Spring is only a couple of weeks away in South Africa; which makes it a perfect time to be with G Adventures as we explore Kruger in Depth this week on a safari.
The landscape is rather barren; leaves are just starting to blossom and the grass is slowly returning to its luster – but this is good news for us, it will make the animals we will see this week easier to spot.
TravelPulse Canada is the exclusive media representative on the FAM along with 13 agents from across the country who are excited to explore everything South Africa has to offer. We’ve already been greeted by ostriches, slowed down on the highway for a monkey crossing, greeted by a baboon and welcomed by a family of cows -- and the actual safari hasn’t even started yet.
A sign in our home at Awelani Lodge for the next two nights, explains what to do should we encounter a baboon on the grounds.
Francois Senekal is the G Adventures Chief Experience Officer accompanying TravelPulse Canada and a group of advisors as they explore the wildlife of South Africa. (Photo Credit: Marsha Mowers)
We don’t need the sign – we have Francois Senekal guiding us.
Senekal is our trip CEO (Chief Experience Officer) who knows every nook and cranny of the country and has been all through it. Born and raised in South Africa, he’s spent a lot of years in travel, leading groups through Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Mozambique and Malawi. He’s also spent time touring in Eastern Africa, Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda.
But that’s exactly why he’s a perfect fit with G – his calibre is who the company picks to lead their groups. Senekal has left the industry before over the years, but his passion has always led him back.
“I always find myself back in in doing what I do. I think if you've got that passion for travelling, it's difficult to to get out of it,” Senekal tells us during our bus ride to Kruger Park.
“I love seeing people being happy.”
Senekal says a big part of what sets G Adventures apart is what the company does for the local communities in which they’re active.
“Other companies contribute, but the way G gives back to the community is very special. We stay and visit local businesses. The money stays in the local community.”
Stay tuned as we head on safari this week!
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