African Safaris Ltd is a specialist travel agency that focuses on providing safaris and tours to Africa. The company has been built up over the past 20 years as the demand and interest for safaris to Africa has increased. We are an enthusiastic, knowledgeable and committed team, who have have more than 30 years combined experience of living and working in Africa.
African Safaris Ltd was founded on a passion for Africa, by Claire Vial; an experienced wildlife photographer, zoologist, and author of more than 60 international children’s books. Claire’s passion for the continent, its wildlife and people, started at a very young age through reading books and watching wildlife documentaries.
In 1993 Claire bought a one-way ticket to Botswana where she lived and worked as a wildlife conservationist volunteer for Conservation International in/around the Okavango Delta, for 2 years. Armed with a point-and-shoot camera on arrival, she quickly realised an SLR was needed to capture Africa’s wildlife. Teaching herself photography, Claire was living her dream – in Africa with a camera. Finally returning to New Zealand in 1997 she started writing and illustrating non-fiction children’s books, on a variety of animals.; whilst at the same time she started African Safaris Ltd and began taking small groups to Africa on safari.
Since Claire’s first trip to Africa in 1993 she has spent the last 20 years travelling and working in Southern Africa and East Africa. Using her extensive knowledge and experience, Claire still loves to share Africa and leads two safaris to Botswana and Kenya/Tanzania each year. The highlight of taking small groups to Africa is to give people an opportunity to experience some of Africa’s last great wilderness areas; and to feel, smell and touch Africa – Claire’s second home. ‘When you are in Africa and you are watching a lion hunt, it is very challenging and emotional to put into words what you are feeling at the time; what you see, what you smell, what you hear. Like myself, many people have found a wonderful connection with Africa and there is a lot of truth in the saying that Africa gets under your skin and into your blood. Karen Blixen put it very well by saying “You know you are truly alive when you’re living among lions.” And, I hole-heartedly agree with R. Elliott who said “If you can only visit 2 continents in your lifetime, visit Africa twice.”
WHY CHOOSE AFRICAN SAFARIS LTD?
EXPERIENCE COUNTS
We know Africa. Our team personally visits destinations across East Africa and Southern Africa each year. To provide the best service and expertise, we stay informed of the latest trends, news, and travel options across the diverse African continent. We have many loyal guests who return to us year after year for advice and support with their African safari travel plans
PERSONALISED SERVICE
We focus on designing and selecting itineraries suited to your interests and travel preferences to provide a lifetime experience that exceeds your expectations. We cater for all budgets, whether you are seeking a custom, private safari or a small group tour, our team can help you find the best itinerary for you.
COMPETITIVE PRICING
Due to our long standing relationships with our local partners and accommodations, we have access to preferential rates which we are able to pass on to our guests and we offer discounts and added value deals so that you have a price advantage when booking with us.
LOCAL RELATIONSHIPS
We have excellent contacts and local partners throughout Africa, who are on the ground to provide support, help with all logistics, and make sure our safaris and tours run smoothly. Our local partners communicate with us regularly to ensure the best experience for our guests.
ASSOCIATIONS
African Safaris Ltd is a member of ATTA (Africa Tourism and Travel Association), which is recognised as the voice for tourism to Africa. All underlying providers are members of either KATO, SATSA or HATAB
INSURANCE & SUPPORT
We hold Professional Indemnity Insurance, underwritten by QBE. We offer all our guests 24 / 7 / 365 support while you are on safari.
Call us today to plan your safari of a lifetime!