WHAT WE DO
At Elite African Tours & Safaris, we specialize in crafting unforgettable safari adventures tailored to your unique preferences and interests.
From personalized itineraries and expert guidance to seamless logistics and unparalleled hospitality, we handle every aspect of your journey with care and attention to detail.
Our mission is simple: to provide you with a safe, enriching, and truly transformative travel experience in the heart of Africa. Whether you’re seeking close encounters with wildlife, cultural immersion, or thrilling outdoor adventures, we’re here to make your safari dreams a reality.
WHY WE DO IT
We do what we do because our passion for sharing the beauty and wonder of Africa drives every aspect of our work.
We believe that travel has the power to transform lives, create lasting memories, and foster connections with nature and culture. We aspire to provide our clients with authentic, immersive, and unforgettable safari experiences that inspire a deeper appreciation for the world around us.
At Elite African Tours & Safaris, we are driven by the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to explore, discover, and connect with the incredible diversity of our planet.
MEET FOUNDER & RANGER JAMES (DJ)
James, also known as Ranger James or DJ, is the driving force behind Elite African Tours & Safaris. With a diverse background spanning personal protection, crowd management, guiding, and hospitality, James brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his role as owner and main ranger.
His lifelong passion for the African bush led him to pursue a career in safari guiding over 15 years ago, and since then, he has dedicated himself to providing exceptional service and unforgettable experiences for his clients.
Known for his warmth, professionalism, and genuine love for Africa, James is committed to ensuring the safety, comfort, and enjoyment of every guest. His hands-on approach, combined with his extensive knowledge of the region, makes him a trusted and respected leader in the travel industry.
Above all, James’s dedication to creating meaningful connections, educating travelers, and fostering a sense of adventure sets Elite African Tours & Safaris apart, making it the premier choice for those seeking an authentic and unforgettable safari experience.
DJ’s TOP 3 VALUES
Safety
James places a high value on safety, stemming from his background in personal protection, crowd management, and close protection.
He prioritises the well-being of his clients above all else, ensuring that they feel secure and protected throughout their journey.
This value is reinforced by his extensive experience in handling potentially risky situations and his commitment to ensuring the safety of every guest.
Hospitality
With a lifelong career in hospitality, James values the importance of providing exceptional service and creating memorable experiences for his clients. He understands the importance of making guests feel welcome, comfortable, and well-cared for, whether it’s during a safari adventure or a cultural excursion. His dedication to hospitality is evident in his desire to ensure that every client leaves as a friend, reflecting his belief in the importance of personal connections and genuine hospitality.
Edutainment
James believes in the power of education to enrich and enhance the travel experience. He values the opportunity to educate his clients about the wildlife, culture, and history of Africa, providing them with valuable insights and knowledge that deepen their appreciation for the destinations they visit. By combining education with entertainment, James strives to create meaningful and enlightening experiences for his clients, leaving them with a greater understanding of the world around them.
WHAT VISITORS SAY
Testimonials from Adventurers
I still remember James with admiration and affection. Four of us arrived in Amakhala Game Reserve for 3 days to celebrate by 50th birthday in April 2012.
James immediately became our friend and we were privledged to have him all to ourselves in the quiet period of the year. What he didn’t know wasn’t worth knowing, not only about the animals we were going to see, but also the bird song that was all around us. He went to great lengths to make sure we saw everything we wanted to see, and we were given all the time we needed although on one occassion he did rush us out to see a cheetah kill, where we all marvelled at cubs feasting on fresh meat. My photos still have pride of place on the walls in my house. The evenings too were always jovial and relaxing, having been provided by James with an early evening drink and nibbles somewhere out on the Savannah watching the sun go down. It was 3 of the best days of my life and I shall never forget the knowledge, generosity, friendship and fun that James alone brought to our visit at Amakhala.
I visited Amakhala in August 2022 and had the trip of a lifetime, in no small part thanks to James. He was engaging and entertaining, balanced useful information with amusing anecdotes, and ensured that I felt part of the Amakhala family. His warmth, professionalism, skill and personality give guests an amazing time, and anyone who goes on a game drive with him is guaranteed a great time.
I surprised my (now) husband with a trip to South Africa for his 30th Birthday, we stayed a few nights at Bush Lodge in the Amakhala game reserve. James was our guide for our stay and I can honestly say we wouldn’t have had the same experience without him.
His love for the job radiates from him. You can just tell how passionate he is for each creature we came across whether it was a bird, insect, reptile, mammal, and even plants, James was excited to teach everyone about them. Stopping for tracks on the ground, showing us termite mounds, old skeletons, lion kills, cheetahs and seeing the wonderful elephants will be something we remember forever.
We were fortunate enough to also spend a few nights at a different lodge at Amakhala. Going out on game drives with a different guide showed us that there was no comparison. The other guide didn’t have the warmth and passion that James had nor the extensive knowledge.
Thank you James for the most amazing time. We hope to join you on a game drive in the future!
