TRAFALFAR GUESTS ‘CONNECT WITH LOCALS’
Trafalgar’s new series of Africa trips for 2020 holds particular significance as the home of the Tollman family, owners of Trafalgar as part of The Travel Corporation, the largest privately, owned travel company in the world.
With generations of the Tollman’s being born and raised in Africa, the trips have been curated with family memories and connections front and centre. Each inclusion, option, meal and accommodation has been hand selected for an experience that encapsulates “the spirit of each place in a way that guests will not only see, but truly feel the true soul of the continent.”
As part of the itineraries for 2020, guests will “Connect with Locals” alongside family friend, Stefan, on a eight-day Cape Town Explorer who will treat them to a special “Be My Guest” traditional braai (barbecue). Travellers can also “Dive into Culture” on the 13-day Namibia Adventure, learning about the traditions of the OvaHimba tribe, considered to be the last semi-nomadic people of Namibia. Overnights to remember will also include a “Stays with Stories” at the five-star Red Carnation Hotel, the Oyster Box, South Africa.
Importantly, guests will “Make A Difference” with no less than four JoinTrafalgar experiences, including visiting the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust on nine-day Wonders of Kenya to learn about the acclaimed Orphans’ Project, providing hope for the future of Kenya’s threatened elephant and rhino populations. These are just a small few of many inclusions on the 11 itineraries across nine countries.
SAA SIGNS UP TO PROTECT WILDLIFE
South African Airways (SAA) has joined the fight against the illegal trade in wildlife through the Illegal Wildlife Trade module of the IATA Environmental Assessment (IEnvA) Program.
IEnvA is a comprehensive environmental management system that SAA uses to ensure that the airline is as environmentally sustainable as possible. IEnvA is an equivalent of the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA), but for the environment rather than safety.
SAA is audited, much like IOSA, and certified as IenvA compliant. SAA attained IEnvA Stage 2 certification in March 2015.
SAA was audited during the course of December 2019 to ensure that the correct systems and procedures are in place and that SAA is committed to the fight against the illegal wildlife trade after which SAA will be certified.
SAA is also a signatory to the Buckingham Palace Declaration of the United for Wildlife initiative. United for Wildlife works to tackle illegal wildlife trade by bringing together conservation organizations, governments and global corporations. Led by The Duke of Cambridge and The Royal Foundation, United for Wildlife is working to protect endangered species like elephants, rhinos, tigers and pangolins, so they can share our world with future generations.
“We can all do our part to stop this scourge that subjects our wildlife to cruel methods of smuggling or to death at the hands of poachers. SAA is committed to making a difference and protecting our wildlife,” says Zuks Ramasia, SAA Acting CEO.
He added, South Africa’s wildlife is one of the most treasured natural assets and is a draw card for tourism to South Africa, and, as the national carrier, we are doing our part to protect that heritage. Over the course of the next year, all employees will have the opportunity to get involved and be trained in methods to detect these smugglers and their activities and to report these to the authorities.
