(This is a short clip of the full podcast available 3/18/2025)

Safari Experts: Insights on Top African Tour Operators

In a recent discussion about preferred African safari suppliers, Jen Maki, of Divine Destinations,  shared valuable insights about companies she recommends based on their in-destination/native knowledge.

The conversation highlighted two safari operators:

Guiding the Wild, run by Pierre, was mentioned as a favorite local supplier based in Mauritius, and a person who is originally from South Africa. This recommendation emphasizes the value of working with operators who have deep local connections and on-the-ground expertise in both destinations, something Maki is working to combine for long haul travelers.  

Ntaba African Safaris was noted as a company run by a husband wife team, Robin and Stella Mountain, which started roughly 20 years ago and continues to grow.  Maki mentioned that Robin & Stella had recently expanded their operations in Africa, a welcome upgrade that she thinks will pay dividends for them and her clients who travel with Ntaba.  

The discussion concluded by emphasizing the importance of local knowledge when arranging African safaris, with both participants agreeing that working with destination-based experts, who can package experiences, is "what it's all about" and... "makes all the difference" in creating exceptional safari experiences.