Celebrating 21 Years of Timeless Africa Safaris

As I take a moment to reflect on the incredible 21-year journey of Timeless Africa Safaris, I am filled with a profound sense of awe and gratitude. This milestone, recently celebrated in Cape Town with our local industry friends, partners, and Africa Ambassadors, has prompted me to look back on our collective journey.

Every year has marked a new chapter in our storybook, teeming with extraordinary travel itineraries for our guests, significant community and conservation efforts, and a passionate team that grows each year in its love for Africa.

We have been privileged to meet remarkable individuals - guests and industry partners alike - whose unique stories have enriched our lives and become woven into the fabric of our extended safari family.

For me, the Timeless Africa Safaris narrative is not defined by the hundreds of thousands of miles travelled by our guests to 14 African countries, but rather by the meaningful impact they have made along the way.

It brings me immense joy to reminisce about some of my cherished memories from this year and the preceding years leading up to our 21st celebration.

November 2023: Celebrating 21 Years

What an amazing celebration we had! It was a true privilege to celebrate with our family, friends, ambassadors and partners during a fantastic evening at Upper Union; with delicious food, great company and entertained by the hilarious and brilliant Nik Rabinowitz. 🥂 Here's to turning plenty more travel dreams into timeless memories.

  WATCH THIS VIDEO

2023: Springboks win the Rugby World Cup

After Boks won the 2023 Rugby World Cup, this headline, “The Boks’ real gift to South Africa is leadership” inspired me to reflect on the Lessons I learned from a Lifetime with YPO:

1. Practice Makes Perfect.

2. Leaders Care About Their People.

3. Everyone has Something to Offer.

4. Even Leaders Need Support.

5. Saying Yes Creates Opportunities

  READ MY FULL ARTICLE

 2023: Rhino Tagging

I joined a group of 14 YPO members from Austin, Texas, on an adventurous journey to Kapama Private Game Reserve. We experienced a truly transformative experience – Rhino Tagging. The profound impact of touching, holding, and being in close proximity to a majestic animal weighing two tons left an indelible mark on me. A moment of deep appreciation for the dedicated efforts aimed at safeguarding these magnificent creatures.

  WATCH THE VIDEO HERE

2023: Our first guests travel to Odzala, Congo

The gorilla trekking experience in Congo offers a unique blend of exclusivity and a profound sense of isolation, all within the cocoon of complete safety. It's an experience that transcends the ordinary, making you feel as though you are the sole inhabitants of the Earth, surrounded by the untouched wonders of the natural world. This is definitely on my adventure list.

  EXPLORE THE CONGO BASIN

 2023: An Indian Journey

Casey, Gwen, Jamie and my grandkids went to India for a wedding and immersion into Delhi and Mumbai. The highlights were walking the familiar streets of a place Casey called home for 3 years, witnessing her kids absorb the colours, chaos, and contradictions. India is a dynamic and inspirational travel experience, if you would like to organise a trip, get in touch with Casey.

WATCH THEIR VIDEO

 2021: First time with 3 generations on safari

What more could I ask for than spending time with my family (wife, children and grandchildren) on safari in Africa? I suppose I could also ask for divine food, great wine, abundant game viewing and time for introspection.

Lucky me – I did have it all in one of my favourite safari destinations in Africa – Angama Mara Lodge in the Maasai Mara, Kenya, East Africa. 

READ ALL ABOUT OUR TRIP

 2012: Our first international Patron Art Immersion

We had the pleasure of hosting the patrons of an international art museum on an exclusive art immersion in South Africa in 2012. Since then, our specialist art division has been curating unique experiences in Cape Town and Johannesburg for International Art Museums from all over the world.

MORE ABOUT TIMELESS AFRICA ART EXPERIENCES

 2012: My first Gorilla Trek in Rwanda

A cherished memory from 2012 - my first gorilla trek in Rwanda - leading a group of travellers from around the world. Gorilla trekking still stands out as one of the most moving experiences of my life. Standing in front of a Silverback gorilla and his family, less than 2 meters in front of me is a moment burnt into my memory forever.

 2009: The Rise of the Africa Ambassadors

Over the years, our connections and guests have given us the honour of referring their network to travel with us. This is essential for the African tourism industry which plays a vital role in the conservation of land, wildlife and communities. To thank our network, we developed the Africa Ambassador Initiative – it is very simple – for anyone who refers people to us to travel in Africa, we make annual donations in their name to meaningful causes.

 2000: YPO University

Gwen and I hosted over 300 YPO couples from every corner of the globe for an unforgettable Cape Town YPO University (which ultimately led me to start Timeless Africa Safaris). We had the privilege of hosting the late Jonny Clegg and David Rattray, but undoubtedly, it was Madiba who stole the show on the final day. With his magnetic charisma, he held all 650 of us in the palm of his hand.

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 1987: My late Father's 60th

This is a memory that holds a special place in my heart. Before our business came to be. Let me take you back to 1987, a year that marked my late father's 60th birthday. We wanted to make it truly unforgettable, so we decided to surprise him with a three-day safari at  Kirkman's Lodge. Little did he know that six of his closest friends would be joining our family on this adventure. The joy on my father's face was priceless.

  READ MY ARTICLE

Here's to 21 years of Timeless Africa Safaris, and to the next 21 years!

With gratitude,

Marco