About Us

The Safari Companion is more than a name—it’s a story, a community, and a way of traveling that has evolved over three decades. Founder Hayden Turner took his first steps into Africa in 1992, carrying a copy of The Safari Companion by Dr. Richard D. Estes. That book became a cherished constant, but as importantly, so did the extraordinary people he met along the way - guides, conservationists, trackers, storytellers - each shaping his understanding of this wild and wonderful continent.

Over the years, The Safari Companion has come to mean more than just that cherished, well -thumbed guide to animal behaviour. It’s the connections forged around a campfire, the quiet thrill of watching a leopard melt into the dusk, the deep-rooted respect for Africa’s landscapes and those who call them home. Our core team may be small, but our reach is vast - a living network of experts, guides, ground operators, friends, and fellow travellers who keep us intricately linked to the ever-changing rhythms of Africa.

Because… traveling as a Safari Companion is different.

It’s not about ticking off a checklist or capturing the perfect photo, although that will happen too…it’s about feeling the pulse of the land, understanding the delicate balance of its ecosystems, and recognising the stories written in its riverbeds, acacia trees, and distant horizons. It’s about slowing down, tuning in, and allowing Africa to leave its mark on you, rather than the other way around.

A safari isn’t just a trip… it’s an exchange, a conversation between you and the land, its wildlife, and its people. It’s the warmth of a guide sharing their knowledge, the quiet wisdom of an elder, the unexpected thrill of a fleeting wildlife encounter that lingers long after the dust has settled.

This is the difference. This is what it means to travel as a Safari Companion… And we hope you’ll join us.