About Us
We pride ourselves on being a leading facilitator of exceptional adventures, tours, and expeditions throughout the captivating landscapes of Southern Africa. Our central passion lies in crafting truly bespoke travel experiences, meticulously tailored to your individual desires and interests.
Based in Pretoria, one of South Africa’s distinguished capital cities, our overarching vision is to introduce discerning travellers to the extraordinary moments that await within Southern Africa’s remarkable natural tapestry. We are dedicated to ensuring every facet of your journey is seamless and stress-free. Our team invests considerable time in thoroughly researching and meticulously planning our routes and destinations, always with a keen focus on the journey itself. We are confident that the cherished memories forged during your time with us will resonate for years to come.
Beyond our classic tours and expedition-style adventures, Alive also curates Special Interest Tours designed around specific passions. Whether you’re an avid birdwatcher eager to spot Southern Africa’s diverse avian life, a photography enthusiast seeking the perfect light across dramatic landscapes, or a cultural explorer keen to delve into the unique heritage of the region, we can craft an itinerary that caters precisely to your interests. These journeys offer a deeper, more focused way to experience the wonders of Southern Africa.
At our core, we fixate on small group tours, typically with a maximum of twelve individuals, allowing for a more intimate connection with nature and wildlife. Whether you’re dreaming of a classic African safari or a more specialised, hands-on expedition or special interest tour, we aim to empower you to actively explore and discover alongside us, rather than simply observing from the sidelines. Our highly experienced and expertly trained guides are committed to ensuring not only an unforgettable experience but also your utmost safety and well-being. Furthermore, we are deeply committed to responsible tourism, striving to minimise our environmental impact and maintain a crucial balance between exploration and conservation.
An Era that Inspired Us
The late 18th century ushered in a truly captivating period in African history – an era often defined by the zenith of big game hunting and the emergence of legendary figures whose exploits captured the public imagination. While newspaper accounts sometimes painted pictures so grand they bordered on the unbelievable, this very backdrop served as the stage for a significant and inspiring transformation.
It was during this time that the spirit of exploration began to gain momentum. Explorers gradually transitioned into biologists and naturalists, and crucially, the first seeds of modern conservation were sown. Over the subsequent three decades, a landmark shift occurred with the establishment of numerous national parks and protected areas. Remarkably, many former big game hunters became staunch advocates for conservation, a testament to a changing understanding of our relationship with the natural world.
Simultaneously, this era witnessed the increasing commercialisation and accessibility of travel, bringing the dream of experiencing Africa within reach for a growing number of people. A compelling example of this transition is the renowned hunting company of Donald Kerr, Sid Downey, and Harry Selby (KDS), which ultimately transformed into the respected travel operator Kerr & Downey, deeply rooted in conservation principles. This period also introduced us to one of our personal heroes, Peter Stark, affectionately known as “The White Bushman.” From his initial involvement in poaching and hunting, Stark underwent a profound personal journey, ultimately becoming a highly respected nature conservation officer in Namibia’s Etosha National Park.
While the days of truly uncharted territories may have receded into history, and the nature of exploration has evolved, we at Alive are deeply inspired by the legacies of these pioneers. We strive to offer our guests opportunities to walk in their footsteps, to witness the same awe-inspiring vistas, and to experience the very essence of what ignited the passion of these remarkable individuals. By journeying with us, you’re not just seeing Southern Africa; you’re connecting with a rich history of adventure and a profound appreciation for its natural wonders.
Our Values and Travel Philosophy
- Honesty – We believe in providing clear and honest information about the type of travel experience you can expect in Africa. We want you to be well-informed and prepared for the adventure that awaits you, rather than expecting a typical holiday. You can rely on us to be transparent and forthright in all our communications.
- Professionalism, Competence, Reliability, and Respect – We uphold high standards of professionalism and competence in every aspect of our operations. We are committed to delivering reliable services while treating our guests, partners, and local communities with the utmost respect.
- Fairness – We actively support local communities and establishments that require upliftment and strive for fair and ethical practices in all our endeavours.
- Value – We aim to provide efficient, effective, and responsive services that offer great value for your investment. While we understand the importance of “value for money”, we never compromise on the quality of our offerings.
- Trust – By understanding your needs, leveraging our personal travel experience, and sharing our passion, we aim to deliver a rewarding and memorable experience. We believe that experiencing our product firsthand will instil trust in our guests, fostering long-term relationships and encouraging them to embark on future adventures with us.
The way we like to travel –
Our itineraries – Each of our tours is thoughtfully designed to encompass both the well-known highlights and the lesser-known, hidden gems of our destinations. We meticulously plan and research our itineraries, recognising that it’s often the unexpected and smaller elements that can transform a good trip into an extraordinary one. Whenever possible, we offer flexibility to accommodate local circumstances, such as nearby festivals or seasonal events, allowing you to have a truly authentic experience of your destination. We prioritise providing a realistic and immersive journey, rather than simply offering the cheapest option.
Daily travel times/durations – We understand that your holiday should not be dominated by long hours spent in transit. As a general rule, we aim to limit daily travel time to three hours or less within our itineraries. However, there may be instances where the distance or conditions necessitate longer travel, which we will communicate in advance. We want you to make the most of your time and minimise time spent in vehicles.
Group size – To minimise our impact and promote personal interaction, we prefer to keep our group sizes small. Most of our classic small group tours accommodate a maximum of twelve (12) individuals. This not only allows us to visit remote areas but also ensures that local communities are not overwhelmed by a sudden influx of tourists. We intend to provide an enriching and personalised experience for our guests.
Departures – We place a limit on the number of departures for each itinerary to preserve the integrity and uniqueness of the destinations we visit. Some areas are fragile and easily influenced by external factors, and we strive to work sustainably, maintaining the integrity of the local sites and communities.
Transport – We will always use “suitable for the tour” vehicles, e.g. custom 4x4s, on our trips so that we can have the flexibility to stop for photos of that special sunset, or take a few minutes longer to stay at an amazing sighting. All the vehicles we use comply with legal requirements and are comfortable, safe and roadworthy.
Accommodation – We believe that accommodation is an integral part of the tour experience. Before we publish a tour, we conduct a physical site visit and carefully select lodges, guesthouses, and sites where we will be staying. While travelling to remote destinations may sometimes involve basic/rustic accommodations without electricity or running water, we consider it a small sacrifice for the extraordinary rewards these destinations offer. We strive to use lodges, hotels, and sites with a sense of history and a strong connection to the local area. Before your departure, we will provide you with a list of our preferred accommodations for each night.
Our Guides – We employ locally-based guides on all our tours, ensuring that you benefit from their in-depth knowledge and expertise in the areas they specialise in. Our guides are passionate, well-trained individuals who enhance your experience with their unparalleled enthusiasm. We believe that their insights and personal touch contribute significantly to the overall quality of your journey. In certain circumstances, our tours may also include local drivers whose invaluable local knowledge adds a unique perspective and cultural insights to the tour.
Single travellers – We understand that many individuals prefer to travel alone, and we accommodate single travellers with a single supplement charge. If you are open to sharing accommodations with another traveller, please contact us, and we will make every effort to match you with a suitable companion.
“Better to see a place once than to hear about it a thousand times.”
– Asian Proverb
Peace of Mind
When choosing a tour operator, it is crucial to select someone who possesses the professionalism, qualifications, expertise, and skills required to provide a successful tour tailored to your travel needs. Just like choosing a doctor or lawyer, your tour operator should inspire confidence and trust.
Safety and Security – Your well-being is our top priority. We offer 24/7 emergency support on the ground in Southern Africa, ensuring that you have access to assistance whenever you need it.
Insurance – We are insured by Bryte Insurance and/or SATIB (Southern African Tourism Insurance Brokers), providing financial protection for all monies paid towards your trip.
Remote Medical Recovery – Our services extend beyond regular travel arrangements. We offer comprehensive remote medical recovery coverage, which includes flights, pre- and post-accommodation, transfers, expert advice, and extraordinary adventure trips. Your health and safety are paramount to us.
We Know Southern Africa
Southern Africa is our specialisation, and we take great pride in delivering exceptional experiences in this region. We are dedicated to providing our clients with authentic, immersive journeys that showcase the true essence of Southern Africa. With our deep-rooted involvement and extensive knowledge of the destinations we offer, we have unparalleled insights into hidden gems, local culture, history, and customs. This expertise allows us to craft high-quality itineraries that create lasting memories. Having travelled our routes numerous times, we have established strong relationships with local communities and establishments along the way, ensuring a solid support network throughout your journey.