Bespoke journeys, personally designed, with someone in your corner every step of the way.
This is not your average
Safari Booking
Wakati means "time" in Swahili. For me, it represents the art of slowing down, being fully present, and experiencing Africa in a way that feels real rather than rushed.
I am
Tanya
I am Tanya, the founder of Wakati Travel, a zoologist, a conservationist, and someone who has spent years getting to know this extraordinary continent from the inside out. I did not build this business to sell packaged holidays. Africa changed the way I see the world, and this is my way of sharing it with you.
Every journey I design is tailored around you, your pace, your interests, and what you actually want from this experience. And unlike booking through a large agency, you will always be speaking directly with me, from your first enquiry to the moment you land safely home.
Whether you know exactly where you want to go, have an experience in mind, or are simply at the stage of staring out the window and thinking "I need an adventure", you are in the right place.
What it actually feels like to
Travel With
WAKATI
Tanya and her partners are there when it matters, offering support throughout your travels should anything unexpected arise.
“We just returned from the most incredible trip across Kenya and Rwanda, all masterfully planned by Wakati Travel. From the moment we made contact, Tanya impressed us with her professionalism, personal knowledge of the region, and passion for creating truly unique experiences. Every detail—from the handpicked lodges to our expert local guides—was flawless. Wakati Travel crafted an itinerary that felt deeply personal and immersive. We explored breathtaking landscapes, enjoyed thrilling game drives, and connected with the culture in meaningful ways. I can’t recommend Tanya and Wakati travel highly enough!”
- Sarah
“The trip that ruined all future vacations (in the best way!) Wakati Travel curated a Kenya–Rwanda safari for me this February, and I can honestly say it was the trip of a lifetime. From the very beginning, Tanya understood exactly what I was hoping for and crafted an itinerary that struck the perfect balance of adventure, luxury, and meaning. Every detail was thoughtful, seamless, and personalized. Some of the moments I’ll never forget: connecting with orphaned elephants and a baby rhino that were being rehabilitated and prepped for reintroduction to the wild… standing just meters away from a wild silverback gorilla (a moment so powerful it felt spiritual)… and soaring by helicopter through thousands of flamingos. These were the kinds of experiences that change you. Every lodge, every guide, every transfer - completely flawless. I never once had to think about logistics; I just got to be fully present in some of the most beautiful places on earth. If you’re looking for a safari company that goes far beyond “vacation” and delivers something unforgettable, Wakati Travel is it. I cannot recommend them highly enough.”
- Marissa
“Wakati travel booked a trip for a group of us and it was absolutely amazing from the planning process to enjoying every aspect of the trip. The flights, transfers, lodges, cuisine and staff were exceptional. I really appreciated Tanya's extensive experience in conservation and our ability to spend quality time with Elephants, Giraffes and Rhino was unforgettable. I even got to adopt a baby elephant for my niece as a gift. Wakati travel is my go-to for any travel that cares about the region, its people and with purpose. Thank you Tanya and Team for an unforgettable adventure. Can't wait for our July 2026 trip!”
- Sonal & Brian
However you want to
Explore Africa
We will find your way in.
Not everyone arrives with a plan, and honestly, some of the best trips start without one. Browse by destination, by occasion, by experience, or by when you can actually get away. Something will spark.
Already know
where you want to go?
Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Botswana, South Africa. If a country has already caught your imagination, start there. Each destination has its own rhythm, its own wildlife, its own season, and its own magic. Browse by country and start building a picture of what your trip could look like.
Plan around the moment, not just the map
Whether it is a honeymoon, a milestone anniversary, a multi-generational family adventure, or a solo trip you have been promising yourself for years, the occasion shapes everything. The destination, the pace, the level of privacy, the type of camp. Let the trip reflect what this moment means to you.
What do you want to Feel?
Perhaps it is the stillness of a walking safari at dawn. The raw spectacle of the Great Migration. The deeply moving experience of sitting quietly in the presence of mountain gorillas. Or a beach so remote it does not seem to have a name yet. Start with the experience, and we will find you the right place for it.
Experiences include: Big Five Safari, Gorilla Trekking, The Great Migration, Beach and Island, Conservation Encounter, Cultural Immersion.
When is your window?
Sometimes the trip is shaped by the calendar rather than the wishlist. School holidays, leave availability, a birthday that falls in March. The good news is that Africa has something extraordinary to offer in every month of the year. The honest news is that timing affects pricing, weather, and what you will see, and we will always be upfront about that.
A quick note: what counts as peak season varies by country, so we will always give you the full picture before you commit to anything.
Not just safari packages
A Personal Journey through Africa
tRAVEL THAT GIVES
SOMETHING BACK
Africa's wild places only survive because people care enough to protect them. At Wakati Travel, conservation is not a badge or a marketing line. It is something I have been personally committed to since long before this business existed.
From my early work with Save the Elephants to the conservation encounters I weave into client itineraries, every trip can include a meaningful connection to the organisations and researchers working on the ground. If that matters to you, tell me. It will make the journey richer.
READY TO START?
HERE IS HOW IT WORKS
Organizing an African trip involves a lot of moving parts, and getting the details right takes time and genuine expertise. Here is what to expect when you reach out.
We will start with a conversation, no pressure, no commitment. I will ask about your group, your interests, your approximate budget, and what you are hoping to experience. From there, I will put together a tailored proposal for your review.
NOT READY YET?
Genuinely, no problem. Have a browse, get inspired, and come back when the time feels right. Africa will still be there.
Have a question? Ready to book your next journey? Fill in the form and Tanya will get back to you as soon as possible.
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