Jambo! Hello in Swahili.
My name is Mefi, and I am going to be your Safari designer.
I grew up in Arusha, Tanzania, the gateway town for Safaris to Northern Tanzania. Going on Safari to Serengeti National Park was the norm in my childhood. That sparked my love of wildlife.
Upon finishing high-school in Tanzania, I moved to Texas to earn my degree from Trinity University. After graduating and working at a freight forwarding company, I realized sharing the beauty of Tanzania is what gave me goosebumps. That was 23 years ago when Journey to Africa was created.
Today, I still get goosebumps when I talk about Safaris to many parts of Africa.
I stay connected to Tanzania and other East and Southern African countries through the many Safaris I make myself - personal knowledge is what I rely when planning your Safari. Sometimes I bring my two children and husband who have been on a few Safaris with me. Lucky them! They are my litmus tests for creating the right family Safaris.
As my guests will attest to, my pride and passion for planning and sharing Safaris experiences are palpable. Let me share a Journey to Africa Safari with you.
Why trust me for your Journey to Africa Safari?
Where to in Africa? Right Place, Right Time!
Southern Serengeti, Tanzania in December to March is phenomenal. Go to Northern Serengeti from July to October. Why Ruaha National Park in Southern Tanzania is an adventure in tall grass in March but bustling with wildlife in August. Masai Mara, Kenya is lovely year round -- even if the Wildebeest and Zebra Migration are not there, the big cats are still hunting. Oh, and there is Laikipia and Amboseli too.
Rwanda or Uganda for mountain gorilla trekking? Lowland gorillas, let me take you to Republic of Congo? Why MalaMala Game Reserve in South Africa vs Sabi Sands if you are a big cats fan? Which wet camp and dry camp in the many conservancies in Botswana and which is the best channel for a mokoro ride in Botswana? Why I pick only certain lodges for Victoria Falls in Zambia because I know what they will offer you. Where are the lodges located in relation to the falls? Tiger-fishing on the Zambezi River, Zambia on your bucket-list - I know the right place to take you. Which lodge will have a hide / look-out and you may be able to have tea with elephants right from the lounge area - got a few ideas.
The maps may say something else but we know the logistics on the ground of what it takes to create the right Safari for you and your family or friends.
I will take care of all the details - from arrival to departure - when planning your Safari somewhere in magical Africa.
I grew up in Tanzania!
Well, I really know Tanzania because I grew up there. The places I will send you, I know personally. Some of the lodge and tented camp I prefer are operated by our friends like the ever-lush Plantation Lodge or Greystoke Mahale in remote Western Tanzania where you will meet our guides who are personal friends. Off the beaten path parks like remote Katavi National Park where you almost have the park to yourself - yup, got your covered.
Guests return and talk.
My biggest source of new guests is referrals by past guests. The guests become part of my Safari family and I am so grateful for their constant support. Not only do they share their experiences/Safari stories with friends and family, many of my guests go back on Safari with Journey to Africa. We have planned Safaris to new countries in Africa, new parks in the same country, or return to their favorite areas. Asante sana to my Safari family.
Giving back.
$25 from every Safari goes to organizations I support like Honeyguide Foundation or Plaster House in Tanzania, David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust or Big Life Foundation in Kenya. A visit to these great organizations can be arranged as well. The lodges + tented camps that I will recommend as well as the Safari Partners all value the 3Cs that are very important to me - Conservation, Community and Carbon off-setting. It's a win-win for all.
Conservation.
The lodges + tented camps you will stay at on your Safari and the Safari partners who will host you will in one way or another, directly or indirectly, be supporting the wildlife conservation efforts in Africa. That is absolute must when I am planning your Safari as we all need to be working in tandem - the future of wildlife depends on these efforts on our part.
Community.
When you go on a Safari with Journey to Africa, you are not only supporting the guides, lodges, and camp staff, you are supporting their families and beyond. Your dollar goes a long way. Want to do more? Ask us. I will take you to schools that could use supplies, see a factory that hires disabled people who are now making items for the places you will be staying at, visit an art studios or local craft markets. Let’s chat. The impact is significant and your support means everything.
I am a traveler.
I go back on Safari often to keep up with the happenings in Eastern and Southern Africa. Checking new lodges + tented camp, exploring different parts of the areas, revisiting our recommended lodges + tented camps, catching up with my guides and ground operators - all of this still gives me goosebumps. I LoVe being on Safari and soaking in the wildlife, the landscape, the friendships, the unique smells, and so much more than a Safari offers.
Pre-Safari and On Safari.
Once you book with me, you will receive a detailed traveling tips document, insurance information, visa help, etc. When you are two weeks away from your Safari, you will get our pre-departure information - who will be your guide[s] on Safari, our Safari partner’s 24-hour support number and email, as well as my mobile for any emergencies - or to say hello when you are on Safari. We LoVe to see what you are seeing.
Your main task on your Journey to Africa Safari is to sit back and take in all that Africa has to offer. We hope you fall in love!
Happiness is being on Safari.
Life worth Exploring!
Let’s chat and start planning your Journey to Africa.
I have done two trips with Mefi 's Journey to Africa. I have referred her to many many people and they too have taken a Journey to Africa! She makes sure we are safe and secure, is a master at working with you to fit your budget and comfort needs. And hand picks your guide. I can't wait to go do another trip with her company.
- Jann Feldman