Keep Travelling | Travel Stories & Cultural Experiences

Episode Number: 9

Property / Guest Name:
Epupa Camp – Deane Spall

Episode Summary:
In the far north of Namibia, where the Kunene River forms the border with Angola, lies one of the country’s most remote and fascinating destinations — Epupa Falls.

In this episode of Keep Travelling: Your African Story, Rael Zieve speaks with Deane Spall from Epupa Camp about what it takes to reach this extraordinary corner of Namibia, what travellers can expect when they arrive, and why Epupa offers such a different experience from the country’s more established tourism routes.

Set beside the Kunene River and completely off-grid, Epupa Camp combines a remote natural setting with river-facing accommodation, local hospitality and access to some of the region’s most memorable cultural and outdoor experiences.

Deane also shares his own unexpected journey from studying finance and accounting to spending two years living at Epupa Camp — an experience that ultimately helped shape his career in African tourism.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• How to reach Epupa Falls and why the final journey from Opuwo is part of the experience
• What it is like to stay at a completely off-grid camp beside the Kunene River
• How guests can experience Himba culture in genuine local communities
• What to expect from rafting, birding and sundowners overlooking Epupa Falls
• Why Epupa is particularly appealing to repeat visitors looking beyond Namibia’s classic tourism routes
• What travellers should pack when exploring this remote part of northern Namibia

Guest Information:
Deane Spall
Epupa Camp
Northern Namibia
https://www.epupa.com.na/

Key Takeaways:

• Epupa is ideal for travellers wanting to experience a remote and less-travelled side of Namibia beyond the traditional tourist circuit.
• The destination combines dramatic landscapes, the Kunene River, Epupa Falls and meaningful cultural experiences with local Himba communities.
• Epupa Camp’s long history and off-grid setting make it particularly suited to travellers who value authenticity, remoteness and a strong sense of place.

Contact Information:
Website: https://www.keeptravelling.africa
Podcast: https://www.keeptravelling.africa/podcast
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KeepTravellingYAV
Email: rael@keeptravelling.africa

Blog:
www.keeptravelling.africa/blog/epupacamp

Episode Number: 8

Property / Guest Name:
Fred Phiri — Puku Ridge & Chichele Presidential, Zambia Luxury Lodges Collection

Episode Summary:
In this episode of Keep Travelling: Your African Story, I continue our Zambia Luxury Lodges Collection series with Fred Phiri, who manages Puku Ridge and works across Chichele Presidential in South Luangwa.

Born and raised in Mfuwe, Fred has spent 27 years in the safari industry, working his way up from the bottom to lodge management. His connection to South Luangwa is both personal and professional, and that comes through strongly in the way he talks about the region, its wildlife and the guest experience.

We explore the differences between Puku Ridge and Chichele Presidential, from Puku’s tented bush-camp feel and closeness to nature to Chichele’s more traditional luxury-lodge experience and panoramic position above the landscape.

Fred also shares what makes South Luangwa such a remarkable safari destination, including its reputation as the Valley of the Leopard, its special wildlife species and one extraordinary encounter involving a leopard, an impala and a pack of wild dogs.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Fred’s journey from growing up in Mfuwe to a 27-year career in the safari industry
• The geographical and experiential differences between Puku Ridge and Chichele Presidential
• What guests can expect from Puku Ridge’s tented rooms, star beds and plunge pools
• Why South Luangwa is known as the Valley of the Leopard
• The special wildlife found in the region, including Thornicroft’s giraffe and Cookson’s wildebeest
• Fred’s unforgettable leopard and wild-dog encounter, and why some safari moments are better experienced than photographed

Guest Information:
Fred Phiri is based in South Luangwa and manages Puku Ridge while also working across Chichele Presidential. Born and raised in Mfuwe, close to South Luangwa National Park, he has spent 27 years in the safari industry and brings extensive practical experience of lodge operations, guiding, wildlife and guest service.

Key Takeaways:

• Puku Ridge and Chichele Presidential offer distinctly different safari experiences, making the right choice dependent on the traveller rather than simply the property.
• South Luangwa combines exceptional predator viewing with distinctive regional species that add real depth to the safari experience.
• Some of the most memorable safari moments happen unexpectedly, and Fred’s story is a reminder to experience what is happening rather than focusing only on capturing the perfect photograph.

Contact Information:
Website: https://www.keeptravelling.africa
Podcast: https://www.keeptravelling.africa/podcast
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KeepTravellingYAV
Email: rael@keeptravelling.africa

Blog:
https://keeptravelling.africa/blog/pukuridge

Episode Number: 7

Episode Description:
Discover Moon Mountain Lodge, a luxury desert retreat at the foot of Namibia's Naukluft Mountains, offering spectacular views across the Namib Desert and convenient access to Sossusvlei and Deadvlei.

In this episode of Keep Travelling: Your African Story, host Rael Zieve welcomes Frans du Raan from Travel Weavers, who shares his journey from South Africa to Namibia and his experience of nearly three decades in African tourism.

Located approximately 30 kilometres from Solitaire and 56 kilometres before Sesriem, Moon Mountain Lodge offers elevated timber-and-canvas accommodation designed to minimise environmental impact while providing panoramic views of the surrounding desert.

Frans explains what guests can expect from the lodge, including its luxury rooms and executive suites, dining facilities, the Cosmos Bar and outdoor deck. He also discusses the lodge's approach to desert accommodation, using natural airflow, fans and water coolers rather than conventional air conditioning.

The conversation explores the experiences that make Moon Mountain Lodge a memorable part of a Namibia itinerary. These include early morning excursions to Sossusvlei, picnic breakfasts in the desert, guided sunset walks, stargazing and wildlife viewing at the lodge's waterhole.

Guests may encounter oryx, springbok, wildebeest, hartebeest and mountain zebra, while seasonal rainfall transforms the surrounding plains with fresh grass and wildflowers.

Frans also shares practical advice for international visitors, including travelling from Windhoek or Walvis Bay, choosing a reliable rental vehicle, preparing for Namibia's gravel roads and understanding the country's different travel seasons.

Whether you're planning a self-drive adventure, a privately guided tour or a luxury holiday near Sossusvlei, this episode offers valuable insights into Moon Mountain Lodge and the remarkable landscapes of southern Namibia.

Guest Information:
Frans du Raan
Travel Weavers
Featured Property: Moon Mountain Lodge, Namibia

Key Takeaways:

• Location and accommodation: Moon Mountain Lodge is approximately 56 kilometres from Sesriem, making it a convenient base for visiting Sossusvlei and Deadvlei while enjoying luxury desert accommodation and panoramic views.
• Activities and experiences: Guests can enjoy guided Sossusvlei excursions, picnic breakfasts, sunset walks, stargazing and wildlife viewing at the lodge's waterhole.
• Practical Namibia travel advice: Allow at least two nights where possible, prepare for changing desert temperatures, use a reliable rental vehicle and book well ahead during the busier travel season.

Contact Information:
🌍 Website: https://www.keeptravelling.africa
🎙️ Podcast: https://www.keeptravelling.africa/podcast
▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KeepTravellingYAV
✉️ Email: rael@keeptravelling.africa

Blog Post:
https://www.keeptravelling.africa/blog/moonmountainlodge

Episode Number: 6

Property / Guest Name:
Sashwa – Peter Eastwood

Episode Summary:

• Peter Eastwood shares how a lifelong connection with Africa, rhino conservation and fundraising eventually led to the creation of Sashwa in the Greater Kruger.
• Discover Sashwa’s slower safari philosophy, with 12 rooms, a wellness focus and facilities including massage, infrared sauna, yoga, meditation, a saltwater pool and creative spaces.
• Hear how the unfenced Greater Kruger setting allows wildlife such as rhino, leopard, lion and wild dog to move freely through the area.
• Learn why lower vehicle numbers can create more relaxed wildlife sightings and allow guests to spend longer with animals without the pressure of constant rotation.
• Explore Sashwa’s 100% plant-based food philosophy, local produce sourcing and its wider connection to sustainability and community support.
• Pick up practical South Africa travel advice, including what to pack, how to approach wildlife photography responsibly and what may surprise first-time visitors to the country.

Guest Information:
Peter Eastwood
Founder
Sashwa

Key Takeaways / Topics Covered:

• Sashwa combines traditional Greater Kruger safari experiences with meditation, yoga, wellness and a slower daily rhythm.
• The lodge’s low vehicle density can create quieter, longer wildlife sightings than more crowded safari environments.
• Sashwa uses food, local sourcing, conservation partnerships and community initiatives as part of a broader effort to make a positive impact.

Contact Information:
🌍 https://www.keeptravelling.africa
🎙️ Podcast: https://www.keeptravelling.africa/podcast
▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KeepTravellingYAV
✉️ rael@keeptravelling.africa

Blog Post:
https://www.keeptravelling.africa/blog/sashwa

Episode Number: 5

Property / Guest Name:
Lolelunga Private Reserve – Wesley Hartmann

Episode Summary:

• Wesley Hartmann shares what makes Lolelunga Private Reserve such a distinctive Zambia safari experience, from its remote setting north of Kafue National Park to its private charter access from Lusaka.
• Discover the lodge itself, including its seven rooms, family-friendly layout, gym, spa and position overlooking the Lunga River.
• Hear how the Lunga River has been restored from a heavily depleted waterway into a protected fish nursery supporting multiple species.
• Explore Lolelunga’s safari activities, including game drives, extended night drives, walking safaris, fishing, boating, canoeing, birding and stargazing.
• Learn how long-term conservation work has helped rebuild the reserve from fewer than 100 animals to around 4,000, alongside employment, boreholes, schools, clinics and community support.
• Pick up practical Zambia travel advice, including how many nights to stay, what to pack and what might surprise first-time visitors to the country.

Guest Information:
Wesley Hartmann
Wildlife and Conservation Ambassador
Zambia Luxury Lodge Collection

Key Takeaways:

• Lolelunga’s private reserve model allows for longer night drives, creating better opportunities to search for nocturnal species such as aardvark, pangolin and civet.
• A minimum three-night stay at each safari lodge gives travellers more time to experience the property properly without feeling rushed between transfers and activities.
• Conservation at Lolelunga is closely tied to surrounding communities through local employment, fresh-water projects, schools, clinics and long-term development.

Contact Information:
🌍 https://www.keeptravelling.africa
🎙️ Podcast: https://www.keeptravelling.africa/podcast
▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KeepTravellingYAV
✉️ rael@keeptravelling.africa

Blog Post:
https://www.keeptravelling.africa/blog/lolelunga

Episode Number: 4

Property / Guest Name:
Jao Reserve – Ryan Kays

Episode Summary:

• Ryan Kays shares what makes Jao Reserve such a distinctive part of Botswana’s Okavango Delta.
• Discover how the reserve’s six camps offer different experiences across wetter and drier parts of the Delta.
• Learn how guests reach Jao Reserve from Maun and why flying is the most practical way into this remote wilderness.
• Explore the wide range of activities available, including game drives, night drives, mokoro trips, bush walks, boating, fishing and birding.
• Hear the Kays family story and how generations of connection to Botswana helped shape Jao Reserve into what it is today.
• Pick up practical Botswana travel advice, from what to pack to the things that may surprise first-time visitors.

Guest Information:
Ryan Kays
Marketing Manager
Jao Reserve

Key Takeaways:

• Combining the wetter and drier areas of Jao Reserve can create two very different Okavango Delta safari experiences within the same reserve.
• Jao Reserve’s mix of land and water activities gives guests several different ways to experience the Delta.
• Prize Giveaway: One lucky Keep Travelling listener can win a two-night stay at Tubu Tree Camp in Botswana’s Okavango Delta.

Contact Information:
🌍 https://www.keeptravelling.africa
🎙️ Podcast: https://www.keeptravelling.africa/podcast
▶️ @KeepTravellingYAV
✉️ rael@keeptravelling.africa

Blog Post:
http://www.keeptravelling.africa/blog/jaoreserve

Episode Number: 3

Property / Guest Name

Siringit Collection — Peter Bruins

Episode Summary

• Peter Bruins introduces Siringit Collection and its collection of distinctive safari properties across northern Tanzania.
• Discover how Siringit Villa, Serengeti Camp, Migration Camp and Tarangire Camp each offer travellers a different experience.
• Peter explains how Siringit Migration Camp follows the Great Migration between the southern Serengeti calving season and the northern Mara River crossings.
• Hear why Tarangire, with its elephants, baobabs, woodland and river, deserves a place alongside Tanzania's better-known safari destinations.
• Rael and Peter discuss food, wildlife, sustainability, community support and Siringit's conservation work.
• Peter shares his thoughts on the future of African tourism and why growth in lesser-known protected areas could benefit conservation, communities and travellers.

Guest Information

Name: Peter Bruins
Title: Country Manager
Company: Siringit Collection

Key Takeaways / Topics Covered

• Different Tanzania experiences: From an intimate villa near Arusha and big cats in the Serengeti to the Great Migration and elephant-rich Tarangire.
• Tourism with purpose: Siringit's story includes support for Bara Primary School alongside conservation, wildlife protection and sustainability initiatives.
• Prize Giveaway: One lucky listener can win a two-night stay at Siringit Tarangire Camp on a game package.

Contact Information:

🌍 http://www.keeptravelling.africa
🎙️ Podcast: http://www.keeptravelling.africa/podcast
▶️ @KeepTravellingYAV
✉️ rael@keeptravelling.africa

Blog Post:

http://www.keeptravelling.africa/blog/siringit

Episode Number: 2

Property / Guest Name

Shandrani Beachcomber Resort & Spa – Rico Paoletti

www.beachcomber-hotels.com

Episode Summary:

• Rael Zieve speaks with Shandrani General Manager Rico Paoletti about what makes the Mauritius resort different.
• Rico explains the advantages of Shandrani being only minutes from Mauritius International Airport.
• They explore the resort’s 327 rooms, large peninsula setting and its different beaches and coastal landscapes.
• Rico discusses Shandrani’s family-friendly atmosphere, adults-only areas and six different dining experiences.
• The conversation looks at staff training, attention to detail and Rico’s long career in the Mauritius hotel industry.
• They also discuss Beachcomber Sport & Nature, including hiking, cycling and different ways to explore Mauritius beyond the resort.

Guest Information:

Name: Rico Paoletti
Title: General Manager
Company: Shandrani Beachcomber Resort & Spa

Key Takeaways / Topics Covered

• Why Shandrani’s proximity to the airport can actually be an advantage, especially for families arriving after a long journey.
• How the resort combines family facilities, adults-only spaces, multiple beaches and six different dining experiences.
• Why Mauritian hospitality, staff development and opportunities to experience the island through nature remain central to the Shandrani experience.

Contact Information:

🌍 http://www.keeptravelling.africa
🎙️ Podcast: http://www.keeptravelling.africa/podcast
▶️ @KeepTravellingYAV
✉️ rael@keeptravelling.africa

Blog Post:

Read more about Shandrani Beachcomber Resort & Spa and the conversation with Rico Paoletti:

https://www.keeptravelling.africa/blog/shandrani

Episode Number: 1

Property / Guest Name:

Kariega Game Reserve – Lindy Sutherland

Episode Summary:

• Discover Kariega Game Reserve in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, close to Kenton-on-Sea and well placed for a Garden Route itinerary.
• Compare Kariega’s five different lodge experiences, from family-friendly Main Lodge to five-star Settlers Drift and the private Homestead villa.
• Learn what guests can expect from the food, hospitality and different dining styles across the reserve.
• Explore Big Five game viewing alongside seven different biomes and remarkable Eastern Cape biodiversity.
• Discover walking safaris, river cruises, canoeing, fishing, beach excursions and Kariega’s Kids on Safari programme.
• Hear how family ownership, conservation and community projects have helped shape Kariega into the reserve it is today.

Guest Information

Name: Lindy Sutherland
Title: Marketing Director
Company: Kariega Game Reserve

Key Takeaways / Topics Covered

• Kariega offers five very different lodge experiences, allowing families, couples, active travellers, luxury guests and private groups to choose a safari style that suits them.
• The reserve’s seven biomes, two rivers and position within an exceptionally biodiverse part of the Eastern Cape add another dimension to its Big Five safari experience.
• Guests staying longer can combine different lodges and explore Kariega’s conservation and community work through the Kariega Foundation.

Contact Information:

Email: rael@keeptravelling.africa

Blog Post:

https://keeptravelling.africa/blog/kariega/

🌍 Visit: www.keeptravelling.africa
🎙️ Podcast: http://www.keeptravelling.africa/podcast
▶️ YouTube: @KeepTravellingYAV

After 88 weeks of bringing different properties to life, we have now finished season 1.
Keep listening for the start of season 2 on the 2nd of September 2026

Episode Number: 88

Property / Guest Name:

Mfulawozi Private Game Reserve – Wendy Dold

Episode Summary:

• Discover Mfulawozi Private Game Reserve on the southern boundary of Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park.
• Compare the relaxed, family-friendly Mthembu Lodge with the bold and modern Biyela Lodge.
• Learn what guests can expect from the reserve’s five-star, all-inclusive safari experience.
• Explore Big Five game viewing, cheetahs, wild dogs, black and white rhinos, and rich birdlife.
• Hear how Zulu heritage, community ownership and conservation shape the guest experience.
• Find out why KwaZulu-Natal works so well for a bush, beach, Battlefields and Drakensberg itinerary.

Guest Information

Name: Wendy Dold
Title: Sales Manager
Company: Mfulawozi Private Game Reserve

Key Takeaways / Topics Covered

• Mfulawozi offers two very different five-star lodge experiences, while both give guests access to the same wider wilderness.
• KwaZulu-Natal offers strong value, a malaria-free setting, excellent wildlife and easy bush-and-beach combinations.
• Listeners can win a two-night stay at Mthembu Lodge, including accommodation, local food, beverages and the safari experience.

Contact Information:

Email: rael@keeptravelling.africa

Blog Post:

https://keeptravelling.africa/blog/mfulawozi/

🌍 Visit: http://www.keeptravelling.africa
🎙️ Podcast: http://www.keeptravelling.africa/podcast
▶️ YouTube: @KeepTravellingYAV

Episode Number: 87

Property / Guest Name:
The Harbour Club – Wendy Dold

Episode Summary:

• Discover Harbour Club overlooking the Port of St Francis.
• Learn how easily guests can travel from Port Elizabeth Airport.
• Explore the studio apartments, two-bedroom units and penthouses.
• Hear about canal cruises, whale watching, golf and seafood.
• Learn how St Francis Bay fits into a Garden Route itinerary.
• Discover why the coast works so well after an Eastern Cape safari.

Guest Information:

Wendy Dold
Sales and Marketing Manager
Harbour Club

Key Takeaways / Topics Covered:

• The Harbour Club offers independent apartment-style accommodation with harbour views, optional breakfast delivery and easy access to local restaurants.
• St Francis Bay combines golf, beaches, seafood, whale watching and coastal activities with a relaxed pace.
• One listener can win a two-night penthouse stay for up to four people, continental breakfast each morning and a canal cruise. Enter Here

Contact Information:
rael@keeptravelling.africa

Blog Post:
Read more about Harbour Club and planning a St Francis Bay holiday:

https://keeptravelling.africa/blog/The Harbour Club/

Episode Number:
Episode 86

Property / Guest Name:
Moditlo River Lodge – Christiaan van den Berg

Episode Summary:

• Discover Moditlo River Lodge in South Africa’s Greater Kruger region.
• Learn how easily guests can reach the lodge from Hoedspruit Airport.
• Explore the luxury chalets, private villas and personalised safari service.
• Hear why an authentic safari should go beyond simply seeing the Big Five.
• Discover walking safaris, wildlife tracking and nearby experiences.
• Learn how to combine a Greater Kruger safari with Cape Town and the coast.

Guest Information:

Christiaan van den Berg
Co-owner
Moditlo River Lodge

Key Takeaways / Topics Covered:

• Moditlo combines twice-daily game drives, luxury accommodation, personal dining and private wildlife experiences.
• The lodge supports conservation, anti-poaching work and respectful wildlife viewing across its conservancy.
• One listener can win a complimentary two-night stay for two people at Moditlo River Lodge, with the option to upgrade to a private villa.

Contact Information:
rael@keeptravelling.africa

Blog Post:
https://keeptravelling.africa/blog/moditlo/

Episode Number:
Episode 85

Property / Guest Name:
Sentidos Beach Retreat – Ines Ferreira and Ria Doorgachurn

Episode Summary:

• Discover Sentidos Beach Retreat on Mozambique’s Inhambane coastline.
• Learn how guests can reach the retreat from Maputo, Vilanculos and South Africa.
• Explore the beach villas, nature villas and private-pool ocean villas.
• Hear about whale shark safaris, scuba diving and mangrove kayaking.
• Discover Mozambican food, fresh seafood and local cultural experiences.
• Learn why Mozambique can offer a rewarding holiday throughout the year.

Guest Information:

Ines Ferreira
Head of Sales
Sentidos Beach Retreat

Ria Doorgachurn
Activities Representative and Open Water Scuba Instructor
SEE Activity Centre / Sentidos Beach Retreat

Key Takeaways / Topics Covered:

• Sentidos combines a peaceful Mozambique beach holiday with diving, marine wildlife, local food and cultural experiences.
• Inhambane offers year-round travel possibilities, with busier holiday periods and quieter months for uncrowded beaches.
• One listener can win a two-night bed-and-breakfast stay for two, return Inhambane Airport transfers and a one-hour sunset quad-bike tour.

Contact Information:
rael@keeptravelling.africa

Blog Post:
https://keeptravelling.africa/blog/sentidos/

Episode Number: 84

Property / Guest Name:
Darryl Erasmus – Babanango Game Reserve

Episode Summary:

• Discover Babanango Game Reserve in the heart of Zululand
• Learn about its lodges, camps and luxury safari stays
• Hear how the reserve is restoring wildlife and habitats
• Explore Big Five game drives and walking safari experiences
• Understand the role local communities play in the reserve
• Find out why Zululand deserves more safari attention

Guest Information:
Darryl Erasmus
Chief Commercial Officer
Babanango Game Reserve
https://babanango.com

Key Takeaways / Topics Covered:

• Babanango offers a malaria-free Big Five safari across more than 20,000 hectares
• Guests can choose between family lodges, luxury river stays, ridge-top accommodation and walking trails
• Community-owned land, local employment and conservation sit at the heart of the reserve’s story

Contact Information:
rael@keeptravelling.africa

Blog Post:
https://keeptravelling.africa/blog/babanango/

Episode Number: 83

Property / Guest Name:
Julia Bishop – Hodi Hodi

Episode Summary:
Rael Zieve speaks with Julia Bishop, Director of Hodi Hodi in southern Tanzania.
Julia explains the meaning behind the name Hodi Hodi and the warm African welcome it represents.
She shares how international guests can reach the camp through Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar.
The conversation explores Hodi Hodi’s location near Ruaha National Park, its rooms, facilities and relaxed safari atmosphere.
Julia talks about the camp’s farm-to-table food, wildlife, walking safaris and night safari experiences.
She also explains how Hodi Hodi works with nearby communities to protect 17,000 acres of land and support local projects.

Guest Information:
Julia Bishop
Director
Hodi Hodi
Southern Tanzania

Key Takeaways / Topics Covered:
Why southern Tanzania and Ruaha offer a quieter alternative to the better-known northern safari circuit.
How Hodi Hodi combines wildlife, local food, personal service and community-led conservation.
Guests who book a three-night stay can receive a fourth night free, including full board and activities for the additional day.

Contact Information:
For more information, contact Rael Zieve at rael@keeptravelling.africa

Blog Post:
https://keeptravelling.africa/blog/tanzania-safari-near-ruaha-national-park/

Episode Number:
Episode 82

Property / Guest Name:
Nancy Ngotea – Tanzania Wild Camps / Serengeti Safari Lodge

Episode Summary:
Rael Zieve speaks with Nancy Ngotea from Tanzania Wild Camps.
Nancy shares why Kilimanjaro International Airport is a strong gateway for northern Tanzania safaris.
She explains why Serengeti National Park remains one of Tanzania’s standout safari destinations.
The conversation explores Serengeti Safari Lodge, its central location, luxury tented rooms and guest experience.
Nancy talks about wildlife, game drives, balloon safaris and why three nights in the Serengeti works best.
She also shares her thoughts on Tanzania’s Southern Circuit, hospitality, conservation and the beauty of Africa.

Guest Information:
Nancy Ngotea
Marketing, Sales and Reservations Officer
Tanzania Wild Camps
Serengeti Safari Lodge

Key Takeaways / Topics Covered:
Why Serengeti National Park is such a powerful choice for a Tanzania safari.
How Serengeti Safari Lodge combines location, comfort, service and wildlife access.
Why Africa offers far more than wildlife, with people, culture, food and hospitality all shaping the journey.

Contact Information:
For more information, contact Rael Zieve at rael@keeptravelling.africa

Blog Post:
https://keeptravelling.africa/blog/serengeti_safari_lodge/

Episode Number: 81

Property / Guest Name:
Kamba – Republic of Congo Safari Experience
Guest: Glance Eloye-Nzoutani

Episode Summary:
The Republic of Congo is one of Africa’s quieter safari stories. Not because it lacks wildlife, beauty, or depth, but because many travellers have simply not discovered it yet.

In this episode of Keep Travelling: Your African Story, Rael Zieve speaks with Glance Eloye-Nzoutani from Kamba, Africa’s first trained wilderness guide in the Republic of Congo.

Their conversation opens the door to a very different kind of safari world. Deep rainforest. Western lowland gorillas. River journeys. Swamp forests. Towering trees. Warm local communities. And three Kamba camps, Ngaga, Lango and Mboko, each with its own character and setting.

This is not the classic open-plains safari many people first imagine. It is greener, slower, more layered, and full of small details that stay with you long after the journey ends.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why Glance Eloye-Nzoutani’s wilderness guide training is so important for tourism in the Republic of Congo
• What makes Kamba’s three camps, Ngaga, Lango and Mboko, so different from each other
• Why Ngaga is such a special place for western lowland gorilla tracking
• How canoeing, boardwalks, river decks and forest walks shape the Kamba experience
• What wildlife guests may see, from gorillas and hippos to bongos, spotted hyenas and African grey parrots
• Why the Republic of Congo should not be confused with the Democratic Republic of Congo

Guest Information:
Glance Eloye-Nzoutani works with Kamba in the Republic of Congo and is recognised as Africa’s first trained wilderness guide in the country. In this episode, he shares his guiding journey, his love for the forest, and his hopes for the future of tourism in the Republic of Congo.

He also explains how Kamba is helping to raise guiding standards, support safer wilderness experiences, and show travellers a side of Africa that still feels beautifully untouched.

Key Takeaways:

• Kamba offers a rare rainforest safari experience across Ngaga, Lango and Mboko, with each camp giving guests a different view of the Republic of Congo.
• Western lowland gorillas are a major highlight, but the experience also includes forest elephants, hippos, bongos, spotted hyenas, birds, insects, plants and river life.
• Glance believes tourism in the Republic of Congo is growing in the right direction, helped by better guiding, stronger standards and travellers who want something different.

Contact Information:
For African travel enquiries, contact Rael at rael@keeptravelling.africa

Blog:
https://keeptravelling.africa/blog/kamba african rainforest/

Episode Number: 80

Property / Guest Name:
Kristina Plattner
https://kambaafrica.com/

Episode Summary:
In this episode of Keep Travelling: Your African Story, Rael Zieve speaks with Kristina Plattner, Managing Director of Kamba African Rainforest Experiences, about one of Africa’s most unusual and powerful safari journeys.

This is not the classic open-plains safari many travellers already know. Kamba takes guests deep into the Congo Basin, the second-largest rainforest on earth, where safari becomes slower, quieter, wetter, wilder, and far more immersive.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Where Kamba is located in the Republic of the Congo, and how guests travel from Brazzaville into Odzala-Kokoua National Park
• Why Lango Lodge is such a special part of the Kamba circuit, sitting beside a forest bai created by elephants
• How guests arrive by kayak, walk through rainforest, and become part of the landscape before even reaching the lodge
• What wildlife can be seen, from western lowland gorillas and forest elephants to buffalo, bongo, hyenas, parrots, butterflies, and tiny forest insects
• Why the Republic of the Congo is different from the Democratic Republic of Congo, and how Kamba helps guests feel looked after from arrival
• What travellers should know about seasons, age limits, visas, yellow fever requirements, malaria precautions, and the full all-inclusive Kamba experience

Guest Information:
Kristina Plattner is the Managing Director of Kamba African Rainforest Experiences, a collection of remote rainforest lodges based in the Republic of the Congo. In this conversation, she shares how Kamba introduces guests to Odzala-Kokoua National Park through gorilla tracking, river journeys, forest walks, wildlife viewing, and deeply immersive rainforest travel.

Key Takeaways:

• Kamba is ideal for travellers who have already experienced a classic African safari and now want something rarer, quieter, and more adventurous
• The experience is built around rainforest immersion, with gorillas, forest elephants, waterways, walking, kayaking, and small-group travel at its heart
• Kamba helps with the full Congo journey, including internal charter flights, transfers, permits, accommodation, meals, drinks, and visa support

Contact Information:
For enquiries, collaborations, or African travel planning, contact:
rael@keeptravelling.africa

Blog:
https://keeptravelling.africa/blog/kamba-africa/

Episode Number: 79

Property / Guest Name:
Climbing Kilimanjaro – Tanzania
Brian Raffio – Senior Account Manager

Episode Summary:
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is one of Africa’s great adventure travel experiences. It is not a technical climb, yet it asks something real from every traveller who takes it on.

In this episode of Keep Travelling: Your African Story, Rael Zieve speaks with Brian Raffio, Senior Account Manager at Climbing Kilimanjaro. Brian shares the story of a company that began with a porter on the mountain, grew through guiding, and has now become one of the larger operators helping travellers reach the summit each year.

This is a practical and motivating conversation for anyone who has ever wondered whether they could climb Kilimanjaro. Brian explains how to get there, how fit travellers need to be, what training helps, what the different climb lengths mean, and why altitude acclimatisation is so important.

He also gives a clear look at life on the mountain, from food and camps to porters, toilets, summit night, emergency support, oxygen, helicopter rescue, weather, wildlife, and the feeling of standing above the clouds at around 19,000 feet.

In this episode, you’ll discover:
• How Climbing Kilimanjaro started and grew from humble beginnings
• The best travel routes into Kilimanjaro International Airport or via Nairobi
• How much training is needed before attempting the climb
• Why 6-day and 9-day routes offer very different acclimatisation experiences
• What food, camp life, porters, toilets, and summit night are really like
• How altitude sickness, emergency oxygen, and rescue support are managed

Guest Information:
Brian Raffio is the Senior Account Manager at Climbing Kilimanjaro. In this conversation, he shares practical advice from inside one of the mountain’s established operators, covering routes, costs, preparation, group dynamics, summit conditions, porter support, safety, and what travellers should know before taking on Africa’s highest mountain.

Key Takeaways:
• Kilimanjaro is not a technical climb, but travellers should train properly and prepare for long hiking days at altitude.
• Longer routes can improve acclimatisation, which may give travellers a better chance of feeling strong near the summit.
• Summit night is tough, emotional, and unforgettable, with many climbers reaching the top as the sun rises above the clouds.

Contact Information:
Should you want to contact me directly, please email: rael@keeptravelling.africa

Blog Post:

https://keeptravelling.africa/blog/climbing-kilimanjaro/