Guided by Passion, Driven by Purpose
Our heart beats for one mission: to save you time, bring you peace of mind, and turn your South African safari lodge dreams into reality. As a close-knit group of independent lodges, we’re passionately committed to upholding the highest standards, ensuring every guest experiences their ultimate safari fantasy. With over a century of collective experience, we proudly say we take you #FurtherTogether.
What makes us truly unique is the enchanting journeys we craft, which we fondly call safaris – derived from the Swahili translation of the Arabic word سفر (safar), meaning a journey, traveling, touring, or voyaging. We’re driven by our three guiding principles: simplicity, sustainability, and spectacular experiences. Whether you’re a direct guest, agent, or member, we promise to consistently deliver these values, creating unforgettable adventures that are as easy on the soul as they are on the planet.
How we decided to go #FurtherTogether
African Safari Collective was born in 2020, right amid the Covid-19 storm. We came together not out of worry for ourselves, but for our teams, our people, our family, and the magnificent creatures of Africa. We knew that if we faltered, the people and wild areas we cherish would be at risk. So, a group of like-minded independent collaborators banded together, knowing we could go #FurtherTogether to protect the wilds and uplift our communities while making our guests’ safari dreams come true.
United by a shared vision, the African Safari Collective was brought to life by five passionate, founding properties: Fairview House, Fugitives’ Drift, Leopard Mountain, Three Tree Hill, and Makakatana Bay Lodge. Together, they pooled nearly three centuries of tourism expertise to protect the wilds and uplift their communities.
As the collective continues to evolve and step into its next chapter, we look back with immense gratitude at these foundational roots. We remain deeply thankful to each of these extraordinary properties for their role in launching this journey—a shared legacy of family-run hospitality that will always remain at the heart of everything we do.
Leadership & Vision
Leadership & Vision
Leadership & Vision
Adrenè van der Merwe
Owner & Director
Taking the baton from the incredible lodge owners who founded this company is an immense honor, a big responsibility, and a beautiful milestone for me. They built this collective on pure resilience, a commitment to direct local employment within our rural communities, and active partnerships with the private game reserves and heritage sites where we operate. My focus as I take the reins is simple: uphold these operational standards, champion our independently owned properties, and guide us into our next exciting chapter.
For me, the African Safari Collective will always be about keeping the spirit of independent, family-run hospitality alive and thriving. Whether you are a direct guest looking for a soul-stirring holiday or a trade partner who has been with us for years, you can expect that same personal warmth, dedication, and true African hospitality. We are still the same passionate team, dreaming big and working hard to show you the absolute best of our region. The future is incredibly bright, and I am so proud to lead us #FurtherTogether.
