African Safaris Blog

The Landmark Foundation

Cameron Duncan — Fri, 10 May 2013 14:03:18 +0000

A week or so ago, we at African Safari Consultants (ASC) were fortunate enough to chat with Dr Bool Smuts of the Landmark Foundation – a South African NGO dedicated to building South Africa’s conservation economy so that it’s natural landscapes can be more effectively conserved. The paragraphs that follow are from notes made during his presentation.

We were advised right at the beginning of Dr Smuts presentation that his efforts are not always appreciated by farmers or local politicians, as he is tackling something with far reaching implications. We assured him that we too have the environment’s best interests at heart, and proceeded to listen attentively to what he had to say.

Dr Smuts formed the Landmark Foundation in 2004 to tackle the human-wildlife conflict, representing the best interests of those that cannot speak for themselves (the animals) and is one of only a few organisations that use a holistic approach to tackle the current problems facing South African conservation, and as such are active in the fields of:

Education
Research, and
Litigation

Dr Bool Smuts (far left).

The leopard became central to the Landmark Foundation owing to its iconic status in South Africa. As the last remaining top predator naturally occurring in South African mountain ranges, the leopard’s survival is key in maintaining the natural balance of the ecosystem. With the leopard population having seen rapid decline in recent years – owing to a combination of factors including trophy hunting, the use of gin traps and other (often cruel) elimination methods by farmers, and a decrease in habitat – the work of Dr Smuts and his team is of the utmost importance.

Since beginning their intensive leopard research and rehabilitation project in 2006, Dr Smuts and his team have seen the Western Cape’s leopard population dwindle to 300. The local farming community see leopards as a threat to their livestock, and ruthlessly eliminate them by means of gin traps (which only capture the intended target 8% of the time, meaning a whopping 92% of gin trap victims are honey badgers, porcupines, jackals, birds, reptiles etc.), night hunting, and rigging dens with barbwire and/or poison.

The animals suffer a painful death in what is tantamount to torture, so the threat that these activities represent to all local wildlife is plain to see. It was incredibly disheartening to learn that these practices are so rife, and that even big name grocery stores are happy to turn a blind eye.

What makes the above all the more bitter a pill to swallow is the fact that the Landmark Foundation’s research proves that actively pursuing the elimination of the species is in fact both more costly than the alternative, and less effective (case studies showed livestock losses remained constant or, in some cases, actually rose). So what is the alternative? Dr Smuts and his team are strong advocates for the return of the almost forgotten skill of shepherding – a vocation as old as any.

What Dr Smuts is fighting to save.

By establishing shepherding academies, the Landmark Foundation aim to mimic the success of a recent Zimbabwean model whereby Allan Savory – a significant landowner and farmer – removed the fences around his land to maximize grazing area, and simultaneously re-introduced shepherds to tend to his flock. The resultant declines in livestock loss were remarkable. Mr. Savory was saving money on expensive culling techniques, had taught valuable skills to his employees, and was losing significantly less livestock. Wins all round!

In addition to his campaigning for ‘Fair Game’ products and the abolition of the cruel practices described above, Dr Smuts also focuses on educating the youth as to the importance of sustainable practices. By bringing to light ‘conflict situations’ that the public may not be aware of, he and his team seek to reintroduce programs for better land use practices. The work that he and his team are doing is invaluable, and we commend them on their efforts in the face of adversity.

Fair Game is Wildlife Friendly.

If you would like to find out more about the Landmark Foundation and how you can help conserve South Africa’s precious wildlife heritage, please visit www.landmarkfoundation.org.za. The site is filled with information on how to help, contact details, and some disturbing imagery/videos that push home the point of just how serious this is.

We at ASC salute the Landmark Foundation and look forward to working with them in future.

Tinga Tinyeleti Tree House Lodge

Cameron Duncan — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 10:28:15 +0000

The new Tinga Tinyeleti Tree House lodge offers the chance to rekindle our ancient love affair with trees, in an ultra luxurious setting overlooking the pristine wilderness of the Tinga private concession. Ever since childhood days of tree houses and tire swings, trees have always held a special place in our hearts – many an hour has been spent relaxing under the shade they provide, contemplating life while the birds sing from their branches overhead. They are the grand old guardians of the wilderness, and provide a safari experience second to none…

The Tinga Tinyeleti tree house lodge is located in Tinga – a private concession in the famed Kruger National Park. The lodge was recently completed and offers guests the chance to sleep among the tree canopies in unrivalled luxury, giving one an unprecedented safari experience. With the sights and sounds of the African bush encapsulating you on the luxurious four post bed, it’s incredibly easy to forget one’s cares and become lost in the experience.

These pictures of Tinga Tinyeleti tree house lodge do it more justice than words ever could! If you’d like to experience the treetops for yourself, then please feel free to Contact Us and we’ll gladly make it a reality.

Safari Icons: Dereck and Beverly Joubert

Cameron Duncan — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 12:24:18 +0000

In this instalment of our Safari Icons series, we take a look at the world-renowned Husband and Wife conservationist/photographic team – Dereck and Beverly Joubert. Veterans of the industry, with over 25 years experience, the Jouberts were recently honoured with their appointment as National Geographic Society’s “Explorers in Residence”. Having worked in some of Africa’s most remote corners, their work has touched millions of people the world over and established them as true pioneers in their field.

Based in Botswana, the Jouberts have developed an understanding and appreciation of the African wilderness that few others could match. Their documentary ‘Eternal Enemies’ – about the fierce competition that exists between spotted hyenas and lions – catapulted them into worldwide prominence and went on to become one of the most viewed wildlife documentaries of all time.

Beverly and Dereck Joubert.

With five Emmy awards behind their name, their talent for filmmaking is matched only by their passion for conservation. The Joubert’s were instrumental in the establishment of the Big Cat Initiative in partnership with National Geographic, which was formed as an emergency action fund to drive the world’s attention to big cats and to develop real solutions to stop their decline in population.

“We no longer have the luxury of time when it comes to big cats,” says Dereck. “They are in such a downward spiral that if we hesitate now, we will be responsible for extinctions across the globe. If there was ever a time to take action, it is now.”

A screen shot from ‘The Last Lions’ – the Joubert’s latest film.

As co-founders of Great Plains Conservation (a preferred supplier to ASC), the Jouberts and their partners have undertaken to “find the right formula between conservation, communities and commerce” and stop the degradation of land throughout Africa, while becoming pioneers in Conservation Tourism. This year they added land in Tanzania, Kenya and an exciting new project in Rwanda, bringing the total amount of impacted conservation land to about 1.5 million acres.

Africa is blessed to have people as passionate about her conservation as Dereck and Beverly Joubert. As close friends of the ASC team, we salute them on their efforts and wish them all the best going forward.

*PS, Safari Guru Jeff says the best cat sightings he’s ever seen were at Great Plains Conservation’s Duba Plains Camp!

Check out this TED Talk where Dereck and Beverly speak about the life lessons they’ve learnt from Big Cats.

Our Favourite World Heritage Sites in Africa

Cameron Duncan — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 10:20:53 +0000

Africa is a truly beautiful continent, with many a site to behold. These are some of our favorite UNESCO World Heritage Sites that we’ve been fortunate to visit over the years. Which is your favorite?

Mana Pools – Zimbabwe

Ngorongoro Crater – Tanzania

Matobo Hills – Zimbabwe

Robben Island – South Africa

The Serengeti – Tanzania

The Great Ruins – Zimbabwe

Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe / Zambia

The Cape Floral Kingdom – South Africa

Stone Town – Zanzibar

The Drakensberg – South Africa

Mount Kilimanjaro – Tanzania

The Rift Valley – Kenya

ASC Launch Scholarship Program

Cameron Duncan — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 12:37:19 +0000

African Safari Consultants (ASC) feel strongly about wildlife conservation and community development, and always support those making a difference, whenever and however we can. In 2011 we successfully partnered with the Wilderness Foundation’s ‘Forever Wild’ initiative, where we actively campaigned to raise money to combat rhino poaching (you can find the campaign post here).

We also helped local charity organisation Uthando in raising money for a new children’s jungle gym (see more here).

Last year (2012) we established our ‘ASC Scholarship Program’ whereby eligible American University or College students, who were part of an exchange program in Africa and planned to participate in environmental or community upliftment projects, could apply to receive funding towards their academic endeavours.

Mandi Tembo was the successful applicant last year, and she used the money to do some incredible things on her trip to Cape Town, South Africa. You can read more about Mandi’s trip on her follow up blog post here.

This year, as more and more American students study abroad in Africa, we are proud to announce the second ASC Scholarship Program to give them a little help in realising their worthwhile goals.

The successful applicant, who intends travelling to African for research or participation in an environmental or social welfare project, will be awarded a US$500.00 scholarship to use towards covering costs during their studies or field work.

The successful applicant will also maintain a virtual travel diary blog so our readers will be able to witness just how much good exchange students have done, and continue to do, in African communities.

All American students enrolled at a recognised American college or university, who are participating in an exchange program with an accredited African university, are eligible for entry.

The application form, as well as full terms and conditions, can be found here.

Best of luck!

Q&A With Sir David Attenborough for BBC Africa

Cameron Duncan — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 12:40:02 +0000

On Wednesday this week, the legendary British broadcaster and conservationist Sir David Attenborough hosted a brief question and answer round on BBC Africa’s Twitter and Facebook platforms in promotion of his new series entitled ‘Africa’. The series, Attenborough’s last of such magnitude, examines six distinct ecological zones on the continent: The Kalahari; The Savannah; The Congo; The Cape; The Sahara; and The Future.

Here are some staggering statistics about the epic production:

196 hours were spent filming the series from a helicopter.
553 cameras, 42 file formats, 21 types of cameras and over 1km of cabling was used.
111 888 miles were covered over 905 hours of jungle trekking, 180 hours of mountain trekking, and 100 days on horseback.
The team spent a total of 1598 hours on location with 601 nights spent in tents.
In total. filming took four years with 79 separate expeditions to 27 different countries.

Incredible!

Users were able to submit questions to the great man using the #AskAttenborough tag. Here are some of the questions submitted and Sir David’s responses:

Have you encountered any animals over your career that have now gone extinct?

In Galapagos, there was the world’s loneliest animal Lonesome George – the tortoise – who recently died. [read about Lonesome George here].

If you had an evening to spend on the Space Station, how would you spend it?

I’d just sit and watch the earth go by – its a perspective I’ve never had.

To go into a career in natural history documentary which is more useful – a science background or media?

I’d study Science first, Media later.

What was your favorite subject at school?

Biology. And my least favorite was Latin!

Have you got a favorite shark? If so what is it and why?

The whale shark… it’s the biggest fish in the sea and it doesn’t eat scuba divers!

What is the nastiest thing that has bitten you?

I was once bitten by a python. It was my fault, not his!

You seemed comfortable around all of the African animals; are there any that you don’t like or are scared of?

The spitting cobra.

How would you educate children to save wildlife? What can they do? My students ask me this ALL the time.

Being aware of what is happening in nature around the world… beyond your own home.

Have any of the African animals’ behaviors surprised you over the series?

The nest behavior of the shoebills was fascinating. The savagery of the giraffe battle was something we did not expect. And of course the socializing rhinos at night.

Is there anything you would say to your younger self looking back?

I don’t think I would have anything to say to him, I wouldn’t do anything differently.

Visit the BBC Africa series site here.

Sir David encounters a young rhino calf.

ASC Scholarship Follow Up: Mandi Tembo

Cameron Duncan — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 11:34:34 +0000

Around this time last year, ASC offered $500.00 in financial assistance to an American student studying abroad in Africa as part of our continued commitment to CSI (see here). Applicants had to be involved in either an environmental conservation or community upliftment program in order to qualify, and submitted their CVs along with their letters of motivation for consideration by our professional panel.

After beating out many other highly qualified candidates, Mandi Tembo was selected as the first recipient of our ASC scholarship. This is her account of her time spent in Africa…

100 Goals for Africa

This summer I spent an amazing three months studying t the University of Cape Town and volunteering in the township of Khayelitsha, Cape Town in South Africa. As part of my volunteering experience I aided in launching a soccer-education program known as 100 Goals for Peace, a program that aimed to empower young South African girls through sports-based public health education.

Studying in Cape Town was such a pleasure and a joy. I learnt so much concerning gender and racial dynamics and how almost all aspects of South Africans’ lives were and continue to be influenced by the history of Apartheid. I read and wrote countless papers on politics and public health development in developing countries and enjoyed every minute. The education and knowledge I gained during this trip will stay with me forever. While I gained much from going to the University of Cape Town, my greatest life lessons came from volunteering in the township of Khayelitsha as part of 100 Goals for Peace.

100 Goals for Peace

A few other Franklin and Marshall students and I worked with local partners in Khayelitsha to develop a public health education program that trained 20 young women as local community leaders. The program engaged over 100 young female participants and equipped them with knowledge about HIV/AIDS, pregnancy and other critical health issues in an attempt to reduce health incongruence’s in South Africa.

Today, fourteen years after apartheid, South Africa’s national HIV prevalence for Africans was 13.6% while the white South Africans had an HIV prevalence of 0.3%. In particular, prevalence of HIV for women is much higher than men. Young girls between the ages of 15-19 have a 6.7% chance of contracting HIV, while their male counterparts have a 2.5% chance. Similarly, women between the ages of 21- 24 have a of 21.1% chance, while their male counterparts have a 5.1% chance (UNGASS Country Progress Report, 2010).

The goal of the 100 Goals for Africa program was and continues to be about using the South African cultural love of soccer to provide public health education for one of the most vulnerable populations in the country: adolescent South African girls. By working with local young women to create the education material and facilitate public health education, this project sought to empower these leaders in the community. In addition to empowering local young women, this project aimed to provide public health education, with an emphasis on HIV/AIDS, to all of the 100 female participants.

Overall, the program educated over 100 girls (and over 150 boys). We used soccer as a vehicle to educate and empower young South Africans on issues related to their health. This 50 hours girls program took place during South Africa’s school holiday break. Prior to our arrival we worked directly with the Medical Knowledge Institute (a non-profit health organization within the township of Khayelitsha) and helped prepare the health materials. By working with MKI we were able to specify and target the direct needs of the youth of Khayelitsha. By partnering with this public health organization we were able to develop an educational program tailored to and designed for the women and young girls of Khayelitsha. Furthermore, by training the local community leaders through MKI we managed to implement sustainable support to meet the every-day educational needs of the community.

Classroom session.

Our hope is that this will result in a larger overall impact for the field and the township as a whole. It is through their gained knowledge, and education that the participants will spread awareness and education regarding health issues throughout the year.

I could expound on what we did as per our everyday schedule but I think that sharing one of my journal/blog entries might express and describe the impact and power of the 100 Goals for Africa project more effectively:

July 11, 2012

“Winning is not everything” I never thought I would admit to that but it really isn’t.

I spent the past week learning a hard lesson self-control and discipline. Something the AMANDLA and CTC 10 Memorial Field staffs have been teaching the multitude of girls and boys enrolled in soccer programs at the field over the years.

I spent 7 years in high school and national field hockey building a cutthroat aggression on the field and passionate want for the win at any cost and it only took 2 weeks and 10 amazing boys to change all that. Last week, Barcelona (my team) started with a BANG – winning all their games and getting full marks for fair play. To fully grasp the message I am trying relay in this posting, I will go into detail as to what “fair play” is all about. Fair play is an 8point grading system implemented at the field to encourage good sportsmanship and team spirit. Each point is allocated to the following: cheering for other team when scored against, shaking hands with opponents and officials, no aggression, no talking back to referees, performing a team song and cheer and making sure all members of the team play in the match.

For Barcelona, things soon deteriorated when frustration and anxiety peaked as we tried our best to stay on top (and we did but it wasn’t easy). Although we managed to win overall, it was evident that fair play was our weakness. Our daily staff meeting revealed that fair play was something the coaches and facilitators struggled with as well. That Tuesday, I left the field very emotional and somber. I realized that a lot people misinterpreted my love for my team as pride, my passion as anger, my energy as brutal aggression. And I probably gave them good reason to. I recognized that weakness in my kids as well, especially Tera who never finished a game without shouting at the referee or getting into a fist fight. In getting to know him I realized that he wasn’t a reckless, angry little boy, he was passionate. And when that passion is tapered with self-control and discipline, Barcelona, Tera and I were unstoppable!

The end point of this long story is this – aggression isn’t a bad thing, it just needs to controlled (enough to “kill” at the game without killing your opponent…haha) and passion is a great thing, it just needs to be displayed in encouraging your teammates, never giving up on the game and being the BEST (the BEST winner or the BEST loser).

I want to thank the F&M students and AMANDLA staff for everything that doing to the field, especially during the ONE GOAL Program. Everything that we are doing at the field is making a difference and changing lives. And my team is living proof of that because by Friday, Barcelona was scoring 8/8 on fair play. There was an evident attitude adjustment and it reflected in a triumphant loss to KPR in the soccer tournament final. “Triumphant loss” what?! But that’s what it was – we won at being the best losers and it felt awesome.

1, 2, 3… BARCELONA!!!

To the African Safari Consultants, THANK YOU so much for providing the funds that allowed me to part of this amazing experience. Your contributions changed my life and most certainly impacted the lives of countless boys, girls, men and women in the Khayelitsha community.

“If you educate a man you educate an individual, if you educate a women you educate a community” -African Proverb

Mandi with a (tired) young Khayelitsha resident.

African Safari Consultants Team Profile: Liesl Mathews

Cameron Duncan — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 06:28:05 +0000

In the second part of our exclusive Q&A series with the team behind African Safari Consultants, we speak to Cape Town based partner Liesl Mathews about eggs benedict, where to go with your kids, the perfect holiday snap and much (more) more…

For part one of our series, where we speak to Jeff Ward, click here.

1. If a client was adamant that he/she wanted to stay at (what you considered) the wrong places at the wrong times, how would you handle that situation?

Although I always try my best to steer clients in the right direction, you are often dealing with clients who are also getting advice from their friends who have travelled before and their word seems a lot more powerful than anything I can say, if in the end, after my best persuasive attempts, the client chooses not to take my advice I just graciously accept it and book the trip for them the way they want it. We are slaves to our clients after all!

2. What five adjectives would you use to describe yourself? And your business?

Myself: Caring, loyal, effervecant, attention to detail geek, superbly dedicated (my partners say this is my German heritage showing through!)

My Company: professional, exceed expectations, brilliant team, offices in New York & Cape Town

3. As a born and bred Capetonian, you’re amongst the luckiest people in South Africa (or the world). What are your favourite spots in Cape Town?

A few years ago, (pre – kids!) I walked up Table Mountain, we spent the late afternoon on the top, toasting the sunset over Camps Bay while watching the full moon rising over the city. Walking down by the light of the moon and fireflies just made it perfect

Now as an old mother hen I love going to Kirstenbosch concerts in the summer time and Boulders Beach where the kids love swimming with the penguins !

4. You’re always jovial and high spirited in the office and are known as the having the biggest personality – do you think that your cheerful demeanour has helped make you one of the best in the business?

I am who I am and I can’t be any different when I communicate with my clients, I am passionate about what I do and personality and passion always shines through no matter what.

Liesl is always smiling!

5. If you weren’t doing what you’re doing now, what would you be doing?

I always wanted to be an actress but even during the Christmas recitals I couldn’t remember all my words so alas, the world is now my stage and my poor colleagues get to front row seats to my drama queen performances.

6. Would you rather….

See an elephant giving birth or witness a leopard kill from start to finish?
Giving birth hands down, a kill is a lot more violent than you expect, although you always wish to see a kill… once you there in the middle of it all it’s a very emotional and gory experience (I am a girl after all)

Go out for a game drive at the crack of dawn or hit the sunset drive?
I have a rule, never miss a game drive because when you do that’s when they others get to see the pangolin you have been waiting for 12 years to see!!

Eat mopane worms or a local delicacy of tripe?
Fried up mopane worms could rival KFC you know

Be soaring over the Masai Mara in a hot air balloon or paddling through the Okavango Delta on a mokoro?
That would be like choosing between my children!

Be a meerkat or a monkey?
Meerkat, way more personality!

7. With Botswana enjoying an ever-increasing amount of attention from tourists, what do you think makes it so special?

I just love the remoteness of Botswana, because you fly into most of the camps and your ranger collects you from a dusty airstrip you feel like you are the only human in this wild paradise, gliding down the Okavango Delta in a mokoro (although not unique to Botswana) is still one of my all- time favourite experiences.

8. When having a braai (or a BBQ for our American friends), what are the absolute essentials that no self-respecting braai could go without?

A perfectionist husband who builds the perfect fire, never burns the meat and always makes sure his wife has a drink in her hand (I got one of those!!)

Cheers!

9. Are you proudly South African? If so, why?

Of course!! For a few years while I was travelling around Europe and the USA and I didn’t mention to too many people that I came from South Africa but then Nelson Mandela weaved his special magic and we could all hold our heads higher and walk taller. I am proudly South African because I live in an incredible country complete with some of the world’s most beautiful scenery, some of the greatest people and the best sparkling wine a girl could ask for!

10. What do you do all day?

I sit behind my desk in front of my computer dreaming up the most fabulous vacations for people to go on…. and then wish I was going too.

11. Why do you do what you do?

I am so passionate about Africa and sharing it with the world, there is nothing better than hearing back from a client that their lives have been changed forever, that Africa has got under their skin and they cannot wait to come back again.

12. How long have you been putting African travel itineraries together?

For more than 12 years now

13. How do you stand out from the crowd? (and no, I’m not referring to your bright red hair!)

Well if you need to spot me at the Cape Grace when I meeting my clients then knowing that I have bright red hair most certainly helps!! I am real, I don’t try to be anyone that I am not. Also, 12 years of experience gives me a lot to talk about (and I love to talk!) as I guide clients through their planning of their once-in-a-lifetime Africa trip.

With over 12 years experience, Lisel will ensure your African safari is a special one.

14. Where and when was your first safari?

My first safari was with my mother, we did a drive through the Sabi Sands and we styled it from day one, staying at Ulusaba Rock Lodge. Could life get any better? I remember having a bath and watching the animals wonder past below. (Rock Lodge is exactly that, a lodge built on a mountain rock).

15. With so many under the belt, what has been your most memorable safari?

This is a tough one because I just love being on safari, but the one that stands out from the rest would have to be my trip to Zambia. We went to the South Luangwa and enjoyed a safari with Remote African Safaris where walked from camp to camp. Then, when we reached “Main” Lodge we went on a mountain bike ride to the local village. Later we went on a microlight flight over the river…

16. What are two of your all time favourite city accommodation places?

I just love Kensington Place on the foot of Table Mountain, their service, rooms and staff are just perfect. Their eggs benedict is worth going back for!!

I am also a big Cape Grace fan. Their success has been how they make a large, full service hotel feel like a warm, friendly personable boutique hotel.

17. Tell us about two of your all time fave safari lodges?

Although it doesn’t have any of the mod-cons, Tafika in the South Luangwa valley is my all-time favourite safari lodge. And then I’d say Singita Faru Faru in the Grumeti (Serengeti) – the most complete opposite to Tafika…..

18. And if I asked you to pick a place to take your kids for some sun, sand and nature…

I took my kids on their first safari last year, we went to the Manyeleti (Honeyguide Khoka Moya) and the Sabi Sands (Kirkmans Camp and Ulusaba). Watching my children experience their first game drive was a truly incredible and unique experience, although my son (who was 6 at the time) was way more eager than my daughter (who was 4 at the time) – she loved being at the lodge being entertained by the lodge staff and care givers.

For beach and sun I still think going to Plettenberg Bay is the best option, there are great activities and experiences to take them to (like Monkeyland, Elephant Sanctuary, Land of Birds, Ocean safaris, walks through the forest, zip line tree top tours through the forest) and of course the fabulous beaches – its got it all!

One of Liesl’s favourite pics – elephants in Amboseli, Kenya.

19. Where’s next on your bucket list?

I have ear-marked Namibia for my bucket list this year, and I may just need to return to my beloved Botswana too. There are too many choices…..luckily I have a lifetime to get everywhere.

20. I know you like wildlife photography – have you got a favourite photograph to show us? Where was it taken?

I still think my favourite is the photograph of the herd of elephants we saw when travelling through the Amboseli, it was a huge herd and the most impressive was this old matriarch at the back of the herd with the longest tusks I had ever seen.

I love this photo of the monkey we saw at Lake Manyara, I took a picture of only his hand on a branch, its so human….I love it (it reminded me of my time in Uganda at the Ngamba Island Camp Chimp Orphanage)

If you’re on Pinterest and would like to see more of Liesl’s pictures, check out our board ‘ Liesl’s Favourite Safari Photos‘.

Liesl’s favourite photo.

ASC at The New York Times Travel Show [free passes up for grabs]

Cameron Duncan — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 12:14:23 +0000

This weekend, the 18th-20th of January, African Safari Consultants will be based at the Botswana Tourism stand for the duration of The New York Times Travel Show. Represented by our Safari Guru Jeff, we’ll be happy to answer any questions you might have about a future trip to Africa, to offer travel expert travel advice, or just to engage in some worldly banter. We’ll also be showcasing some amazing Botswana specials to visit the country widely regarded as the standout destination for the year.

We have some free tickets to give away to fans of ASC too, so if you’d like to attend the show then simply click here to go through to the NY Times Travel Show ticket reservation site and use the promotional code ‘Africa1‘ in order to qualify for a ticket on us. In fact, so keen are we to say hi and get to know our fans, if you come up and say hi and leave your details with Jeff, we’ll thrown in a free* helicopter or microlight flight over Victoria Falls! That’s a flight over one of the world’s most beautiful natural sights completely ‘on the house’ – just our way of saying thank you for the support.

With over 500 destinations showcased, and five different cultural stages featuring music and cuisine from all around the world, there won’t be any shortage of fascinating things to see, hear, taste and smell.

We hope to see you there!

*Free microlight or helicopter flight valid when booking a Victoria Falls extension on a Botswana travel deal.

African Safari Consultants Team Profile: Jeff Ward

Cameron Duncan — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 11:51:46 +0000

With this, the first in a new series of posts, we’ll be chatting to the faces behind African Safari Consultants and asking them about their favorite destinations, how they got into the industry and much (much) more.

First up we speak to Mr Jeff Ward, managing partner of the New York office.

1) Where are you from?

I grew up in a town just outside of Houston, Texas, called Seabrook. The main industry in the town was of course NASA, so it was a town full of astronauts. It was a really exciting time to be there and I believe it somehow inspired me to travel.

2) When did you get in to the safari industry?

Around 2006. However I’ve been in love with safaris since the late 1990’s.

3) How did you get in to the industry?

I’ve always loved travel, and specifically the airline industry (must’ve been all the astronauts!). When I was 10 years old, I started booking all the family vacations and it just sort of grew from there. After obtaining my MBA from Northwestern University I joined American Airlines (AA) in a management training program (marketing division) at their Headquarters when I was about 28 years old, and enjoyed many happy years there.

I left AA in 2001 to embark on a completely different career path entirely. For five years I ran my own Executive Coaching company called Northward Leadership & Development. Though the experience was hugely beneficial, I realized in 2006 that my heart was in travel. A good friend always says of the time that “the executive coach coached himself out of coaching”.

I launched my first travel company, Savvy Navigator Tours, in 2006 when my now partner, Liesl, told me that I needed to bring her high-end South African food and wine safaris to the US marketplace.

4) Where have you traveled in Africa?

So far I’ve visited Morocco, Tanzania, South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique and Zambia.

A meerkat surveys the scene from atop Jeff’s head.

5) Where is your favourite African destination?

Botswana, hands down. I love the geographical diversity that the country offers. From the arid desert environment of the Kalahari, to the fascinating Makgadigadi Salt Pans, to the abundance of wildlife in the Chobe National Park and the Savuti Plains, to the pristine beauty of the Okavango Delta – Botswana has all the bases covered. The game viewing is incredible too, and there are some really specatular lodges there!

6) What has been your safari highlight?

I have a couple! In 2008, Vanessa and I were at Londolozi in the Sabi SandsSab game reserve. We had been tracking a small female leopard hunting an impala. Our persistence paid off and we actually witnessed the slight of frame leopard take down the considerably bigger impala – it was incredible! The leopard applied the choke hold and the impala was dead within a couple of minutes. The leopard just began to eat when an adult Spotted Hyena came along and chased her from the scene. She managed to scramble to a nearby hill and sat and watched the Hyena finish the impala with great disgust. Absolutely fascinating to see nature in full effect!

My other highlight was when I was spending some time at Beverly and Derek Joubert’s Duba Plains camp. We were out on a game drive and happened across the infamous lioness ‘Silver Eye’ (star of the Joubert’s ‘The Last Lioness’ film). She lead us to a recent buffalo kill of her pride where all the members were stuffed to the point of being unable to move. The adult lions rested while the cubs were playing with bits of the buffalo – it was both gory and unbelievably cute. And I’m not one for ‘cute’…

A photo from when Jeff witnessed a pride of lions take on a buffalo.

7) What has been your most stressful experience as a consultant?

Recently a young couple on their honeymoon experienced some really bad luck with flight cancellations. Through no fault of anyone’s really, the airline kept cancelling their flights and left them stranded at the airport. My team and I had to do somersaults to get things back on track! Though it was extremely difficult to get things solved and to find space for them on various inbound and connecting flights, as well as adjust their accommodation bookings, I’m proud to say that we were successful and that they had a fantastic honeymoon in the end.

8) What’s the best one line of feedback you’ve received?

“Everything was perfect on our trip and we couldn’t have done it without you guys”.

9) What makes you different from the rest?

The fact that we have an office in both New York and Cape Town puts us in a unique position to cater to our clients all over the world. Between the offices, we have hundreds and hundreds of hours of safari planning expertise. I honestly believe that our collective experience of travelling throughout Africa has given us a superior knowledge of the continent.

10) Why do you do what you do?

I personally believe strongly in making a positive difference in people’s lives and that African travel does just that. In this way, my job now is similar to my previous jobs at American Airlines and Northward Development where I helped people travel to places where they enjoyed themselves, and leaders to find their passion respectively.

Smiling faces make Jeff’s day: clients enjoying sundowners in the Kalahari.

11) What are your favourite meals from the African continent?

Both dishes are South African by chance! I absolutely love a traditional Cape Malay style ‘Bobotie’, which is a spicy mince dish with an egg based topping that is usually accompanied by rice. The dish is Indonesian in origin but was bought to the Cape by the Dutch and adopted by the Cape Malay population in the 1600’s.

My other favourite dish from Africa is the traditional South African desert of malva pudding, which is spongy and apricot jam based. The dish has a couple variants and is almost certain to be found on the dessert menu of most South African restaurants. The best one I’ve had so far is at Julian Melck’s Kersefontein farm where it was served with a rooibos cream (rooibos, or ‘red bush’, is a popular South African tea).

Speaking of rooibos, our Social Media guru in Cape Town has promised to bring me a ‘Red Espresso’ when I’m next at the office. It’s apparently a coffee alternative made out of rooibos so I can’t wait to try it.

12) What piece of top travel advice can you share?

This piece of advice is absolutely crucial and comes from personal experience. Before leaving for Africa, always ensure that your carry-on luggage complies with charter flight regulations for flying between camps. I once had to leave my bag behind (full of dirty laundry) because it had wheels that extended it beyond the permitted dimensions. This is NOT something you want to happen to you!

For more of Jeff’s favorite safari photographs, check out his Pinterest board here. If you have anything you’d like to ask Jeff yourself, feel free to tweet him at @SafariGuru.