Latest news with #luxurySafari
Travel Weekly
3 days ago
- Travel Weekly
Why using a reputable advisor matters
Nadia "Sparkle" Henry We all know that selling travel isn't properly regulated; anyone can do it, with or without credentials. Because of that, people without formal training can sell trips; unfortunately, that can lead to some very disappointing experiences. I'd like to share a real story about a woman named Sereena, one that went viral on TikTok. She posted a video of herself looking disgusted during what she called a "luxury safari." Her caption read: "POV: You spend over 36 hours in a car on a $5,000 trip to Tanzania with a well-known travel group." She also said, "The actual WORST travel experience of my life! The itinerary was so poorly planned. Every location was 5-12 hours apart. They lied about where we'd stay and took us to places not even on the itinerary." The video has attracted more than 3 million views, 147,000 likes and 1,480 comments and has been shared more than 13,000 times. I reposted it with the caption, "Sis! Next time, Travel with Sparkle would NEVER!" and tagged her. I also messaged her to express sympathy and to learn more about her experience. She told me she booked through a company referred to her by a friend who had traveled with the group before and had a positive experience. It was a bucket-list journey for her, to Kenya and Tanzania, including Zanzibar. She described long drives between destinations, with some lasting almost seven hours. I looked over her itinerary and noticed no flights between key safari regions, just long, bumpy rides in safari vehicles. Most of the hotels were far from luxurious. This wasn't the kind of trip you expect when you hear "luxury safari." Curious about the travel company she used, I looked at its website and Instagram posts. There were no affiliations with reputable travel organizations like ASTA, IATA, CLIA or certifications like Verified Travel Advisor (VTA), CTA or CTC displayed. There was no evidence of seller of travel licenses or of consortium membership, things professionals proudly display. As travel experts, we know true advisors have deep destination knowledge, strong supplier relationships and ongoing training. Planning an Africa safari is incredibly complex and requires precise coordination, something this company clearly lacked. So why would someone trust such an unqualified person with nearly $5,000 for a trip? Social media marketing and pretty websites often create the illusion of trust, worthiness and luxury. But anyone can sell travel with zero licensing or oversight. This is unlike real estate, where strict education, exams, licensing, ongoing training and regulatory enforcement protect consumers. I believe the travel industry should adopt similar standards. ASTA is leading the way with the VTA program, setting a benchmark for professionalism and ethics. Becoming VTA certified shows credibility, builds client confidence, earns industry recognition and sets advisors apart. As travel professionals, we must proudly and prominently display our credentials and educate clients -- and potential clients -- on their importance. This helps travelers make informed choices and ultimately find trusted, knowledgeable advisors who will craft exceptional trips. Here's what I always tell my clients: Just because someone has a great Instagram feed or a large following doesn't mean they're qualified to plan your trip. Beautiful marketing doesn't always equal experience or reliability. Before you trust anyone with your hard-earned money and once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences, it's important to verify their credentials, industry affiliations and partnerships with reputable suppliers. As a VTA-certified advisor, my job goes far beyond booking flights and hotels. I'm here to protect their investment, ensure a seamless travel experience and deliver a trip that exceeds their expectations. Clients deserve more than an itinerary that looks pretty on paper or a computer screen. They deserve professional guidance, honest expertise and peace of mind.
Travel Daily News
10-06-2025
- Travel Daily News
Virgin Limited Edition unveils the new Mahali Mzuri look
Mahali Mzuri reopens with a full redesign, offering enhanced luxury, panoramic views, and deeper cultural immersion ahead of Kenya's Great Migration season. Mahali Mzuri, Sir Richard Branson's luxury tented safari camp in Kenya's famed Maasai Mara, and part of the Virgin Limited Edition collection, has officially re-opened following a full interior re-design. The re-opening is welcomed in time for guests to take their front row seats for the annual Great Migration, which typically occurs during July and August. Mahali Mazuri, meaning 'beautiful place', was born out of a passion to conserve the under-threat route of the Great Wildebeest Migration, in 2013. Today, with a refreshed look and feel, following its first ever full refurbishment, the camp's connection to its surrounding environment has been brought even further to the fore. Its 12 luxury tented suites retain their iconic peaked roofs, while the new addition of floor to ceiling glass windows provides guests with the ultimate panoramic viewing experience of the diverse wildlife and verdant valley beyond. The design of each tented suite, created in partnership with Lynne Hunt London, has been inspired by Maasai craftsmanship and the local culture that is an integral part of Mahali Mzuri's DNA. Textiles, hardware and custom furnishings were sourced from Nairobi-based suppliers such as Siafu, Matbronze and Nishit & Co, among others. Contemporary African design blends seamlessly with a collection of artworks by East African artists, such as Theresa Musoke and Dickens Otieno, curated by Circle Art Gallery, along with accents of intricate Maasai beadwork in the accessories and soft furnishings created by local nonprofit, The Maa Trust. Each tented suite features king-size or twin beds, a lounge area, separate walk-in shower and a freestanding bathtub overlooking the spectacular views of the valley and the abundant roaming wildlife, as well as a spacious private viewing deck. There is also a dedicated family tented suite featuring both a king-size bed and twin beds, as well as two en-suite bathrooms, one with a walk-in shower and the other with a freestanding bathtub. Complimentary minibars, stamped postcards and yoga mats provide extra special touches to the in-room amenities. Beyond the guest tents, the camp's communal open firepit area, with its panoramic views, offers a central space for stargazing and wildlife watching. The new design concept extends to the restaurant and bar, which also overlook the stunning scenery, while the infinity swimming pool area has been transformed with the addition of cabanas featuring striking red and black soft furnishings, in a nod to traditional Maasai attire. James Bermingham, CEO of Virgin Hotels Collection, commented: 'I am delighted to be unveiling the new-look Mahali Mzuri as we go into the Great Migration season. We strive to create the most extraordinary experiences for our guests, and we're excited to be able to offer an even more luxurious safari experience, along with a seamless connection to the surrounding nature and authentic local Maasai culture.' As with all Virgin Limited Edition properties, sustainability is at the forefront, with a large solar farm, a rainwater harvesting system in place, and a large kitchen garden and greenhouse, which supplies the chefs with home-grown organic fruit, vegetables and herbs. The new staff uniforms have also been created by Kenyan heritage fashion brand Kikoromeo, utilising locally available, natural and biodegradable materials. Mahali Mzuri's longstanding partnership with the local landowners and surrounding communities remains at the heart of the camp, which employs over 80% of its staff from the local area. Alongside twice daily game drives, bush walks with Maasai warriors and hot air balloon safaris in search of the Big Five, guests equally have numerous opportunities to engage with the local Maasai tribe through the work of the camp's charitable arm, Inua Jamii – meaning 'uplifting the community'. From volunteering at the primary school, built and run by Mahali Mzuri and funded by generous guest donations, to experiencing life in the local manyatta.
