Our Story

Here at The SAFARI Company, we’re all about soaking up Africa’s magic from cosy little game lodges, charming farmhouses, or tucked-away beach villas. We don’t believe in package holidays, big hotel chains or following the crowd.

A tight-knit team of family-focused safari experts, we are a boutique travel outfit bursting with creativity. We take immense pride in crafting one-of-a-kind beach and bush itineraries that have been tried and tested by our families first-hand. In fact, as specialists in family travel, we have spent decades unearthing the hidden gems across Africa that promise marvel and adventure for all ages. We encourage little and large explorers to dare to be different, and find new wonder away from well-trodden paths. Ditch the mainstream and dive into the extraordinary. Discover the beautifully quirky, the gloriously independent, the off-the-beaten track destinations that have already captured our hearts.

The Safari Company Our Story Kids in safari vehicle

The Safari Company Our Story kids on beach

The Safari Company Our Story Kids on swing

The Safari Company Our Story Kids with Maasai

What does The SAFARI Company stand for?

S

Safari

A

Adventure

F

Family

A

Active

R

Responsible

I

Iconic

The Safari Company Our People family on boat

The Safari Company Our People men chatting

Our People

From our base in Nairobi, Kenya and travelling far across the region, the team at The SAFARI Company makes sure no stone is unturned when it comes to finding the best small lodges, boutique camps, private villas and independent outfits in East Africa and beyond. With our families in tow, we’ve personally visited every single one of the properties we recommend (over 1000 of them!) so you can trust that we know our stuff. We are brimming with ideas of where to go and what to do so we can build your dream family itinerary. But we don’t just stop there, we share insider knowledge about every destination that only a local would know. It’s the little detail that makes all the difference – the hot water bottles at turn down, flasks of red bush tea on starlit game drives, the secret sand bank that appears only at certain times of year. At The SAFARI Company, we don’t just book holidays, we craft adventures of a lifetime.

As of 2025, we’re also incredibly proud to be part of The Safari Awards family

Chania

Founder

Chania grew up in Kenya on a tea plantation in Kenya’s highlands. Her father was a tea farmer and an honorary game warden, so she spent much of her time on safari (camping, no luxury hotels).

At 8, she went to school in the UK, followed by university, which she adored, but home has always been Kenya, where she returned the minute she finished university. Chania has been in the tourism industry for 31 years now, and her deep passion for Kenyan tourism remains. She also loves any sport that involves a ball and is never happier than ‘having fun’.

Chania founded The SAFARI Company in 2009 to cater for those looking to experience a safari adventure how she always has, away from mass tourism, but with a very varying budgets.

Chania is honoured to have received three top industry awards, her company has reveived 37 top industry awards and her ultimate honour is to have been asked to be a judge on The Safari Award.

Did you know? Chania has been to almost every single lodge, tented camp, hotel and farmstay in Kenya, most of them with her kids in tow.

Contact Chania on chania@thesafaricoltd.com

Cynthia

Senior Safari Designer

Cynthia grew up with a heart full of adventure and a dream of flying planes—but one life-changing safari to Lake Manyara set her course in a whole new direction.

Watching elephants bathe at dawn, she realised her true calling wasn’t in the skies, but guiding others through Africa’s breathtaking wilderness.

Since joining The SAFARI Company in 2019, Cynthia has been the heart and energy behind many unforgettable journeys. With a quick wit, radiant smile, and the kind of calm you want in any travel situation, she’s a natural at helping families and first-timers feel right at home, whether she’s planning a birthday in the bush or a honeymoon under the stars.

Cynthia is passionate about photography, obsessed with finding hidden gems, and always curious to meet new people. Her favourite place in Kenya? The wild, wide spaces of Laikipia Plateau. Her safari essentials? A kikoy, a notebook, and a sense of wonder. Her best advice? Pack early, bring your own binoculars, and always leave room for the unexpected.

Did you know? Cynthia is also an entertainer at heart. When she’s not planning safaris, she’s likely swimming, cooking, or dancing to her latest playlist—with family, friends, or anyone willing to join in.

Contact Cynthia at safaris5@thesafaricoltd.com.

Anne

Int Safari Designer Co-ordinator

Sherrie

Int Safari Designer Co-ordinator

The SAFARI Company Team David and Carolyn

David & Carolyn

Social Media

Meet David & Carolyn, the dynamic duo behind much of The SAFARI Company Ltd’s social media magic. Based in beautiful Nakuru, Kenya, this down to earth couple have been dedicated, consistent & passionate working behind the scenes with us for close to a decade.

They both love everything safari, especially sharing Kenya’s wild places, colourful culture, and hidden corners with families around the world. And when they’re not crafting content? You’ll probably find them off-grid with their two kids, camping in the bush in their proudly restored, old-school 4×4.

Did you know? Carolyn hails from Buffalo, New York, but after a life-changing trip to Kenya in 2009, she never looked back. David & Carolyn have been based in Nakuru for almost 15 years, raising their two children and immersing themselves in the culture, rhythm & wild spaces of this incredible country.

Damaris

Accounts

Damaris grew up with a head for numbers and a heart open to adventure. Introduced to The SAFARI Company by a friend, she quickly became one of our most dependable pillars; she keeps our books balanced, our vendors happy, and our wild world running smoothly.

What keeps Damaris loving what she does? The independence, the flexibility, and the incredible balance she’s found between life and work. She’s passionate about helping others experience the magic of Africa—especially tech-free, quality time together as a family. Her favourite corner of Kenya? The wide-open wilderness of the Maasai Mara, where the Big Five still roam free and the landscape stretches to the horizon.

When she’s not juggling spreadsheets or chasing numbers, Damaris is most likely prepping her safari bag with water, power banks, and all the essentials—because she knows from experience that being prepared is key to every great adventure.

Did you know? Every safari invoice, payment, and carefully managed detail passes through Damaris’ capable hand; we have her to thank for ensuring everything runs smoothly!

Andrew

Transport

Andrew is one of those rare people who feels like family the moment you meet him. Born and raised in Nairobi, he’s been at the heart of The SAFARI Company since day one—literally.

When the first car doors opened back in 2008, Andrew was behind the wheel, and he’s been one of our most trusted and beloved team members ever since.

As our Senior Driver Guide, Andrew is the first smiling face many of our guests see—and the calm, steady presence they remember long after their safari ends. Faithful, punctual, endlessly kind, and always ready with a warm welcome, he’s handled thousands of transfers and Nairobi safaris over the years—without a single complaint. (We’re serious. Not one.)

He’s adored by guests, kids, and colleagues alike for his patience, politeness, and his gentle sense of humour. Whether navigating Nairobi traffic or guiding you through a Coriolis effect demonstration near the equator, Andrew makes every journey smoother—and often, more magical.

Did you know? Andrew is not just our longest-serving team member; he’s our quiet legend. If you’ve travelled with us before, chances are you’ve shared a ride—and a laugh—with him.

Check out some of our favourite beach itineraries

Chania’s Top Picks

North Kenya

Kalepo, Laikipia

My new favourite place

A tiny little, 100% private, family-owned & hosted tented camp in the most tear-jerkingly beautiful, far north of Kenya. Here you’ll experience real Kenya, real culture and really, really great hospitality! I LOVE it!

The Safari Company Chanias Top Picks Sirikoi

Sirikoi, Laikipia

I adore this very real safari lodge.

The lodge is better than incredible, the organic fruit & veggie garden is heaven. The wildlife is out of this world & the activities are endless. Love it.

Tumaren Camp

My children absolutely LOVE it here, so of course I do too!

It’s beautiful and wild, there is so much to do .. rock climbing, tubing in the river, beading, camels, walks, game drives, and feeling baby camels. Absolutely brilliant.