Delta Willis

Private Safaris in Africa

When I first arrived in  Africa in 1977, I went on a pilgrimage to the home of Karen Blixen, author of Out of Africa, and one of the world�s better storytellers. It was the first of many road trips that led me to characters that loom large on this landscape. I eventually settled into a house with my own view of the Ngong Hills, and Daisy Rothschild (seen here at the Giraffe Manor) was one of my fascinating neighbors.

I not only searched for fossils alongside Richard and Meave Leakey but camped out with Alan and Joan Root as they worked on their films. I spent one memorable Christmas with Cynthia Moss at her research camp with the shadow of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Beryl Markham, author of West With the Night, was a neighbor, and as were Iain and Oria Douglas-Hamilton, known for their studies of elephants. When Kuki Gallmann wrote I Dreamed of Africa she asked me to read the gallies, and what to wear on her book tour in the U.S. 

All of these people became dear friends, and showed me how best to savor what Africa has to offer, from walking on foot, to flying in small planes, and photographing the magnificent creatures that you can still see today in their natural habitat.

The way my friends camped out in the middle of nowhere set the pattern for the safaris that I design today.  You are close to nature, yet there is nothing uncivilized about your accommodations, with hot water for a shower, fresh food on the table, good wine, and such touches of civilization as china rather than tin plates. The escalation of accoutrements (carpets, crystal, claw-footed bathtubs) cannot compete with the fact that the key to a great safari, however, is privileged information, seeing this world with insiders who can bring even old bones and ancient landscapes alive. As Karen Blixen, Kuki Gallmann and Beryl Markham have proven, the quality of any journey boils down to good story telling. Your guide can make or break your journey.   

Wildlife safaris can put people in touch with conservation issues, and generally speaking clean the cobwebs out of your eyes. Traveling to remote places does not work, however, if people are tourists, rather than travelers. Vive la difference

Vive la Difference

Do you want to see Africa, or other tourists? 

For a sample of destinations and price range, see the two web sites I have written or edited: http://www.africaparkeast.com/ and http://www.exploreafrica.net/

What People Have to Say About My Private Safaris

To discuss a safari designed to suit you particular interests, a retainer fee is required as a deposit up front. The fee is for the itinerary, not per person, so with two or more, this is much less than commission you are normally charged. It is non-refundable, to weed out inquiries from the somewhat inclined to go someday or those not willing to pay for quality access. To take the first step on your safari, contact [email protected] 

Join These Adventures
These are tours designed or operated by friends of mine, or industry leaders who I respect. I will serve as your liaison to make sure these travel experiences live up to my expectations as well as yours.