Africa is a vast continent full of spectacular contrasts. From the mountains, winelands, game parks and beaches of the Cape Peninsula to the grasslands teaming with African wildlife of the Mara in Kenya and the Serengeti in Tanzania, there are so many impressive sights and sounds to behold. Stunning beaches on the East African coastline and Indian Ocean islands of Mauritius, the Seychelles and Madagascar, all offer a beach experience like nowhere else in the world. But when it comes to choosing a destination and accommodation for a holiday of a lifetime, do you know where to start?
Helen Kirby who runs African Leap Safaris is very well placed to provide expert advice based on her own personal experience. She moved to Cape Town with her family as a small child, travelling to various parts of South Africa, Zimbabwe and Zambia on family holidays. Experiencing destinations such as standing close to the mighty Zambezi River, sharing its sandbanks at night with the resident hippos and crocodiles, left her feeling totally in awe of her surroundings.
“There is nothing quite like the vastness of Africa. The sounds of the bush at night and the sight of the expansive African skies lit with brilliant stars, remains with you always. Getting close to nature, retreating from everyday life as we know it in the Western World, spending time searching for wildlife and magnificent birdlife in the game reserves fills you with anticipation and achievement when you see one of the big five which you are eagerly seeking sight of. The places I have travelled to over the years have left me with a life changing love for Africa and has given me the knowledge of places that can give my clients a true African experience.”
Having worked with some of the travel industry’s top travel agencies for over 25 years, Helen has gained extensive product knowledge. She has been fortunate to travel to some incredible places, spending time in amazing safari properties and luxury hotels and resorts. Running African Leap Safaris has enabled her to work closely with her suppliers, who she has got to know over the years, which enables her to ensure her clients receive only the best travel experiences. From booking memorable honeymoons to multi-generational family holidays or groups of friends travelling to exciting destinations, all can be planned in detail.
“My spiritual home will always be Africa and I have an extensive knowledge of the best places to visit across the continent including the countries that make up Southern and East Africa. I love arranging travel for my clients that will take them to the most memorable destinations. Whilst every moment spent on a safari is special, for me personally there is one that will stay with me forever.”
“When I was last in Botswana, I travelled to experience some of the luxury and explorer camps that Great Plains Conservation offers and I was based out of Duba Plains Camp in the Okavango Delta. As we headed out for our late afternoon game drive, the clouds were starting to build on the horizon as we arrived at a relatively large clearing. In front us a huge troop of baboons were foraging whilst the fish eagles started calling, anticipating the approaching storm. It was November, early summer and extremely hot, rain not having fallen for quite some time. As the thunder began, a crash of about 10 rhinos, all with baby calves, arrived on the scene. The heavens opened and the heavy rain fell on the dry earth bringing with it the unique, earthy smell associated with the first rains. As the rain fell, the calves instantly started jumping and playing around. Our guide told us that it was probably their first ever experience of rain. The sight was overwhelming, and I cried for the first time ever during a game drive. It was just absolutely beautiful.”
African Leap Safaris offers clients the very best locations, lodges and hotels that Africa has to offer. With Helen’s personal experience of many of the destinations, you can be sure that you will have an ‘Out of Africa’ holiday beyond expectations, all tailored to meet your own personal requirements.
Clients from around the world who have booked with Africa Leap Safaris are full of praise:
“Working with Helen to plan our ‘trip of a lifetime’ to Africa was incredible,” says Kathleen Aswell who is based in California. “She met every ‘want’ and made suggestions for experiences that we had not read about. So, when we decided to go to Africa a second time, we called Helen. We were not disappointed. She is well known and respected at the lodges where we stayed, and our cultural and safari experiences were extraordinary. Helen is an amazing African tour planner.”
africanleapsafaris.com | @africanleapsafaris
African Leap Safaris operate their air holiday packages through Hemisphere Travel Group who are licensed with the CAA, hold an Air Travel Organiser’s Licence (ATOL T7550) and are Travel Trust Association (Q3174) Members; protecting all clients monies until after travel.
