Tracie Walker

A lifelong traveller, I grew up as an expat in Bahrain and Spain. Although the USA is my original home, I've been shaped by extensive travel through Europe, Asia, and Africa. My first safari was when I was 18, and I was immediately hooked. Two years later, I left the comforts of civilisation to work in a safari camp in Zambia, and it changed the course of my life. I have continued to work in the hospitality and tourism industries for over 15 years now and in 2018, I moved back to Africa permanently.

I've been blessed to work in safari lodges in Zambia, Malawi, and South Africa. I now have the privilege of living in a wildlife estate just outside Kruger National Park in South Africa. I joined Go2Africa in November 2022, and it gives me so much joy to share my passion for the bush with our travellers.

Soulful Safari Reflection

When you spend years living and working in safari camps, the memories start to pile up – but they are never taken for granted. From my very first safari, elephants have always been my favourite animal – the way they interact, express emotion, and hold memories has long captivated me.

At the last camp I worked at in the Greater Kruger, the camp was unfenced, and we were frequently visited by a bachelor group of elephants that would come to drink from the bird bath. On one particular day, an elephant came to visit solo. Under the safe cover of the thatch roof, just mere metres away, I was able to quietly sit and just watch and listen. He noticed me, and for a long moment, we held each other's eyes, and it truly felt like he was looking into my soul. I was moved to silent tears of appreciation, and he quietly carried on making his way through camp.

Most Memorable Experience Organised for a Client

It's hard to rank all the incredible experiences that our travellers have had, but one that stands out is a family with young children who wanted to experience tiger fishing on the Zambezi River during their stay in Victoria Falls. After their trip, the mum gave me a long phone call to express her appreciation and shared photos of her kids with their fish. The grins on those sweet faces really reminded me why I love the work we do.

My Best African Travel Advice  

Embrace the opportunity to have a digital detox! In an age where we are always connected and always available, it is such a rare opportunity to not be attached to our electronics. When you're on safari, remember to put the camera down now and then and just soak in the experience. 

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