Inspiring African Travel James, Jules & Stuart

Welcome back to our relaunch series and this is episode 4 dedicated to our co-founder, Julia, and launch of our fundraising year. We want to bring you a lovely episode recorded with Andrew Flatt from a tranquil channel in the Okavango Delta, Botswana. Before we do that a quick update. Fundraising Update: We’ve kicked off our fundraising year in Julia’s memory and are thrilled to share that we’ve raised an incredible £6,000 so far for our projects! Our goal is to raise GBP30,000 so we still need your support!  Haven’t listened to our previous episodes on Ghana and Zanzibar? Be […]

Welcome to our fourth episode of the podcast relaunch where we’re now bringing you closer to the West African portion of the fundraiser beneficiaries. The Awutu Winton High School in Ghana.  A portion of the funds raised from the Inspiring African Travel fundraiser will be going towards this wonderful school and we can’t wait to share the work that’s been done as the year progresses.  James & Max teamed up for this episode and brought together three things that form a great part of their lives. Walking and being in the outdoors, passion for being in Africa and making a […]

Welcome back to Inspiring African Travel! In this episode, we bring you Episode 3 of our podcast relaunch, recorded in Zanzibar last year at the Divepoint Scuba Centre, situated at Sunshine Marine Lodge on the east coast of the island, directly opposite some of the best diving sites in the area.



We had the pleasure of meeting up with Frank Mollel, also known as Frank the Masai Diver, who initiated a project in Zanzibar a few years ago called Linda Bahari.



As part of our fundraising project dedicated to Jules, we'll be contributing towards their work, which involves rehabilitating coral in their operating area, as well as providing crucial training and support to the local community in conservation efforts while creating employment opportunities.



Frank is one of Julia's closest friends, and we're so excited about spending more time with him in Africa in the future. He is a wonderful human! 



The conversation was recorded early in the morning before our last dive in the coral nursery, where we delved into Frank's friendship with Julia and discussed the legacy we aim to create in her honour.



If you're interested in learning more about Frank, you can listen to our first episode featuring Julia, Stuart, and us back in 2021. Podcast episode in features in series 3 – Guide stories or on youtube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfvlCiQ3HTo



Once again, everyone, thank you for the incredible momentum behind our fundraiser. We've raised nearly GBP 6,500, and a portion of these funds will be directed towards supporting the valuable work of Linda Bahari on the island.



Thank you for listening, everyone, and we hope you enjoy the episode!

Welcome, everyone, to Episode 2 of our relaunch series of Inspiring African Travel. Our main goal here is to honour the memory of our co-founder, my incredible wife, Julia.



We're also thrilled to update you on our fundraising project for the three amazing grassroots projects we're supporting. First and foremost, a massive thank you to everyone who has donated thus far.



Our target was to raise GBP 30,000 this year, and we're already approaching GBP 5,000! That's nearly US$6,000 already – an astonishing response. The feedback celebrating Julia's legacy has been incredibly generous and heart-warming. If you haven't already, do check out our relaunch episode, just before this one.



We've been sharing more details about the projects we're supporting on our social media channels and will continue to do so. If you haven't already, please follow Inspiring African Travel on Instagram, Facebook, etc.



In this episode, we're sharing a conversation recorded with Stuart, as another tribute to Julia and her influence on our lives and the inception of this podcast. Our mission is to share our passion for travel in Africa and share our unique experiences and tips from around the continent.



Julia's impact on our lives and this podcast has been immense. So, here's our tribute conversation, recorded from the beautiful Modderfontein Reserve, nestled in the heart of Johannesburg on a chilly morning.



Modderfontein Reserve is actually the second largest private park in Gauteng, South Africa.



https://modderfonteinreserve.co.za



They're on a mission to replant over 5,000 indigenous trees and create a sanctuary around the city. It offers fantastic mountain biking tracks, breathtaking trail running, and scenic hikes, which we thoroughly enjoy every time we're in Johannesburg.



There's also an incredible farmers' market on weekends, offering a variety of treats, including exceptional coffee, which Stu and I were savouring on a large rock in the valley on that misty morning.



Thank you once again, everyone. Enjoy our conversation, and we'll catch up with you for Episode 3 in a couple of weeks, featuring our good friend, Frank, the Masai diver.



But for now, here we are in Jozi, with James’ great friend Stu, who he’s known since 1997 and who has been an incredible support and integral part of this podcast. See you soon!

In our official relaunch and opening episode to series 6, we are so thrilled to welcome you back to Inspiring African Travel.



This episode is our heartfelt dedication to our beautiful co-founder, Julia Spry-Wilson, and a glimpse into our 2024 fundraising plans in her memory.



With mixed emotions, we're excited to resume our podcast, sharing our enduring passion for African travel. However, our hearts are heavy as we remember Julia, our co-founder, inspiration, and of course, James’ wife. Her passing on January 26, 2023, left a massive void. Beyond the podcast, she was a cherished friend and colleague to many listeners, leaving such an great impact.



After a year of healing and reflection, we're back. Stuart and I will continue uncovering the wonders of Africa, just as we have from the beginning.



In other news, we've officially launched a fundraising campaign, a testament to Julia's vision. Inspiring African Travel has always championed positive impact, responsible travel, community upliftment, and conservation. Julia's dream, as we discussed before her passing, is now a reality. You can learn more about our fundraising projects on our website as well as donate and join our mailing list!



Navigating life without Julia is an ongoing struggle, a daily journey of grief and adjustment. Yet, amidst the pain, there's gratitude for the love she shared and her profound impact on so many people.



As we embark on this new chapter, exploring Africa and engaging with inspiring individuals, we invite you to join us—whether you're returning or joining for the first time.  



Thank you for coming back, and thank you to Jules. Our eternal inspiration!



Your spirit lives on in every adventure we undertake.

The largest waterfalls on the planet. Located seemingly in the centre of Southern Africa, the falls stretches between two countries. It spans 1,700 meters (5,600 feet) between Zimbabwe and Zambia and is simply one of the most stunning things to see in Africa. 



This is a place we have all visited many times and it never disappoints. In this episode we’re going to explore some of the insider tips to help you get the most from your visit while exploring some of the things we love about this destination. 



Jess White who works with Wild Horizons in Zimbabwe is a Vic Falls local joined us for this episode and helps give us loads of insider tips and ideas. 



The falls drop just over 100 meters from top to bottom. Not the highest… but but when you consider that the mighty Zambezi river is one of Africa’s biggest rivers then you can just imagine what a spectacle this nearly 1.7km of waterfalls really is.



The spray that shoots up into the air from the thundering falls rises up about 800m of 2,600 feet into the air and so on a clear day you can see the falls mist from about 50km away! 



The locals called it MOSI OA TUNYA  - the Smoke that Thunders. 



Want to know what to do, where to eat, what else to see while you’re there and how we can help inspire you to get the most from your visit? If so listen in and as always here are the links to most of the places we mentioned. 



Wild Horizons are an incredible local resource and can help you plan everything from rafting the Zambezi to dining on the Zambezi. Accommodation and transfers you name it. We love these guys.



Dusty Road for an incredible local styled culinary experience in the Falls.  



For more information on Bike Tours in the falls.



We spoke about the power of the Negative Ions in Victoria Falls. You can read more about that here in this blog from Wild Horizons.



The Lookout Cafe for a must do stop while in the falls.