Ep 18 - The Advantages of a Single-Departure Luxury Safari with Conservation Professionals with Tim Tetzlaff

Welcome to another captivating episode of the Luxury Travelers podcast, hosted by Rodney George. Today, we’re taking you on an extraordinary journey with Tim Tetzlaff, Director of Conservation at the nationally accredited Naples Zoo. Tim, alongside Dr. Lely Lichtenfeld, one of East Africa’s few female CEOs, will lead a once-in-a-lifetime safari to Tanzania in 2025, available exclusively through Rodney’s firm. This safari promises unparalleled experiences, from witnessing majestic wildlife in the remote Serengeti to enjoying the luxurious tent camps where nature’s sounds become your lullaby. This is a bucket list journey you do not want to miss, and as Rodney always says, enjoy yourself; it’s later than you think.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [1:25] Tim shares the evolution of the Naples zoo
• [4:32] Dr. Lely Lichtenfeld will accompany Tim in 2025 on a safari to Tanzania. Dr. Lely is one of the few women CEOs in East Africa and is known for her conservation of lions
• [9:12] Tim explains why a safari through the Naples Zoo is extraordinary and that you can only book through Rodney
• [15:04] Discussion of the safari planned for May-June 2025, and Tim shares the itinerary focusing on the places and animals you will see
• [24:35] Tim describes the luxurious tent camp and the jungle sounds you hear, and he tells about the regional coffee and food
• [27:59] Discussion of Tanzanite jewelry and other fine gifts available to purchase. This tour is half booked, so call to schedule now

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• The next safari is May 26 - June 7, 2025. Time encourages people to show up early to recover from jet lag. 
• When you arrive in Africa, you are met by ambassadors who walk you to a separate area where you avoid the lines and chaos.
• Sleeping in a tent camp, you hear lions in the morning and hyenas at night. It is a luxurious primal experience.

RESOURCES:

Luxury Travelers - Podcast

Luxe Travel - Website

Luxe Travel - Facebook

Luxe Travel - Instagram

Tim Tetzlaff - LinkedIn

Naples Zoo - Website

GUEST BIOGRAPHY: 

Tim Tetzlaff, Director of Conservation, coordinates Naples Zoo’s portfolio of 20 field conservation efforts, from giraffes to giant anteaters. Since 2014, Naples Zoo has invested over 3 million dollars in helping plants and animals in the wild, supporting the total annual salary of 27 field staff, including two wildlife veterinarians. Tim is Chair of the Madagascar Fauna and Flora Group, President of the Florida Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and serves on the Board of the Giraffe Conservation Foundation.  Tim also researches, develops, and designs interpretation graphics for the Zoo. He loves the outdoors and is delighted to introduce others to its wild beauty when he hosts Naples Zoo's safaris to Africa. As the son of Zoo Founders Jungle Larry® and Safari Jane®, Tim has built a life sharing the wonders of the natural world we all depend on. He holds two degrees from The Ohio State University.