About Us

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Elite Africa Tours and Travel is a Boutique Travel Company that is proud to be able to offer an exceptionally high level of personal service.  We are keen travellers ourselves, who visit our destinations regularly.  We love to sample the lodges and guesthouses, taste the food and wine and enjoy a lot of the experiences and activities that we recommend to our travellers.

We have built up an excellent network of suppliers offering you the most amazing travel experiences. The majority of the pictures on our website are from our own travels and it is a privilege to be able to share them with you.  We hope it will inspire you to come to Africa one day. We are fully aware that there are many booking engines and travel agents to be found online, but we do things slightly differently.  Boutique and unique may rhyme by coincidence but one is very much a part of the other. We have found that as our clients become more experienced travelers, they seek out a more boutique experience that reflects the country that they want to visit.

 If you are the type of person that has a strong desire to travel , to experience amazing and unique holidays, the kind where luxury meets authenticity, where adventure meets comfort, then we will be able to help you. We are aware that people have different lifestyles, different preferences, different interests and different expectations. We will work closely with you, customize your travel itinerary, optimise your budget, and offer valuable insights  for your planned journey.

Elite Africa Tours and Travel is a Boutique Travel Company that is proud to be able to offer an exceptionally high level of personal service.  We are keen travellers ourselves, who visit our destinations regularly.  We love to sample the lodges and guesthouses, taste the food and wine and enjoy a lot of the experiences and activities that we recommend to our travellers. We have built up an excellent network of suppliers offering you the most amazing travel experiences. The majority of the pictures on our website are from our own travels and it is a privilege to be able to share them with you.  We hope it will inspire you to come to Africa one dayWe are fully aware that there are many booking engines and travel agents to be found online, but we do things slightly differently.  Boutique and unique may rhyme by coincidence but one is very much a part of the other. We have found that as our clients become more experienced travelers, they seek out a more boutique experience that reflects the country that they want to visit.  If you are the type of person that has a strong desire to travel , to experience amazing and unique holidays, the kind where luxury meets authenticity, where adventure meets comfort, then we will be able to help you. We are aware that people have different lifestyles, different preferences, different interests and different expectations. We will work closely with you, customize your travel itinerary, optimise your budget, and offer valuable insights  for your planned journey.

Our founderValerie Vanhees

I am not African because I was born in Africa but because Africa was born in me — Kwame Nkrumah

Born and raised in Leuven, Belgium, I came to South Africa in January 1997. Africa changes you forever, like nowhere on earth. Once you have been here, you will never be the same. This love for Africa and a passion for travel has been the start of Elite Africa.
My financial background has given me fundamental skills to manage a business, my tourism experience has given me knowledge and expertise to plan your African journey, my creativity has given me the tools to be innovative but my love for Africa has been the ultimate seed of success for Elite Africa.
People come to Africa to see its wildlife and nature, but they leave in love with its warmth, its friendliness and its people. Just like I did ...

I am not African because I was born in Africa but because Africa was born in me — Kwame Nkrumah

Born and raised in Leuven, Belgium, I came to South Africa in January 1997. Africa changes you forever, like nowhere on earth. Once you have been here, you will never be the same. This love for Africa and a passion for travel has been the start of Elite Africa. My financial background has given me fundamental skills to manage a business, my tourism experience has given me knowledge and expertise to plan your African journey, my creativity has given me the tools to be innovative  but my love for Africa has been the ultimate seed of success for Elite Africa.People come to Africa to see its wildlife and nature, but they leave in love with its warmth, its friendliness and its people.  Just like I did ...

Keep memories

why choose elite africa?

expert travel planning

Our experts have personal knowledge of the destinations and lodges of your holiday. Read more

Expert Travel Planning

Planning a safari alone is challenging due to overwhelming options, accommodations, and seasonal factors. Booking flights independently can be tricky. Quality guiding and unique experiences are hard to assess online. Trust Elite Africa, your safari specialists, for firsthand knowledge, informed decisions, and time savings. Our website showcases our travels, inspiring your African adventure. Experience a seamless safari with us.

safety & Security

Your safety and security is our priority. Feel free to contact us for any queries. Read more

Safety & Security

Most countries in Africa are stable and safe, but politics and natural disasters happen. Elite Africa stays up to date with elections, weather hazards, and high crime areas. A small skirmish in northern Mozambique may not make headline news, but Elite Africa will know about it and can redirect your holiday to keep you safe. If the rainy season is looking very heavy in southern Africa - then perhaps switching your itinerary around to include more internal flights rather than road transfers, would be a good idea.

Personal Attention

We will work closely with you, customize your travel itinerary and optimise your budget. Read more

Personal Attention

If you are vegetarian, pregnant, diabetic, terrified of catching malaria or have any special desires to see specific animals, people, art - Elite Africa will make sure that your needs are taken into account..We are aware that people have different lifestyles, different preferences, different interests and different expectations. And we will work closely with you, customize your travel itinerary, optimise your budget, and offer valuable insights for your planned journey.

24/7 Support

In case of emergency, we can get your holiday back on track with the least inconvenience and stress for you. Read more

24/7 support

2020 has taught all of us that things can go spectacularly wrong. A flight is delayed which affects your onward travel plans. Unexpected flooding means that you cannot get to your game lodge. Or a global pandemic means that your entire holiday has to be rebooked for the following year. If you book online, you are on your own. If you book with Elite Africa, we are here to help you. We can get your holiday back on track with the least inconvenience and stress for you.

Best Value

Our prices are 5-15% cheaper than what you would be able to book directly. We ensure the best value for your money. Read more

Best Value

Some people think they'll save money by booking a trip independently, but that's not true for many African itineraries. Over the years, we have built strong relationships with our suppliers and we have negotiated excellent discounted prices. In addition, we have insight knowledge of all the specials and combo packages that are available to the travellers. In general, we will be able to save you between 5 and 15% versus booking directly with the hotels or lodges.

Financial Security

We have the right affiliations and insurance to guarantee your peace of mind and we have a variety of easy & secure payment options. Read more

Financial Security

We are bonded with SATSA (underwritten by Lloyds of London) meaning that your holiday investment is secure with us. We also carry SATIB General Liability Insurance up to ZAR 10mil and Professional Indemnity Insurance. We have the right affiliations and insurance to guarantee your peace of mind.



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Watch our videoElite Africa

2020 has taught us that things can go spectacularly wrong. A global pandemic means that your entire holiday has to be rebooked for the following year. If you book with Elite Africa, we are here to help you. You are not on your own.
We cannot guarantee that we will be able to solve every problem, but we work hard to get you the best possible solution. We are very confident that it’s a lot easier for us to sort it out. It’s also a lot less hassle and stress for you.

2020 has taught us that things can go spectacularly wrong. A global pandemic means that your entire holiday has to be rebooked for the following year. If you book with Elite Africa, we are here to help you. You are not on your own.We cannot guarantee that we will be able to solve every problem, but we work hard to get you the best possible solution. We are very confident that it’s a lot easier for us to sort it out. It’s also a lot less hassle and stress for you.

We're here to help

Frequently asked questions

What about personal safety?
Malaria
Can I travel with children?
Is there cellphone reception and internet connection?
Can I claim a VAT refund?
Love for South African food and cuisine?
Any dust and mud?
What about tipping in Africa?
Charity on safari
What is the luggage allowance and restrictions?
When to visit Africa
What medical precautions are required?
Yellow fever
Which travel documents and Visas do I need?
Is it safe on safari?
Do I need travel insurance?
How about credit cards, cash, ATM and banks?
What type of plugs and what is load shedding?
Can I drink the water?
What to bring on safari?