A NEW CHAPTER BEGINS

Dear Reader,

Since its inception a decade ago, WeniGlam Travel has stood for powerful storytelling by—and for—Africa’s lesser-heard voices. WeniGlam’s roots in rural Botswana gave rise to the team’s further reporting across East and Southern Africa, spotlighting cultural touchstones alongside conservation efforts, eco-friendly lodges, the latest business travel trends, and so much more.

Thus, it’s with genuine excitement and a deep respect that I step into the role of Strategic Editor at WeniGlam Travel Magazine. Editor-in-Chief Phillip Modise and I first met in February 2024—shoutout to the OurAfrica.Travel virtual conference—and we’ve been in steady conversation since, sharing ideas and finding alignment in our media aspirations.

To briefly introduce myself: I’m Summer Rylander, a travel journalist and photographer who specialises in the same remarkable regions as WeniGlam, covering conservation, wildlife science, safari experiences, and positive-impact tourism at large. My work has appeared in publications like National Geographic Traveller, Travel + Leisure, BBC Wildlife, Azure Road, and Nautilus among others, and I bring my experience with European and North American media in hopes that I can help grow the WeniGlam Travel brand. 

As Strategic Editor, my focus will be on guiding WeniGlam’s editorial direction, working closely with Phillip to share Africa’s stories with depth, authenticity, and style befitting our title. Over the next few months you’ll notice some new features, columns, and voices joining the fold. To start, we’ll make a big push with our digital platform, including sharing behind-the-scenes looks at the events and trips that keep us moving and the issues that keep us thinking. 

With that, I’d also like to introduce ‘From The Desk’. This new column is where WeniGlam editors can sound off with our latest industry musings, dispatches from conferences—I’ll soon be at ATTA’s Experience Africa in London while Phillip and the team attend the Africa Youth in Tourism Summit in Johannesburg—or shed a bit of extra light on the people, projects, and properties we’re most excited about. 

There’s lots more to come and I’m so happy—and honoured—to be here. I can’t wait to share more stories from my favourite part of the world alongside the people who know it best. Thank you for the opportunity, and thank you for reading WeniGlam Travel! 

– Summer