South African at heart. Afrika and beyond.
SAFARIES THAT TAKE YOU CLOSER
Observe Afrika creates safaris across South Africa and beyond, built around the places, wildlife and experiences that make each destination worth exploring.
South Africa is home ground. From the Lowveld and Kruger to private reserves, mountains, coastlines and lesser-known parts of the country, we know there is far more to discover than the usual safari route.
We also create journeys further afield across Southern and East Africa, working with lodges, guides and operators who know their regions well.
SAFARIS
Your safari should suit the way you want to travel.
Whether you are looking for a classic Big Five safari, a walking experience, a remote wilderness escape or something a little different, we help you find the right places and put the journey together.
HORSEBACK SAFARIS
Horses have been part of Katherine's life since her teens. She has ridden and guided across South Africa, the United States, Israel and elsewhere, and has managed safari horses professionally.
Horseback safaris are a specialist part of Observe Afrika, from riding among wildlife to multi-day journeys through the bush.
LOOK CLOSER
The Big Five are only part of the story.
A safari can be leopard tracks in the sand, a bird you have never noticed before, the behaviour of an elephant herd, a tiny creature hidden in the grass, or understanding the people and work behind protecting a wild place.
Katherine's field guide training, conservation experience and training alongside K9 anti-poaching units have shaped the way she experiences the bush.
Observe Afrika is about looking closer.
SHORT NOTICE SAFARIS
Sometimes the opportunity to go on safari comes up unexpectedly.
You might have a few days available, find yourself with an unexpected gap in your schedule, or simply decide that now is the time to go.
Observe Afrika specialises in finding safari availability at short notice, working directly with lodges and operators to see what is possible.
SOUTH AFRICA AT HEART
Katherine has lived across South Africa, from Johannesburg and Cape Town to Hoedspruit, spent time along the KwaZulu-Natal coast and travelled extensively through the country.
South Africa remains the heart of Observe Afrika, with journeys extending across the continent when the right experience takes you further.
South African at heart. Afrika and beyond.
Our types of safaris
With sophistication & consideration is how we operate in our environment
Testimonials
We had the trip of a lifetime in Africa all thanks to Katherine and Observe Afrika. We had never been to Africa before, but it was on the top of our bucket list and so we wanted to make sure it was really special. Katherine and Frank listened to all of our requests and helped design a bespoke trip that was perfect for us.
We especially loved Observe Africa’s focus on conservation and also their intimate knowledge of the various safari camps throughout Africa. They checked in along the way to make sure everything went smoothly and were always available to answer any questions we had.
We had an amazing trip and can’t wait to come back to experience more of this awe-inspiring continent!
Michelle Hulst - USA
I’ve always dreamt of my first safari. A trip that felt almost impossible because of how big I felt my soul needed to experience it. And then as if the Universe wanted to prove that impossibility wrong, it handed me two opportunities that almost seemed to be planned: a job that afforded me the chance to travel to Kenya, and a connection to Katherine with Observe Afrika. With a belief that there are no coincidences in life, these two opportunities turned into a trip of a lifetime.
Katherine designed a trip for Jonathan and I that was like a missing puzzle piece in my heart. Through multiple meetings, she listened to my hopes for the trip and planned each detail perfectly. Her immense respect for culture and wildlife shines through the lodges and guides she recommends for her clients.
I had multiple friends tell me “Your Kenya trip is the most ‘Hayli’ trip we’ve ever seen you take” - horses, wildlife conservation, isolation, and unique experiences. I owe that personalization to Katherine.
If you have a safari on your bucket list, the first decision you should make is connecting with Katherine at Observe Afrika. I would be happy to make an introduction! This is my personal testimonial for Katherine’s service as the trip she planned for us changed my life.
Hayli & Jonathan 2025 - USA
Dearest Katherine,
We are finally over jet lag, but the glow of an amazing time in South Africa is still with us. Katherine, we cannot thank you enough for hosting us. Your attention to our comforts, your warmth and hospitality, your expertise and knowledge was so apparent in everything you did.
Much more important was to witness your caring and compassion, your vision and wisdom, your love for Africa, the bush and the people. We saw the high regard that everyone had for you, your friends, the nurses, the butchers, the doctors, the hospital administrators, the rehabilitation workers, the guards at the gate, just everyone – and justifiably so. You carry out your work with aplomb, with humility and with ultimate coolness (where did you that that from – ha ha).
And most important, you gave us an experience that rekindled, reinvigorated our love for the country. And so we will return - and for that we are forever grateful.
Ruan Melmed - USA
Dear Katherine,
I would like to thank you for all your support on my recent trip to South Africa. Although I am a seasoned solo traveler, your knowledge of the area allowed me to have a far more memorable experience than I could have imagined. I would never have stayed in all the amazing locations you recommended. I had no idea how beautiful Cape town and the surrounding areas were and I will definitely be back. You were able to help me plan a trip suited to my budget and my interests and also open my eyes to things I would not have thought of. I particularly appreciated that you were able to connect me with a volunteer day with children at a non- profit organisation. That was a highlight for me. When I travel, I like to make some effort to become more aware of the culture and community and see if I can contribute in some small way. As Americans, we just don’t know how lucky we are.
It was also great to have a contact for any problems or questions.
Sharron Chop - USA