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.

Kamba Links

Kamba Rainforest Experiences - https://kambaafrica.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kamba.africa/

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction

02:29 Tina Plattner's Journey and Background

09:17 The Founding of Kamba African Rainforest Experiences

11:40 Understanding the Republic of Congo

16:25 Exploring Otsala Kukua National Park

20:06 Wildlife Encounters and Gorilla Tracking

23:05 Adventure Packages and Guest Experiences

27:11 Sustainability Practices and Community Impact

29:24 Gorilla Tracking and Wildlife Interactions

31:07 Conservation Efforts and Local Communities

34:27 Empowering Local Guides and Education

36:24 The Shift in Travel Mindset

38:25 Budgeting for Unique Experiences

40:14 Why Choose Kamba for Your Adventure?

43:22 Exploring Beyond the Rainforest

46:08 Cost of Living and Travel in the Republic of Congo

48:05 The Allure of the Untouched Wilderness

50:29 Connecting with Kamba: Booking Your Journey

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Voyascape: Travel Podcast Network - https://voyascape.com/

Winging It Travel Podcast - Website

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One Epic Day in Tikal: Exploring Guatemala’s Ancient Mayan City

In this episode of the Winging It Travel Podcast, I take you deep into the Guatemalan jungle for an unforgettable one-day adventure through Tikal National Park—one of the most breathtaking and mysterious Mayan archaeological sites in the world.

Join me as I travel from Lake Atitlán to Flores, flying from Guatemala City Airport (not part of the plan!). I take you on a journey into the heart of Tikal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Guatemala’s must-see destinations. I share my real-time experiences, from booking the guide and finding accommodation to dealing with hostel mishaps and late-night boat rides on Lake Petén Itzá.

🎒 What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• How to visit Tikal in one day (and why it's totally worth it!)
• The best tips for booking your Tikal day tour
• Why staying on the island of Flores is essential
• What to bring to Tikal: cash, ponchos, and good shoes!
• Temple highlights: Temple I (Temple of the Great Jaguar), Temple II (Temple of the Masks), and the towering Temples IV and V
• Insights from my incredible guide, Georgino
• The mystery of Tikal’s collapse and what still lies hidden beneath the jungle
• My recommended hostels in Flores, Guatemala
• Whether you need a guide to explore the ruins (hint: it’s highly recommended!)

🌿 Why Tikal Is So Special:

Tikal was once a thriving Mayan city and holds deep historical, cultural, and spiritual significance. With only 10–20% of its ruins uncovered, this ancient city in the jungle offers visitors a rare and humbling glimpse into a civilization that mastered architecture, astronomy, and jungle living. It's an absolute bucket-list destination in Guatemala, and a highlight of my Central America backpacking trip.

📸 PRO TIP: Take your best camera—Tikal is a content creator’s dream with panoramic jungle views, ancient pyramids, and wildlife all around.

🧭 Essential Travel Info for Tikal, Guatemala:

• Location: Tikal National Park, Petén, northern Guatemala
• Entry Fee: 150 Quetzales (cash only)
• Best Time to Visit: Dry season (Nov–Apr), but bring a rain jacket regardless
• Tours: Easily booked through hostels like Los Amigos or Casa Maya Itza

✈️ After Tikal, I flew back to Guatemala City, en route to Mexico City and Oaxaca—coming up in future episodes!

Book Hostal Cada de Grethel on Booking.com

Timestamps

00:00 Welcome to the Winging It Travel Podcast

00:30 Journey to Tikal: Planning and Logistics

02:20 Experiencing Flores: Accommodation Insights

04:14 Exploring Tikal: The Guided Tour Begins

05:41 The Wonders of Tikal: History and Architecture

09:00 The Mysteries of Tikal: Collapse and Rediscovery

10:26 Final Thoughts on Tikal: Recommendations and Reflections

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🌎 Episode Overview:

This week on Winging It Travel Podcast, I'm taking you along with me to the breathtaking Lake Atitlán in Guatemala! After an epic volcano hike in Antigua, it was time to slow things down by the water. I’ll be sharing my experience staying in Panajachel, exploring the charming town of San Pedro, finding incredible coffee spots, and my disappointment at missing out on paragliding (don’t worry, I’m already planning a return trip!). I’ve got tips on getting around the lake, hostel recommendations, must-try cafés, and why you’ll want way more than two days here.

🎧 In This Episode I Talk About:

• How I got from Antigua to Lake Atitlán
• What it was like staying at Selina Hostel in Panajachel
• The best coffee shops I discovered in Panajachel and San Pedro
• A hidden café gem you have to check out in San Pedro
• My favourite local restaurant find
• Hostels that are perfect whether you want to party or chill out
• What happened when I tried (and failed) to go paragliding
• How to navigate the public boats like a pro
• Why I totally underestimated how long you should stay here

🏡 Places I Visited:

• Selina Hostel Panajachel
• Cafe Loco (Panajachel)
• Tornado’s Café (San Pedro)
• Jakku Restaurant (San Pedro)

Recommended Hostels

• Mr. Mullet’s Hostel (San Pedro)
• Dreamboat Hostel (San Pedro)
• Free Cerveza Hostel (Santa Cruz La Laguna)

🎒 Travel Tips I Learned:

• Always check wind conditions for paragliding (even if the weather looks good!)
• Booking boats directly at the dock is easy — a little Spanish goes a long way
• Two days isn’t enough — plan for a longer stay if you can!

Timestamps

00:00 Welcome to the Winging It Travel Podcast

00:30 Exploring Lake Atitlán: Arrival and Accommodations

01:54 Activities and Local Culture at Lake Atitlán

04:15 Cafes, Dining, and Social Scene

07:10 Adventures and Recommendations for Future Visits

09:31 Wrap-Up and Future Travel Plans

Support the Show:

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on your favourite podcast platform! Want to support the show? Check out our affiliate links for travel resources in the show notes.

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Winging It Travel Podcast - Website

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Winging It Travel Podcast Credits

Host/Producer/Creator/Composer/Editor - James Hammond

Contact me - jameshammondtravel@gmail.com

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