Episode Number:
63

Property / Guest Name:
Borana Lodge

Episode Summary:

• An introduction to Borana Lodge and its setting in Kenya’s Laikipia region, on the foothills of Mount Kenya
• Millie Musee’s journey into conservation-led hospitality and her role as General Manager
• How Borana operates as a private conservancy with wildlife protection at its core
• The range of safari activities available beyond traditional game drives
• Why rhino conservation is central to Borana’s long-term vision
• How responsible tourism supports both conservation and surrounding communities

Guest Information:
Millie Musee – General Manager at Borana Lodge

Key Takeaways or Topics Covered:

• How conservation, community, culture, and commerce work together at Borana
• The role of education and employment in reducing poaching
• Why Borana Lodge represents a sustainable model for the future of African tourism

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

Blog Post:
https://www.wildsunsets.travel/inside-borana-lodge/

Episode Number: 62

Property / Guest Name

Dane van Heteren
General Manager – Jaci’s Private Lodge, Madikwe Game Reserve

Episode Summary

• In the latest episode of Keep Traveling: Your African Story, host Rael Zieve sat down with Dane van Heteren, General Manager of Jaci’s Private Lodge in Madikwe Game Reserve
• A thoughtful conversation exploring what responsible, values-led safari travel looks like inside one of South Africa’s most carefully managed reserves
• Insight into why Madikwe operates differently from larger, more commercial safari destinations, with strict capacity control and long-term conservation planning
• How being a malaria-free safari destination makes Madikwe especially appealing for families, first-time safari travellers, and shorter trips
• The story behind Jaci’s Private Lodge, its recent rebuild, and how design, comfort, and immersion are balanced without excess
• Why ethical guiding, patient game viewing, and quieter safari experiences are increasingly important to modern travellers

Guest Information

Dane van Heteren
General Manager – Jaci’s Private Lodge
A safari professional with deep operational experience in Madikwe Game Reserve, focused on ethical tourism, sustainability, and meaningful guest experiences

Key Takeaways / Topics Covered

• How Madikwe Game Reserve delivers high-quality wildlife encounters through restraint, planning, and strong conservation principles
• Why Jaci’s Private Lodge appeals to travellers seeking a calmer, more considered safari experience rather than mass tourism
• This week’s prize giveaway: one listener will win a safari stay at Jaci’s Private Lodge in Madikwe Game Reserve, including accommodation and daily safari activities (terms and availability apply)

Contact Information:

Email: rael@keeptravelling.africa

Blog Post

https://www.wildsunsets.travel/jacis-private-lodge/

Episode Number

Episode 52

Property / Guest Name

House in the Wild
Featuring: Lisa Roberti

lisamroberti.com

Episode Summary

• Why House in the Wild offers a very different safari experience within the northern Mara conservancies
• Lisa Roberti’s 30+ year relationship with Africa and what keeps drawing her back to Kenya
• How land that was once farmland has been restored into a thriving wildlife corridor through community-led conservation
• The role of Enonkishu Conservancy in balancing cattle, wildlife, and livelihoods sustainably
• What makes slower, quieter safari travel more meaningful than chasing sightings
• Honest insight into travel logistics, getting to the Mara, and why first impressions of this lodge feel more like home than hotel

Guest Information

Lisa Roberti
Wildlife photographer, conservation advocate, and seasoned Africa traveller with extensive safari experience across East and Southern Africa

Key Takeaways / Topics Covered

• How House in the Wild Kenya demonstrates conservation that genuinely includes local communities
• Why northern Mara conservancies offer richer, quieter safari experiences with fewer vehicles
• How time in nature helps reset perspective, slow the nervous system, and create lasting travel memories

Contact Information

Email: rael@keeptravelling.africa

Blog Post

https://www.wildsunsets.travel/house-in-the-wild-kenya/

Episode Number: 60

Property / Guest Name

Ashley Weir - Golf Director

Episode Summary

• Ashley Weir shares insight into what makes Pezula Championship Course one of the most distinctive golf experiences along South Africa’s Garden Route
• A closer look at how course design, cool-season grass, and natural fynbos shape the playing experience at Pezula
• What it takes to operate and maintain a championship golf course in a coastal environment
• Behind-the-scenes realities of hosting Sunshine Tour events and professional tournaments
• Why Pezula continues to attract international golfers and returning visitors
• How Pezula fits into a wider Garden Route golf journey for travellers exploring the Western Cape

Guest Information

Ashley Weir
Director of Golf – Pezula Championship Course
Based in Knysna, South Africa

Key Takeaways / Topics Covered

• Why Pezula offers a rare balance of championship golf, coastal scenery, and natural surroundings
• How seasonality and course setup influence playability throughout the year
• This week’s prize giveaway reminder: listeners can win a four-ball at Pezula Championship Course, including golf carts, by entering here.

Contact Information

Email: rael@keeptravelling.africa

Blog Post

https://www.wildsunsets.travel/pezula-championship-course/

Episode Number

Episode 59

Property / Guest Name

Edward DeMarco

Episode Summary

• Edward DeMarco shares what 14+ years of deep travel across Africa has taught him, and why Malawi remains one of the continent’s most overlooked gems
• A fascinating look at Malawi and Zambia as a combined travel circuit, blending classic safari experiences with pristine lakes, mountains, and living history
• Practical, real-world advice on getting to Malawi and Zambia from Europe, the UK, and North America without the stress many travellers expect
• Honest conversation around immigration, safety, security, and why Africa today is far more accessible and welcoming than the media suggests
• Insight into Malawi’s emerging conservation success stories, including Nkhotakota and Majete reserves, and the role of African Parks
• Why slower travel, walking safaris, boating safaris, and deeper cultural connection are shaping the future of African tourism

Guest Information

Edward DeMarco
Founder & Managing Director – Afrologi - afrologi.com
Development strategist, writer, and long-time Africa traveller with extensive experience across East and Southern Africa

Key Takeaways / Topics Covered

• Why Malawi offers Caribbean-like lake experiences, world-class scenery, and authentic travel with very few crowds
• How conservation, community involvement, and walking safaris are reshaping safari travel in Zambia and Malawi
• This week’s prize giveaway reminder: listeners can win unforgettable stays from Africa’s lodges and travel partners by subscribing and following the podcast

Contact Information

Email: rael@keeptravelling.africa

Blog Post

https://www.wildsunsets.travel/malawi-movement-and-meaningful-travel/

Episode Number: 58

Guest

Vanessa Gordon – Founder & CEO, East End Taste

Episode Summary

• Vanessa Gordon shares her recent travel journey through Uganda and what led her to accept the invitation.
• First impressions of Uganda, including safety, infrastructure, and everyday life in Kampala.
• Honest reflections on chimpanzee trekking, fear responses, and personal limits in the wild.
• The emotional and transformative impact of gorilla trekking in Uganda.
• Staying at safari lodges across Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi, and Kibale regions.
• How travel through Uganda reshaped Vanessa’s perspective on simplicity, excess, and personal growth.

Guest Information

Vanessa Gordon
Founder & CEO of East End Taste
A culinary travel and lifestyle media and event planning company

https://www.eastendtaste.com https://www.vanessapgordon.com

Key Takeaways

• Uganda offers a deeply meaningful safari experience that goes far beyond wildlife sightings.
• Gorilla trekking and community visits can create lasting emotional and personal impact.
• Travelling at a slower pace allows space for reflection, connection, and perspective.

Contact Information

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

Blog Post

https://www.wildsunsets.travel/uganda-safari-experience/

A few years from now, you will not remember how much it cost you, but you will always remember the memories you made. Keep Travelling.

Episode Number: 57

Rhino Post Safari Lodge & Plains Camp – Seola Africa

Episode Summary

• Discover the behind-the-scenes story of Seola Africa’s Rhino Post Safari Lodge and Plains Camp with long-time GM Marli Muller.
• Learn how both camps operate with small teams, unique logistics, and a deep commitment to community employment.
• Explore what makes Plains Camp the only luxurious, guided walking-safari camp of its kind inside the Kruger National Park.
• Hear how Rhino Post blends natural, elevated bush-suite design with comfort, fine dining, and the famous sleep-out experience.
• Understand the staff culture that has kept team members loyal for 10–20+ years, creating a true family environment.
• Enjoy Marli’s inspiring personal journey — from preschool teacher to one of Kruger’s most respected safari managers.

Guest Information

Marli Muller — General Manager, Rhino Post Safari Lodge & Plains Camp

Key Takeaways

• Plains Camp offers a rare, luxury walking-safari experience with only eight guests, creating deep connection and genuine digital detox.
• Rhino Post delivers elevated bush-suite comfort, exceptional guiding, and unforgettable sleep-out platforms under the stars.
• This week’s giveaway: A special prize from Seola Africa — details in the episode and at keeptravelling.africa/podcast. (If no giveaway, tell me and I’ll remove this line.)

Contact Information

For direct enquiries: rael@keeptravelling.africa

Blog Post

A shortened version of this podcast episode will be available soon on https://www.wildsunsets.travel/rhino-post/

Episode No: 56

https://www.matetsivictoriafalls.com

Episode Summary:

• An in-depth conversation with Sara Gardiner, co-founder of Matetsi Victoria Falls, set on a vast private game reserve along the Zambezi River.
• How Matetsi sits within the wider KAZA Transfrontier Conservation Area, allowing wildlife to move freely across international borders.
• What guests can expect from game drives, walking safaris, night drives, and immersive riverfront wilderness experiences.
• The remarkable conservation turnaround at Matetsi, from decades of poaching pressure to thriving wildlife populations today.
• Why Zimbabwean hospitality, cuisine, and warmth leave such a deep and lasting impression on visitors.
• Sara’s personal journey from growing up in Zimbabwe, studying at Oxford, and returning home to help build a purpose-driven safari operation.

Guest Information:

Sara Gardiner – Co-Founder, Matetsi Victoria Falls

Key Takeaways:

• Matetsi Victoria Falls offers a rare blend of private safari, riverfront serenity, and close proximity to Victoria Falls within one seamless experience.
• The reserve’s conservation model focuses on long-term impact, combining wildlife protection, community upliftment, and education.
• Staying at Matetsi allows guests to experience Zimbabwe at its most authentic, with space, silence, and a strong sense of place.

Contact Information:

For direct enquiries, please email:
rael@keeptravelling.africa

Blog Post

A shortened blog version of this episode will be available https://www.wildsunsets.travel/matetsi magic/