Wander Africa, The Safari Co.

13/05/2024

For three years in a row we have been one of the main sponsors of in the beautiful Highlands, NC. An event created by the dream team .events . Why a music festival? To which I respond, why not? Bearshadow isn’t just a music festival, it’s a weekend of fun. Good music, incredible people, delicious food, family friendly and of course a breathtaking setting. This festival has introduced us to friends that are now like family, and each year is a reunion and a celebration of that. After three years of doing this it just warms me up to have clients come spend time and hang out with us in our tent, talk life and share memories.

Lots of sleepless, stressful nights leading up to the weekend, making sure we have all we need, setting up for the event, and mentally preparing for balancing a 5 week old and a weekend long experience on our feet. But we did it, and it was better than ever!

This year we had our partner and specialist private guide .fox.safaris come all the way from Kenya to help and share his stories and expertise about the world of luxury private travel across Africa!

is a community and one that we are so proud to be a part of. Please come back for 2025 so we can do it again BearShadow!

If you stopped by today, we can’t wait to curate your adventure!

24/04/2024

On April 5th it was decided that we don’t need any more sleep, and so, we had a baby. Meet Dillon Jay Parmar, the greatest member of our family and whether he likes it or not, the newest team member of Wander Africa.

The wildest adventure of our lives has just begun! We are bracing ourselves…

29/03/2024

We did it! We made it on A-List for 2024.

Being selected for the 2023 List was a wonderful sense of validation in all that we do, so passionately. Being on it this year too is a bonus and we hope to continue on this trend 😊!

It goes without saying that without YOU there is no Wander Africa. That sounds cheesy, but it’s as true as it can be. We are grateful, honored and proud to have you all within our community and our chosen family.

If we could pick one thing that we love most about what we do, it’s the human interaction and nurturing the relationships that stem from those interactions. We have met the most incredible people from all over the world, many of you are now lifelong friends and that’s what this is all about.

Thank you for your support and for being a part of this journey with us 🌍♥️🐘

17/11/2023

We are growing!! There are many things to celebrate this year, and this has to be the best one 😍❤️

Baby Parmar will be joining the Wander Africa crew in April, 2024!

12/11/2023

We have supported all things Chem Chem for years now. It’s one of the few destinations within northern Tanzania where getting out of the vehicle and immersing yourself in your surroundings is a possibility. From walks or runs with the Masai, to sundowners on the shores of Lake Manyara, to up close encounters with massive bull elephants. You can take things slow and at your own pace, as one should when on safari.

01/11/2023

It’s all in the details . Our first night at Chem Chem Lodge immediately reminded us of why our clients leave so obsessed with the experience. Privacy, exclusivity, and overall a slow and intentional way to begin or end a safari.

Best part, the bush breakfast, but that deserves its own post!

02/02/2023

It’s taken a lot for us to get here and it wouldn’t have been possible without our incredible clients and mentors/friends in the safari industry! (You know who you all are).

To be amongst the people and companies we have looked up to and found inspiration from since starting Wander Africa, feels surreal.

Even though we are a blimp on the radar compared to our peers on the list, we feel so proud to even be considered to be there!

Last May I was given some advice by a legend in the African hospitality industry. He said, “it sounds like you’re in the middle right now. You can go small or you can go big, and right now you’re in the middle, and need to decide where you want to be. It’s fine to be either, but the middle is not the best place to be”Something along those lines anyway 😂 That was all I needed to hear!

Thank you for considering us 🙏🏾🙌🏾

31/12/2022

From us, to you, we wish you a beautiful end to the year and a new year full of colorful memories and experiences.

Brandi and I just walked through our 2022 and reminded ourselves of all the friendships, experiences, memories and lessons this year brought us. If we had to pick one thing that we most appreciated, it’s that we got to share time and be present with those that we love and admire; family, friends, neighbors, clients and our partners.

This year exceeded our expectations, and we go into the new year full of excitement for what is to come! 🤸🏽‍♂️🌍💫

Happy New Year!

~ With love, Jay and Brandi

14/11/2022

Several years ago when I heard about Highlands Food and Wine Festival, I promised myself that we (Wander Africa) would someday be a part of it. This year, we made it happen! It was everything we expected and more, even the hurricane couldn’t stop us!

Since I started Wander Africa, our goal was to lighten the process, make it fun and align it with who we are as individuals. We want to share how we see travel, what conservation means, and how important that is for our collective futures. Placing ourselves in these types of events does just that - allowing us to keep it light, approachable, and fun! We love educating those curious about what it takes to plan a safari, and the moving pieces involved in the process, and how to get started on planning their own.

If you were to ask me what I love most about what we do, the answer is simple. It’s the friendships, relationships, and growth, along with sharing Africa with others of course 🌍

This weekend was no exception. Our years of relationship building, allowed us the opportunity to partner with , and , which together consist of some of some of the most luxurious hospitality camps/lodges in Africa.

Our weekend was spent, not only with all of you wonderful folks we got to meet at our tent (future safari goers, I’m looking at you! 😉) but with existing clients, old friends, and new friends, all of whom fill us with so much gratitude.
So much went into this weekend and there are many we’d love to acknowledge. Starting with, our amazing friends and generous hosts and . We felt like we were in the most luxurious forest lodge in the Highlands this weekend. Then there’s and who have been encouraging us to be part of this for years and are some of our biggest cheerleaders and best of friends. - so proud to have been through this with y’all! And of course the rockstar of all rockstars from .events and her team! We love working with you and can’t wait to go even bigger for and 2023! 🙌🏽

29/09/2022

I remember this very moment so perfectly! Brandi and I, along with our guide, Patrick drove up to a small ridge to set up for our sundowner, out in the distance we watched a mother elephant and her little one walking slowly through an open plain in the Lower Zambezi National Park. It was pure silence as we stood there observing this entire scene…Ancient Baobab, palm, the mountains, and the sun coming down.

We watched all this from the site of an ancient village that once existed there before the formation of the National Park. All that remains are broken pieces of pottery scattered into the earth. If you’re lucky you might even find some old bullet casings from the Rhodesian bush war, or even some tools.

The Lower Zambezi is a marvel, and these are just some of the reasons it remains our favorite National Park in Africa!

11/08/2022

Did you know it’s World Lion Day today? When we ask our clients what they are most excited to see on their safari, they often answer “Lions!” It’s an animal that almost defines the image of what safari is for many. It’s an animal that carry’s with it so much power and majesty.

You might think they are thriving! The truth though, says otherwise. According to Ewaso Lions] “the African Lion population has declined by 43% in the past 20 years and they now only occupy 8% of their historical range in Africa.” Those are devastating facts, especially because much of this decline is due to habitat loss and human-wildlife conflicts.

There are several organizations doing their part to protect these magical cats. Ewaso Lions] is one of them based in Kenya. They have been working hard to secure protected lion territories and promoting a co-existence between people and wildlife in Northern Kenya. They have several programmes in place to help with the mission, and you can learn more about them on their website.

We made a donation today in honor of their cause, and we hope you join us in doing so as well!

23/07/2022

Meet Wander Africa 🐘🐘🐘
Collectively, Wander Africa compromises of our partners in the travel industry, our friends, mentors, our ground teams, and of course our guests.

Outside of that, is us. Brandi and Jay. Specifically for this post it’s me, Jay.

My journey as Wander Africa began about 6 years ago while living in Los Angeles. Prior to that I was curating safaris as a side gig through college (as an international student) and even before that I was learning from my father who has been in the safari industry for 60 years…I was born and raised in Kenya, which probably explains a lot about my love for the continent.

Brandi supported me while I figured out how to start, maintain and grow a business. Now, she is my partner in this incredible life and company that we have and plays the most important role of keeping things together, planning and making sure all the logistics are in order. She loves to organize and loves a calendar…I like to communicate, present, dream, network and make deals! Together, we make a dream team 🙌🏽

We are now seeing tremendous growth in our business and we make no compromises to remain as true to who we are as people. To operate a business while remaining aware, intentional and being of service to our guests. We practice in Wander Africa what we practice in our personal lives, and that is to be kind, generous and thoughtful. We create and support the community we live in, just as we support the community of guests that reside within the Wander Africa network. How fortunate we are to work in a business that brings so much joy to others and makes such an impact on their lives while making life long friendships along the way.

We aren’t perfect, we don’t know everything, but we do what we do the best that we can and our success has been the ultimate testament to that.

Thanks for following along on our journey! Learn more by checking out our website: www.wanderafrica.com and please let us know when we can help curate your journey to Africa 🌍

23/07/2022

During our recent stay in Cape Town, we got to hike Lion’s Head with our friend Chris, a professional guide and climber who helped keep things exciting. We were exposed to things we would normally oversee, and were treated to views of Table Mountain, the city, the ocean and everything in between. The hot tea/coffee and snacks that Chris set up for us once we got to the top was just the icing on the cake!

This is an experience our guests can have too, and we would recommend the sunrise hike or the sunset hike! Hiking up Table Mountain is an option as well, but this is our favorite hike in Cape Town 🙌🏾

07/06/2022

Sometimes we get to surprise our guests on safari if the stars are aligned. We worked with Nitin and Monica for months perfecting their dream safari through phone calls, emails, zoom calls, and text messages. We never got a chance to meet in person, but we did one better and surprised them at San Camp for tea and then arranged a private dinner for us by the pool!

They were on an epic safari where the sky was the limit! They spent 7 nights in Rwanda staying at Singita] Kwitonda with 2 gorilla treks each, and even visited the ! They then flew to Botswana to stay at San Camp, Selinda Camp and Duba Explorers for almost 2 weeks where they enjoyed a surprise champagne stop on a heli flip between camps, as well as a private helicopter to Kubu Island, and exquisite dining experiences at the two Great Plains Conservation] camps, before heading back home to the US.

Thank you Singita] and Great Plains Conservation] for working with us to make magic happen!

06/06/2022

Here are just some of the experiences we had that were unique to the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans.

1. The bushman walk. Yes, it’s theatrical, but I do appreciate it because these are actual bushmen, even if they don’t live like their ancestors. The knowledge of survival in the bush and the stories of their elders are passed down and shared for us to appreciate and learn from. This also provides income to their communities.

2. The meerkat experience. To some this might seem a bit gimmicky, sure. I was expecting that as well, but was very pleasantly surprised to see that it is not at all. The meerkats are habituated to feel comfortable to the presence of humans under the careful watch of their guardians. Our presence does not interrupt their flow and they keep on keeping on while we observe. Also worth noting, that only a few families are habituated.

3. My favorite part, the sunset on the pans. I mean, it was breathtaking. The Pans go further than you can see, and as the sun sets the sky glows in these majestic hues. The fire is on, the stars showing through and the best part…silence. Just you and your thoughts on this ancient land riddled with stories.

A place that bears no resemblance to anywhere we have visited before and will live up to its name!

03/06/2022

Our final day on safari ended at Jack’s Camp, one of Africa’s most iconic safari camps. Named after legendary explorer/adventurer Jack Bousfield. A sister property to San Camp offering much of the same activities but with ridiculously large and opulent tents. In fact, these are the largest tented rooms I have ever seen. You could yell from the living room and no one would hear you in the bathroom 😂

For some it might feel too OTT, for others it might be just what they are looking for. But we can all agree that it is absolutely beautiful!

26/05/2022

26/05/2022

Some places just leave you dumbfounded, and the Makgadikgadi pans did just that. The land of nothing, has everything! Thousands of years of stories buried in the ancient pans, passed on amongst the San bushmen. Spirits grace every ounce of this magic land, and you can feel it. Mother Nature showcases her art at every sunrise and sunset. Disconnected from the internet, and all that comes with it, you are forced to let nature touch you, to let it all go and just be…

San Camp is a seasonal property that is packed away during the rainy season as the pans fill up with water and make many parts of the area impassable. But when it is open, it is the place to be. White tents, a bohemian vibe, views far out into the pans, and charming vintage rooms decorated by real antique furniture collected over the years. It’s simple, but what more can you possibly want?

22/05/2022

Day 7, our final day in the Delta before we swap out the lush waterways for ancient salt pans.

is a quick 10 minute helicopter ride from the Skybeds, so it works out as a wonderful “home base” when having that experience. It is located in the Khwai private game reserve, much like its sister property Sable Alley (from a couple nights prior).

By far, the most sophisticated and stylish camp we have stayed in so far this trip. The tents/rooms have it all: outdoor and indoor showers, free standing outdoor bathtub overlooking the plains of the Delta, king size bed, plunge pool, closet, desk, and stunning views. We could have easily spent a week here.

The common areas are all elevated in wooden platforms with multiple levels to feel like you’re in a giant treehouse. There is a bush library, a fully stocked bar, multiple areas to hang out, and a pool, yet, it only has 7 rooms, so it feels intimate and personal.

This was also one of our favorite locations to be in. Wildlife was abundant, grasses slightly shorter and overall successful sightings. We found a family of 3 lionesses and 5 cubs and got to spend about 2 hours with them laughing along the way at their mischief.

17/05/2022

Day 6, the highlight of our time in Botswana. We boarded another helicopter from Sable Alley and headed to the Sky Beds for an immersive night under the Botswana sky. It’s hard to describe the experience, but I’ll do my best…

We landed outside Hyena Pan, a sister property to where our guide Zambo met us. He drove us along with our new friends and Rafa to the Sky Beds. It was all an experience, with a stop at an underground hide where a bull elephant came for a sip (gallons) of water just a few feet away. Once he was on his way, we headed to the Sky Beds. Not sure what to expect, we arrived at a scene from a movie…the sun was setting, the moon was rising and large herds of eland, giraffe, zebra, and even elephant stopped by to quench their thirst before the sky’s got dark.

We watched the sunset, sat by the fire, learned a little astronomy, and had a fully immersive dining experience by the fire, followed by S’mores. All while we listened to wildlife at the water hole in the darkness.

Finally, we were led to our rustic treehouses where we would perch for the night, under the stars. Light provided by lanterns and the moon, we settled into the many layers of blankets as we lay there under the billions of stars. Just as we were about to fall asleep, we heard 3 elephants pass right below our platform to get to the waterhole.

The following morning, nature woke us up, no alarms, just birds and hyenas calling. Breakfast was amazing and the fire was lit…

We headed back to our helicopter for our flight out and said “see you soon” to our friends!

Thanks you nailed this one!

15/05/2022

Day 5 took us to our first property of this trip, Sable Alley, which sits within the Khwai Private Reserve. Wildlife was abundant here despite the tall grasses common for this time of year, but that just made every sighting, a quality sighting. Leopard, lion, and elephant were amongst our favorite finds here.

itself is a luxury tented camp built on an elevated platform over a hippo infested waterhole. A warm staff, Patricia the master chef and her wood fired pizza oven kept our bellies happy!

12/05/2022

Days 3 & 4 in Botswana were filled with excitement and activity as we explored the Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserves. Taking full advantage of all the activities on offer and a surprise helicopter flip, we were happy as clams!

✅Dug out canoe trip (mokoro)
✅Doors off helicopter flip over the Delta
✅Speed boat in the main channel for sunset
✅Day game drive
✅Night game drive
✅Making awesome new friends along the way!

08/05/2022

We are 5 flights in and 2 nights into our time in Botswana. We visited a special part of the country we hadn’t explored before, the Central Kalahari. A dry arid environment with only one camp, Dinaka Safari Lodge a property.

Here, you have to work to find the big cats, rhino or elephant, but that is all part of the fun. We got lucky and saw a couple special animals we can’t share on here and a pride of lions after a long bit of searching but the reward was well worth it.

The highlight of this part of our stay was the bushman experience. Unlike other such experiences, this wasn’t theatrical, it was educational and honest. We had a short walk with three actual bushmen, that no longer live the nomadic life and are part of the staff at Dinaka, but their stories of their past live on. Learning about their beliefs, survival techniques and hearing some ancestral stories made this all worth while. After all, their history spans thousands of years and we have a lot left to learn.

17/04/2022

We are SO excited for our very first festival sponsorship! If you saw our stories earlier in the week, you may have noticed a post about Bear Shadow ( ).

We are proud to be a sponsor of this 3 day music and experience festival in beautiful Highlands, NC. Not only do we love music, but we love the support and community that comes with living in WNC. With over 3,000 people slated to attend over the 3 days, and an epic lineup, we couldn’t miss this opportunity!

While we are here, you will meet both me () and as we share more about what we do, how we do it, and how you can make your dream luxury safari a reality!

If you didn’t see the poster, how can a line up in the mountains of NC get better than this? , ,

Special thanks to .events for giving us this opportunity and for including us in what will be one of many events together!

31/03/2022

A moment of zen…Floating down a channel off the Zambezi river with the sounds of birds, and the water splashing off our canoes, our epic guides avoiding the hippos and crocodiles, and then to come across a family of elephants coming for a sip of water. It was my first time seeing an elephant from that perspective and in that context and it was glorious!

This is what makes safari so special, you just never know what surprises nature has for you!

PS. Zambia doesn’t require PCR tests, so you can like, literally pack up and go right now! ☺️

11/03/2022

We woke up to some great news today!

Kenya is no longer requiring PCR tests for arriving passengers for fully vaccinated travelers!

That means, you don't have to get the test 72 hours prior to arriving into Kenya as long as you are vaccinated. If you are NOT vaccinated you can still enter the country but will have to get a rapid test on arrival at your own cost, and isolate if you test positive.

15/02/2022

Our refreshed website is live y’all! The link is in the bio, so check it out😊 This will be a constant work in progress and will soon be home to impressive video and written content to make preparing for your safari that much more fun!

14/02/2022

Excited to share our refreshed website! We decided to keep things simple, fun and precise 😊

Fuelled by the rich essence of Africa and the wonderment of its land, culture and wilderness, Wander Africa is an impact-driven safari, adventure and concierge company that curates experiential and purposeful yet uniquely personal adventures across the African continent, and beyond.

31/12/2021

We never thought that 2021 would be as busy as it was. Each day tested our patience, our ability to adapt and to harness our relationships to continuously serve the best interests of our clients. ⁣
⁣
Some days I felt like giving up, other days I felt more motivated than ever. Some days I put my hands up in defeat and turned into a hermit, and other days I stepped cautiously forward filled with anxiety of what will change tomorrow, or the day after. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have personal struggles this year, but I’d also be lying if I said I didn’t do the work to recognize them, confront them and evolve. In the end, it’s my love for Wander Africa and seeing the smiles on our clients faces that reminds me of how fortunate we are and how our love for this business makes everything worth it. ⁣
⁣
What will 2022 bring us? For now, we remain hopeful that all the incredible trips, retreats and adventures we have planned for our clients stay the course! ⁣
⁣
Brandi and I have so much planned for Wander Africa in 2022 with incredible brand partnerships, and events that we will share soon. ⁣
⁣
To our friends, clients and partners, you all mean so much to us. Your support, and encouragement keep us going and we hope to have more of you on safari soon! ⁣
⁣
With love,⁣
Jay and Brandi