In April 2007 I was invited to speak at The Global Luxury Forum in London, where I introduced the concept of luxury Philanthropic Travel.

Following the forum a number of companies have contacted The Butterfly Tree with offers of support. As a guest speaker introducing the concept of luxury philanthropic travel, I realised that this is the way forward to make people more aware of the environment in the so called ‘exotic’ holiday destinations.

Philanthropic Travel encourage travellers to take ‘time out’ of their holiday to visit an area where charities like The Butterfly Tree, are offering support to a community and give the traveller a chance to either get involved with a project or give a donation.

After staying at Sun International’s Royal Livingstone Hotel situated on the edge of the mighty Zambezi River overlooking the breathtaking Victoria Falls, I was delighted to learn that Sun International encourage philanthropic travellers.

Photo: Sun International hotel

They have set up a number of projects to help the community surrounding them by providing orphanages, old people’s homes and projects for the blind among many other things.

I feel privileged to be able to work alongside this company, who have offered tremendous support to our charity and are invaluable with the advice they give us.   Read the rest of this entry »

The Victoria Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world, is a world heritage site. I thought it might be of interest for people to know about the history that connects the Victoria Falls with Mukuni Village.

Victoria Falls – September 2009 before the rainy season. It is possible to walk the width of the river bed during the dry season

To the western world the Victoria Falls were discovered by David Livingstone in 1855, who named them after Queen Victoria, but long before this his Makolola escorts and the Leya people called them Mosi-Oa-Tunya interpreted as The Smoke that Thunders.   Read the rest of this entry »