvas, and you'll soon discover that the true meaning of luxury is being deep in unspoiled Africa. Whether you choose from limited-participation to fully-catered, you'll have all the comforts you need. Take a kayak safari A mokoro ride in the Delta is all too brief and motorboats spoil the serenity. Add…

While many African countries have laws prohibiting homosexuality, recently a number of them have taken steps to introduce anti-discrimination laws. The landscape is changing. Having enshrined gay marriage and anit-discrimination laws. South Africa is very much the focal point for many LGBTQI+ travellers wishing to visit Africa. Most southern African countries are very welcoming to all visitors—gay, straight, bi or transgender — and particularly tourist-centric destinations, which are often far removed from cities. The biggest concern for many is safety, but if you partner with a company that knows the landscape (figuratively and metaphorically), it needn't be a worry. Out2Africa (out2africa.com) has brought over 80,000 LGBTQI+ travellers from around the world to Africa, and we have never had an issue regarding safety. It comes down to knowing the best places…

1 Planning and booking TRAVEL AGENTS Traditional bricks-and-mortar travel agents, like you'll find on your high street, will happily book you a place on a fixed-date, group safari operated by a general or specialist tour operator with whom they have a commission agreement. Your contract will normally be with the operator, not the agent. ONLINE TRAVEL AGENT The giant online travel agents (OTAs) that dominate the global travel industry are ill-suited to booking a safari. They offer huge exposure to lodge and safari camp owners in exchange for very high commission levels. While they can be convenient for booking city hotels, they are not built to handle the nuances of park fees, inclusions and exclusions, and transport logistics to camps in remote locations. While some local travel agents have excellent…

TIME For the do-it-yourselfer, you need to be prepared to put in the hard yards — researching, emailing, calling and connecting the dots. There will be many questions along the way. Is that combination feasible? Is there a local flight available on that day? Where is best for seeing leopard? Are park fees included? You get the idea. Another issue can be that a lodge won't hold a room while you sort out the rest of your itinerary without receiving payment first. This is where operators come into their own. They have the experience, knowledge, contacts and reservation systems. They can sort the wheat from the chaff and take care of the nitty-gritty. MONEY Booking direct saves money, right? Not necessarily. Most camps will give you the same rates they…

ATOL Air Travel Organisers Licence is a financial scheme that protects you when you book a trip that includes a flight and, in some cases, flight-only bookings (check before you pay). If you run into difficulties, ATOL ensures you can stay in your accommodation (if possible), reimburses you for any money spent to replace those ATOL-protected parts of your trip and arranges flights home if needed. AITO The association for specialist travel companies makes sure its members provide the finest personal service, have expert knowledge and that customers are financially protected when booking a trip through them. TTA The UK's Travel Trust Association is the only such group to guarantee 100 per cent financial protection for all customers, regardless of what service they have booked or how much they have…

How do operators try to stand out from the crowd? The answer, believes Jessica Sekei Ree of Tanzanian operator Sassabi Expeditions, is by focusing on the guest experience: “The most important experience we want to share is the authentic beauty of Tanzania - its people, wildlife and landscape. What differentiates us is how we do it. Tons of companies conduct tourism as a business; we conduct it as a guest experience. Most try to forge relationships with communities, but we are lucky to be directly involved in the community that we grew up in, so we can share their true narratives and way of life. We build a deep relationship by taking guests to engage directly with the community, to learn about culture in the areas that other companies don't go. Because we…

1 Which of the below is the correct description when referring to a Nature Guide? 1. A Nature Guide acts as a link between the natural and cultural surroundings and the guests, taking on an educational role. 2. A Nature Guide's primary concern is the conservation management of a specific area 2 The word ‘galaxy’ stems from the Greek word ‘galaktos’, which means? 1. Stars 2. Milk 3. Creamy 4. Bright 3 Interspecific competition is which of the below? 1. Competition between members of the same species 2. Competition between individuals of different species 4 Oxpeckers form what type of symbiotic relationship? 1. Mutualism 2. Commensalism 3. Parasitism 5 Springbok are a flagship species of which biome? 1. Desert biome 2. Succulent Karoo biome 3. Indian Ocean coastal belt 4. Karoo biome 6 is the science of naming, defining and…

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together…” This African proverb has been a mantra to Zimbabwean safari operator Beks Ndlovu throughout his professional life. Today, it…s more relevant than ever. Some 25 years ago, as a private guide in wilderness areas, he saw the “challenging imbalances” facing rural communities and wanted to make a difference. “I couldn't do it on my own” he told me. “I needed to have more guys on board, and more ambassadors rallying behind Africa.” Today, he employs over 600 people in his company African Bush Camps (ABC), with 17 lodges in Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana. Its charitable arm, African Bush Camps Foundation, currently supports over 40 projects benefiting thousands of people in community development, education, and…

1 (1) Nature Guide acts as a link between the natural and cultural surroundings and the guests, taking on an educational role. 2 (2) Milk 3 (2) Competition between individuals of different species 4 (1) Mutualism 5 (2) Succulent Karoo biome 6 (3) Taxonomy 7 (4) Night Adder 8 (3) Gravity and heat 9 (4) Vegetation 10 (1) Osteophagia 11 (3) Mosquito 12 (3) Boomslang 13 (2) Toads have teeth on the upper jaw 14 (2) 5 planets and 2,500 stars 15 (2) That you always have everything under control 16 (2) False 17 (1) Lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo 18 (3) The term was created by big game hunters and refers to the five most difficult animals in Africa to hunt on foot 19 (3) 20 hours 20 (1) Cheetahs 21 (2) Buffalos are unpredictable and have aggressive natures 22 (2) False 23 (1) Skin 24 (3) There is only one…

INSPIRATION BE INTREPID, with a trip into the wondrous lungs of Africa, the Congo Basin. The Congo Conservation Company offers walks in swampy forest, river cruises, kayaking, the chance to see forest elephants, forest buffalo, bongo and other endemic wildlife in the bais and, of course, lowland gorilla tracking. Explore the forest to discover an extraordinary world of birds, insects, plants, butterflies and other wonders. This is a wonderful, critical, conservation story and a wildlife experience like no other. www.congoconservation.travel TAKE A ROAD TRIP Embark on a self-drive trip through the wilds of Botswana with Drive Botswana, who will supply your vehicle, equipment, a carefully crafted itinerary and all the support you need. Pediaps make Tuli Safari Lodge, a verdant oasis in the remote and rugged Tuli Bloch, your ultimate…

Q For readers looking to visit a new country, especially one with a little-known infrastructure, what advice would you give? Whether you travel with the assistance of an operator or on your own, do your homework! Collect as much information as you can while keeping in mind that not everything you read on the internet is accurate. Accept that a first visit is a learning experience and travel with an experienced operator and local guide. Q Should you take heed of the country's politics? It's just plain travel-smart to research a new destination's political situation where there are risks involved. Ultimately, the decision to travel there is a personal one. Everyone has their own comfort zone with risk-taking. On the other hand, there are countries – Zimbabwe comes to mind…

1 SELF-DRIVE What's involved? Driving a rented vehicle around a country(s) with an itinerary tailored to your needs, staying at pre-arranged accommodation (lodges or campsites), for as long as you like. You're free to follow your own timeline. Expect a meet-and-greet service on arrival and 24/7 support. You'll need to pay for fuel, park fees and other sundries and be prepared to change a tyre. Best for: More independently-minded people. Suitable for all ages, from solo to couples to families or small groups. Pros: Flexibility; dates, pace and budget to suit you. Cons: Not all countries lend themselves to self-drive and, in others, road conditions are not always ideal for the ‘average’ driver (ie, you may need offroad experience); there is no guide on hand. If camping, you'll need to carry…

STEP 1: Initial conversations and emails to ascertain what a client wants to do and what would suit them. This can be several emails with ideas, links and questions — or, in some cases, one good conversation does the job. STEP 2: Provide a suggested itinerary. At this stage, we rarely pre-hold accommodation. STEP 3: Once the itinerary has been agreed and a deposit taken, all aspects of the trip need to be confirmed, including international and regional flights; accommodation; local travel arrangements; local meet, greet and transfer services; and any thirdparty activities. STEP 4: Confirmation sent to client. STEP 5: A few months prior to travel, we invoice the client for a final balance payment and then check and confirm all payments to suppliers. STEP 6: Near to travel,…

LIVINGSTONE Tongabezi Lodge Tongabezi started life in 1990 as a ‘tents with bucket showers affair’ and has since grown into one of the world's mostacclaimed properties, now part of the Green Safaris portfolio. 4 river cottages and 7 houses, each with a private valet. KAFUE NP Musekese Camp Nestled on the lip of a lagoon, this Classic Zambia owner-run camp has made a name for itself with its guiding, fine food and game viewing. Threehours-drive north, they also offer Ntemwa-Busanga, a classic thatched bush camp. 5 brand-new canvas chalets. LIVINGSTONE Waterberry Zambezi Lodge Overlooking the Zambezi, Waterberry has a reputation for its home-awayfrom-home feel and offering great value. Secluded location upstream. 7 different-in-style thatched garden cottages, 3 woodland tents and a private farmhouse. KAFUE NP Ila Safari Lodge Green Safaris'…

My role is so much more than just serving food, says Kennedy Nchiroine, head waiter at Kicheche Bush Camp in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, Greater Maasai Mara. “I oversee the operations of the dining area and the front-of-house staff; my primary role is to ensure guests are comfortable, have the best possible experience and that the standards of the camp are upheld,” says Kennedy, who has worked at Kicheche for 12 years, having started as a tent attendant. “I enjoy everything I do in my job. My favourite part is interacting with guests and watching their faces and hearing their compliments after I suggest their favourite drink.”…

Past safari experience? Is this your first time or have been before? If it's your first safari, I will know how to give you that once-in-a-lifetime experience. If you've been before — particularly if you are returning to the same place — I would like to know what you especially enjoyed, or not, previously: people, sightings, the area? What are your interests? If you have a special interest, tell me, then I can make this the primary focus. It is also important that I share the activities we offer and that you tell me what you would like to do. Particular animals to see? If there is a certain species you wish to see, I can make this a priority. I will also share the animals you might find in…

Botswana's rare mammals Take a fully-serviced mobile camping tour of some of the less-visited parks in search of rare mammals such as aardwolf (above), meerkat and aardvark. Classic South Luangwa South Luangwa is a safari-goers’ dream. Stay at a riverside lodge where you will find a landscape teeming with wildlife, from leopards and lions to wild dogs and Pel's fishing owl. Rare mammals of the Eastern Cape Join conservation photographer Neil Aldridge in the Kariega Reserve. Search its diverse landscapes for lesser-known species such as caracal, black rhino and porcupine. South Africa's rarities Explore the magnificent Tswalu Private Game Reserve for a safari with a focus on rarely-seen mammals such as aardvark, pangolin and brown hyena, and other key species, from cheetah to African wild dog. South Africa's wildlife of…

For so many, Africa is just about the wildlife — and of course there's no better place to experience this. But it's also the best continent to experience traditional cultures, many of which won't remain in their current form for a great deal longer. I think it's difficult to really understand Africa without meeting and understanding the incredibly diverse people who live here, and who continue to shape the continent. In an increasingly homogeneous cultural world, travelling here offers the opportunity to see customs and traditions that date back centuries, from the well-known jumping dances of the Maasai to the voodoo ceremonies that take place in Benin. However you choose to see African culture, it is of course important to conduct yourself sensitively: no-one is an exhibit here. Forging deep…

ON MY MARKS Tom van Herrewege Q How did you get into wildlife art? I've been fascinated by natural history and drawing animals ever since I was old enough to pick up a pencil. At art school my tutors encouraged me to pursue the subject. Over the years I've looked at different ways in which we understand animals, in particular anthrozoology – how different animals are perceived in religion, folklore, society and so on — and I'm fascinated by how organisms have evolved. Q Are there particular animals that inspire you? I've always been drawn to animals that present a threat to humans, whether it's a great white shark, a lion or a fat-tailed scorpion. I'm not saying that everything that can eat or kill you is necessarily more interesting,…

“The colour code when they call your flight is brown,” I'm told when I check in at Nairobi's Wilson Airport, one of the busiest in East Africa in terms of aircraft movement. Brown? It's another question to ask Ann Kantai, Safarilink's ground operations supervisor. As she shows me around the regional airline's inner sanctum, it's apparent how busy they are – there's 10 people in reservations alone. Kantai shows me the manifest, which details the aircraft flying that day. Typically, each flight will involve several drop-offs and pickups. And it's Kantai and her team's job to allocate passengers and plan the most efficient routes. It looks a logistical minefield – to me, anyway. As if it's not complicated enough, there's weight to consider too. “If the passengers are all men,…

There is no more important decision to make when going on safari than choosing a tour operator. That company will have its hand on every experience you have, from the initial communications to the quality of your guides, and accommodation in Africa. A good operator will ensure your safari is the trip of a lifetime. A bad one — of which, thankfully, there are few — will leave you wanting more, or worse. The problem is that when you set about planning your safari, it can be difficult to tell the difference. There are, however, a number of things you can do to increase your chances of finding the right operator for you. PLAN WELL IN ADVANCE Never leave your planning until the last minute. Safaris often involve relatively short…

THE TOUR OPERATOR: David Cartwright of ATI Holidays in Namibia, says: “We ask direct guests for a 20 per cent deposit, which covers things like internal flights and supplier deposits (which can run from 20 per cent to as much as 50 per cent). By saying this is non-refundable, it pays for our time and costs if they cancel.” THE SUPPLIER: Jessica Salmon of Flatdogs Camp, South Luangwa NP, Zambia, says: “When camps have only a few beds on offer, a deposit can be important. Small camps can't afford to hold space for people who change their minds a week before their stay, so a deposit is a guest commitment to the holiday and ensures we hold the beds for them. “When Covid happened, we returned all deposits to guests…

The welcome was heartfelt. It seemed that every man, drum, bicycle and classic car had come to Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport to celebrate Ethiopian Airlines’ inaugural flight into Bulawayo, it is hoped this new route (the airline already flies to Harare and Victoria Falls) will create fresh opportunities for tourism in southern Zimbabwe in the wake of the pandemic and years of economic turmoil. I was eager to see what was in store. BULAWAYO — ‘THE CITY OF KING’ Leading my friend and I on a walking tour of the city centre, our hugely knowledgeable guide, Paul Hubbard, didn't waste a second telling us enthusiastically why Bulawayo deserves to be visited. The former capital of the Ndebele State and royal seat of King Lobengula in the 1870s, Bulawayo grew…

Tracking white rhino on foot is one of the highlights of a stay at Ongava—a 30,000-hectare game reserve on Etosha's southern flank — and if you're lucky you'll be in the company of Michael Kamerika. While growing up on a farm in northwest Namibia, his older brother (already working at Ongava) would return home with books on wildlife and conservation, nurturing Michael's passion for becoming a guide. When an opportunity arose in 2014 to work as a maintenance assistant at Ongava, he leapt at the chance. Now, as head guide, he often leads ‘walking approaches’, treatinn guests to intimate encounters with white rhino. “To stay safe, you need to understand animal behaviour,” Michael told me, following an encounter with three bull white rhino. “Most of the time their tails were…

We first met Vianney Jacob Kabwine of Vianney's Untamed Expeditions in Tanzania when he was our guide on safari in Tanzania. During those two weeks we became friends and remained in contact. When we returned to Africa the next year, we were invited to his home, where his wife, Rita, prepared a wonderful lunch. In the years since, we have become more than friends; we choose to be family. In addition to our safaris, Vianney has visited us in Florida, including a special trip to come to my mother's 100th birthday party. Vianney's attention to detail and friendliness endears him to his guests. I give him credit for getting me in the best positions for my photography, and that is why he is now my exclusive in-country partner for the…

For most owners, the motivation to invest in a lodge comes from a passion for conservation. With this in mind, when searching for a suitable property look for those projects that enhance the value of the protected areas and the communities in which they operate. Several of our investors - or ‘custodians’ - seek impact investments, where they can make a difference by participating in wildlife education, community development, transfer of skills, research projects and specific conservation initiatives. HOW DOES IT WORK? There are several options: investing in an existing tourism venture; starting a new one; buying a share in a ‘Shareblock’ or syndicated ownership of land; or through a freehold title investment in a large landholding. Becoming an owner is relatively simple and can be done by establishing a…

CONSERVATION TRANSFORMERS The hospitality sector is worth billions of dollars annually to African economies, supporting millions of people across the continent. Over the last few decades, safari businesses have evolved into social enterprises, providing vital support to community empowerment and conservation programmes — indeed, in many cases revenue from tourism is the primary source of income for the area's inhabitants. Most safari operators now contribute in some way to environmental programmes such as anti-poaching, wildlife conservation and reforestation, and social campaigns such as education and healthcare are also high priorities Some have gone beyond building and funding schools, overseeing a diverse array of projects ranging from the creation of community farms through to schemes to tackle the status of women and protect vulnerable children. So, if you've ever wondered if your…

Everyone's eyes look brighter by firelight. Away from the rumble of our safari vehicle and the flurry of the day, when we step into the campfire's welcoming glow, we begin to glow as well. What could be more quintessentially African than a campfire conversation? As the heat of the afternoon begins to fade, the flames warm our hearts. Drinks in hand, we slip into easy repartee, recounting anecdotes from adventures past and present, or simply examining the day we've just had. Perhaps we'll be brimming with questions. What was that peculiar behaviour we witnessed? What was that scent we nicked up? Best of all, we'll be sharing some of the things that define us: our curiosity, companionship, generosity and good humour. The campfire draws us out — friends and strangers,…