Every gorilla born is a reason to celebrate! And Rwanda takes this seriously with its Kwita Izina festival. Rwanda’s annual gorilla naming ceremony has become a symbol of the country’s landmark efforts to bring its mountain gorilla population back from the brink of extinction.
Since 2005, this event has been on the calendar to officially name new mountain gorillas in the country’s reserves. This has become a global celebration of nature and further highlights the importance of these incredible animals.
If you’re thinking about enjoying a gorilla trekking safari, there couldn’t be a more auspicious time to plan your trip than during Kwita Izina, the gorilla naming ceremony! Here are five interesting things you should know about this celebration:
1. A Tradition Rooted in Culture
Kwita Izina is inspired by an ancient Rwandan tradition where families name their children in the presence of loved ones. This modern adaptation honours baby gorillas born in the past year, making it both a cultural and conservation milestone.
2. Supporting Conservation Efforts and Communities
The cost of gorilla permits to see these creatures in their natural habitat, currently at $1,500 per person, is a strategic measure aimed at limiting visitor numbers while generating vital revenue. Funds raised are channelled into conservation initiatives and local community development, ensuring that the economic benefits of gorilla tourism are widely shared.
Gorillia trekking in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda | Photo credit: Steve Conradie
3. A Ceremony with Global Recognition
Kwita Izina has grown into an internationally celebrated event. Conservationists, park rangers, researchers, and high-profile guests gather each year to take part in naming the new baby gorillas, highlighting the importance of protecting Rwanda’s endangered mountain gorillas. Over the past 19 years, 397 gorillas have been named during this ceremony.
4. Conservation Success Story
Thanks to Rwanda’s committed conservation efforts, including strict protection measures and sustainable tourism practices, the mountain gorilla population has grown from around 620 in 1989 to over 1,000 today. This makes them the only great ape species currently experiencing a population increase.
The gorilla naming ceremony is held annually between September and October at the foothills of Volcanoes National Park. The event brings together conservation champions and offers travellers a unique glimpse into Rwanda’s successful blend of culture, eco-tourism, and wildlife preservation. This is a fantastic time for your gorilla trekking safari.
The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) trip planning tools has transformed the trip planning experience for travellers, particularly for wildlife safaris, enabling more precise and memorable adventures. Several leading travel companies like Expedia, Tripadvisor, GetYourGuide, and Discover Africa are already offering travellers AI travel planning tools to make the process easier, and the trend is expected to continue.
When it comes to safari trip planning, being able to predict animal movements, weather conditions, and optimal viewing times maximises guests’ chances of witnessing nature’s marvels in the most impactful way possible. Tailored recommendations to satisfied seasoned adventurers and the ability to support conservation efforts are some of the added benefits. Here, we explore four cutting-edge AI tools that are changing the travel planning experience.
1. Google’s Trip Itinerary Search
Let’s face it: most travel planning efforts start with a Google search. The search giant has dipped into the realm of AI with Gemini, its generative AI answer to ChatGPT, which took the world by storm just over a year ago. Now, Google’s new AI-driven tools for Search and Maps assist travellers in creating detailed itineraries and exploring destinations more efficiently.
An experimental AI-based function in search crafts personalised trip itineraries, including suggestions for flights, hotels, attractions, and dining. The function links directly to travel company sites for bookings. The updates in Google Maps focus on delivering richer destination information with local recommendations and lists of top dining spots.
Photos and reviews use AI-enhanced capabilities to help discover notable aspects of places and even identify local dishes. Additionally, Maps users can now organise personalised lists of their favourite spots, further enhancing their travel planning experience. The introduction of a translation tool, allowing real-time content translation without app switching, further underscores Google’s push for travel planning convenience.
Google’s new AI-driven tools create detailed itineraries to plan around | Source: Google.
2. TripAdvisor’s AI-Powered Recommendations
TripAdvisor’s Trips has enhanced its platform with AI to deliver personalised travel recommendations, drawing from users’ past interactions and reviews. It effectively uses natural language processing to distil and summarise key insights from extensive user reviews, making it easier for travellers to make informed decisions.
The platform also supports collaborative trip planning, providing tailored suggestions that accommodate the preferences of all group members. The AI functionality is only available for select destinations, but the potential for easy trip planning as a global tool is clear.
Tripadvisor uses natural language processes to simplify and summarise important information from detailed user reviews, helping travellers make informed decisions more easily | Source: Tripadvisor.
3. Herd Tracker: AI Prediction Precision in Safari Planning
Wildlife tracking app HerdTracker has launched a new AI tool to more accurately predict where to see East Africa’s Great Wildebeest Migration, arguably one of the most incredible natural spectacles on the planet. This precision significantly improves the chances of unforgettable encounters, maximising the value of what can often be a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
The tracking app utilises 10 years of historical and real-time data to predict the location of wildlife herds. Developed with the safari-goer in mind, it allows tour operators and tourists to pinpoint the best times and locations for witnessing the Great Migration across Tanzania’s Serengeti and Kenya’s Masai Mara.
HerdTracker also personalises the safari experience with customised data-based recommendations for lodges close to the predicted areas and river crossings according to the user’s preferences. Each itinerary is uniquely tailored to maximise wildlife viewing opportunities, aiding in managing expectations and trip planning efficiency.
Other wildlife tracking and data analytics players include WildTrack and SMART (Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool), which also utilise technology to enhance wildlife conservation and tourism. However, HerdTracker’s focus on the Great Migration and its integration of comprehensive historical data sets it apart as a specialised tool for safari planning.
HerdTracker uses an AI clustering technique to accurately predict where to see the Great Migration | Source: HerdTracker.
4. Kayak’s Virtual Travel Assistant
Kayak’s AI-driven virtual assistant, Ask Kayak, is powered by the online travel booking platform’s historical data and OpenAi’s ChatGPT. Users can ask specific questions about flight routes or destinations for planned trips.
Key features include comprehensive displays of flight, lodging, and car rental options alongside tools that suggest the optimal times to travel and provide essential destination information. For now, its options for African destinations are limited.
Ask Kayak displays essential destination information along with flights, lodgings, and car rental. It’s options for travel to Africa are limited for now | Source: Kayak.
In summary, AI will continue to shape travel planning and booking as more companies leverage its capabilities to improve overall trip management and provide a more efficient and tailored travel experience.
This week’s latest travel news includes proposed changes to visa policies, flooding in the Maasai Mara, and conservation rescue stories from South Africa. Meanwhile, North Africa and Europe could be connected by an underwater railway line as early as 2030. Read about these stories and more as we wrap up the previous week’s travel news:
Airline and Aviation News:
A Delta Airlines plane. Photo Source: Unsplash
Delta Airlines reintroduces daily flights to Lagos, Nigeria. The American airline will enhance its routes to various African destinations, including multiple cities in South Africa. Additionally, it states that it is actively addressing the growing demand for tourism across the continent.
Ireland considering ceasing visa-free travel for South Africans. Reports indicate that individuals from Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo are utilising South African passports to apply for asylum in the Republic of Ireland. With expectations of a surge in asylum seekers in the coming months, the nation might consider enhancing its current procedures.
Report says almost a third of African applicants were denied Schengen visas in 2022. Despite having the lowest number of applications per capita, Africa experienced a visa refusal rate of 30%, which is 12.5% higher than the global average. Mehari Taddele Maru, from the School of Transnational Governance at the European University Institute, asserts that “the European visa system exhibits evident bias against African applicants.”
Travel and Destination News:
A wildebeest herd crosses the Mara River. Photo Source: Unsplash
Heavy rains cause flooding in the Maasai Mara National Reserve. The Talek River overflowed, leading to significant flooding in Talek Town and submerging numerous tourist camps. Additionally, the collapse of the Purungat Bridge has disrupted communication and access. Fortunately, all personnel and visitors have been safely evacuated.
Firefighters smother Table Mountain fire. The Skeleton Gorge fire charred approximately 238 hectares of vegetation since it started on April 27th. Ongoing “berg” wind conditions persist in spreading the fire, yet firefighters have managed to contain the majority of active areas. Consequently, several hiking trails have been reopened.
Underwater tunnel could connect Spain to Morocco before 2030 FIFA World Cup. Various stakeholders are investigating the feasibility of linking Morocco’s Al Boraq high-speed rail line to Spain’s existing rail networks through an underwater tunnel. Initially proposed in 1981, the tunnel’s construction could be finalized in preparation for the 2030 World Cup, slated to be hosted across Spain, Portugal, and Morocco.
Conservation News:
A sea turtle crawls along a beach. Photo Source: Unsplash
Two Oceans Aquarium to rehabilitate hundreds of baby sea turtles after Cape Town storms. The aquarium reports that the majority of the turtles, primarily loggerhead turtles, were stranded on Cape shores during a severe storm. Its objective is to rehabilitate 400 out of the 530 animals, while the remaining ones have been transferred to two other aquariums.
Rescued Ukrainian lion arrives at sanctuary in South Africa. Four Paws Netherlands rescued Vasylyna from Ukraine after she managed to escape captivity in the war-torn city of Kharkiv. She has since been relocated to Lionrock, a spacious sanctuary in South Africa operated by Four Paws, along with another lion rescued from Montenegro.
Discover Africa’s Travel Experts are on the pulse of travel news and tourism trends across Africa. Get in touch to start planning your Safari bucket list adventure today.
The very best innovations and inventions that are working towards the regeneration of our ecosystems and saving lives were placed front and centre at The Earthshot Prize 2024! Here’s what to know about this prestigious event.
What is The Earthshot Prize and How Does it Work?
It’s no secret that our world is in dire straits on the environmental front, with climate change not only impacting our natural world but also negatively affecting many people and communities.
In an effort to encourage solutions, The Earthshot Prize was created. Launched by Prince William in 2020, The Earthshot Prize travels around the globe in search of innovations that will help us repair and regenerate our planet in the next decade.
After 5,342 nominations and 60 finalists, the very best five solutions of the year will each receive a £1 million reward to scale their work and make an even bigger impact.
There are five categories – or Earthshots – that were developed with leading environmental experts as goals to aim for before irreversible damage happens.
What are the Five Earthshots for 2030?
Protect and Restore Nature
Photo: Nature Metrics
The Protect and Restore Nature category aims to rehabilitate and preserve the habitats that wildlife need to live – from rainforests and grasslands, to wetlands, lakes, and rivers. One of the finalists in this category is Nature Metrics, a company that improves biodiversity monitoring and nature impact reporting.
Clean Our Air
Photo: Gayo
So many people around the world are breathing in toxic air on a daily basis, negatively impacting their health. In fact, according to the UN Environment Programme, air pollution is the greatest environmental threat to public health and accounts for eight million premature deaths annually.
To combat this and help more people breathe clean air, The Earthshot Prize has recognised GAYO, one of the finalists in the Clean Our Air category, for their work in providing solutions to environmental issues through youth empowerment and skills development.
Revive Our Oceans
Photo: Mialgae
Coral reefs are vanishing, and many species that call the ocean home are disappearing. Meeting the challenge of the dwindling health of our oceans needs to be a top priority! Many organisations are working hard to offset the damages brought by warmer temperatures, pollution, and harmful fishing practices.
One organisation that’s been recognised by The Earthshot Prize in the Revive Our Oceans category is MiAlgae, a biotechnology company producing omega-3-rich microalgae grown using by-products from whisky distillation.
Build a Waste-Free World
Photo: Ferment Up
From single-use plastics to food waste, many societies’ throw-away lifestyles are damaging our planet. The need for solutions to this is great!
Thankfully, organisations are rising to the challenge, such as Green Spot Technologies, nominated in the Build a Waste-Free World category. Their product, Ferment’Up, uses the process of fermentation to change commercial food waste into nutritious alternative ingredients.
Fix Our Climate
Photo: Build Up Nepal
Cutting out carbon and reducing greenhouse gases is an essential part of saving our planet from future environmental disasters.
Providing a sustainable, resilient, and low-carbon alternative to traditional clay-fired bricks, Build Up Nepal is helping people build eco-friendly, earthquake-resilient homes.
How Can You Watch The Earthshot Prize 2024?
The Earthshot Prize 2024 award ceremony was held in Cape Town, South Africa, at The Earthshot Prize Dome, a purpose-built venue beside Cape Town Stadium, on the 6th of November.
Hosted by singer and actor, Billy Porter, and media personality, Bonang Matheba, the event included performances by Davido, Diamond Platnumz, and the Ndlovu Youth Choir. High-profile guests such as Heidi Klum and Nina Dobrev presented awards to the winners.
One of South Africa’s premier low-cost airline, FlySafair, is launching a pivotal route connecting Cape Town to the Kruger National Park. Kirby Gordon, Chief Marketing Officer at FlySafair, commented to the Sunday Tribune, this move comes as Cape Town experiences a surge in tourism, with international visits increasing by 76% in the first half of last year alone.
Rising Tourism Trends
“The Mother City saw 3.2 million domestic two-way passengers pass through Cape Town International Airport in just the first six months of 2023, representing a 9% year-on-year growth,” Kirby Gordon also told the Sunday Tribune. This upswing has prompted the airline to open up new possibilities for travelers to explore the natural splendor of the Kruger National Park.
Elephant walking on the road in Kruger Park looking at camera
Bridging Urban and Wilderness Experiences
FlySafair’s strategic decision to bridge Cape Town with Kruger by air promises to enhance South Africa’s rich tourism tapestry, offering travelers an efficient and cost-effective way to journey from the city’s coastal charm to the wild heart of the country.
The Inaugural Route’s Impact
Gordon further emphasized the potential impact of the new route, “We hope that by introducing our low-cost option to the market, we can encourage more tourists to build a Kruger Park safari into their trip itineraries.” He anticipates that this initiative will not only benefit international tourists but also offer Western Cape locals a new gateway to one of the nation’s most treasured attractions.
Discover Africa has won the 2024 World Luxury Travel Awards as Southern Africa’s Top Safari Company! This sees us win our third award in three years in the esteemed World Luxury Travel Awards.
What are the World Luxury Travel Awards?
Established in 2020, the World Luxury Travel Awards go around the globe in search of the best of the best in the travel industry. Guests, travellers, and industry players vote for the experiences and establishments that have won them over and left a lasting impression. Annually, over 100,000 international travellers select winners for the awards over a three-week period.
There are a number of travel categories, based on location and experience, in which companies can stand out. Winning a World Luxury Travel Award not only inspires the confidence of travellers but also motivates all within the travel and tourism industry to go above and beyond, contributing to a robust sector.
Discover Africa: 2024 World Luxury Travel Award Winner
The safari tours we plan and facilitate across Southern Africa stood out for a number of reasons, including:
HerdTracker
A balloon safari of the Great Wildebeest Migration in the Masai Mara in Kenya
Our Africa Migration Tracking platform, HerdTracker, provides live updates from rangers and guides in safari destinations about the wildebeest migration across Kenya and Tanzania.
This allows us to secure last-minute accommodations and experiences for travellers who want to witness the exodus firsthand and have the best migration safari possible.
When you choose Discover Africa, you know you’re booking a safari that ticks all the boxes, including wildlife, location, value, sustainability and ethics, setting, and overall experience.
Knowledgeable Team
Discover Africa Group Waterfront Teambuilding
A huge reason why Discover Africa is able to provide travellers with unique and awe-inspiring safaris is because of our team. Our African Concierge Experts have travelled extensively throughout the destinations we work in. As such, they’re able to curate trips based on first-hand knowledge and their own experiences in the countries.
The team also seamlessly weaves in clients’ own unique requirements and needs to ensure that their African safari adventure is everything they want it to be.
South Africa’s Department of Tourism marked the near completion of the Lighthouse Precinct project in the Cape Agulhas National Park this week as part of its R94 million investment into 25 tourism upgrade projects across the country.
Enhanced Visitor Experiences at Cape Agulhas
Cape Agulhas, a must-do attraction for most visitors to Cape Town, holds the unique title of the continent’s southernmost point. This distinction sets it apart from the spectacularly rugged Cape Point, which is often confused as the southern tip of Africa. The attraction, described as a geographical marvel, drew over 26,500 visitors in 2023, about 31% lower than in 2019, when visitor numbers peaked at 38,271.
The Cape Agulhas project, a two-phase project, saw its first phase completed in 2018. But Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille, who made a progress visit to the park on Tuesday, says this is not just an infrastructural upgrade. De Lille stated that the enhancements are designed to increase visitor numbers and encourage tourists to extend their stay in the region.
Key Points of the Cape Agulhas Phase 2 Upgrade
Infrastructure Enhancements: These include a new restaurant, an interpretation centre with vendor stalls, a lecture theatre, and revamped reception areas.
Community Benefits: Employment of 77 individuals, including youth and women, and engagement with local subcontractors.
Progress: 73% is complete, with full completion expected by June.
South African Minister of Tourism Patricia De Lille and delegates during a progress visit to the Cape Agulhas Lighthouse Precinct.
The Cape Agulhas Lighthouse Precinct Project forms part of the department’s ongoing maintenance projects, with 22 of these near complete and three are still under construction. De Lille also outlined a number of community-based tourism infrastructure projects underway in the Eastern Cape, Limpopo, Free State, North West, Kwazulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, and the Northern Cape.
These projects have an investment value of R676.44 Million and have “so far created 605 jobs”. Plans for a new Kruger gate in the northern region to increase tourism to South Africa’s flagship park are continuing after logistical and community input delays. Kruger saw over 1.6 million visitors between March 2023 and mid-March 2024, with recovery to 2019 pre-pandemic tourist numbers only expected in 2025.
Augrabies National Park in the Northern Cape is the only park out of SANParks’ 19 national parks that exceeded its 2019 visitor numbers last year. De Lille remains convinced that investing in enhancing South Africa’s tourism experiences will create the conditions needed for further investment by the private sector.
“Investment in infrastructure by government shows the private sector that we are serious about growing our tourism offering,” said De Lille. “As a top tourist destination, we remain committed to constantly diversifying and growing our tourism offering so that we remain an attractive destination that keeps visitors coming back.”
How to Have an Unforgettable Visit to the Southernmost Tip of Africa
Located in the Southern Overberg of the Western Cape, the Cape Agulhas National Park stretches between the towns of Gansbaai and Struisbaai. Cape Agulhas and its surrounding attractions offer a compelling itinerary addition to a safari experience in South Africa. They combine scenic beauty, maritime history, and vibrant local culture.
Start your day trip early or plan an overnight stay in the area: The drive to Cape Agulhas takes about three hours, offering stunning landscape and coastal views.
Farm stall stops: Enjoy a hearty breakfast at one of the local farm stalls, like Peregrine or Houw Hoek Farm Stall. These spots offer fresh, locally sourced produce and baked goods in a cosy setting.
Small Towns to Visit En Route to Cape Agulhas
Grabouw
In the heart of the Elgin Valley, Grabouw is known for its abundant fruit orchards. The area is also gaining a reputation for its cool-climate wines from vineyards like Charles Fox MCC Vineyard.
Explore the Elgin Railway Market
Set in an old apple warehouse, the railway market is a bustling hub of artisanal vendors, food stalls, and live music. It’s an excellent spot to experience local crafts, cuisine, and culture.
Bredasdorp
This small town offers an optional visit to The Bredasdorp Shipwreck Museum for maritime history enthusiasts.
The Struisbaai Harbor
This is a wonderful spot to watch local fishermen bring in their catch and take snaps of the colourful boats. You might glimpse Parrie, the resident stingray known to frequent the harbour waters.
Top Things to Do at Cape Agulhas Lighthouse Precinct
Cape Agulhas Lighthouse
Climb the iconic Cape Agulhas Lighthouse for panoramic views of where two oceans meet. The lighthouse also houses a small museum worth exploring.
Southernmost Tip of Africa
A short drive or walk from the lighthouse, visit the geographical southern tip of Africa. Snapping a photo at the famous sign is a must, marking where the Atlantic and Indian oceans converge.
Fynbos Explorations
Immerse yourself in the unique biodiversity of the Cape Floral Kingdom on guided nature walks in the area.
Shipwreck Trail
View the wreck of the Meisho Maru No 38 that ran aground in 1982, among other ships that succumbed to the treacherous waters off the coast.
Cape Agulhas, the southernmost point of Africa and where two oceans meet, is a must-visit destination when exploring the Western Cape. These upgrades further make this area an even brighter jewel in South Africa’s tourism crown.
When we think about explorers and big Travel Channel stars, names like Bear Grylls, David Attenborough and Dominic Monaghan come to mind. With years of experience traveling the globe and coming face-to-face with some of nature’s most wondrous sights, these modern-day globetrotters inspire awe and a certain amount of envy when we look back at their lifetime of experience and adventure.
And then you hear about Kingsley Holgate, a South African-born adventurer with a passion for Africa; its beauty and it's people. It’s doubtful that anyone has explored Africa the way Holgate has. From intrepid expeditions to reaching out with his humanitarian efforts, Kingsley Holgate is Africa’s very own Indiana Jones.
Adventure Africa
Known as the bearded explorer, Holgate has been described by international magazines as the most traveled man in Africa. Born in 1946 in Natal, South Africa, Holgate explains that as a young boy, he would sit on his father’s knee, listening to stories about explorers such as David Livingstone and Sir Henry Morton Stanley. Inspired and intrigued by their fulfilling journeys, Holgate followed suit and has dedicated his life to tripping around this beautiful continent, extending a helping hand towards those who need it most.
Memories to last a lifetime
Whether it’s boating from Cape Town to Cairo, using only Africa’s rivers and bodies of water to transverse the continent, or circumnavigating the world following the Tropic of Capricorn, Holgate definitely knows how to keep people on their toes. He has followed original routes explored by H.M. Stanley, Livingstone himself and Frederick Courtenay Selous, touching the lives of locals along the way.
Holgate has led several National Geographic expeditions and written countless books about his experiences. Holgate explains that a constant thirst for adventure and the people he meets along the way has inspired him to continue his work.
A big heart
His foundation, Kingsley Holgate Foundation, is strongly linked to wildlife, nature and community conservation across Africa. He has dedicated his time campaigning against the poaching of Africa’s endangered rhinos as well as elephants. For instance, one of his campaigns known as “Rhino Art – Let our Children's Voices be Heard,” is undoubtedly Africa's most comprehensive children's conservation project ever. This campaign has also become one of the most successful projects, extending to other African countries affected by rhino poaching and drawing global attention to this ongoing problem.
A passion for people
During his lifetime, Holgate established his foundation to save and improve lives through adventure. He has been involved in a number of humanitarian expeditions throughout the African continent traveling by dhow, inflatable raft, canoe, foot, bicycle, and Land Rover. Some of his most recent expeditions include 'The Outside Edge Expedition' and the 'Africa Rainbow Expedition.' All these are aimed at giving out mosquito nets to help prevent malaria among some of the worst affected areas in Africa. He also runs another campaign known as the 'Right to Sight' whose main aim is to provide glasses to those with eye problems.
Other notable achievements
As one can imagine, such a life comes with plenty of its own challenges. Holgate’s journeys have seen him up against dangerous wildlife, bandits, pirates, malaria and epidemic cases of poaching. Having overcome these obstacles has made Kingsley Holgate an inspiration to so many people, while still remaining a deeply humble man.
Holgate was inducted into the Royal Geographical Society for his extensive knowledge and pushing the boundaries of expedition travel.
Image Credit: Land Rover Magazine UK
Kingsley Holgate is a legend in his own right and has certainly increased our thirst for traveling to Africa. His knowledge and never-give-up attitude puts him on our list as one of the most influential travelers of all time.
Follow in Kingsley Holgate’s footsteps and discover the costs of an African safari with us. The nifty Safari Cost Estimator helps you create your bespoke itinerary.
Alex comes from the Kilimanjaro region, and was born and raised in a town called Moshi. His father was an advocate and his mother an entrepreneur, and they took great pride in providing Alex and his sister Esther with the best possible education – which in turn motivated the two siblings to strive to make their parents proud.
In spite of this urban and academic upbringing, Alex heard the call of the wild young, and early mornings would find him ready with a bow and arrow, catapult, knife and machete, trying to hunt scrub hare for fun. Fortunately, his family shared his enthusiasm, and their pets over the years included baboons, vervet monkeys, blue monkeys and a bush baby as well as the more usual dogs, cats and tortoises. Having studied Business Administration and Information Technology, Alex was pursuing a career that would likely have landed him behind a desk. But instead he found his true passion in guiding, and his specialty is walking safaris. Meeting a diverse variety of people from all over the world and sharing his love for the wilderness, all in the most legendary of settings, keeps his passion alive and reminds him daily of why he loves to guide.
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