Tales from Africa Travel

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Tales from Africa Travel

Multi award winning tour operator in Southern - and East Africa. That tourism should inspire, teach and let visitors experience what Africa is really like.

Sharing Africa's beauty through sustainable eco- and community experiences that'll give you memories of a lifetime. We're a multi award winning tour operator based in South Africa, organising sustainable tourism tours in Southern and East Africa. This is our story.

“It always seems impossible until it is done” – Nelson Mandela

This quote by Nelson Mandela challenged us to realize our dream of f

ounding a truly sustainable and responsible tour operator. We believe that tourism should leave more than footprints, should help nature, should help the people who live there. Not touristic Africa, but the real undiscovered continent that is Africa. Our Africa is the Africa of endless horizons, stunning landscapes and the richest wildlife ecosystems on Earth. It’s where we dream of the last frontier, of unique places and remote regions where only a lucky few dare to thread. It is also the Africa of wildly different people, people who will receive you with open arms in their homes, their villages and towns and who will share their lifestyle with you. It’s the Africa where tourists help maintain the environment, help locals grow and develop and are welcomed as honored guests, not as money-machines. It’s the Africa where your visit impacts the environment in a positive way and helps maintain it for future generations. It is sustainable tourism, not by raising a finger, but by offering you off-the-beaten track experiences, showing you that traveling sustainably leads to more and better experiences. So, let us share the magic, the wonder that is Africa, let us share our Tales from Africa with you. Through sustainable, exciting and well-organized experiences that are guaranteed to give you memories of a lifetime. As Madiba, Nelson Mandela, said: “A good heart and a good head are a formidable combination”.

30/07/2026

Great news from the Pearl of Africa: Uganda is officially Ebola-free.

Here at Tales from Africa Travel, your safety always comes first, part of which is giving you correct, up-to-date information. Uganda's Ebola outbreak (linked to cases crossing the border from Congo) has just been declared over after completing the WHO's 42-day monitoring period with no new cases. Today, the Democratic Republic of Congo remains the only country in Africa still dealing with an active outbreak.

For travellers, this is wonderful timing: Uganda is now even more open than before, ready to welcome you with the same open arms that make this country so unforgettable.

Look a mountain gorilla in the eyes in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Spot tree-climbing lions over the plains in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Feel the roar of Murchison Falls, where the mighty Nile squeezes through a gap barely wider than a doorway. Trek through Kibale Forest to see wild chimpanzees. Stand at the source of the Nile in Jinja.

This is the real Africa — endless horizons and people who welcome you as family. And now, Uganda is ready for you again.

Let's start planning your real Uganda adventure. tfatravel.com

28/07/2026

We want to hear from you! ✈️🌍

At Tales from Africa Travel, our clients and partners are at the heart of everything we do, and we want to keep bringing you content that's genuinely useful and inspiring.

So tell us: what would you like to see more of from us? Perhaps it's behind the scenes looks at our destinations, travel tips and packing guides, client stories and reviews, new tour or itinerary launches, industry trends for our trade partners, or something else entirely.

Drop a comment below or send us a DM, we're listening, and your input will help shape what we share next.

As a thank you, everyone who shares their input will go into a draw to win a branded Tales from Africa bamboo mug.

(Pic shown is an example design, actual mug may vary).

17/07/2026

The Art of Slow Travel

There is a common misconception that an African safari has to be a race against the clock, packed with pre-dawn alarms, non-stop game drives, and checking into a new lodge every two days. But rushing through the bush means missing the very essence of it. True relaxation comes when you stop moving and allow yourself to simply arrive.

Choosing to stay longer in one destination is the ultimate form of pampering. It allows you to unpack your bags once, settle into the rhythm of the wilderness, and truly connect with the landscape. Instead of spending your days packed into a transfer vehicle watching the scenery flash past a window, you get to experience the luxury of time. You can spend a quiet morning on your private deck watching a herd of elephants visit the watering hole, indulge in a long lunch, or read a book under the shade of an ancient marula tree.

This slower, deliberate way of exploring is also one of the most impactful choices you can make for the environment. By reducing the frequent, long-distance road transfers between far-away regions, we significantly lower the carbon footprint and fuel consumption associated with your journey. It is a mindful approach to travel that prioritises depth over distance, ensuring your stay leaves a lighter mark on the earth.

When you anchor your holiday at a single, exceptional property, the activities you do choose to do become far more meaningful. You can explore the surrounding area at your own pace, take spontaneous guided walks, or visit local community initiatives where you can see the direct, traceable impact of your stay. You transition from being a hurried observer to a part of the ecosystem.

At Tales from Africa Travel, we love designing itineraries that embrace this gentle philosophy. We carefully select exceptional eco-conscious lodges that are perfect bases for extended stays, combining deep comfort with authentic, low-impact exploration.

When you plan your next getaway, would you prefer a fast-paced journey to see as much as possible, or the restored energy of a slow travel experience? Let us know in the comments.

15/07/2026

Beyond the standard check-list: Family holidays that please everyone

Planning a family trip to South Africa is incredibly exciting, but balancing the needs of different generations can feel like a challenge. When you have teenagers wanting adventure, younger children needing entertainment, and grandparents looking for comfort, a standard itinerary simply will not work.

True luxury is about creating a holiday where nobody has to compromise. It means staying at an intimate, private safari lodge where the older kids can head out on tracking walks, while the younger ones enjoy interactive nature crafts closer to home. It means a beautifully hosted day out where some family members can enjoy a premium wine tasting, while others learn to surf or spot penguins on a nearby beach, meeting up later for a relaxed family lunch.

When you step away from the pressure of seeing everything, you finally give yourself permission to actually experience something. It is the stillness of a morning where the only agenda is watching the mist lift off a riverbank, or the privilege of sitting around a fire listening to local conservation stories that have never been written down.

We design personal holiday itineraries made specifically for multi-generational families who want comfort, smooth travel, and shared memories. We take care of every detail so that every age group feels included and completely relaxed.

Discover a meaningful family journey at your own comfortable pace. Talk to us today to plan your perfect trip.

13/07/2026

Beyond the standard check-list: The real tastes of the Cape

When people plan a trip to South Africa, the famous winelands are nearly always on the list. But the true heart of our food culture is found when you look away from the busy, crowded wine estates.

True luxury is about discovering our history through food, with total comfort and no rush. It means sitting down for lunch at a quiet, family vineyard where the owner welcomes you personally. It means enjoying authentic Cape Malay dishes made from old family recipes in a peaceful setting, or tasting excellent cheeses made by hand on a small, local farm.
When you step away from the pressure of seeing everything, you finally give yourself permission to actually experience something. It is the stillness of a morning where the only agenda is watching the mist lift off a riverbank, or the privilege of sitting around a fire listening to local conservation stories that have never been written down.

We design personal holiday itineraries made specifically for guests who want comfort, smooth travel, and real local experiences. If you are ready to trade busy tourist restaurants for a beautifully hosted, relaxing taste of South Africa, we are here to help you.

Discover the rich, untouched flavours of the Cape at your own comfortable pace. Talk to us today to plan your perfect journey.

10/07/2026

What does "off the beaten track" actually mean in a world where every beautiful corner is already on social media? Finding a quiet, secret space now takes much more than just looking at a map.

True travel luxury today is not about how far you drive, but how much you can slow down. It means stepping completely away from the rushed tour groups and crowded viewing points. It means discovering spaces where nature is still wild and undisturbed, and where you can connect genuinely with the people who live there.

Picture yourself exploring the hidden, mist covered valleys of the northern mountains in South Africa, far away from the popular coastal routes. Think about tracking desert adapted rhinos through the rocky, ancient volcanic landscapes of Damaraland in Namibia. Imagine drifting in a traditional dugout canoe through the narrow, reed lined channels of the Panhandle in Botswana, completely surrounded by bird calls and absolute silence. You can also head deep into the remote Gonarezhou wilderness in Zimbabwe to see magnificent red sandstone cliffs, or find total isolation along the wild shores of Lake Kariba in Zambia.

These destinations are just a few examples of where we can take you. We design custom trips across numerous African regions, so if you want to explore even further, we can easily make it happen. We focus on these rare, peaceful moments by choosing smaller, hidden properties and intimate wildlife experiences to turn your holiday into a deep personal discovery.

Discover the real, untouched side of Africa at your own pace. Talk to us today to start planning your unique journey.

09/07/2026

🎉 Happy Birthday to our one and only Berna van Rooijen! 🎂🦁

Today we celebrate an extraordinary woman who has spent years proving that Africa isn't just a destination, it's a feeling... and that spreadsheets, conservation, and elephants can, in fact, coexist quite peacefully.

Berna has a remarkable gift for creating unforgettable journeys, championing sustainable tourism, and reminding us that the best adventures are measured not in kilometres, but in stories. Along the way, she has inspired travellers, supported local communities, and helped ensure that Africa's wild places remain just that... wild.

As a valued member and Vice President of Skål International Cape Winelands, she also dedicates her time and energy to strengthening our tourism community, proving once again that sleep is apparently optional.

Legend has it that somewhere in Africa there is a committee of elephants discussing whether Berna is actually human or simply an exceptionally organised safari spirit. The verdict remains inconclusive.

Your passion, wisdom, humour, kindness, and unwavering commitment make Tales from Africa Travel a better place every single day. You inspire colleagues, partners, and travellers alike, and we're incredibly fortunate to have you leading the way.
May your year ahead be filled with spectacular sunsets, lions that pose on cue, roads with fewer potholes than expected, excellent South African wine, perfectly timed sundowners, and clients who always remember to bring their enthusiasm and love for Africa.

Happy Birthday, Berna! Thank you for making every journey richer, every challenge lighter, and every adventure worth telling.

Here's to many more years of exploring, laughing, and proving that going off the beaten track enhances any African itinerary! 🥂🌍

Your Tales from Africa Travel family ❤️

06/07/2026

Meet the Man Behind the Screen: A Very Special Birthday for Henko Wentholt!

Yesterday was a milestone day here at Tales from Africa Travel! On July 5th, we celebrated the birthday of our Henko Wentholt.

As we look back, it’s incredible to think about the journey Henko started. What began as a bold idea to show travelers the real Africa, not just the highlights, has blossomed into the responsible, meaningful tourism operator we are today.

Henko didn’t just want to create trips; he wanted to create positive change. He’s the reason sustainability isn't just a buzzword for us, it's woven into our DNA. It’s his passion that paved the way for our Travelife certification and our commitment to protecting the wildlife and communities we visit.

For Henko, the heart of our mission has always been about respect, connection, and leaving a trace, not an impact. If you've been on a Tales from Africa safari, you've experienced the result of his dedication, the private concessions, the expert guides, and the authentic encounters that have touched so many lives.

So, while he’s usually busy making sure your journeys are seamless and spectacular, today we turn the spotlight on him.

Happy Belated Birthday, Henko! Here's to many more years of adventure, conservation, and making a real difference. Thank you for everything.

03/07/2026

The Ultimate South African Expedition

When you dream of an African safari, your mind probably goes straight to the iconic Big Five. But what if your journey took you completely beyond that, into the realm of the Big Six, where the untamed savannah meets the marine wonders of the Indian Ocean?

Our "Ecotour National Parks of South Africa" is a spectacular 22-day journey designed for travellers who want to experience the true, diverse faces of African wildlife and landscapes. This itinerary brings together pristine national parks and private concessions, focusing entirely on concrete, experiential travel where your presence directly supports active conservation.

Rather than relying on vague environmental promises, this route is built around measurable, hands-on conservation work. In Marakele National Park, you step directly into a working conservation safari. Instead of just viewing wildlife from a vehicle, you work alongside guides to track and monitor key species, assist in compiling tracking ID kits using modern field technology, participate in focused tree-planting initiatives, and wrap vulnerable trees to protect them against elephant damage.

The journey then moves into the ancient landscapes of Mapungubwe National Park, a region rich in archaeological history where the famous Golden Rhino was discovered and where three countries meet at a spectacular river confluence. From there, you traverse into Botswana's exclusive Northern Thuli Game Reserve, follow the scenic Panorama Route, and spend three immersive days exploring the world-renowned Kruger National Park on foot during guided walking safaris.

The adventure continues with a unique horseback safari where you ride alongside giraffes and spend a night rusticating in a natural cave with local cuisine prepared over an open fire. Finally, the route takes you from the bush to a tropical beach along the Indian Ocean. Here, depending on the season, you can snorkel in crystal-clear waters, watch sea turtles nesting on the sand, or spot magnificent whales migrating along the coast between July and December.

Because true luxury is personal, nothing about this itinerary is set in stone. We use this epic route as a canvas of inspiration to co-create a completely bespoke, unique holiday tailored to your exact wishes, adjusting every accommodation and experience until it is your perfect lifetime journey.

"Travelling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller." – Ibn Battuta

If you could add one dream experience to a 22-day African adventure, what would it be? Let us know in the comments.

01/07/2026

Many travellers know Tales from Africa Travel for our beautiful journeys in South Africa. However, our travel magic reaches much further across our incredible continent. We design custom tours across the different Southern African countries, creating deeply personal experiences in each unique destination.

In Botswana, we take you deep into a true water wilderness inside the Okavango Delta to see massive herds of elephants roaming completely free. For those who love the ocean, Mozambique offers a paradise of warm, quiet beaches and coral reefs where you can experience marine conservation firsthand.

If you prefer exploring on foot, Zambia is the famous home of the walking safari where you can connect closely with wild, untouched spaces. In Zimbabwe, you can see the spectacular views of Victoria Falls and learn from some of the most knowledgeable local guides in the entire world. We also guide you through Namibia, a land of quiet landscapes, giant red sand dunes, and unique desert wildlife.

The Tales from Africa Difference
When you travel with us, you are not just a tourist buying a packaged holiday. We spend time getting to know you so we can build a trip that matches your exact dreams and travel pace.

Our team knows these places intimately because we live here and explore them ourselves. We connect you with local families, find the hidden spots that big tour buses miss, and ensure your money goes directly to the people and wildlife areas you visit. You get a seamless, stress free holiday filled with real human connections and unforgettable moments.

Discover Africa with a team you can trust.

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Cape Town
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Website

https://tfatravel.com/

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