As we enthusiastically take on the New Year, we couldn’t help but to feel nostalgic about 2016.
It was a spectacular year for business and our client lodges and camps. Not only that, we are the lucky ones who have a collection of websites, photographs, videos, and blogs that remind us of those proud and special safari moments!
Here are some of those moments from each of our team members:
Paul, Owner
Madagascar has always been a country I wanted to visit and in 2016 I had the opportunity to explore this tropical African paradise with my dad and [highlight]Airlink[/highlight], which flies direct from Johannesburg to Nosy Be. We explored the volcanic island of Nosy Be, spotted a Malagasian crocodile via quad bike, and spent a few nights on Gecko The Cat, a private yacht charter, among many more fond memories. I think anyone who gets the chance to go here should totally do it.
Jono, Head of Web
One of my favourite safari moments of 2016 happened at [highlight]Little Garonga[/highlight]. We’d just finished breakfast and Paul spotted an elephant heading towards the camp. We all thought it’d change direction and head back into the bush, but instead he ended up passing right by Claire’s room, rubbing his sides against the wall. I took a [highlight]cool photo[/highlight] of him peering into the outside shower. Crazy experience to see such a big boy so close up! Shannon and Claire’s [highlight]nervous laughter[/highlight] after that encounter also made it onto my Instagram for 2016.
David, SEO and Web Updates
Every week I get to build and send [highlight]The Bushcamp Company’s[/highlight] weekly ‘Did You Know’ newsletter and learn interesting facts about Africa’s wildlife at the same time. This week I learnt that crocodiles are able to jump out of the water to catch birds in flight. To make the newsletters even more interactive, this year we added a new scoring system to allows users to keep track of their answer for each True/False they receive, as it is tied to their email address. If you’re like me, and love learning new stuff, you can sign up for the newsletter [highlight]here[/highlight].
Shannon, Web Design & Development
Last October Jono and I were invited to Oceana Beach and Wildlife Reserve in Port Alfred. With stunning views of the ocean and wildlife directly from the lodge, we were spoiled in terms of luxury and cuisine. We designed their website over the few days spent there; it’s been a great project and we’re planning on going live this week. Stay tuned!
Kelly, Head of Digital Marketing
2016 will be remembered as a year of particularly incredible wildlife sightings. Our client [highlight]Robin Pope Safaris[/highlight] shared the news of a morning full of memorable sightings which took place at their Nsefu Camp in Zambia in September last year. Oh, what I would have done to have been there to see this for myself! Lions playing tug of war and seeming to help clean up in camp and the ellies popping in for a morning visit too. Never a dull morning in Africa. Check out our blog about it [highlight]here[/highlight].
Hillary, Digital Marketing Strategist
The people of the travel industry are a collaborative bunch. We look out for each other and share a common passion and energy, which I honestly can’t get enough of. This year, I helped arrange travel blogger, Misha Gillingham of Wildluxe, to visit [highlight]Tongabezi in Zambia[/highlight]. We worked together before and after the trip to make the partnership a successful one. As I watched her Instagram photos flood in, following [highlight]her video and blog[/highlight], I couldn’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment and happiness to arrange something so uniquely special for the lodge and for someone who has never been to Africa before. I think she’ll be back!
Nelli, Digital Marketing Strategist
Watching the photos fly in from [highlight]Under one Botswana Sky’s photo contest[/highlight] has been a real pleasure to manage and be a part of. We launched the competition in September 2016 to showcase the magic of Botswana and celebrate the country as the ultimate safari destination. The first prize for the winning photographer is a two-night stay at two different properties of theirs. One of my favourite photo entries so far is an action shot of an ellie flapping its big ears captured by Angela Haenzi. The competition runs until the 30th of September, so there is still time to put your entry in!
Claire, Digital Marketing Strategist
I was fortunate enough to visit Ant’s Hill towards the end of 2016. It was my dream holiday destination – wildlife, luxury accommodation and horse riding through the bush every day! However, my most memorable safari moment didn’t happen on horseback as I’d expected, but rather on foot when Ant Baber introduced me to his rhinos in the most personal way possible. It was [highlight]an experience that will stay with me for life[/highlight].
Claire Long, Dedicated Reservationist
I started at WildWeb halfway through 2016 and helped Paul successfully set up the Direct Reservations Model for a few of our safari clients. What started out as two accounts has grown to five in those few short months, with more on the way! Before I took on Tongabezi as an account, I was afforded the opportunity to visit this world-class property near the Victoria Falls. Their [highlight]new website was launched[/highlight] shortly after my visit by Jono and the web team and I can whole-heartedly say that it’s a true reflection of the beauty of this blissfully, exquisite lodge.