Ilze knows from experience that the best African journeys aren’t always about ticking destinations off a list. As a mum who has travelled extensively with her own young children, she’s particularly passionate about getting the details right for families – while her own love of running, hiking and adventure means she’s always curious about what lies beyond the usual safari trail. From finding unexpected joy in a beach holiday in Mauritius to dreaming about multi-day hikes in Kenya, Ilze brings a wonderfully personal perspective to planning travel. In this post, we turn the questions on her to find out about the places she’s loved, the experiences she recommends to clients, and the adventures still on her wish list.
Q: The one piece of advice you have for every first-time-to-Africa traveller?
A: Don’t rush it! Take the time to linger longer in each destination. A 2 night stay only gives you 1 full day to experience the lodge, see the animals, meet the people – so you’re basically just brushing the surface. On a 3-4 night stay you have more time to take a deep breath, soak it all in and make meaningful connections in terms of the people you meet and the stories they have to tell. Your ranger may take you to the local village to see his home and meet his family, a deeply personal experience. You’ll have the opportunity to find out more about the conservation efforts at the lodge and their green initiatives. And best of all, you don’t feel pressured to join every game drive because your time is limited – you may choose to skip a morning drive in favour of simply watching the world go by from your private deck. A great time for reflection.
Q: Your secret weapon. Something clients never ask for but always thank you for?
A: The VIP meet & greet service on arrival in South Africa. There’s nothing like arriving in a new country and being met right at the aircraft stairs by your dedicated handler. The handler will whisk you through the immigration queues and assist with collecting your luggage before handing you over to your driver. The experience makes you feel like a VIP and it takes away the guess work that comes with navigating a new airport after a tiring long-haul flight.
Q: The place that surprised you most that you didn’t expect to love, but you do?
A: Mauritius! I’m not a beach person – I’d rather spend time in the mountains. But the All-Inclusive model piqued my interest – we loved the idea that our meals and activities were taken care of from the start, thereby taking away the daily planning decisions that can make a holiday less than relaxing. We loved it! Sipping cocktails on a pristine stretch of beach with the kids splashing in a rock pool nearby. Superb meals and a dedicated kids’ club to keep the younger ones entertained. We were able to truly relax and switch off from the daily stresses of life.
Q: Best meal you’ve had on a trip / on safari / in Cape Town?
A: When it comes to delicious meals on safari, I always think back to my visit to &Beyond Xaranna in the Okavango Delta. We enjoyed an al fresco lunch with a selection of fresh salads, chicken kebabs from the fire and homemade bread. Simple, but so delicious. And for dessert, the chef conjured up a delectable Eton Mess with crisp meringue pieces and fresh strawberries – in the middle of the bush!
Q: If you could only take one trip this year, where and why?
A: Rwanda. I’d love to experience a gorilla trek once again, and I’m curious to learn more about the Genocide and the country’s turbulent past. Also, visiting the Akagera National Park would be a highlight for me. Poaching was rampant during the 1994 civil war and I’d love to see first-hand the conservation efforts that have been introduced to nurture this park back to its former glory.
Q: Your wish list – one or two or more experiences you haven’t done yet but are dying to?
A: Jack’s Camp in the Makgadikgadi has been on my wish list for as long as I can remember. I’m drawn to the desert landscapes, the wide-open spaces and meeting the semi-habituated meerkats. I finally have the opportunity to go later this month – look out for my trip feedback!
I’d love to do a multi-day hike in Kenya. Imagine exploring on foot during the day with a local Samburu guide, your senses tuned in to the sights and sounds all around you. Stop at a scenic waterfall for lunch before continuing to your fly camp where you’ll share stories around the campfire and fall asleep under a canopy of stars. Bliss!
Q: You love taking your young kids on safari. What are the most important considerations for travelling with families?
A: Find a safari lodge that not only accept children, but welcome them with open arms. We did our first safari with the kids when they were 5 years old – we chose the Madikwe Game Reserve as it’s malaria-free. The staff were incredible and really included the children in the day-to-day happenings at the lodge. The ranger took them on special bush bumbles, looking at things like dung beetles and hornbills (just like Zazu in the Lion King). They baked biscuits in the kitchen and did arts & crafts in the playroom. The lodge offered child-friendly meal options and early dinners which suited their daily routine. If you can, pay a bit extra for a private game drive vehicle – it adds so much value to your safari. Look for a lodge with a swimming pool! And lastly, choose fewer locations and maximise your time in each place, so you’re not constantly on the move.
Q: Best experiences for honeymooners?
A: A safari in itself is unique and romantic – think exclusive accommodations, outdoor plunge pools and private candle-lit dinners on your deck. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not spend a night sleeping out in a Treehouse? In Botswana, I highly recommend a scenic helicopter flight – there’s nothing like seeing the vast waterways from above. We can even include a surprise champagne stop on a secluded island! Helicopter flights in Cape Town are popular too, as is a hot air balloon flight in Kenya, Tanzania or Namibia. A sunset catamaran cruise in Cape Town is another memorable experience. Or for the more adventurous, a sunset hike up Lion’s Head!
Q: Cape Town / Two Oceans Marathon runner. Why is Cape Town such a great destination for these events?
A: Cape Town offers world-class infrastructure, and after successfully hosting the 2010 Soccer World Cup, the world’s attention has turned to Africa. Capetonians are active people who love their sport, so you have a passionate supporter base here. Combine that with the breathtaking scenic beauty and the opportunity to join a safari after the event, I think Cape Town is gaining in popularity in terms of hosting these events. With Cape Town consistently voted as one of the Best Cities in the World, it needs to go on your bucket list!
Together, our consultants bring more than 100 years of experience in African travel, sharing their deep knowledge of the continent, first-hand experience, ideas and inspiration to create 5-star safari experiences that keep our clients coming back.
Email info@southerndestinations.com, and we’ll put you in touch directly.
