Anya Lotter | Safari Specialist & Brand Guru

I was born into a South African family that loves the wilderness, and most of my childhood holidays were spent in the bush and at the remote Wild Coast. Later, my post-study gap year working in a safari lodge in the Sabi Sand game reserve evolved into 12 years in tourism in various parts of Africa, where I opened new lodges, set up private bush dinners, and more.

Why I think you'll love Africa

I’m convinced all humans are drawn to the peacefulness that being close to nature brings. Whether it’s as simple as watching the sunset somewhere secluded or as spectacular as seeing lion cubs drinking from their mother, connecting with the natural world is in our blood. The African continent can offer you these encounters in abundance, and the memories you’ll create in her hidden places will last a lifetime.

How I help create your dream safari

I focus on aesthetics at Art of Safari, spending my time sourcing striking visuals for you to base your safari dreams on. I handpick the images that illustrate our evocative stories, and – drawing on my intimate knowledge of the lodges, destinations and experiences we offer – I ensure that they accurately depict the type of safari you’ll have with us.

My top safari travel tips

Travelling to remote locations doesn’t mean a girl needs to lower her standards! Firstly, take the time to choose the right hat. Yes, it’s functional, but it also needs to suite your wardrobe and not fly off in an open vehicle. A thin scarf is very useful – drape it over your shoulders in the sun, and wrap it around your neck in the evening chill. Lastly, keep your sunglasses handy.

My African Canvas A selection of my favourite luxury African safari experiences

Experiences

Makeshift bridges let you drive across water channels on an Okavango Delta safari.

Discovering The Okavango Delta

An Okavango Delta safari puts you in touch with the watery world of northern Botswana where the Kalahari Desert meets the floodwaters of the Okavango River. Take a game drive…

Scuba Safari On The Magical Reefs Of Zanzibar

In one of Tanzania's best experiences, board a traditional dhow and sail to a pristine coral-reef atoll off the island of Zanzibar. Don scuba-diving equipment and descend into a wondrous…

Marine Big Five | When a whale, like this southern right, throws itself out the water, it’s called ‘breaching’.

Finding South Africa’s Marine Big Five

Top off your holiday with a once-in-a-lifetime viewing of the Marine Big Five: whale, shark, dolphin, seal and penguin – one of South Africa’s best safari experiences. Near the southern…

The Maasai guides who accompany you on your Masai Mara walking safari know everything there is to know about the Masai Mara.

Going On A Private Walking Safari In The Masai Mara

One of Kenya's best safari experiences, a Masai Mara walking safari is a walk like no other, a chance to explore a wild corner of Kenya on foot. With a…

Linyanti safari | An enchanting part of Botswana.

Lagoon Hopping In Linyanti

A Linyanti safari – one of the best safari experiences in Botswana – explores the legendary swamplands of the country's north. Vast herds of elephant and buffalo gather here, especially…

In the Makgadikgadi, you can get up close and personal with on a meerkat experience.

Making Friends With Makgadikgadi Meerkats

Years of scientific study have resulted in several meerkat colonies in Botswana being semi-habituated. Some lodges offer a great meerkat experience – one of Bostwana's best safari experiences – taking…

Lake Manyara Safari | At certain times of year, Lake Manyara is covered with pink flamingo.

Going On Safari At Lake Manyara

Before our safari in Tanzania, we thought that leopard were the only cats that climbed trees. On our Lake Manyara safari – one of Tanzania's best safari experiences – we…

Zambezi Canoe Safari | Drift along the Zambezi shore and see what wildlife you can spot on a canoe safari.

Paddling The Zambezi On A Canoe Safari

Follow Livingstone's epic journey on a canoe safari along the Zambezi in a tranquil bird- and game-watching opportunity like no other. Skirting half-submerged hippo and lurking crocodile, majestic elephant and…

Sleeping In A Selous Treehouse

A luxury, private Selous treehouse in the wilderness offers guests the chance to enjoy a safari under the stars in the middle of the African bush – one of Tanzania's…

Namib desert balloon safari | Your balloon will look tiny compared to the huge Namib Desert dunes.

Gliding Over The Namib Desert In A Hot-air Balloon

A luxury Namibian safari is incomplete without going up in a hot-air balloon, over the Namib Desert. This once-in-a-lifetime adventure see you suspended in a wicker basket above this waterless…

A Masai Mara treehouse deck affords spectacular views over the Mara River..

Spending The Night In A Masai Mara Treehouse

A luxury Masai Mara treehouse offers you the chance to sleep under the stars in the middle of the African bush and experience the wild savannah in its intoxicating, night-time…

Swim with dolphin | Young woman swiming in the beautiful water on Mauritius island with dolphins

Swimming With Dolphin In Zanzibar

Board a dhow and set sail into the tropical seas around Zanzibar. Don mask and fins, slip over the side and experience the elation of an exclusive swim with dolphin…

Wildebeest calving | A white-bearded wildebeest runs with her newborn calf.

Witnessing Wildebeest Calving In The Serengeti

The awe of witnessing the Great Wildebeest Migration can be topped by only one thing: seeing the migrating wildebeest calving. If you visit the Serengeti during February and March, you’ll…

Safari lodges

The fire pit at Angama Mara, perched high above the Great Rift Valley, is perfectly positioned for sundowner drinks.

Angama Mara | The Masai Mara

Share endless views over the Masai Mara with raptors and hot-air balloons from the luxurious Angama Mara, one of Kenya’s best safari lodges, high above the Great Rift Valley. Indulge…

Greystoke Mahale is set on the edge of the forest overlooking Lake Tanganyika.

Greystoke Mahale | Mahale Mountains National Park

Discover the chimps of the remote Mahale Mountain National Park at Greystoke Mahale, one of Tanzania’s best safari lodges, with six exclusive bandas overlooking Lake Tanganyika. From here, you can…

This hippo, spotted near Grumeti Serengeti Tented Camp, sure looks happy.

Grumeti Serengeti Tented Camp | Serengeti National Park

Set in a forest overlooking the Grumeti River, which snakes through the western Serengeti National Park, you’ll find Grumeti Serengeti Tented Camp – one of Tanzania’s best safari lodges. Enjoy…

Hoanib Skeleton Coast is in Namibia’s rocky Kunene region.

Hoanib Skeleton Coast | Skeleton Coast National Park

Hoanib Skeleton Coast is set in the remote Kunene region of Namibia, with access to the Palmwag area and semi-mythical Skeleton Coast. The surrounding landscape seems harsh and inhospitable, but…

Lake Manyara Tree Lodge has 10 stilted treehouse suites for guests.

Lake Manyara Tree Lodge | Lake Manyara National Park

Cradled in the branches of a mahogany forest, Lake Manyara Tree Lodge – among Tanzania’s best safari lodges – has 10 stilted suites nestled in Tanzania's Lake Manyara National Park. From…

Le Quartier Français is centrally located in Franschhoek.

Le Quartier Français | Franschhoek

Explore the quaint village of Franschhoek from Le Quartier Français, a country-style boutique hotel – one of South Africa's best – in the centre of town. Hike, bike or horse…

You’ll see the most spectacular sunrise right from your four-poster when staying at Loisaba Star Beds.

Loisaba Star Beds | Loisaba Conservancy

Appreciate the vastness of Kenya's wilderness from your plush double bed, which can be wheeled outdoors for an incomparable night under the stars. Located in Laikipia, Loisaba Star Beds is…

Enjoy private riverside dining at Matetsi River Lodge.

Matetsi Victoria Falls | Victoria Falls

From its tranquil location on the banks of the Zambezi River, Matetsi Victoria Falls offers the best of both worlds. Authentic wildlife viewing experiences are a stone’s throw away, while…

Mnemba Island is just 1,5km in circumference.

Mnemba Island | Zanzibar

Discover white sands and turquoise waters, playful dolphin and some of Africa’s best dive sites at Mnemba Island, a romantic beach paradise with 11 guest bandas on a palm-fronded beach…

Bush sundowners are done in style at ol Donyo Lodge.

ol Donyo Lodge | Chyulu Hills

Sleep under the stars, enjoy horseback safaris or mountain biking, or simply gaze at Mount Kilimanjaro, the distant plains or the much-visited waterhole at ol Donyo Lodge. Set on a…

San Camp has a decidedly Lawrence of Arabia feel to it.

San Camp | Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

In any location, the classic white tents of San Camp would be eye-catching; on the edge of the Makgadikgadi Pans, it manages to both stand out and blend in, exuding…

Learn all about the Okavango Delta on game drives from Sanctuary Chief's Camp.

Sanctuary Chief's Camp | Okavango Delta

Trace the steps of Chief Moremi via game drives or mokoro excursions at his former hunting grounds of Moremi Game Reserve. From scenic flights to indulgent spa treatments and gourmet…

Tintswalo Atlantic has a moody seaside location.

Tintswalo Atlantic | Cape Town

Lying within Table Mountain National Park, on the foothills of Chapman’s Peak, Tintswalo Atlantic – one of South Africa's best hotels – offers an intimate beachfront escape. Enjoy watersports, nature…

Safari trip ideas

San Camp invites you to relax and simply enjoy the views of the horizon.

South Africa, Botswana & Zimbabwe | Private Kruger, Salt Pans & Victoria Falls | 10 Nights

This luxury safari includes stays at some of the most distinctive luxury lodges in South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe. Strikingly stylish accommodation at Ngala Tented Camp, San Camp and Matetsi…

Loisaba Tented Camp’s guest area is cheerfully inviting in the evenings.

Kenya | Rhinos, Star Beds, Vistas & Mara | 7 Nights

Explore the more arid Laikipia before heading to the lush plains of the Masai Mara with this comprehensive seven-night itinerary, one of Kenya's best. It includes a private cottage, a star…

The mountainside picnics at The 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa are simply unbeatable.

South Africa | Private Game Reserve, Winelands & Cape | 8 Nights

Whether your interests run to the gastronomic or taxonomic, this eight-night safari – one of South Africa's best safari itineraries – has something for everyone. It includes ocean views in…

The Selous Game Reserve is home to the continent’s largest population of wild dog.

Tanzania | Southern Safari, Rufiji River & Beach | 9 Nights

Explore the untouched wilderness of Ruaha National Park and Selous Game Reserve before relaxing on the shores of Ras Kutani with this nine-night itinerary. One of Tanzania's best safari itineraries,…

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