When we reached the campsite at the end of our first day on safari in Botswana, the guide showed us all how to put up a tent and then told us to get going with putting up our own tents while supper was being prepared.
One couple stood and talked to each other quite loudly instead of putting up their tent. With my school French and their limited English, we established that they thought they had booked a lodge safari and had packed a different outfit to wear to dinner in a restaurant every evening. Translating between this couple and the guide, we established that on some nights of the safari, there would be a lodge next to the campsite, and they would be able to book themselves into the lodge if they didn’t want to sleep in a tent they had put up themselves (they didn’t).
I recall that evening often when helping people find their perfect safari and trying to ensure they are fully informed about the accommodation they should expect and the level of participation that will be required (if any) on their safari.
If my journey to becoming an African safari expert were a wildlife documentary, it would be called:
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"Born to Roam" |
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Spirit Animal: Aardvark?
Safari Style: I relate to a Land Cruiser—reliable and ready for any terrain.
Signature Power: My superpower in safari planning is my attention to detail.
30 years crafting African safari experiences
11 years with African Budget Safaris
Certifications: Extensive training through nearly 40 years of global travel, focusing on East and Southern Africa.
Continuous Education: I stay updated through travel newsletters, blogs, and webinars.
Helping others plan their perfect African getaway is incredibly rewarding, whether it's their first or tenth safari. The enthusiastic feedback from clients whose experiences exceed their expectations fuels my passion.
Countries Mastered: Gambia, Tanzania, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Madagascar, and more.
Signature Parks & Reserves:
Latest Adventure: An educational safari in Botswana with travel experts, experiencing diverse activities from camping to mokoro trips.
Fresh Discoveries: Witnessing the beauty of reserves while avoiding South Africa's recent power cuts.
Next Horizons: Aiming to visit Angola and Burundi, and seeking bonobos in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Favorite Sundowner: Anywhere with a cold drink and the sounds of wildlife at dusk.
Creative Solutions: Arranging for a prescription to be sent to a pharmacy for clients who forgot their medication.
Mission Accomplished: Navigating intense situations when clients miss flights or lack proper travel documents.
Client Moments: The joy of seeing clients' reactions when their safari exceeds expectations.
Memorable Experiences: Sharing personal travel stories to enhance client planning.
Regional Expert: All of East and Southern Africa.
Safari Types: Solo, budget, family, Big 5, photography.
Perfect For: Clients looking for off-the-beaten-path adventures.
Signature Touch: Adding unique experiences like sleep-outs or visits to anti-poaching units.
Budget-Savvy Secrets: Managing expectations to help clients find realistic travel options.
Planning Joy: The thrill of crafting personalized safari experiences.
Favorite Part: Engaging with clients to understand their needs.
Favorite Proverb: "You Strike a Woman, You Strike a Rock." This speaks to resilience and strength.
Debunking the notion that only the Big 5 are worth seeing on safari.
We offer a wide range of safari experiences across numerous countries, ensuring we can find the perfect safari for everyone.
Dream Dinner Guest: A vegetarian animal, preferably a warthog, so that I can enjoy breakfast the next day.
"I cannot say enough about how Harriet went far beyond any expectations for service to her customer. We could not be more pleased and willingly give her and African Budget Safaris our highest recommendation!" - [RC Scott, 21 June 2025]
"Harriet at the company did a wonderful job of responding to my questions prior to a 20 day "Trans-Kalahari" trip" - [William D. Winschief, 12 June 2025]
"Harriet made the booking experience seamless and everything from transfers to the accommodation was 5 stars. I would highly recommend booking with African Budget Safaris..." - [Fiachra Coghlan, 02 April 2025]
"Harriet was so helpful to me in planning my trip to South Africa. She matched my priorities and schedule with two excellent tours! Food, lodging, guides, excursions and safaris were all exceptional. I highly recommend!" - [Mace Barron, 10 October 2024]
Find more independent reviews of our safari services on Trustpilot.
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