Adventurers are in truly capable hands to have a curated superior safari, showcasing the best of Botswana with Golden Africa Safaris, as it is owner run and led by a guide with over two decades of experience having traversed every inch of Botswana. That to me is the magic mix, working with people that know the land intimately and have curated their offering with a deep appreciation for nature and a knowledge of how to showcase this experience to ensure guests walk away feeling like family. Golden Africa Safaris was also recently chosen as a finalist in the Safari Awards for Best Mobile Safari in Africa, a wonderful nod to the team that put their heart and soul into ensuring each and every safari offers an opportunity for guest’s to connect deeply with the wild, not feel like they just touched the surface.
Recent guests that travelled with Golden Africa Safaris from African Pathfinder, in my opinion really captured the essence of Golden Africa’s mobile safari offering with their descriptive and detailed feedback below on their experience, which i would love to share with you all.
Ann and I want to talk about Botswana in particular as this experience was nothing short of spectacular.
Gaenor put us in the very capable hands of Rob and Charlotte of Golden Africa Safaris.
At every camp we were welcomed like family with warm smiles. The food was incredible (even for picky eaters), and the safety and comfort were always top-notch. The roaming camps were well-equipped and comfortable.
Our guide, Moa, was deeply knowledgeable about the wildlife and ecosystems and clearly respected by the other guides. His encyclopedic knowledge of the fauna, flora of the bush as well as economic and socio-political issues facing Botswana made for memorable conversations. It is obvious he loves his country dearly. We appreciated that he took the time to occasionally stop the safari vehicle and introduce us to plants and bushes that were used by indigenous peoples for herbs and medicines. He had a sixth sense for where the animals would be and always positioned the vehicle for perfect lighting which we as photographers really appreciated.
Every drive brought something new. The evenings around the campfire (accompanied by well-earned gin & tonics!), the breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, and the sense of wonder we felt daily made this so memorable.
This trip touched our hearts — the landscapes, the people, and the sheer beauty of the wildlife. We felt cared for and inspired every step of the way. This was more than a vacation — it was a profound, soul-stirring experience that connected us deeply to Africa’s natural beauty. Five stars is not enough.
Ann and Eckhardt
I read an article recently by Francois Theron that for me, really articulated some of the big thoughts on the way many safaris are heading and how we should be thinking to ensure we still add in that touch of magic dust that really makes a safari unforgettable for visitors to our wonderful Africa!
Francois states a very powerful observation: Luxury lodges now offer Wi-Fi, infinity pools, spas and wine cellars. Game drives are scheduled and sightings are broadcast by radio. Efficiency has replaced unpredictability. We’ve made safaris more accessible, more comfortable – but, in the process, sometimes less soulful and more times than not, we are trading,
- Connection for collection
- Curiosity for convenience
And maybe, without realizing it, we’ve created a version of safari that’s more about checking boxes than about being changed. But here’s the good news – not all of it is gone. There are still safari camps like this in Africa. Those that serve the soul of a safari, not just the luxury of it.
I truly believe the most precious experience to have on safari is something that feels so otherworld to our normal suburban busy lives, where every modern luxury is available, and there are too many devices being juggled at once. The key to unlock those moments is to offer the opportunity to enjoy the luxury of time and for safari goers to be able to truly connect with nature and with themselves.
Golden Africa Safaris offers just that, where guides are still interpreters of the wild. Teachers. Philosophers. Where you don’t just see nature; you are drawn into it. They still hold the beliefs firmly to touch the land lightly, and to offer guests deeply immersed safaris that are truly soulful.
Credit Imagery: Golden Africa Safaris
