About

Travel with a positive impact on Africa!

Welcome to African Travels! We started African Travels to make a difference. With every trip you book you do too… We promote small scale sustainable traveling at every level of comfort. From luxury to more budget traveling. With over 30 years of experience we can proudly say we have lived what we sell. Travel with a positive impact on Africa, benefitting the people and nature, empowering the destination.
Let’s start planning your dream holiday today!

Over 30 Years of Expertise in African Travels

With over 30 years of combined experience, we are true African specialists. Our journey began with William, who was born in Zimbabwe and grew up surrounded by the diverse landscapes of Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. As the son of an archaeologist, he experienced the rich cultures and history of Africa from a young age. William’s adventures continued when he worked as a tour guide, traveling from Istanbul to Cape Town, covering more than 12 African countries along the way.

In 2005, William met Marijnke under the Smoke that Thunders (Victoria Falls), a life-changing encounter that set them on a shared path to explore and celebrate Africa together.

We have lived what we sell – from our personal travels as individuals and as a couple, to running a safari lodge near Victoria Falls and, most recently, as a family. Our deep connection with Africa drives our passion to offer sustainable, personalized African tours that bring the incredible beauty of this continent to like-minded adventurers.

After years of experiencing the wild beauty of Africa, we decided to take the next step: to create a company (2012) that brings the magic of Africa to the world while prioritizing sustainability and supporting local communities. Our goal is to share Africa’s untamed beauty with others who are passionate about preserving its future.

We invite you to join us on a once-in-a-lifetime journey and explore the vastness and splendor of Africa, all while supporting its sustainable future. This is more than just a trip – it’s a commitment to Africa’s future.

Our Global Presence & Personalized Service

At African Travels, we pride ourselves on offering a truly global experience. Founded in the Netherlands, our head office is still based here, but our commitment to serving clients worldwide has led us to expand. We now have additional offices in Santa Barbara (U.S.), Stoke (U.K.), and, of course, our local teams at every key African destination we operate in.

We cater to clients from all over the world – from Australia to Spain, the United States to Belgium, Singapore to the Netherlands, and beyond. Whether you’re booking from across the globe or just around the corner, we’re always just a Skype or WhatsApp call away.

We understand that sometimes you prefer a more personal touch, which is why we invite you to visit us in person at any of our offices, or even arrange a face-to-face consultation in the comfort of your own home. Pre-booking is recommended to ensure we give you our full attention and tailored advice.

Wherever you are, we’re here to help you plan your perfect African adventure!

Meet Us at Live Travel Events!

We love connecting with our travelers in person, and we’re excited to meet you at live travel events again soon! African Travels regularly attends several trade shows and expos where we can share our passion for Africa and guide you through your next adventure. You can find us at events such as:

  • Vakantiebeurs Utrecht (Netherlands)
  • Vakantiebeurs Amsterdam (Netherlands)
  • Vakantiebeurs Breda (Netherlands)
  • The Luxury Travel Fair (London, UK)

Each year, we also explore new events, so be sure to follow us on social media to stay updated on our latest travel shows and opportunities to meet us. We can’t wait to chat with you about your next African adventure and help you make unforgettable memories! Follow us on  [Facebook] or [Instagram] to stay informed!

Sustainable Travel with African Travels

At African Travels, we are more than just a travel company – we are a Social Enterprise. A social enterprise is a business dedicated to tackling social issues, enhancing local communities, improving people’s lives, and safeguarding the environment. While we generate revenue by offering high-quality travel services, our core mission is to reinvest our profits into sustainable projects that benefit both the communities we work with and the environment we strive to protect.

By choosing us, you’re not just experiencing the beauty of Africa – you’re also supporting ethical travel practices that aim to create lasting, positive change. When we profit, society profits.

In essence, we use commercial strategies to bring about real improvements in human and environmental well-being, rather than focusing on maximizing profits for external stakeholders. Every booking you make helps to reinforce sustainability and contribute to the future of Africa and its local communities.

Join us in supporting a travel experience that benefits the planet, empowers local people, and preserves Africa’s breathtaking beauty for generations to come. [read more]

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Tailor made

At African Travels we don’t sell one size fits all! As an Africa specialist, we have a huge database of trips that are not all listed on our website. We create tailor-made trips to inspire. We want you to experience Africa in the best possible way that suits you. We believe in the personal approach. We invest time to get to know you as a traveler so we can design the trip of a lifetime!

We are African specialists!

We are African specialists and have a combined African travel experience of over 40 years. We can cater for every need. We will spend time getting to know you so we can design a trip of a lifetime!

Don’t worry

When you go on holiday, the last thing you want to do is worry. A trip to Africa isn’t something you do every day. It has to be a special memory in your lifetime that should be a life thrilling experience, perfect in every way. As a travel specialist we consider ourselves vital in planning these special memories, as we take away the worry so you can focus solely on the exciting events to come and on what to pack.

We started African Travels to make a difference, with every trip you book you do too!

African TravelsManaging founders

24/7 support from our backup team

Sometimes, unfortunately, things can go a little differently than expected. Lost luggage, family affairs at home, an incident, it can happen to anyone. As a travel agency, we will do our utmost to help you solve the problem. We have an extensive (personal) local network and we will do everything we can to resolve the incident as quickly as possible or to manage it appropriately. 24/7 support. We are only one phone call away.

Making it personal

When booking your trip via a general online platform, you tend to get the one-size-fits-all service, not taking into account the numerous variables that come into play. We tailor our services to your individual needs. Have concerns? We talk you through them. Need a hotel that can cater to your allergies? We speak to hotel managers to make sure it’s taken care of. In addition, when calling us, we know all the ins and outs of your trip and care about you.

No hidden costs

We do not charge booking fees, reservation fees or credit card fees. These are all included in the price. As a travel specialist, we receive special purchase rates and cover bank costs and currency risks. Surveys have shown that planning your own vacation takes hours. Tell us what you expect from a holiday, what you want to experience, what level of comfort you want and we will design a tailor-made itinerary, including flights, transfers, accommodation, optional excursions, meals, etc., so you can spend your time on other things!

Small scale accommodation

African Travels will send you to the most beautiful and unique accommodations in Africa. They are not only run by excellent staff, they also give back to the local community and operate as eco friendly as possible. Located in the most beautiful locations, they will contribute to the ultimate safari experience. From tented safari camps to luxury boutique hotels. We will make sure they tick all the boxes!

  • All accommodations are carefully selected by us
  • Value for money
  • Local community support
  • The location compliments the African experience

Panic?

When you book your trip through an online booking system you usually get one-size-fits-all service, without taking into account the many variables that apply. We tailor our services to individual needs. Are you worried? Are you panicking? Do you have packing stress? Call us, we will give you advice. Do you have allergies or medical conditions? Let us know, we will ensure that all parties involved are informed. And when you call us, you speak to someone from African Travels, we know all the ins and outs of your trip.

Financial protection

African Travels offers complete financial protection for all our travellers. When travelling with African Travels, your holiday is financially protected by the GGTO, the Dutch Guarantee Fund. We offer all our travelers from anywere around the world the guarantee that they will be reimbursed for any payments made for trips including airfares (if booked via African Travels), in the event that we declare financial insolvency. It is a comforting feeling indeed. Guaranteed traveling!

Guarantee fund:

  • Guaranteed travelling or a full refund in case of insolvency
  • No additional costs for traveler
  • Coverage for any of our destinations and travel sum

Meet the Team

At African Travels, we are a passionate team united by a love for Africa and a commitment to leaving a green footprint. Each member of our core team is dedicated to ensuring you have the best possible African experience. We believe in the power of travel to create unforgettable memories, and we’re here to help you design your dream African vacation.

While our core team is here to guide you, we also work with a larger network of experts who help bring your special trip to life, particularly when it comes to our group safaris. From local guides to safari lodge staff, we have a dedicated team of people who work tirelessly to make sure every aspect of your journey is flawless.

Let us share our extensive knowledge, passion, and experience to design the perfect African adventure tailored just for you.

Marijnke Vincent Macdonald
Managing founder

Marijnke is one of the founders of African Travels and married to William. She is in charge of the office. She is Dutch but spent most of her life living in foreign countries. She is most happy when she starts her day in the African bush, surrounded by nature.

William Macdonald
Managing founder

William is married to Marijnke and one of the founders of African Travels. William was born in Zimbabwe but raised in Namibia, South Africa and Botswana. His favorite African destinations are his home country Zimbabwe, Namibia and Uganda, or any other African country really…

Mara Cornelis
Travel Consultant

Mara has a deep love for Africa and has explored many of its diverse countries. Whether it’s the excitement of an international group tour or the freedom of a self-drive adventure, she’s experienced it all. With her wealth of knowledge and passion for travel, Mara is dedicated to ensuring that you have the trip of a lifetime, ensuring your African adventure is filled with unforgettable moments.

Annette Steenkamp
Administration

Annette was born in South Africa and is married to a Namibian. She currently lives in the Netherlands but loves to travel back to South Africa and Namibia whenever she can.

Victor
Rwanda Uganda

We have been working with Victor and his team for over 5 years. From the first time we met him we were impressed by his professionalism and passion to develop and give back to his countries in the most sustainable way. Victor is based in Rwanda but married to an Ugandan. He knows both countries inside out. His mission with his team is providing unique and unforgettable experiences, superior guest service and emotional memories that will last long after you return home. His goal is to motivate local micro-entrepreneurs to assist their families and communities to become financially self-dependant. With your trip you help develop Rwanda and Uganda in a sustainable way.

Saqib
Namibia

Our Namibian rock is Saqib and our key to deliver you the best experience in Namibia you wish for. Whether you are an upmarket client or a budget traveler. The experience is what matters.
We met through a mutual friend and have been working together ever since. He is very professional and efficient, and full of ideas and solutions! His expertise is Northern Namibia and the best private guide you can wish for!

Richard
Kenya

We have known Richard and Diane for a while now and we both share this passion for travel and small scale tourism. Richard and his wife Diana have excellent service skills and discover new non touristy destinations, unique accommodations and new experiences. The goal is a holistic Kenyan experience as you balance between culture, wildlife, local hospitality and best culinary arts on the planet. And leave a Green footprint behind. With your Kenyan trip you contribute to reforestation of Kenya by SeedBalls Kenya and much more.

Marcus
Mozambique

Marcus passion for nature, the ocean, sports and a free life style are his driving force and being able to bring people from all over the world to the beautiful coast line of Mozambique are a professional fulfilling. With your Mozambiquan trip you contribute to beach Cleaning and Environment  foundation http://www.almatofo.org/.

Sarah
Zambia

Sarah is our Zambian guru. We have known her for over 20 years. She knows all about her country, loves to design our self drive itineraries in Zambia and loves the small scale and unique accommodations far away from the masses.

Suzanne
Zimbabwe

In Zimbabwe we work with multiple contacts who we have know for years. On the ground our great help is the Zimbabean born and raised Suzanne. She is not only an amazing photographer, her blogs about her adventurous life in Africa are even more special, full of tears and laughter.

Selma
Tanzania

Selma and Ngomi started their travel business at the same time as we – African Travels did. We go a long way back and see our business grow and thrive over the years. It’s a pleasure working with Selma. Providing excellent trips with so much knowledge and passion for Tanzania.

James
Botswana

James is based in Maun and has 20 years experience in the tourism industry in Botswana. He knows every sandy road, has intimate knowledge and experience in safaris and lodges in Botswana and surroundings. He has been involved in running mobile safaris from the more budget conscious traveller to high end safaris.

Start planning your dream holiday today!

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