"African Essence specialises in wildlife and nature safaris, art and cultural experiences, active adventures and getting off the beaten track. "
We custom design African journeys for individuals, couples, families and travel companions. Trips are specially designed to suit your dreams, interests and priorities.
We can provide guided tours, partially guided trips as well as self-drive vacations, fly-in safaris, amazing accommodation, camping, luxury camping and quirky adventures in Africa! Whether you want to travel in Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Lesotho, Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Tanzania or Kenya, we pride ourselves on providing value, no matter what your budget.
Private trips enhance your experience and get you closer to the ‘real Africa’. Whether you seek to indulge your adventurous spirit or pamper your soul, our extensive knowledge and rapport with Africa can make your visit a special experience you will always remember.
“African Essence was born out of the desire to share precious places and special experiences with others and to promote responsible tourism and nature conservation in southern Africa.”
- Vanessa Nixon, Founder
email: vanessa@africanessence.com
SOME COMMENTS FROM THE AFRICAN ESSENCE GUEST BOOK:
"We feel so fortunate to have begun our adventure with you. Your passion for the
country and the people of South Africa and your intimate knowledge of the place
allowed us to enter the heart and soul of South Africa and feel the pulse of
the place."
- Tamyra, USA, Cape Peninsula tour, July 2002.
“You have changed our way of travel
forever! The South African & Namibian trip you arranged was magnificent.”
- Lisa Hinson & Frank Kunc, Santa Fe, USA, Jan –
April 2003
“Thank you so much for an extraordinary
day! It felt like spending a day with family; not like a tour at all!"
- Deborah & Richard Casillas, Santa Fe, USA, Jan 2003
Still savoring our wonderful trip to your country. You were the best!
Carrie & Richard, USA, May 2008
We're still thinking and talking about our trip! Most people we've spoken to said that they are interested in going... Most people had no idea how we organized it all and were intrigued by your services especially after we showed them the picture of us all. I think that really showed how personal it is.
- Luke & Marissa, Chicago, June 2009
"Thanks again for taking us on and looking after us so well and in particular for giving us the insights into the lives of Belinda, Vetkat and their friends, for me that made all the difference on the holiday"
Pete Byrne, Australia/Ireland, Sept 2006
The lodging and camping experiences gave us a range from "on the ground" up to luxury. It was the first time camping ever for Elsie, and I explained to her that camping usually doesn't have people waiting on you but it was plenty "rough" enough for her. The 3 weeks flew by and we enjoyed all the Adventure, sights, and FOOD ! Thank you for arranging our trip.
I still owe you a dinner when you come to Santa Fe!
Linda & John Dressman, Santa Fe, USA, Sept 2007
We all enjoyed South Africa so much but from my perspective, I loved it and will be back. The country, the people, the music, all of it. I know I was on holiday so I must factor that in - I have, it was just great.
Trish, Dublin, Ireland, November 2007
WE LOVED NAMIBIA.... Easy, friendly and safe travelling... Had to get a new tyre after the Welwitschia drive (took us some time to get the tyre off, and luckily a friendly Namibian helped us out, so we were not stuck for too long!), but that was probably the worst that had happened to us!
We did enjoy your services (again!)... Thank you very much! Looking forward to planning my next trip with you!
Christina & Saskia, The Netherlands, May 2009
Was delightful to meet you - glad to be your first "walk in" client! In these days of virtuality it's nice to be real! Thanks for all your help, advice and setting me up in J'burg - made my extended trip seamless.
Linda K, Berkeley, California, July 2009
Hi Vanessa - Our time in the Okavango was magnificent. We really enjoyed the lodges, the service and settings were perfect -- and our daughter very much enjoyed it. We made some fabulous friends, and hope to keep in touch. Re: animal sitings, we saw a great range of wildlife: zebra, giraffe, elephant, leopard, cheetah, wildebeast, warthogs, impala, kudu, hyena, hippos, wild cat, cervil, cave buffalo, mongoose, fox to name the notables. The bird life was also amazing. Thank you for your help with it all and for your thorough and diligent follow up.
Lise & Geof, USA, November 2008
Great trip, thanks for all your help. Mandla was extraordinary -- one of the best guides I've had anywhere in the world. it really was like traveling with a friend.
Jack, DC, August 2009
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more about Vanessa
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about some recent African Essence adventures