Meet the fearless females guiding the way

The Safari industry, once a predominantly male domain, is undergoing a refreshing transformation. Women are increasingly making their mark in every facet of this field, from leading game drives and managing lodges to conservation initiatives and helping travelers plan their own bespoke Safari adventures [that’s me :)].

We recognize these women’s remarkable achievements and praise the way they’re fearlessly reshaping the Safari landscape.

Lucy on the left hand side - she guided Alisa and I in Republic of the Congo in Odzala National Park.

Trailblazers in the Safari industry.
Just last year, Kimberlee le Hanie from Lion Sands made history as the first woman to win the Safari Guide of the Year award. Lucy Stofberg, a Safari guide at Singita Lodges, is another shining example of female excellence. Like most women in the Safari world, Lucy has a deep connection to nature, honed through growing up on her family’s farm in South Africa and going on epic family road trips to iconic national parks like Chobe, Hwange, Etosha, and Kruger.

Her message to other women is clear: “If you love the bush, you belong there.”

Candice - representing Alex Walker Serian’s Camps.

Empowering leadership.
Many lodges and camps are now also led by women, delivering great hospitality and personalized guest experiences.

Candice Mortimer, the marketing visionary behind Alex Walker's Serian Camps, one of our favorite places-to-stay in Tanzania and Kenya, is one such leader. Candice celebrates the increasing presence of women in management positions, noting, “There are more female guides, more female camp managers, more female advisors, and most of Alex Walker Serian’s clients are female buyers!”

This growing representation of women in leadership roles is slowly but surely creating a more inclusive and dynamic industry – and it’s inspiring a new generation of girls and young women to pursue careers that, just 10 years ago, they might never have even considered due to gender bias.

Here’s to these women’s stories – thank you for the way you’re ensuring a brighter and more sustainable future for women, wildlife, and Africa as a whole.

Your Safari dream team – Africa’s most ‘badass’ guides

What could be better than ditching the daily grind for an adventure in the African bush? The early wake-up calls are a welcome treat (just wait until you have that first morning cuppa on Safari – pure magic), and the only worry you have is deciding which delicious African dish on the menu you’d like to try next.

Ultimately, no life-changing Safari is complete without a team of ‘bush badasses’—the Safari guides who know the savannah (and its inhabitants) like the back of their hand. Recently, I chatted with three of the most inspirational guides in Tanzania and Botswana. Get to know them below…

Introducing your Safari sidekicks

• Kakae: The MacGyver of the Maasai Mara

This Tanzanian trailblazer could probably build a hot air balloon out of acacia branches and zebra hide. He’s a master of survival skills, from wilderness first aid to navigating by the stars. But what really sets Kakae apart is his zest for the unexpected. He sees every sunrise as a new chapter on his adventure and is always excited to share that passion with his guests. Did I mention he wants to invite a termite to his next dinner party? Now that’s a conversation starter! If you're lucky enough to have Kakae as your guide, be prepared for a wild ride filled with laughter, learning, and a newfound appreciation for the interconnectedness of all living things. As he says, “Everything is connected. We humans depend on the intricate web of life – plants, animals, and even tiny microorganisms.”

• Moss: The eco-warrior of the Okavango

Moss, our resident expert on the Okavango Delta, is like a walking encyclopedia of all things wild and wonderful. This guy could probably identify a bird species by the sound of its wings flapping. He firmly believes that “Every encounter with a lion is special.” Their power and majesty never fail to leave him (and his guests) speechless. But Moss isn’t just about knowledge; he’s on a mission to protect our planet. He dreams of a day when every safari lodge is solar-powered, and his love for meaningful travel is seriously contagious.

• Dickson: The Chuck Norris of the Serengeti

Dickson, a fellow Tanzanian, is a bushcraft expert, a self-defence guru, and a fierce advocate for nature. But don’t let his tough exterior fool you – this guy has a heart of gold and a deep love for sharing the magic of the bush with others. If you’re blessed with Dickson as your guide, prepare for an adventure as thrilling as it is educational. He’ll teach you how to analyze animal tracks, identify edible plants, and even build a shelter from scratch. His favorite part of the job? Watching the awe and wonder on his guests’ faces as they discover the magic of the bush.

A message for Safari-goers summed up in one sentence

I asked the guides to tell me the one message they’d like to communicate to travelers preparing for their first Safari, summed up in a single sentence. Here’s what they had to say.

• Kakae’s pro tip: “Be prepared for anything!”

• Moss’s mantra: “Respect the ecosystem!”

• Dickson’s challenge: “Let’s make purposeful travel the norm!”

More than a vacation.

After learning more about these badass bush heroes, it’s clear they transform a Safari into much more than a much-needed vacation – but rather a chance to deeply connect with nature and yourself. It’s about waking up to the sounds of the bush, sharing stories as you scope out animals on a game drive or bush walk, and enjoying an authentic, unfiltered introduction to the untamed paradise of Africa.

Let’s chat Safaris.

A Safari made just for Dad!

What do Dads love more than getting their hands dirty in the great outdoors, standing beside a fire (usually with a pair of tongs in hand hopefully barbecuing), playing video games (looking at my husband here)… it’s about spending quality time. And what would bring a bigger smile on Dad’s face than an African Safari adventure because that is ultimate quality time!

The K Family in Southern Serengeti, Tanzania

Here’s why it’s the ultimate way to bond with the best Dad(s) in the world:

• Off-road adventures: Get Dad behind the wheel of a rugged 4x4 as he navigates through the bumpy African bush. He’ll track wildlife, conquer challenging terrain, and feel the thrill of the wild. Let the guide rest too … kidding.

• Bush skills boot camp: Dad always wanted to be MacGyver, right?
  Now’s his chance to learn survival skills like fire-making, tracking animals, and building a shelter – all under the guidance of experienced local experts or a tribe member like the Hadzabe in Tanzania or the Himba in Namibia.

• Gourmet grub under the stars: Treat him to a private, open-air feast with a crackling campfire and the African night sky as his backdrop. Pair it with local delicacies, craft beers, or a fine South African wine.

• Glamping fit for a king: For a dad who wants the best of both worlds: the ruggedness of nature with all the comforts of home, then glamping is your go-to. Think luxury tents, comfy beds, private decks overlooking stunning landscapes ... we’ll make him feel like royalty in the heart of the wild. We know the right places for him (and you).

• Reel in the big one: If it’s fishing that floats his boat, I’ll help you plan a trip to the Nyerere Game Reserve (formerly Selous Game Reserve], Tanzania or Zambezi River, Zambia. He can cast his line for tigerfish, battle a feisty bream, or relax by the water with a cold drink in hand (that’s the real reason he loves fishing, right??).

• Stories around the campfire: Imagine the tales Dad will bring home!
  Every night, as the embers glow, the two of you can swap stories, eat s’mores or fresh chips, and laugh at his epic dad jokes. You might even find these relaxed moments are the real treasures of your Safari – and it’s the silence and slow pace of the bush that makes them possible.

My husband with our kids in Masai Mara, Kenya

Your questions answered:
Is a Safari safe for my dad? Absolutely! I prioritize safety above all else when planning my travelers’ Safaris. Experienced guides are trained in first aid and wilderness safety, and I also tailor the itinerary to your dad’s fitness level and preferences.

What’s the best time of year to go on a safari? The best time depends on Dad’s dream destination. The dry season (generally May – October) offers excellent wildlife viewing as animals gather around water sources. But the wet season (November – April) promises lush landscapes, fewer crowds, and better deals. And lots of wildebeest babies if you in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania. Really, anytime is a good time.

Have we inspired you? Let’s chat and make Father’s Day legendary!

Mother's on Safari!

Most moms love flowers – and the thought still counts! But how about spending money on something that’ll last longer … celebrating Mother’s Day soaking up an experience you’ll both treasure forever?

That’s where a Safari comes in – and I’m here to personalize it to every last detail. But regardless of whether your mom loves thrills and adventure or prefers quiet downtime, I’ll ensure she’s somewhere remote on the most magical continent in the world, bathed in sunshine and tranquility and surrounded by untouched nature and wildlife.

Here are a few reasons why a Safari is the ultimate Mother’s Day spoil:

1] Spa treatments under African skies:
After an exhilarating game drive chasing down the king of the bush, Mom deserves to be treated like royalty. How does a traditional African massage using ingredients like warm shea butter and exotic marula oil (infused with the soothing scents of lavender and lemongrass) sound? Pure bliss! Plus, you’ll have an excuse to treat yourself, too!

Spa Time from Lemala Kuria, Northern Serengeti, Tanzania

2] Shopping on Safari:
No Safari is complete without a little retail therapy and a souvenir (or five) to take home! Whisk Mom away on a private shopping spree to hidden boutiques or bustling local markets in Nairobi, Kenya, Arusha, Tanzania or Cape Town, South Africa. These places are always packed to the brim with colorful textiles, handmade beaded jewelry, and other gorgeous handcrafted treasures—each piece is a special keepsake from her unforgettable African adventure.

3] Bubbles & hot air ballooning:
Looking for an experience that’s equal parts relaxing and adrenalin-charged? Nothing beats floating along in a hot air balloon over the Serengeti, Tanzania, Masai Mara, Kenya or Namib Desert. Talk about an life-changing moments! And, of course, I’ll top it off with a lavish champagne breakfast on the ground. Because even the most hardened adventurers need (and deserve) a little luxury.

Serengeti Balloon Safari Champagne Breakfast

4] Starlit dinner date (with a wild soundtrack):
Why dine in a crowded restaurant when you can savor a candlelit dinner under a blanket of twinkling African stars and encircled by the sounds of the bush? Pair this unrivaled ambiance with a gourmet meal crafted with the freshest ingredients and a bottle of fine wine from South Africa ... with plenty to toast to!

Waiting for the Serengeti sunset from Serian’s Serengeti South.

5] Maasai warriors and roots:
I love adding a dash of the unexpected to my guests’ Safaris! Something like a morning spent learning bush survival skills from Maasai warriors and Hadzabe, followed by an late afternoon on top of a kopje [rock outcrop], waiting for the sunset.

Inspired? Let’s swap those roses for rhinos this Mother's Day and give Mom a gift that’s [literally] roar-some! Get in touch with us, and we’ll piece together a Safari escape Mom [or you] will never forget.

Cape Town – More Than a City; It’s a Feeling

They call it the Mother City, and I totally get it. Cape Town is home to every member of South Africa’s beautiful Rainbow Nation – and the attractions and scenery are as diverse and fascinating as the city’s people themselves. Cape Town has a vibe that’s hard to describe... think a relaxed, go-with-the-flow island energy mixed with bustling city life. It also shares the title of South Africa’s food and wine capital with the nearby Cape Winelands, which are a short drive away (but more on that later).

Table Mountain from V&A Waterfront.

So, what’s the big deal?
Okay, first – we have to talk about Table Mountain. It’s obviously Cape Town’s original claim to fame, and it’s certainly as jaw-dropping in person as it is in pictures! It’s a unique flat-topped beauty right in the heart of the city, and there are plenty of ways to interact with it aside from posing for that obligatory Table Mountain Instagram-worthy selfie. Hike it, take the cable car (it rotates for 360-degree views!), or simply stare in awe from anywhere in the city. (Oh, and I can make sure you get set up at a boutique hotel promising 24/7 views of this mountain marvel right from the comfort of your room, so you’ll have ample opportunity to appreciate it).

While Table Mountain’s top of the list, it’s definitely not the only reason to head to Cape Town – far from it! How about taking a scenic drive along the coast to the Cape of Good Hope, the very tip of Africa? Prepare for rugged beaches, crashing waves, and maybe even an ostrich or two hanging about. If that isn’t epic enough, just hop on the ferry to Robben Island, the prison where Nelson Mandela (lovingly called ‘Madiba’ and the ‘Father of the Nation’ by South Africans) was held for 18 years of his 27-year sentence. It’s a history lesson that’ll stay with you.

Back in the city, everyone’s obsessed with the V&A Waterfront – and you’re guaranteed to be, too. Hundreds of shops, buzzing bars with live music, the best food, and seals bobbing playfully in the harbor – what’s not to love? And nearby? Camps Bay... bursting with Miami-style beaches, swanky restaurants, and people-watching heaven.

But wait, there’s SO much more...
Dive into the colorful chaos of markets, where you’re sure to find a handmade African creation to take home as a souvenir or a gift for someone special.

Love penguins? Go hang out with a colony at Boulders Beach (cuteness overload!). If you’re in the mood for a thrill, how about shark cage diving (not for the faint-hearted)? Or paragliding off a mountain (rather you than me!)? Needless to say, the Mother City is full of ways to get your pulse racing!

Fancy sampling some of the world’s best wines, paired with a cellar tour, and a five-star meal? The Cape Winelands are just a stone’s throw away, featuring homely towns like Stellenbosch (one of South Africa’s oldest towns known for its hiking trails, oak-lined avenues, and Cape Dutch architecture) and Franschhoek (renowned for art galleries, hosting numerous artists and boutique crafts).

Leeu Estaties in Franschhoek, South Africa

So, you see? The thing about Cape Town is... it gets under your skin, and I know you will bring a little piece of its magic back home. And of course it’s a perfect stay for before or after your Safari.

Ready to explore for yourself? Get in touch and let’s chat. There are countless ways to get to know and fall in love with Cape Town – let me arrange a visit

Botswana's Okavango Delta

Can you hear it? It’s Botswana’s Okavango Delta calling your name! 
Soon, that gush of water from the distant Angolan highlands will arrive, and the dusty plains will become shimmering lagoons, the channels will swell, and a whole new world will spring to life. Trust me – you want to be there when it happens. 

Mokoro Riding on the Okavango Delta’s channels.

When to go?
May to September is your golden window to experience Botswana. This is when you’ll be able to slip into a mokoro and follow the natural flow of the winding waterways. Feel the sun on your skin as you float past colorful waterlilies and hear the gentle swish of reeds as your guide navigates, keeping your eyes peeled for wildlife – rest assured, you won’t need to wait too long or look too hard! There’s plenty of life in and around the Delta.

Hippos peek out from shallows, elephants quench their thirst at newly-filled pools, and the enthusiastic twittering of over 400 bird species fills the air. You may even spot a usually shy leopard (or two), and perhaps even a pack of wild dogs. Oh, and watch out for that iconic splash of red in the distance – it might just be a leaping lechwe or a sitatunga, elegantly poised and grazing just beyond the water’s edge.

Can’t go during these times.
Don’t wait. The animals will still be there.
The channels may not be high but if you are up for anything, just go. I was there in February and I got to ride the mokoro (that is me in the photo above on my Safari - a traditional dug-out canoe), see the dashing sitatunga, capture the leopards, lions, wild dogs, and so much more.  

Lion pride. Okavango Delta

Of course, all these encounters will be tailored to your rhythm, featuring those life-changing sunrise coffee/chai tea stops, as well as lazy  sundowners, a few bush picnics, and whatever else fuels your sense of adventure.

I’m here to make sure every moment you spend in the Okavango Delta is as wonderful as it is wild. So let’s start plotting your unforgettable African adventure, your way. 

Birding on Safari

On Safari, most people are so excited to see the Big 5 or the larger walking wildlife. But I am going to add, keep a lookout for birds. There are so many lovely birds you will get to spot on Safari. From the common but oh so beautiful lilac-breasted roller to the lifers. You know what I am talking about if you are a birder?

Into birding, do let us know before you head out on Safari. We will let our guide know so he can bring all the birding books for you and him to pour into on your game drive. If not, just enjoy them with your binoculars.

You will find hundreds of resident birds and many that fly all the way from Europe and Americas. Those birds that have flown from other places come here to Tanzania and other East and Southern African countries at the risk of being netted. A lot of countries on their route will poach and illegally trap them. 

But there is hope.

Organizations around the world who love birds are spreading the word to people like me who were not aware of such activities. My mentor, Safari guide extraordinaire Paul Oliver was the one who opened my eyes when we were birding in Lake Natron. He told me about the plight of the wadders, who are being netted by the thousands when flying over the Mediterranean countries.

I leave you with some lovely birds captured on my Safaris. Every time I go on Safari, I learn to love them more and more. Let your guide tell you more about each bird. They all have personalities that are unique to each of them. From the calls, the nesting habits, the show boating behavior to attract mate[s], etc. They have their own stories you will truly enjoy.

Your turn? Come shoot them .. with your camera.  

Lilac Breasted Roller

Buffalo Weaver

African Hornbill

Red-and-Yellow Barbet

African Hoopoe

African Fish Eagle

Weaver

Mornings on Safari

Getting ready for your Safari? Think about the range of wildlife you will encounter, the experiences awaiting you, and the joy of rising at the same time as the sun to really make the most of your day.

That last part not quite your idea of fun? No worries – we are serving plenty of tea or coffee! Seriously though, I get it – those early morning wake-up calls can feel rough. But hear me out... because that first cuppa on Safari? Pure. Magic.

So, what can you expect? The sky is a swirl of pinks and oranges, and birds twitter enthusiastically all around you as your guide stops the vehicle. You take one look at your surroundings, and you know this spot is special – your guide’s favorite secret to share. Maybe a watering hole already dotted with thirsty animals on the banks or a clearing with a sprawling view of the plains. 

It’s not long after getting settled that you smell the freshly brewed coffee or tea snaking through the crisp morning air, promising a jolt of energy (and maybe even a little extra oomph in the form of a cheeky dash of Amarula –a South African creamy liqueur). The sunlight slowly creeps across the bush, and as the warmth spreads, you might hear a rustle, a grunt, or a distant roar. This is the magic hour, folks. Wildlife is stirring, the bush is alive, and you’re doing more than just watching it happen – you’re a part of the experience. 

These coffee and tea stops are about so much more than just that much-needed caffeine kick before a day of exploring the bush. They are about connection – with the wild, your loved ones, your guide, and yourself. Talk about a way to start your day! 

So, as you’re packing your bags and preparing for your Safari, take a moment to look forward to those crack-of-dawn coffee and tea stops that await. Morning person or not, I guarantee they will be a highlight.

I get asked what coffee and tea are my favorites. I still love my Tanzanian Chai Bora tea. Over the years, I have tried a few different coffee beans and currently using Volcanica medium roast. I also enjoy my Africafe Instant Coffee - I know I know, instant coffee, but this takes me back home, and with milk, this is my go to coffee.