About

AfricaSafari.Travel was initially the blog used in Jennie‘s Tour Operator business for her to interact with tourists; now, it is the platform she uses to finance nature conservation through tourism partnerships.

“I have been involved in the Tourism Industry since the age of 5. Growing up in a hotel and learning the hospitality trade prepared the road for me to start up my own booking office for venues in Southern Africa…

As a Tour Operator, I had 2 objectives:

1) If I could send guests to destinations in Africa I would be giving them something more than just a holiday – I would be giving tourists something to take back home – an experience, memories to last a lifetime and the opportunity to explore cultures and nature.
2) I would be supporting the tourism industry in Africa, venues, individuals and the families of the staff working in these venues and thus ultimately supporting communities in Africa.

Where I failed in setting my objectives was where my heart and soul lies – in
conserving nature. Although I grew up in a hotel, it was located in the mountains and as a child I would ride my horse in the foothills of the mountains, sleep in caves, boulder hop up river and search for ancient rock-art. It was during those moments that my spirit was lifted and freed and my desire to study Nature Conservation developed.

After a decade of making bookings for people in accommodation establishments all over Africa and advising them of what tours to take and where to visit, I’ve decided to get tourism to work for Nature Conservation.

My new Objectives as a lifelong student of Nature include:

1) To put my head knowledge into practical work
2) To mentor nature conservation students
3) To support field rangers practically by getting them better equipment and continued training
4) To be a part of my husband’s dream to conserve a wilderness area
5) To leave a legacy for my son that contributes to his future and his environment”

Jennie Pretorius