Crafting journeys across Africa

For Canadian start-up company Explorations Africa, however, a safari is not just about wildlife, but rather the art of crafting a deeply personal journey that leaves guests with memories to last a lifetime.

Founded by accident

Explorations Africa was founded almost by accident. Daniel, a Canadian who grew up in Africa, began arranging trips for friends curious about the continent as a hobby, organising a yearly trip where he would exclusively travel with a small group as a private guide. Meanwhile, Antoinette spent most of her career managing safari lodges across Africa, becoming an expert on hosting adventures around multiple countries. They met during one of his yearly trips, and she consequently joined him in 2012 after moving from South Africa to Canada and later on moving to Portugal in 2021. With her extensive knowledge of tracking wildlife and years spent hosting guests in some of the most remote and luxurious camps, Antoinette transformed her husband’s small operation into a dedicated tour company.

“It’s the only thing I became an expert on, so I decided to market safaris in Canada,” she recalls. “Explorations Africa grew out of our passion, and it’s still our passion today.”

That passion shows in the way each trip is handled. Unlike travel agencies that sell pre-packaged holidays, Explorations Africa specialises exclusively in the continent, with a focus on 15 countries chosen for their wildlife and unique landscapes. Every itinerary is designed from scratch, based on an in-depth understanding of both the destinations and the clients’ wishes and expectations.

“When I managed safari camps, I saw how often guests arrive with expectations that didn’t match their trip itinerary,” she explains. “Perhaps they wanted elephants but they were in the desert, or they didn’t enjoy the rustic style of a camp. I realised then that every safari needs to be tailored to be fully enjoyed. Not everyone travels the same way.”

Discovering what truly matters

For some, luxury means private butlers and helicopter transfers, for others, it is the silence of a remote desert camp, free of Wifi and electricity. Exploration Africa’s role is to discover what truly matters to each traveller and their personal definition of luxury – whether that is adventure, exclusivity, family time, or even wellness experiences such as marathons through the wilderness.

The range of experiences provided by Antoinette and David is unmatched. Guests can join researchers in darting lions for conservation work, track rhinos on foot, or swim alongside penguins. In South Africa, private wine tours and fine dining evenings hosted by chefs in their own homes add a cultural dimension to the adventure. For the more daring, helicopter flights into roadless areas or nights under a canopy of stars offer moments of wonder that feel almost cinematic.

Customised trips

The level of service extends far beyond creative itineraries. From private charter flights and visas to on-the-ground logistics, every detail is managed to ensure the client’s only worry is packing their bags and arriving at the airport for the start of their trip. Safaris are almost always all-inclusive, covering meals, drinks, laundry and activities in remote lodges where self-service simply isn’t possible. Clients are supported around the clock, with a direct line to the company’s founders.

Explorations Africa customises every trip based on their customers’ expectations and budget, but in terms of activities, the sky is the limit. Ultra-luxury options can exceed $80,000 per person, depending on selected activities, but they have also planned more budget-friendly safaris. Nevertheless, whether it is a multi-generational family trip, a honeymoon under the stars, or a celebrity chartering on a private island, the focus is always on authenticity, sustainability and ethical practices. All camps used by Explorations Africa are vetted by Antoinette and David to ensure they contribute to conservation, engage with local communities and operate sustainably.

Ethical commitment

That ethical commitment, paired with decades of first-hand experiences, sets the company apart from traditional travel agents. “A travel agent can book you a cruise, a trip to Italy, or a safari, but they don’t necessarily know Africa,” she says. “I’ve worked in these lodges. I know exactly what happens behind the scenes, what can and can’t be done. That’s what makes us unique.”

For some travellers, Africa is about ticking off the “Big Five,” but for others it may be about the adventure, culture, or simply finding a landscape that feels untouched by time. Whatever the reason, Explorations Africa makes sure the journey is as unique as the person taking it.

In the words of its founders, safari is not just about seeing animals. The word itself comes from Swahili, meaning “journey”. For those who travel with Explorations Africa, it is a journey into something deeper – a rare opportunity to reconnect with the wild in an unforgettable experience.

WhatsApp / Signal / Telegram: +351 924 063 044

Portugal: +351-924-063-044

Website: www.ExplorationsAfrica.com