In this episode, we are featuring repeat guest Tim Tetzlaff, Naples Zoo's Director of Conservation. Tim joins us to share details about an exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime luxury safari experience that blends world-class accommodations with impactful conservation efforts. From stargazing under Namibia’s breathtaking night skies to up-close encounters with giraffes in Botswana, this meticulously curated adventure offers unparalleled access to wildlife, culture, and philanthropy. This is the ultimate bragging rights trip to Africa, with only ten spots available. Check out the full itinerary below under “Resources” or call Theresa at 239-777-0253 or email her at theresa.perez@cruiseplanners.com.

IN THIS EPISODE:   

• [1:21] Tim announces an exclusive experience for ten lucky travelers. A luxury safari to Namibia and Botswana
• [8:22] The population of giraffes has diminished, and they are working toward conservation
• [12:25] Off to the Skeleton Coast as seen in National Geographic and a drive up the coast
• [16:14] Tim discusses the technology that tracks the giraffe population and the extraordinary nights under the Milky Way
• [20:56] Visiting the Indigenous culture and seeing a herd of giraffes up close and personal and description of luxury suites
• [27:16] Don’t miss this exclusive experience for a luxury safari open to only 10 travelers. Check out the full itinerary below under “Resources” or call Theresa at 239-777-0253 or email her at theresa.perez@cruiseplanners.com

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• The Naples Zoo, in collaboration with the Giraffe Conservation Foundation, has created a bespoke luxury safari to Namibia and Botswana. This is not a typical commercial safari—it offers unparalleled access to leading conservationists actively working to protect giraffes.
• Despite their towering presence in the African landscape, giraffe populations are quietly declining. Due to habitat loss, poaching, and regional conflicts, there is only one giraffe for every three to four elephants. The Giraffe Conservation Foundation works to reverse this trend through habitat protection and translocation efforts.
• Participants will experience unparalleled access to Africa’s wildlife and cultures, from stargazing in Namibia’s pristine skies to meeting the indigenous Himba community. The itinerary also includes a helicopter transfer to the newly opened Tawana Lodge, offering an untouched safari experience in the Okavango Delta.

RESOURCES:

Journey Among Giants Full Itinerary and Details

Luxury Travelers - Podcast

Luxe Travel - Website

Luxe Travel - Facebook

Luxe Travel - Instagram

Naples Zoo - Website

Tim Tetzlaff - LinkedIn

GUEST BIOGRAPHY: 

As Naples Zoo's Director of Conservation, Tim Tetzlaff coordinates Naples Zoo’s field conservation efforts, fully funding the annual salaries of twenty-seven field staff in seven countries. His other leadership roles include Chair of the Madagascar Fauna and Flora Group since 2018 - and Naples Zoo serves as the international headquarters of this global consortium. He is on the Board of Directors for the Giraffe Conservation Foundation and is President of the Florida Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Tetzlaff previously served on various conservation-oriented committees for the International Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), including being a member of one of their key international delegations.

So buckle up. And prepare for a journey into the lap of luxury. Now your host.

I said, Tim, you got to come on the show. So Tim Tetzlaff, Naples zoo conservation director. Welcome back.

Tim Tetzlaff: Thank

Rodney George: you, Rodney. Pleasure to

Tim Tetzlaff: be

Tim Tetzlaff: Yeah, this is a truly special one. Uh, I, I had the pleasure of building this with, uh, the co founders of Giraffe Conservation [00:01:30] Foundation.

This is not a commercial safari. This is a great opportunity for folks to get up close and have a [00:02:00] very special experience in Africa.

Is there? Is there an issue? Is there some concern? And obviously a reason for conservation. But is there some concern [00:02:30] about it? Population dwindling and that type of thing,

Yes, I'm, I'm six foot five and I stand out in the crowd, uh, so, uh. The challenge, uh, it's almost like the issue with the lions where people went to the, the national parks, you see lions, you see [00:03:00] giraffe, you think they must be doing okay. Uh, so, uh, in fact, the, uh, the BBC and PBS special, uh, that was done with the folks that we're going to be traveling with, uh, was talking about the silent extinction because people don't [00:03:15] know what's happening.

Rodney George: Well, I know you're going to get into it and tell us why that is, but tell us a little, give us a, give us a 30, 000 foot view of this.

Tim Tetzlaff: Indeed would be, uh, so. Uh, and we can arrange for a day or two early arrival as well. If you want to [00:04:00] shake off a little bit of that jet lag, uh, we have options for a tour through Vindhuk.

And so it's a wonderful opportunity to see a very different Africa than many people have experienced before in a very different landscape. So, uh, we'll have a little bit of time, uh, in Vindhoek if you arrive early. Uh, and then we head out to our main lodge where we [00:04:45] start the safari, which is Omanda Zanier Hotels.

Is the star field. The first time I looked up it. I didn't realize people without telescopes got to see a world like this. Uh, when you, when [00:05:30] you look up when you're out in the bush and you see the Milky Way, I know you have a paintbrush. You have an incredible

Rodney George: photo in the, in the, uh, in the packet here. I couldn't believe that.

I thought it was fake.

So that is the only giraffe focused non government [00:06:15] organization that focuses on giraffe conservation across Africa. They work in 21 different countries. They have influenced over a hundred million acres of giraffe habitat. Wow. And in fact, they're translocations bringing giraffe back to landscapes [00:06:30] where they've, uh, disappeared.

And so we've got a spot for. 10 people, uh, to come on this safari with us. It is a chartered flying [00:07:00] safari. So, uh, we'll have a wonderful time getting to meet Steph Phenasy, uh, the co founder in, uh, Vintook, uh, at Omanda. And then from there, we will take a flight up to a private reserve that borders [00:07:15] Atosha National Park.

Uh, and they have their expertise, uh, What's a little bit different about this is we're working with the people that are [00:07:45] working directly in the field right there with, uh, those animals, uh, and so we can join them, uh, out in some of their field work while we're enjoying the luxury safari. So it's, it's just on parallel to access.

Like I mentioned before,

Tim Tetzlaff: Uh, so giraffes are primarily a loss of habitat. Uh, there are sometimes, [00:08:30] uh, they've had issues in particular landscapes where you've had, uh, uh, significant levels of conflict. And if you've got a rebel army, you can feed a lot of soldiers, uh, with giraffe meat [00:08:45] and it's relatively easy to find. So that's been in specific locations where we've lost giraffe populations.

And those numbers are, uh, increasing. So it's, uh, there's some nuance in the world of conservation when it comes to how you talk about hunting and poaching and what works. One place [00:09:30] doesn't necessarily work another. So anytime we talk about some of those challenges, uh, you gotta be very specific. Uh, where and when, uh, and who's involved.

Rodney George: Um, I know you're going to get to get down to it, but you guys are going to do some really cool stuff with giraffes while you're there as

Tim Tetzlaff: well.

That can be rhino, uh, [00:10:30] lion, leopard, giraffe, uh, elephant. And so it's great opportunity for photography and just. Sit there with your beverage and see what nature brings in, uh, to get a, to get a drink. Uh, and so while we're there, [00:10:45] as I mentioned, Martina Koosters, who's the coordinator up there, uh, will take us to the office, give an overview.

Uh, into giraffe conservation, uh, with the person that's weeding it up in that area.

Tim Tetzlaff: Yeah. Yeah. So, uh, as this is a, uh, a flying safari, we've got chartered [00:11:30] flights throughout. Uh, we have limitations and also we didn't want to. We could have gone two planes, but then you're breaking down the amount of access you get with these, uh, with these very influential folks. And so we wanted to make [00:11:45] it just priority that when you're having, uh, a drink at the sundowner, sitting around the fire at the dinner table.

Rodney George: Yeah, this, uh, this is amazing. And I, I, I simply can't imagine [00:12:15] anybody not wanting to, uh, to spend this time with you and your, and your newfound friends at the, at the foundation, but, uh, Wow.

Yeah.

So, uh, we'll be able to see seal colonies, uh, shipwrecks, uh, if you want to be a little more adventurous, [00:13:00] uh, you can do, uh, the, the sledding down the dunes, you can grab a quad and go out for a guided tour on the dunes. There are lions, elephants, uh, that you can see out in different parts of the [00:13:15] area. And we're staying at, uh, a remarkable location, uh, because there are shipwrecks in the area.

It's it's hard to imagine putting these species into this world, but that's that's where they are in the Namibian landscape for us to appreciate. Uh, and so we'll also have a chance to, to be out in that space for some very special meals along the [00:14:00] coast, uh, and explore everything there is, uh, to, uh, to have at the Skeleton Coast from there, we'll jump on, uh, not another plane, but, uh, initially when I was talking to everybody about this is like, okay, well, we're going to fly to the next location.

Uh, and so it's, it's just a little bit of. Quirky, uh, Namibia. [00:14:45] Uh, so picture of the muffler men, but with some African mystique added in, uh, And you've got the concept for, uh, these stone men that are, uh, human placed, uh, in recent years. But anyway, uh, it's a spectacular [00:15:00] drive, uh, that takes us into the one of Valley where we will be at the one of Valley camp.

Uh, we'll, we'll have some photos up, [00:15:30] uh, during this time, I'm sure, that will show you not only this amazing. Mountain desert landscape, but also that star field that we talked about. Uh, so while we're there enjoying all there is to see, uh, the giraffe, elephants, lions, [00:15:45] everything that's around here, uh, the, the Hemsbach, uh, the Oryx antelope, just dramatically, uh, colored in these beautiful, beautiful horns, uh, all this wildlife.

So [00:16:15] they have a satellite Tagging expedition aligned with the safari. So this is part of the largest draft tracking across the continent. They do this in countries all over Africa and the satellite tracking basically, uh, [00:16:30] uploads inform science about what giraffe are doing, where are they moving about their range sizes.

Uh, and so [00:17:00] that takes boots on the ground and getting your hands on giraffe to put satellite tagging on them. So they've got these custom designed, uh, satellite trackers that go on the tail of the giraffe. And then that uploads, uh, two satellites. So they've got, uh, an [00:17:15] opportunity for you to go out there.

Uh, so you can help take the notes, uh, go around, feel, feel the breath out of [00:17:45] the nostrils of a wild giraffe. I mean, just. Things

Rodney George: close up close and personal.

Some kind of, uh, you know, it's not just being done for us. These animals are put, uh, in a [00:18:15] situation to help science. Uh, it's not something that's being done for a safari. Uh, and so being able to be part of this Africa wide research. Uh, on this satellite tagging is, is truly an extraordinary opportunity. So, [00:18:30] uh, that's where I'm very grateful for these long term relationships that I've had with Giraffe Conservation Foundation and Steph and Julian and their team, uh, that they're willing to, to coordinate this with our safari to give, uh, to give 10 very lucky travelers an [00:18:45] opportunity to do something that, uh.

Uh, precious few in the world have had the opportunity to do. Now, usually you've got a degree after your name

Rodney George: to do that. This is where you took that photo of the Milky Way, right?

Rodney George: camera was that?

Tim Tetzlaff: Uh, I am.

Rodney George: the photography is amazing. When I would just

Uh, I, I. I compare it to when I was down at, uh, Iguazu Falls down in Brazil, uh, you know, um, waterfall nut and there's just no video, no, no [00:19:45] photo that can capture some sites. You know, I slip fields. One of

And so. I had the Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young song queued up and I had my little boom box. And so when he started talking about the Southern Cross, I started playing that and about half the people in our group started crying. It was such an [00:20:15] emotional moment. I can't imagine what the seeing the Milky Way like this would be like.

Yeah.

Uh, and you just spent the day doing that with them. Uh, so, uh, from there, uh, we have three extraordinary nights at Wannabella camp. And then from there we take a drive to one [00:21:00] of the Himba communities. And so those are, uh, an indigenous culture, uh, long, long history in the site. So it's one of those cultural experiences.

Uh, and then we take a flight over to Botswana. And so we land in Moun, uh, which is the safari capital of Botswana. It's right near the Okavango [00:21:45] Delta. Uh, and so we've got a very short drive down to Tamo Talele. Uh, so we're there for just one night, uh, and it is amazing property. Uh, again, we've got a couple, uh, giraffe conservation foundation [00:22:00] related folks that work in that area.

It's, it's, uh, It's the, the giraffe experience in this [00:22:30] area. So we'll have overnight there the next morning, uh, we have helicopters arriving that are going to take us up to Tawana. So this is an incredible, incredible camp. Uh, it just opened last year. This is, uh, [00:22:45] incredible. I'm sorry. I'm using the same word too many times, but, uh, this was an extraordinary collaboration between, uh, natural selection, who is our.

It's over a thousand square feet. Uh, that you have to yourself. Private deck, plunge pool. You're overlooking the river and the landscape. Uh, to, to give you a little bit of perspective. [00:23:30] You can pick up Naples Illustrated from, uh, January. That's the lodge, right there in the magazine. Tawana. And, we'll have photos and all that.

And so they've done this very well and very respectfully working with the local community, uh, and the [00:24:30] reviews, uh, even though it just opened last year are, are off the charts. How close are

Rodney George: you to

Uh, and if enough people like to go, uh, then I'll see about joining them as well. But it's, uh, when you're in that area, yeah, it, uh, it makes sense if you've got the time, uh, to, to spend, uh, uh, a [00:25:00] couple three day extension over Victoria Falls. Uh, yeah. So, uh, again, the southern part of the continent has so many things to offer and this, uh, this particular adventure, uh, not only is providing you a luxury [00:25:15] experience.

And so it's. It's an opportunity, uh, also to contribute. We have built in a 5, 000 donation into the price here. So, uh, and we'll [00:25:45] arrange that. So it's tax deductible for you as well. So you're going to have a wonderful time. Uh, we've worked out because of the relationship with natural selection. And giraffe conservation foundation, they give us favorable pricing.

Rodney George: Well, [00:26:15] you know, we, we like to put together.

All kinds of things. Uh, golf trips, different cruise itineraries, whatever that we call bragging rights. Uh, if ever there was a bragging rights trip to Africa, this, this has got to

Tim Tetzlaff: be

Tim Tetzlaff: Yeah. And that's, that's one of the things that I greatly value about long term relationships, long term partnerships. Uh, and, and that.

Uh, some of these partnerships we have go back over 30 years. And so with Giraffe Conservation Foundation, obviously me being on the board, that shows a level of relationship, uh, that they value and gives us an opportunity to do things that wouldn't be possible other [00:27:15] ways.

Rodney George: So if you're watching this and it's not too late yet, because this is going to, I guess, we'll release this later this week.

Tim Tetzlaff: When you said that figure, I'm like, I can't believe that. I can't believe it from her level of knowledge. But, uh, I said

Uh, she'll email this whole lovely itinerary out to [00:28:15] you. Or if you happen to be in Naples, uh, and you're watching this, just stop by the office. We've got it all printed up. And ready to go for you, Tim. I've known you for, uh, I don't know, six or seven years now. And you put together some [00:28:30] incredible trips, but I just got to tell you, I think this one may just take the cake.

Rodney George: So [00:29:00] folks, um, if you've never been to Africa or if you've been 10 times, uh, you're going to want to take a real close look at this trip, but don't look too long because Tim only has spots for 10 people. So let us know if you're [00:29:15] interested in Tim. Thank you so much for coming on the show. Again, I know you've got a million things going on.

Voiceover: Take care, Tim. Thanks so much, Rodney. Looking forward to having another wonderful safari together.[00:29:45]