International model-turned-philanthropist Noëlla Coursaris Musunka joins Tanya Rose to share her travel secrets this week.
In this episode, Noëlla shares the stories that prompted her to start her foundation Malaika, why she’s passionate about ensuring all children have access to an education and he…International model-turned-philanthropist Noëlla Coursaris Musunka joins Tanya Rose to share her travel secrets this week.
In this episode, Noëlla shares the stories that prompted her to start her foundation Malaika, why she’s passionate about ensuring all children have access to an education and her poignant travel experience building wells with her children in her homeland of the Congo.
Plus, Noëlla discusses why she believes everyone needs to visit Singapore and how her work with Malaika has led to her believing that no travel destination is ever truly ‘underrated’...
Don’t forget to follow @travelsecretsthepodcast and remember, you can watch all of our episodes on YouTube.
Places mentioned:
Belgium
Switzerland
Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Singapore
New Delhi, India
New York, United States
Las Vegas, United States
Cotswolds, United Kingdom
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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In Hawa Hassan's second cookbook, the chef and author explores the recipes and stories born out of displacement, and the sense of community and resilience that can be found through food. Lale chats with her about the travels and research behind the book, which took her to The Democratic Republic of …In Hawa Hassan's second cookbook, the chef and author explores the recipes and stories born out of displacement, and the sense of community and resilience that can be found through food. Lale chats with her about the travels and research behind the book, which took her to The Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, and Lebanon, among others, as well as how her own path from Somalia to the US informed her personal food journey.more
In this episode, I’m joined by Kristina Plattner, the managing director of Kamba Rainforest Experiences, a groundbreaking eco-tourism initiative deep in the heart of the Republic of Congo (ROC). Kristina shares her fascinating journey from growing up in the hospitality world of South Africa to creat…In this episode, I’m joined by Kristina Plattner, the managing director of Kamba Rainforest Experiences, a groundbreaking eco-tourism initiative deep in the heart of the Republic of Congo (ROC). Kristina shares her fascinating journey from growing up in the hospitality world of South Africa to creating immersive travel experiences in one of the world’s last great rainforests. Her passion for conservation, community engagement, and storytelling shines as we talk about how Kamba connects travelers with the lush, biodiverse environment of the Congo Basin—a region few tourists have explored but which holds incredible ecological and cultural significance. From tracking western lowland gorillas and forest elephants to collaborating with local guides and Ba’Aka communities, Kamba is all about meaningful, ethical, and unforgettable encounters.
We also dive into the realities of running a responsible tourism business in such a remote, logistically challenging region. Kristina discusses the balance between luxury and sustainability, the importance of respecting local traditions, and the vision for Kamba to become a leader in regenerative travel across Central Africa. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or dreaming of going off-grid for the first time, this episode will open your eyes to the beauty and potential of the Republic of Congo as a premier destination for nature and culture lovers alike. If you’re seeking untamed wilderness, rare wildlife encounters, and a chance to travel with purpose, this conversation will both inspire and inform.
We discuss:
✅ What makes Kamba Rainforest Experiences unique
✅ How Kristina fell in love with the Congo and transitioned from hospitality in South Africa to jungle adventures in the ROC
✅ Gorilla trekking, forest safaris, and cultural immersion with local communities
✅ The challenges and rewards of running an eco-tourism initiative in remote Central Africa
✅ Why the ROC is an off-the-beaten-path travel gem worth discovering now
🌍 Whether you're a curious traveller, conservation enthusiast, or looking to visit lesser-known destinations in Africa, this episode will inspire your next adventure.
This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel at the Link below:
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In 1879 a forgotten Irish adventurer called Frederick Carter marched four tamed Asian elephants from the coast of East Africa to the edge of the Congo.
He was sent to establish a training school for African elephants so they could be used to transport cargo in place of vast armies of porters.
It’…In 1879 a forgotten Irish adventurer called Frederick Carter marched four tamed Asian elephants from the coast of East Africa to the edge of the Congo.
He was sent to establish a training school for African elephants so they could be used to transport cargo in place of vast armies of porters.
It’s a tale of ineptitude, hypocrisy and greed filled with powerful chiefs, ivory dealers, Catholic nuns and dissolute colonial officials set against the beautifully described landscapes of Tanzania, the Congo, Brussels, Iraq and India.
Sophy Roberts joined me to talk about Frederick Carter’s forgotten journey, Leopold II’s Congo land grab, and oral memory keepers as custodians of the past.
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