Madelein Norval

*Featured in Condé Nast Traveler as a Top Travel Specialist* 

I have been in the industry as an Africa Safari Expert for close to 30-years specialising in Southern and East Africa covering a wide range of lodges and activities.  I travelled extensively throughout Africa from Angola, Botswana, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. I have been to many Islands of the East coast of Africa including Seychelles’ Mahé and Praslin islands and Zanzibar.  

I specialise in all kinds of safari experiences from gorilla trekking, hot air balloon safaris and animal migration sightings to boating and mokoro adventures in the Okavango Delta. I also love to curate bespoke adventures to Victoria falls, including activities such as bungee jumping for the adventurous, as well as classic and exclusive 4×4 safaris in all the prime safari areas/countries.
 

Soulful Safari Reflection

One of my best safari moments was on a self-drive holiday in Botswana where we were the only people around (as far as we could tell), driving on unmarked dirt tracks that's not been used in a long time. We had close encounters with plenty of elephants, buffalo and plains game. It felt like we were exploring and discovering Africa like Livingstone and Hemingway must have done back in the day.  

Most Memorable Experience Organised For A Client

I had a group of ladies from the US who travelled to South Africa, Vic Falls and Botswana. At the last moment and due to unforeseen circumstances, the steam train dinner we had booked for them at the Falls, could not materialize. I managed to book the ‘Bamba train' for them and it turned out to be the highlight of their trip!

In the client's words: “I can't say enough for what you organized for the Bamba Train. It was fabulous! The baboons came by to wave us off as we left the station after having some G&T's… Then we saw fabulous birds and when we arrived at the dinner on both sides of the tracks there were elephants crossing intermittently. Jason, the chef, and his team were phenomenal.  The presentation and the thoughtfulness into the menu was Michelin quality. The guides were excellent and engaging. It turned out to be exactly what I imagined and it just blew everybody away!”  

My Best African Travel Advice

Sometimes it is important to put away the binoculars, cameras and bird books, and use all your senses to take in the African bush. Listen if you can hear a Fish Eagle, smell fresh elephant dung, look for a bush baby jumping between trees, touch and smell leaves to understand why certain plants are used for cooking and even medicinal purposes. It is all about the unspoiled nature away from the hustle and bustle of modern living. 

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