Author Archive
John Godfrey, Sales Manager, Southwest
Direct Line: 818.312.7828 | E-mail: johng@africantravelinc.comWith over 25 years’ experience in the travel industry John’s approach to sales & marketing has been through extensive education and thorough product knowledge. In addition to strong sales results, John’s contributions have included innovative programs – and numerous workshops and trade shows that have improved company market share and enhanced partnerships with National Accounts, Tourism Boards, Airlines and travel agency partners. He has worked with National Accounts such as Virtuoso, AAA National & Regional offices, Signature Travel Network, American Express, Vacation.com and Travel Leaders. He has also worked with key airline partners such as Qantas, Air New Zealand, V Australia, Air Tahiti Nui, Air Pacific & Singapore Airlines. In addition, John has conducted workshops at many national sales meetings for Signature Travel Network, American Express, Vacation.com and Travel Leaders (formally Carlson Wagonlit Travel). John has been the company representative in key tourism functions such as Australia’s Corroboree, New Zealand’s Kiwi Link, Fiji’s Sales & Marketing forum, Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau & Pacific Asia Travel Association.
Shark Diving
Shark Cage Diving
White Shark Projects (WSP) was an experience that has been on my bucket list since I was a child. Although we had a very early departure, 5:00am, it was well worth the sacrifice of a few hours of sleep. The transfer to Gansbaai was about 2 hours after leaving The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa. Once at the White Shark Projects shop, we were given a breakfast and a briefing by the marine biologist. The briefing was great; he explained the sharks’ behavior and gave tons of information from migration to eating habits.
When we left the harbor, it was about a 30 minute ride to the dive site. The crew threw the hook in the water, they then put the shark cage in the water and tied it off to the side of the boat. The cage was about 8’ tall and 3’ deep and 12’ wide. It was about 10-15 minutes until the sharks showed up. Once the sharks showed up, 6 people at a time went into the cage.
WSP provided wet suits with hoods, booties and a mask, so all you needed was a swimsuit. Once in the cage, they shut the top and the cage sat 2’ above the water. We stood in the cage on bars and when the sharks swam by we would hold our breath and go under water to watch the sharks swim by.
This was an experience that everyone should have if they are at all interested in the ocean and its animals. I learned so much about the Aquatic Big Five of South Africa, (whales, sharks, dolphins, seals and penguins) on this trip. We saw over ten sharks ranging from 10’-16’.
There are two-three trips a day one at 8am, one at noon and one later in the afternoon. I would definitely do the morning run as seas are more likely to be calmer because the winds haven’t started to blow and the sharks were very active
Whiskey Tasting At Cape Grace
Whiskey Tasting At Cape Grace
Not since Whiskey tasting in Ireland have I enjoyed tasting fine whiskey from around the world spreading the gamut from Kentucky Bourbon to Single Malt Scotch whisky. We learned so much about world class whiskeys and how to pick up the hints of oak, peat or fruit and how to properly taste fine whiskey be it neat or straight up. There was also great thought and preparation in the food parings that they provided explaining how food will actually change the taste of the whiskey.
John's Experiences in South Africa
My Experience in South Africa
We have arrived in Cape Town and it was too windy for Table Mountain visit upon arrival so we rescheduled for later in the week.
The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa is a South Africa favorite of mine. After a long international flight we hiked up the mountain trails and picnic sites which are located in Table Mountain National Park, directly behind the hotel. With views of Camps Bay, Lion Head Peak and Robbin Island in the background, the views can’t be beat. I woudl highly recommend this hike no matter how fit, as you can go as far as you want and still have great panoramic views. Getting outside was refreshing and just want i needed after the 16 hour flight.
After a hike or a long flight, a trip to the Twelve Apostles spa is in order with a soak in their Salt Water Floatation Pool. Offering a liquid, reduced gravity experience, floating in the salty water eases jetlag and results in maximum relaxation – research has shown that just 20 minutes is equivalent to a full two hours of sleep. A must do activity while at the Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa is watching the sunset with a scrumptious drink from the Leopard Bar. This un-obstructed view of the sunset over the Atlantic can’t be beat with views of Camps Bay and Lion’s head.
When I heard that we were having dinner at the Azure restaurant, I was ecstatic as I have dinned there before and the meal was exquisite. I love their Seafood Platter. This is the dish that has to be shared, and even with the three of us sharing we couldn’t finish it! This was a perfect finale to my first day in South Africa.
