Author Archive
Sherwin Banda, President
Direct Line: 818.649.1920 | E-mail: sherwinb@africantravelinc.comSherwin Banda has spent more than 20 years working in international hospitality in the United Kingdom, South Africa and the United States. Born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa, he is based in Los Angeles but remains passionately devoted to all things African. In his role as President of African Travel, Inc. he is committed to matching the right Africa with the right client, while uplifting local communities and promoting wildlife conservation in Africa. The company’s extensive infrastructure in both the US and southern and eastern Africa has made it a leader in providing extraordinary, authentic journeys that are tailored to each client’s desires, travel style and budget.
My Return To South Africa
African Travel, Inc. President, Sherwin Banda's Return to South Africa
Recently I had the pleasure of visiting my homeland South Africa. This visit was special for so many reasons – one of the main ones was getting to experience the wonderful work being done by The Amy Foundation. The Amy Biehl Foundations story is remarkable, and continues to attract volunteers from all over the world. As I grew up on the cape flats of Cape Town during apartheid, I know first hand the hardships that face the communities in this area.
The Amy Foundation aims to empower and uplift the youth of the communities by providing after-school programs in dance, drama, sports, music, cooking and more to children living in vulnerable communities around Cape Town. The programs help to keep kids off the street and engaged in an environment where they can learn life skills and most importantly, have fun!
I also experienced a safari at Shamwari Game Reserve, which was truly breathtaking.
Returning to the bush and experiencing the sights and sounds of Africa while on safari is truly one of my favorite things in the world. I am in a constant state of euphoria as I listen and see the magic unfold in the bush. Watching the sky change from day to night is like witnessing a beautiful masterpiece being painted before your eyes. Being in nature and completely surrounded by Africa’s wildlife is an experience everyone should have. One of my favorite moments on safari was being encircled by elephants. Being so close to the gentle giants is a moment I will cherish forever.
Being amongst the wildlife also made me more passionate than ever about the need to protect and preserve this magical landscape for decades to come. Shamwari Game Reserve is home to some of the most advanced anti poaching units in the country. It is also home to The TreadRight Bat Hawk which works to aid Shamwari’s mission to stop poaching and protect the Africa’s wildlife.
The sustainable development and conservation philosophies of the Amy Biehl Foundation and Shamwari Game Reserve supports African Travel, Inc’s. vision to make a meaningful difference in the communities where we do business and reaffirms our pledge to the TreadRight Foundation. Our parent company, The Travel Corporation founded The TreadRight Foundation, a nonprofit organization that helps to ensure the communities and environments we visit remain vibrant for generations to come.
The Castleman Family
We seriously had the most incredible time — we now refer to it as “the trip of a lifetime”! From the moment we landed in South Africa, we were treated like gold. The hotel in Cape Town, The Twelve Apostles, was amazing.
The staff all knew our names and greeted us warmly everyday. And the service was excellent! Our lodging on safari was also amazing. Southern Camp was beautiful! The rooms were clean, spacious, had indoor and outdoor showers and we each had our own little plunge pool.
The most fabulous part of the entire trip were the game drives. Those animals were just fantastic!
We had an incredible guide whose knowledge was out of this world.
I seriously can’t thank you enough for helping us plan this trip. Have I mentioned it was INCREDIBLE!
Many, many thanks for everything!
From Debbie, Michael and The Castleman Family
African Travel Cares - Join Us!
#AfricanTravelCares - Join Us!
African Travel strives to really make a difference in the threats facing Africa, and one successful way to do this is through the act of Volunteer Travel. We offer unique and exciting programs that encourage travelers to actively participate in conservation and the protection of endangered wildlife, ecosystems and communities. These Volunteer Travel options give our guests the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy in Africa and can range from one day to entire itineraries, depending on your interests and availability.
Possible Volunteer Travel projects include spending a day assisting with childcare and educational programs at a township nursery school; assisting in greening a community located in a disadvantaged neighborhood by planting trees or a garden; building and delivering classroom desks to a rural school; simply reading to local children; assisting with homework and crafts; or coaching a sports program at an after school program.
Giving Back
Giving Back
As one of the founding members of the TreadRight Foundation a not-for-profit organization established by parent company The Travel Corporation and its family of brands, African Travel in partnership with the TreadRight, collaborates and contributes to help ensure that the communities and environments we visit remain vibrant for generations to come. To date, TreadRight has supported more than 35 sustainable tourism projects worldwide with the guiding principle of encouraging sustainable tourism development through conservation, leadership and support for communities.
TreadRight’s past project partners include WWF, Conservation International and the National Trust in the UK. Current initiatives include sponsoring the National Geographic Society’s inaugural “World Legacy Awards,” helping to combat wildlife crime with WildAid, and empowering individuals with the Alliance for Artisan Enterprise.
WildAid is a successful wildlife protection organization with a proven track record. African Travel is helping to fund WildAid’s “Conservation through Communication” campaign, which reduces demand for illegal wildlife products by utilizing poignant multimedia campaigns, education initiatives and celebrity endorsements.
Escape To a Reserve Where Your Spirit Roams Free
Escape To a Reserve Where Your Spirit Roams Free
Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat is an ecological oasis designed to allow guests to embrace the essence of life and restore themselves through the nature’s powerful healing energy. This malaria and predator-free reserve is situated at the foothills of the Cederberg Mountains, 270km from Cape Town in the heart of Rooibos country. Bushmans Kloof is best described as a family-run sanctuary of beauty and timeless tranquility set amidst wide open plains, majestic rock formations and crystal clear waterfalls.
Deeply rooted in nature, Bushmans Kloof focuses on offering solace to the body, mind and spirit. The intimate spa and riverside spa gazebo are inspired by the unique holistic healing qualities so special to this area and include ancient treatments and remedies complemented by indigenous rooibos, flowers and plants.
Walk with wildlife, breathe fresh air rich with the scent of fynbos, and enrich your mind with the tales of the ancient Bushman. Activities are literally limitless, including nature drives, walking and hiking trails, exceptional rock art sites, mountain biking, fishing, canoeing and swimming in clear rock pools.
Inhale the beauty and succumb to the peace. Arrive as you are, but depart renewed in tranquility.
