As Afrikans, safari is our passion and life’s work. A small, dedicated company, we take care to get to know each of our clients to ensure that their dream trip exceeds their expectations. Well-connected throughout the continent and highly knowledgeable about the most exclusive destinations, finest accommodations and most extraordinary experiences, we will take you on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure—which just might become one of many.

On foot, vehicle, or horseback, you’ll be escorted by your guide, through the rich plains, deep bush and mountainous valleys of Eastern and Southern Africa. You’ll revel in the spectacular scenery, extraordinary range of wildlife and centuries-old cultures. Honed by a lifetime in Africa our guides can predict animals’ locations and read their behaviour — allowing guests to spend a generous amount of time observing them in their habitats, rather than rushing among crowds in order to fulfil a checklist.

A safari with Observe Afrika offers the fantastic organisational skills of Katherine Mathias and carefully chosen operators. From the first instant you commence on this exhilarating journey with us, inspiration and unforgettable experiences will follow.

Our types of safaris

  • Machaba

    The Quintessential Safari

    A lodge experience like nowhere else in the world.

  • Classic Mobile Tented Safari

    Luxury mobile camps that move along with the animals like the days of old.

  • Horse Riding Safari

    For your beginner to advanced riders, this is what we do.

With sophistication & consideration is how we operate in our environment

Dearest Katherine,

We are finally over jet lag, but the glow of an amazing time in South Africa is still with us. Katherine, we cannot thank you enough for hosting us. Your attention to our comforts, your warmth and hospitality, your expertise and knowledge was so apparent in everything you did.

Much more important was to witness your caring and compassion, your vision and wisdom, your love for Africa, the bush and the people. We saw the high regard that everyone had for you, your friends, the nurses, the butchers, the doctors, the hospital administrators, the rehabilitation workers, the guards at the gate, just everyone – and justifiably so. You carry out your work with aplomb, with humility and with ultimate coolness (where did you that that from – ha ha).

And most important, you gave us an experience that rekindled, reinvigorated our love for the country. And so we will return - and for that we are forever grateful.

Ruan Melmed - USA

We had the trip of a lifetime in Africa all thanks to Katherine and Observe Afrika. We had never been to Africa before, but it was on the top of our bucket list and so we wanted to make sure it was really special. Katherine and Frank listened to all of our requests and helped design a bespoke trip that was perfect for us.

We especially loved Observe Africa’s focus on conservation and also their intimate knowledge of the various safari camps throughout Africa. They checked in along the way to make sure everything went smoothly and were always available to answer any questions we had.

We had an amazing trip and can’t wait to come back to experience more of this awe-inspiring continent!

Michelle Hulst - USA

Dear Katherine

I would like to thank you for all your support on my recent trip to South Africa. Although I am a seasoned solo traveler, your knowledge of the area allowed me to have a far more memorable experience than I could have imagined. I would never have stayed in all the amazing locations you recommended.  I had no idea how beautiful Cape town and the surrounding areas were and I will definitely be back.  You were able to help me plan a trip suited to my budget and my interests and also open my eyes to things I would not have thought of.   I particularly appreciated that you were able to connect me with a volunteer day with children at a non- profit organisation.  That was a highlight for me. When I travel, I like to make some effort to become more aware of the culture and community and see if I can contribute in some small way.  As Americans, we just don’t know how lucky we are.

It was also great to have a contact for any problems or questions.

Sharron Chop - USA

Follow our journey.

Our associate company, Adventure International has been serving its guests for over a decade, allowing us to offer very unique products to our guests