Gorillas, Rivers and Rainforest with Kamba

Gorillas, Rivers and Rainforest with Kamba

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 [rael@keeptravelling.africa] Blog: https://keeptravelling.africa/blog/kamba african rainforest/ [https://keeptravelling.africa/blog/kamba african rainforest/]

Kamba Africa: Deep Into the Congo Rainforest

Episode Number: 80   Property / Guest Name: Kristina Plattner https://kambaafrica.com/ [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 [rael@keeptravelling.africa] Blog: https://keeptravelling.africa/blog/kamba-africa/ [https://keeptravelling.africa/blog/kamba-africa/]

Climbing Kilimanjaro: What It Really Takes to Reach Africa’s Highest Summit

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 [rael@keeptravelling.africa] Blog Post: https://keeptravelling.africa/blog/climbing-kilimanjaro/ [https://keeptravelling.africa/blog/climbing-kilimanjaro/]

Morocco Travel Organizer: A Luxury Morocco Journey

Episode Number: 78 Property / Guest Name: Morocco Travel Organizer – Morocco Siham Lahmin – Owner and Curator Episode Summary: Morocco is often spoken about as if it is one simple destination. Yet, as Siham Lahmin explains in this episode, it is much more layered than that. In this episode of Keep Travelling: Your African Story, Rael Zieve speaks with Siham Lahmin, owner and curator of Morocco Travel Organizer. Together, they explore the real rhythm of Morocco, from ancient cities and mountain communities to the Sahara Desert, coastal life, food traditions, local safety tips, and the value of planning the country properly. Siham explains why travellers should not try to rush Morocco. Instead, she describes the country as a journey best experienced chapter by chapter, with time for land, mountains, desert, beach, culture, and food. She also shares why local knowledge is so important when navigating medinas, understanding traditions, and avoiding missed experiences. In this episode, you’ll discover: • The main international entry points into Morocco, including Casablanca, Marrakech, Tangier, Fez, and Rabat • Why the Sahara Desert, High Atlas Mountains, and Fez are three powerful places to include • How the Amazigh roots of Morocco shape the mountain experience • Why Fez is one of Morocco’s great cultural, spiritual, food, and craft centres • What dishes travellers should try, including tangia, medfouna, and pastilla • Practical advice on safety, women’s travel, local help, language, timing, and trip length Guest Information: Siham Lahmin is the owner and curator of Morocco Travel Organizer. Born in Fez and deeply connected to Moroccan culture, food, and local travel planning, Siham helps travellers experience Morocco with more depth and less stress. In this conversation, she shares honest advice on how to plan a meaningful Morocco journey, why local expertise matters, and how visitors can better understand the country through its cities, mountains, desert, coastline, cuisine, and people. Key Takeaways: • Morocco is best explored slowly, with around 15 days giving travellers time to experience cities, mountains, desert, beach, culture, and food. • Local guidance can make a major difference, especially in medinas, remote regions, and cultural spaces where travellers may miss important details alone. • Siham recommends experiencing the Sahara Desert, High Atlas Mountains, and Fez, while also tasting local dishes in the places where they truly belong. Contact Information: Should you want to contact me directly, please email: rael@keeptravelling.africa [rael@keeptravelling.africa] Blog Post: https://www.keeptravelling.africa/blog/morocco_insights [https://keeptravelling.africa/blog/morocco-insights/]

Royal Mara Safari Lodge Kenya

Episode Number: 77 Property / Guest Name: Royal Mara Safari Lodge – Mara North Conservancy, Kenya Martin Ndamwe – Marketing Manager Episode Summary: There are some safari lodges where the experience begins on the game drive. Then there are places where the wild feeling starts before you have even left your room. In this episode of Keep Travelling: Your African Story, Rael Zieve speaks with Martin Ndamwe, Marketing Manager at Royal Mara Safari Lodge in Kenya’s Mara North Conservancy. Martin shares what makes this intimate riverfront lodge so special, from its peaceful setting beside the river to its small lodge feel, strong wildlife access, and close connection to the surrounding landscape. Royal Mara Safari Lodge offers just eight rooms and a family cottage, making it a quieter and more personal safari option in the Masai Mara region. Guests can enjoy river-facing views, hippos, crocodiles, birds, antelope, zebra, game drives, walking safaris, nature walks, bush meals, and the chance to experience the Big Five in a carefully managed conservancy setting. In this episode, you’ll discover: • How guests can reach Royal Mara Safari Lodge by road or air from Nairobi • What arrival, check-in, butler service, and lodge safety look like • Why the lodge’s riverfront rooms make the safari feel close from the start • How the food, bush meals, picnic breakfasts, and all-inclusive options work • Why Mara North Conservancy offers a quieter safari experience than busier areas • Why Martin believes the low season may be one of the best times to visit Guest Information: Martin Ndamwe is the Marketing Manager at Royal Mara Safari Lodge in Kenya. In this conversation, he shares a clear and practical look at the guest experience, from getting to the lodge and settling into the rooms, to enjoying meals, wildlife, walking safaris, and the peaceful rhythm of Mara North Conservancy. He also explains why the lodge’s small size, riverfront position, solar-powered systems, organic garden, and private conservancy location help create a more personal Kenya safari experience. Key Takeaways: • Royal Mara Safari Lodge is an intimate riverfront lodge in Mara North Conservancy, with eight rooms and a family cottage. • The lodge offers game drives, walking safaris, nature walks, bush meals, strong wildlife viewing, and a quieter conservancy setting. • Royal Mara Safari Lodge is giving one lucky listener a two-night stay to experience the lodge for themselves. Contact Information: Should you want to contact me directly, please email: rael@keeptravelling.africa [rael@keeptravelling.africa] Blog Post: https://www.keeptravelling.africa/blog/royal_mara [https://keeptravelling.africa/blog/royal-mara/]