On Adventure

Adventure is deeply personal – embracing experiences that push us beyond the bounds of familiarity, whatever they may be. While each of our adventures is unique, they bring us together in ways distinct from everyday life. Venturing into new landscapes, meeting new people and discovering new places may become the catalyst for a fresh perspective or a lasting bond. Join us as we chat with some of our Africa Travel Designers about their own experiences and how they’ve shaped their approach to travel for the years to come.

JACOB MAAHS

Africa Travel Designer

What does adventure mean to you?

To me, adventure simply means having fun and stepping outside the ordinary. It’s all about travelling, discovering new places, trying new experiences and making friends along the way. Adventure keeps life exciting – and my personal favorite always involves a burst of adrenaline. I’ve bungy jumped nine times!

Tell us about an adventure that will stay with you.

My favourite adventure was when I embarked on a 75-day camping trip across Africa. I fell in love with the wilderness, remote landscapes and incredible wildlife – and I was lucky to travel with a team of three amazing Kenyans who became like family during the journey.

The highlight was gorilla trekking through the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda. The day began early, driving through misty forests and rolling green hills before receiving a warm welcome Kiga Dance from the local Bakiga tribe. From there, we trekked through the lush jungle, climbing over vines as our ranger cleared the path ahead. Suddenly, we stumbled upon a habituated gorilla family, and the rush of excitement hit as I found myself in the realms of a majestic silverback gorilla. It was a magical and humbling experience.

We spent an unforgettable hour observing the gorillas as the playful infant gorillas scurried around. This encounter was a true bucket list moment and remains the most incredible experience I’ve had in all my travels.

How has this shaped you and your future travels?

Travelling to Africa, going on safari and having up-close encounters with wildlife has truly made me grateful and appreciative. The warmth and generosity of the people I’ve met along the way only add to the magic of each trip. Every game drive fills me with the same joy and excitement—I still feel like a kid, as though I’m living in a dream.

As an Africa Travel Designer, I have the privilege of creating unique, unforgettable experiences for our guests. What often begins as a "once-in-a-lifetime trip" to Africa quickly becomes a lifelong passion – one trip is never enough. I was very excited to return to Africa in November to trek with gorillas and chimpanzees in Rwanda.

How do you incorporate adventure in the safaris you plan?

Adventure means something different to each guest – even within a family or a couple, it can vary; whether it’s about the type of accommodation, level of luxury, or the experiences they seek. At its core, adventure is about the entire experience, and that’s the main focus of every trip I design.

The beauty of a safari is the endless variety it offers. From different countries, landscapes and environments, to the incredible range of wildlife, lodges, camps and experiences – it’s possible to deliver an unforgettable adventure suited to every person in the group. Even in the most remote locations, you can count on exceptional service, expert guiding, delicious food and the adventure of a lifetime.

EMILY WALLINGTON

Africa Travel Designer

What does adventure mean to you?

Adventure is not just travelling to new places; it's about exploring off the beaten track where the experiences are more authentic. It's about encountering things outside of my everyday life: perhaps hiking new routes, tasting new foods, or trying new skills. At its core, adventure is about learning and growing. It's about exposing myself to new cultures, meeting new people and gaining new insights.

Ultimately, adventure is a state of mind. One of being open to new experiences, embracing uncertainty, and finding joy in the journey. Whether I'm exploring a new city, trying a new hobby or simply taking a different route to work, adventure is about finding the extraordinary in the ordinary and making every day a journey of discovery.

Tell us about an adventure that will stay with you.

One adventure that will forever be etched in my memory is the hot air balloon trip I took over the wildebeest migration in the Maasai Mara. It's a story I often find myself sharing with others.

It began before dawn when the world was still shrouded in darkness. We set out across the Maasai Mara, the only ones stirring at that hour. The drive itself was an adventure, as we spotted nocturnal animals and hunting cats rarely seen during the day. The air was crisp and cold, and the thrill of the unknown was palpable.

As we arrived at the balloon site, the sound of the burners firing up pierced the quiet sky and the colours from the flames danced against the darkness. We climbed into the basket and with a roar of flames began to rise above the treetops. The sun was just starting to peek over the horizon, casting a golden glow over the landscape. We floated calmly along the river, taking in the views of the African savannah. At times, we spotted animals and descended lower to get a closer look. At others, we soared higher, taking in the vast expanse of the landscape. The entire experience was therapeutic and incredible, and I felt completely present and in the moment.

How has this shaped you and your future travels?

What struck me most was the profound sense of connection I felt to the natural world. It was a reminder of the incredible beauty and power of nature which deepened my sense of responsibility to protect it. It's a memory that I will carry with me forever and one that continues to inspire me to seek out new experiences in the great outdoors.

Witnessing the wildebeest migration from above, I gained a new appreciation for the interconnectedness of all living things and the delicate balance of the ecosystem. It was a humbling experience. I now seek out experiences that allow me to connect with the natural world in a meaningful way, whether it's hiking through remote landscapes, exploring national parks, or participating in conservation efforts.

How do you balance adventure and indulgence?

Adventure is fundamentally about creating lasting memories and experiencing new things. Many high-end luxury lodges and tour operators specialise in providing adventurous experiences that are both exhilarating and luxurious.

Imagine viewing wildlife on horseback in the wilderness, or bungee jumping over Victoria Falls, all while enjoying private and exclusive accommodations that cater to your every need. These experiences are designed to push you out of your comfort zone in a controlled and safe environment, ensuring that you can enjoy the thrill of adventure without sacrificing any of the comforts you're used to.

There are countless options available that offer the perfect blend of adventure and luxury. Whether you're looking to hike through untouched landscapes, go on a private safari, or try your hand at extreme sports, you can do so in style and comfort.

JAMEY LOWIS

Africa Travel Designer

What does adventure mean to you?

Adventure is the pursuit of the unknown and extraordinary. True adventure means embracing the unexpected and finding beauty in overlooked places.

It's seeking out those places that have slipped beneath the radar – ancient rock art weathered by millennia, vast wildernesses devoid of humans, and majestic waterfalls cascading through secret valleys. Adventure is venturing where the masses don't, experiencing the raw and authentic essence of a place.

Tell us about an adventure that will stay with you.

I recently returned from an unforgettable trip to Zambia, where we spent several days on a walking safari through South Luangwa National Park. We walked from Kakuli to Luwi with a sleepout in between the two. The experience was truly transformative, offering a rare glimpse into one of the few remaining places in the world where you can escape the presence of other humans entirely while being surrounded by some of the continent’s best game viewing.

Our journey took us along the winding Luwi River, past hippo-filled lagoons, and zebra-dotted grasslands. We encountered lions, observed wild dogs on the hunt and stood in awe of elephants – all on foot. One of the most remarkable aspects of a walking safari is how it reconnects you with nature, reminding us of our place in the ecosystem and encouraging us to notice the often-overlooked details of the landscape.

The pinnacle of our adventure was spending a night sleeping out in the centre of a sand riverbed. With a canvas of stars stretching from horizon to horizon above us and the distant calls of lions and hyenas echoing from the surrounding banks, we truly felt like the only people on Earth. It was a profound moment of connection with the wild that I'll carry with me forever.

How has this shaped you and your future travels?

The lasting impact of this adventure is the realisation that true exclusivity in travel stems from the knowledge of these remarkable places and the ability to help people reach them. These incredible areas remain pristine, waiting for those willing to step out of the norm to experience them.

My travels are now driven by a desire to uncover more of these "below the radar" destinations. I'm more inclined to invest time and resources into reaching places that promise unique, transformative experiences rather than following the well-trodden tourist path.

Where do you recommend for wild but luxurious adventures?

For those seeking adventure without sacrificing comfort, I would highly recommend considering a luxury walking safari. This option perfectly balances the thrill of exploration with the indulgence of highend accommodations.

Take, for example, the Lower Zambezi region in Zambia. Here, you'll find exceptional camps such as Lolebezi Lodge, which offer world-class comfort in the heart of the wilderness. From here, you can embark on incredible walking adventures along the edge of the Zambezi River, traversing giant winterthorn forests teeming with wildlife.

A typical day might unfold like this: wake up to a gourmet breakfast before setting off on a guided walk through pristine wilderness. During your trek you might encounter some of Zambia’s famed game – and even elusive leopards. After a morning of exhilarating wildlife viewing, return to camp for a sumptuous lunch followed by an afternoon of relaxation at the spa or your private pool.

DAVID DRAYTON

Africa Travel Designer

What does adventure mean to you?

Adventure, for me, is stepping into the unknown and letting uncertainty lead the way. It’s that rush of crossing the line between what you know and what you don’t, the quiet thrill of moving beyond the edges of familiarity.

It’s deeply connected to people, too – the ones whose lives look nothing like yours, who speak in different rhythms, see the world with different eyes. Conversations with them crack open your own small truths, showing you how much of our humanity we share when we listen with open hearts.

In far-off places, adventure takes on a different weight. You stand under a sky that doesn’t belong to you, in a landscape that’s all new sounds and scents. It’s losing yourself just enough to sharpen your senses, trusting your instincts and leaning on the kindness of strangers. These places, these moments – they test you, soften you, make you see things in a different light. Adventure isn’t just a journey on a map; it’s a journey inward. It’s about growing in the spaces between comfort and challenge, letting go of control and welcoming whatever comes your way.

Tell us about an adventure that will stay with you.

One of the most unforgettable journeys of my life was travelling solo from Addis Ababa to Nairobi. I crossed the harsh, arid landscapes of Northern Kenya, where the earth seemed to go on forever under a relentless sun. The emptiness felt vast and overwhelming, and as we moved deeper into Samburu Land, south of Marsabit, our vehicle suddenly broke down.

Stranded in what felt like the middle of nowhere, silence pressed in from all sides. The heat and dust only added to the feeling of isolation. Just when it seemed like we were alone in that desolate place, two Samburu pastoralists – a father and son – appeared. They were tending their livestock, calmly moving through the rocks and dry land like they belonged to that harsh world.

They had little, but without hesitation, they shared milk with us from their gourds, a simple yet deeply generous gesture. They sat with us, their presence a comfort, as we waited for help to come from the next passing convoy. In that moment, I felt the true power of human connection – a kindness that reached across all differences. What stayed with me was more than the wild beauty of Northern Kenya. It was the raw, unspoken bond with those strangers, who, in the most remote place, taught me that even in life's toughest moments, humanity can shine through.

How has this shaped you and your future travels?

These moments of adventure have shaped me in ways I didn’t expect. They’ve made me softer and stronger at the same time –more open to the unknown and more willing to embrace discomfort. The people I’ve met and the places I’ve seen have left their mark on me, carving out space in my mind for new ways of thinking, for stories that aren’t mine but somehow still feel familiar. Now, when I travel, I go for more than the sights. I go for the questions I haven’t thought to ask yet, for the strangers I haven’t met, for the quiet moments that shift my perspective in ways I can’t predict. My journeys are less about the destinations and more about the feeling of being unmoored, of letting the world surprise me.

It’s made me slower in my travels, too – more present. I linger longer in places, listen harder to the voices around me, look deeper into the landscapes that unfold before me. I’ve learned that the real adventure isn’t in conquering a place but in letting a place, and its people, change me.

What would you say to someone unsure where their adventure begins?

You don’t have to choose between adventure and comfort – they can go hand in hand. Imagine exploring wild, untouched places during the day, with all the thrill and excitement of discovery, and then returning to a place where you can relax, recharge, and take it all in. It’s about finding that balance – embracing the adventure while knowing there’s a soft place to land at the end of it.