About Us

My Story

I was 8 years old. That’s when I did a school project on elephants – and I still have it! I sculpted an elephant out of gray clay (with a little help from my mom) and used toothpicks for its tusks. I made some trees out of twigs and leaves, used cotton balls for clouds, wrote about elephant facts and what do you know? I got a perfect score!

Fast forward 20 something years later…I was sitting on the back of a pick-up truck, whisking through the South African bush. I was there volunteering with a wildlife conservation group, and we were on our way to look for African wild dogs, lions, and of course, elephants! I was having a great time visiting Africa but also thinking about how I could make a difference for wildlife all the time, not just on this trip. That’s when my life changed. That’s when I made my decision to combine two of my passions, wildlife and travel. I decided to start a custom Africa travel company that supports African wildlife conservation. What better combination can you have? Helping people create their dream vacation to experience the wonder of Africa while helping save Africa’s natural treasures at the same time is a win-win for me. I believe in having a purpose in life, and I want my time on this Earth to matter.

Lindsey Densing, Founder

So, why travel to Africa?
Three words: Wildlife, People, Landscapes.

Wildlife

Sure, I’ve traveled a lot and been to some amazing places and made some wonderful memories, just like you. But before I first traveled to Africa, I didn’t know what it felt like to experience magic. My first trip to Africa was to South Africa, and I was going primarily to cage dive with Great White Sharks, a long-time dream of mine. While planning my trip I thought, “well, since I’ll be there, I might as well go on a safari.” I can’t believe that I looked at an African safari as an accessory! The side dish to an entrée! My ignorance was astounding because I quickly discovered that the safari was the crown jewel!

Being an eyewitness to elephants feeding in the moonlight, being blanketed by wildebeest as they partake in the Great Migration, being on the scene as lions fan out around you and stalk their prey while you’re waiting on the edge of your seat, or feeling the roar of a lion resonate in your bones. Not to mention heartwarming, tender moments between mothers and their young, bold-colored African sunsets and hearing animals calling at night from the comfort of your bed. It’s moments like these that you will remember forever.

People

Then there are the people of Africa. They are the true ambassadors of their lands. The pride they have for their countries is evident in their smiles, eager sharing of local knowledge and welcoming embrace.

It feels like you are among friends whether you’re shopping in a local market, learning about animal tracks from a safari guide or finding yourself in the middle of a Masai dance as the warriors jump around you. All of this goodness wrapped up in this magical continent. It creates feelings that words cannot capture.

Landscapes

So what do you think Africa’s landscape looks like? Well, it’s as diverse as a continent can get. Some may sneak up on you and take you by surprise. Your eardrums will vibrate at the aquatic thunder of the mighty Victoria Falls. Your eyes will scan 360° as far as they can see in search of animals on the wide-open grasslands of the Masai Mara in Kenya. These vast spaces open up the sky to vibrant sunsets that paint the African canvas with colors from yellow to purple. The lush wetlands of Botswana’s Okavango Delta, bursting with life, will quench your thirst for adventure like none other. A trek through the thicker bushveld of South Africa in your safari vehicle will open your eyes to the animals’ world as they go on the prowl. Skies so clear you can gaze upon the Milky Way’s spray of stars against the black abyss as it dwarfs you from overhead. Then there’s the intriguing mountains and forests that beg your hiking boots to leave footprints. If you think we’ve covered everything, we can’t forget the world class beaches and stunning coastlines which are sure to have you wiggling your toes in the sand, reaching for the sunscreen and flipping on your shades.

Seriously, what more could you ask for? This place will bring you excitement and wonder that you probably haven’t felt since you were a child. Africa is alive and that’s how you will feel once you immerse yourself in all its wonders.

“I hope you have an experience that alters your life because, after Africa, nothing has ever been the same.” – Suzanne Evans

Why I want to make a difference

Like many of you, I’ve always loved animals and have donated to lots of animal welfare and conservation organizations over the years. I’ve also returned many lost dogs to their owners after coming across them while on a run or out driving. I even try to return spiders that get in the house “back to the wild” instead of squashing them. So you can imagine the instinctual pull I feel towards threatened African wildlife. Whether it’s poaching, trophy hunting, animal exploitation, climate change, habitat loss or human-wildlife conflict, the fact of the matter is, we could lose many of these incredible creatures if we just stand by and let things happen.

When I saw the documentary film Racing Extinction, it got me mad and fired up! It reveals the significant role of humans in the potential future extinction of 50% of the world’s species. I want you to pause and think about that for a second. (pausing..) Imagine half of the world’s animals being wiped out. Gone forever. Because of us! I was angry at humanity. The film made me cry my eyes out (I’m even crying now writing this), but it also inspired me in a way that nothing ever has before. Coming to terms with the reality our planet and its creatures face can paralyze you if you let it. I chose to do something about it and use this energy to help turn the tide and make a difference for conservation.

I want my life to have a purpose, and I feel that my business’ support for conservation can help fulfill that. Every traveler that books through us makes a difference. With each trip booked through Safari Rim, a donation will be made to the African Wildlife Foundation to support conservation work throughout Africa.

This planet is not just ours. We have a responsibility to take care of it and all of its inhabitants. We are a species that has done so much harm in so many ways to life on Earth, but it’s time for us to step up and fight for those animals that can’t speak for themselves. There is opportunity everywhere for positive change in conservation, but we have to act in order to move the needle. This is the moment to seize and make a difference. We can do it together!