Hospitality Awards 2019

www.lux-review.com Page 105 Bringing together the adventure, characters and excitement of Africa’s magnificent safaris, The SAFARI Company enable guests to unearth the most beautiful experiences that only true explorers can find. Whether staying in an exquisite game lodge, boutique safari tent, unique beach villa or delightful little farmhouse, this company offer what is undoubtedly the best way to experience Africa. Founded in 2008 by Chania Tundo, The SAFARI Company is a small team comprised of eleven individuals based in Nairobi and Nakuru Kenya. I was the daughter of a tea planter and an honoury game warden. Chania grew up on safari whilst camping and travelling the world to all manner of far-flung places from Burma and Peru, to Laos and Thailand, and all across Africa. With more than twenty-five years in the luxury safari industry, Chania understands better than most how to create a perfect African experience. Working with more than 1,000 properties across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda, there is no shortage of luxury ventures to experience, and the team make sure to craft the right one for each client. Striving to stay away from mass tourism, Chania and the team at The SAFARI Company spend much of their time trying to uncover hidden gems, gorgeous guesthouses and entertaining guides to make sure that clients feel like a traveller, rather than a tourist. Truly offering a luxurious holiday of adventure across the plains of Africa, The SAFARI Company offer unrivalled ways to experience Earth’s most vibrant continent. With rare glimpses into Africa’s hidden gems, we examine the firm to find out what made them worthy winners in LUXLife’s Hospitality Awards. Best Adventure Travel Specialists 2019 - Africa The SAFARI Company aim to ensure that travellers really experience the country they are visiting, supplying the best guides, vehicles and experiences all whilst supporting the local communities. More than just an adventurous experience however, the company also love to offer educational, insightful and unique alternatives to the traditional driving safari experience. These alternatives are an authentic way in which to experience just some of the very best that Africa has to offer. Perhaps it is horse-riding safaris, camel safaris, walking through the wild with the Maasai or Samburu tribesmen and women, or learning how to kite-surf and kayak. Or maybe guests want to learn how to guide with Big Cat Diary Guides, learn about conservation from professionals, or even learn how to cook with The Fearless Chef as seen on National Geographic. The experiences are extensive, and truly incredible. From the moment guests arrive into any one of the African nations where The SAFARI Company operates, they are made to feel safe and secure. An enthusiastic and knowledgeable member of the company greets them, looks after them, nurtures them and encourages their exploration of African culture during their stay. Hospitality trends in recent years have indicated a step away from mass-tourism with the development of platform such as AirBnB encouraging people to forge their own journeys. Rather than be ushered around like a herd of cattle, people are experiencing things as individuals and getting the most out of it. The SAFARI Company are capitalising on this, as well as growing health trends, by offering uniquely tailored experiences such as African lodges to stay in where guests can go on walking safaris, or run with a Maasai tribesperson. Looking to the future, the company are hoping to continue their remarkable growth streak of 25% each year for the last four years. However, rather than become a huge business, The SAFARI Company are instead investing in better technology to handle more enquiries, including a new quotation and itinerary system. The firm’s continued growth across the whole of Africa signals their intent to keep offering life-changing experiences in one of Earth’s most beautiful places. Fundamentally, the success of The SAFARI Company is down to their offering truly luxurious experiences thanks to the extensive experience of founder Chania Tundo. Crafting exquisite journeys across Africa, there is sure to be something that will ignite everyone’s passion for experiencing new cultures, places and feelings of adventure. Company: The SAFARI Company Management Ltd Contact: Chania Tundo Website: https://thesafaricoltd.com/ Email: [email protected]