African Horizons Safaris | Africa Travel Specialists

African Horizons is a family-owned business founded in 1998 by James and Marie Blesius. Marie, a native of France, has enjoyed the privilege of touring the world literally since she was born. With both her parents in the travel business, she has been to Africa many times and experienced her first safari in Kenya at the age of ten. She has worked with her father, a safari specialist with more than 20 years of experience in the field. She has personally conducted safaris throughout Botswana, Zimbabwe and South Africa.

African Horizons works in coordination with well-established and highly-regarded local tour operators ensuring the highest quality of service throughout your journey. Our guides are all enthusiastic professionals, with a vast knowledge of the local fauna and flora, dedicated to making your games drives or nature walks exciting and enlightening. We also make sure that all the vehicles provided for your transportation (4-wheel drive, mini-buses, open-roof vehicles...) offer the maximum level of comfort and safety. From 5-star hotels to tented camps, there are several types of accommodations we can help you choose from when planning your trip. Whether you wish to savor a restful night in a luxury hotel, revel in the beautiful lodges located in the reserves, experience nature up close in comfortable East African style tented camps or should you wish to "rough it" on a participation camping trip, quality combined with affordability is what you can expect from us.

At African Horizons we believe in contributing to the conservation of the fragile ecosystem without which our company would not exist. We are conscious of the dilemma facing many African countries in the environment preservation versus economic development "conflict of interest" and favor a solution where local people benefit from the tourism revenue raised by national parks. To this effect, African Horizons contributes a portion of its benefits to several wildlife funds including the Tusk Trust and the Born Free Foundation. Most importantly, because the tourism industry is often the cause of major environmental problems in this part of Africa, we have chosen our tour operators for their respect towards the environment and their contribution in preserving it.

African Horizons has been designated a South African travel expert or "Fundis" by the South African Tourism Bureau. The word Fundis means "expert" in the Nguni languages that are widely spoken in South Africa. To receive the Fundis designation required passing a comprehensive destination specialist course, demonstrating an in-depth knowledge of travel and tourism in South Africa.

"We saw a herd of Cape buffalo, impala by the thousands, 20-foot crocodiles, giraffes and zebras, scampering baboons, lion in their den, warthogs and more. The whole experience was absolutely wonderful. All the arrangements went smoothly as planned. The accommodations were just ideal. The food was terrific, and the wine selection was more than ample. Thanks so much for the memory of a lifetime!" - Thomas Lee, Chicago, Illinois

“Marie - the trip was fantastic. We had a wonderful time - can't wait to go back again. Our driver, David, was truly excellent. He was very pleasant and extremely knowledgeable. We were constantly amazed by his ability to spot animals far away in the bush and his understanding of their movements and habits. We are now certainly aware of how important a good guide is. The lodges were also comfortable and the staff gracious. Thanks so much for your help.” -- Connie Kam, Brooklyn, New York

"We were very happy with the service we received from African Horizons -- from booking right through to transfers and the safari itself. We really enjoyed the trip and all the staff we encountered were very helpful and friendly. The lodges were excellent particularly Lake Manyara Serena Lodge. However, it was our guide, Ally who really made the trip. He was helpful, obliging and knowledgeable about the animals." -- Yvonne Lynch, Dublin, Ireland.

“Wow! What a wonderful trip to Kenya you put together for us. Absolutely the best. Our guides went out of their way to make our trip enjoyable. Thank you so much for all your help.” – Millicent Gershon, Branford, Connecticut

“Just to let you know that we are back safe and sound after an absolutely wonderful holiday. Many thanks for all your help and continued contact. Everything went like a dream from the moment we arrived in Nairobi until our return to London. Our driver/guide was amazing, We have learned so much from this trip, not just animal watching but everything from flora, fauna, ecology, ornithology and even how to recognize tracks and which tree roots we can use to clean our teeth! When we next go back, African Horizons will be our first choice.” – Angela Hughes, Newport, England

“As the oldest members of our group of 10, we weren’t sure a trip to Kenya/Tanzania would be our favorite travel…and we were happily surprised how well-planned and very comfortable Africa could be. Our safari guides in all cases were like friends of the family. We turned to them for guidance and let them do their jobs, and they returned that trust with taking the best care of us. One day while at Governor’s Camp we decided to stay back from an afternoon game drive and sat on the porch reading…heard a hippo noise, looked over the river bank…and saw the birth of a baby hippo! Then watched mom helping him make his first steps. Over the next two days we checked in on them every few hours. One time we saw mom chasing a croc away (aided by two warthogs!). It was a great trip!” – Al & Liz Luikart, Willoughby Hills, Ohio

“The trip to Namibia was absolutely flawless and it was the best adventure we have ever been on. Ongava Lodge in Etosha was my favorite place of the trip. Our guide was excellent and drove us right up to a pair of white rhinos. There was a variety of activity at the lodge’s watering hole and one night we could not get into our chalet because the lions were sleeping on the front step! Mary fell in love with the Sossuvlei Mountain Lodge and I have to admit it was one of the finest places I have ever stayed. We did not have a single problem on the entire trip. Everyone was a nice as they could be. Thank you for all your help in making this a fantastic vacation.” – Thomas Snitch, Bethesda, Maryland

“Our holiday in Namibia was a great success. All of the places you booked us into were very different and interesting. The itinerary worked perfectly. Thanks for all your help. We will definitely use you again on our next trip to Africa.” – Cilla Freud, London, England

It was a great trip! We loved our accommodations…from the spectacular settings of the hotels, to the great food and the friendly and professional staff. The highlights were the Serengeti Plains, the lodge at the Ngorongoro Crater and the wonderful old Emerson & Green hotel in Stonetown, Zanzibar. Marie, thank you for all your work in making it such a delightful, fun and safe trip. – Susan Sunderland, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

We had a wonderful time on the trip to Kenya. African Horizons did an excellent job with all the transfers and arrangements. Our driver guide was outstanding. He was very patient, helpful and knowledgeable. He even went to pick up medicine for my son when he got sick! I thought every place we stayed was nice and that the people were very friendly. There is still more to see and at some point we would like to go back. We would use your company again. – Barbara McClellan, Oak Hill, Virginia

We had a fabulous time! Cape Town is so beautiful. I can’t recommend it enough. The Portswood Hotel was excellent in every way and was perfectly located. My stay at the Chobe Game Lodge in Botswana was the highlight of the trip. The lodge is a 5-star establishment. The game, especially elephant, was fantastic. I also liked the water activities on the Chobe River. I will be in touch with you soon to begin making plans for a return trip in 2004. – Nicholas Jardine, Sacramento, California

Dear Marie: we had a wonderful time and can highly recommend this trip. Namibia is beautiful. For me it was the country, the people, the wildlife and the scenery that I wanted to experience. And I got it all and more than I hoped for. We were particularly lucky in having a great group of people (a Belgian couple, a British couple and us plus our guide). We all got along very well. Tim is an outstanding guide whose expertise and excellent organization was especially appreciated. The accommodations are excellent. We do appreciate that Tim had us back to Windhoek via private plane in time to catch our flight to Jo'burg. That was excellent. We thank African Horizons. Your organization is marvelous. -- Konrad Kempfe, Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania

“Marie, Corinne and I just wanted you to know that we had a spectacular time on our honeymoon and felt we could not have been in better hands than we were with African Horizons. From the time we got off the plane in Nairobi and were met by Chris and Francis, we couldn’t have been more comfortable. Every detail was taken care of and nothing fell short of expectations. Thanks for everything and we look forward to vacationing with you again.” –- Kevin Wojda, Washington, DC

Marie, we just returned from our safari in Kenya. African Horizons treated us very well during our stay – we believe beyond our expectations. Michael was the perfect guide for the 13 days that we were on the road. We had a great time and look forward to similar adventures in the future, perhaps to South Africa next time.” – Fred Williams, Dallas, Texas

"The trip to Africa was fantastic - thank you so much for all your help and advice. The group was wonderful, very easygoing people, and the people I met in Africa were amazing. The whole trip was really perfect." -- Julie Harris, New York, New York

"On behalf of our group, I would like you to know that we had a wonderful time on our safari in Kenya. Our accommodations were superb, the food first-class, and our guides went out of their way to ensure that we saw each of the animals that we had hoped to see. I was initially nervous about dealing with a company over the Internet and outside Canada. I would like to mention how much I appreciated the prompt replies to my questions that you provided. This together with your web site calmed my anxiety. I soon realized that I was dealing with a first class organization." -- Robin Insley, Surrey, Canada

"We had a really great time, thanks to the professional arrangements that you put together. Special acknowledgments to your man in Nairobi. He was very professional, kind and always prompt. I immediately felt secure when I met him at the airport. The hotel in Moshi and of course the Little Governors camp were great picks and definitely beyond my expectations. We made it to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro…not the most graceful ascent but nonetheless successful." -- Victoria Mees, Portland, Oregon

"Our trip was absolutely spectacular, we enjoyed every minute of the safari. Our guide was fantastic, the accommodations and food was superb. The Kenyan people are absolutely lovely! Both my mother and I are dying to go back. We would like to thank you again for the time and effort you put into planning an absolutely wonderful trip for us." -- Heather Brownell, Fort Collins, Colorado

"Bill and I had a great trip. All air connections went as scheduled and we were met at Nairobi airport and taken to the Stanley Hotel. The next morning our guide Abdul picked us up and we were on our way. All accommodations along the way were very good and the meals top notch. Abdul is great at spotting animals and went out of his way to get us a better look. The van got stuck in the mud once and Bill and I along with other men pushed and pulled to get it out, all part of theadventure! I would recommend your services to others and I appreciate all off the help andinformation you provided us." -- Vernon Marx, Fort Myers, Florida

"The trip Kenya and Tanzania was fantastic! Every detail was taken care of. The food and accommodation at the Serena Lodges and the New Stanley were superb. Our drive/guide was professional and knowledgeable about the birds and animals. I would definitely recommend African Horizons to others." -- Dr. Valerie Kish, Rockville, Virginia

"Dottie and I want to thank you for the wonderful safari that you arranged for us in Kenya and Tanzania. We very much appreciate that you gave freely of your time and expertise in answering our many questions. Our guides in both Kenya and Tanzania were excellent: friendly, knowledgeable and best of all very adept at finding the many animals we sought. We witnessed 3 lion hunts. We watched elephants locking horns and trunks in tests of strength and saw hippos roughhousing. It was an excellent experience, made better through your efforts." -- Paul Weinstein, Orange, Connecticut

"Hi Marie, were back! We had a great time and couldn't have imagined doing it any other way. The Kilimanjaro Trek was an amazing experience. The safari was really fun too. The accommodations (especially the food) were great. We really enjoyed having our own personal guide in the park. Thanks again! We will be sure to recommend your agency." -- Tom Rush, Stow, Massachusetts

"My trip was better than expected and one that I will never forget. The accommodations were superb. Every single 'arrangement' happened perfectly. This was very important since I was traveling alone. The food was marvelous and the animals awesome. Our guide in Botswana was the best! Thank you for your special attention and care in planning a trip that was a once in a lifetime experience." -- Gloria LaGasse, Newport Beach, California

"We just returned from our trip and wanted you to know what a great job your staff in Africa did. Everything went off perfectly…no one was ever late…we saw lots of animals…and the guides were very good. We all had a great time and will not hesitate to recommend African Horizons to anyone." -- Don Simon, Napa, California

"The trip was GREAT!! We all had a very good time. I think that the best place we visited for viewing game was Samburu. We saw the most animals there including a male lion, cubs, and females eating part of a giraffe underneath a bush. We also spotted a leopard eating some dinner up in a tree. I think what amazed me the most was how close we were able to get to most of the animals. I believe that part of the reason we had such a good trip was our guide. He was very knowledgeable about the animals and also explained a lot about the country and the people. To end the trip we went to Mombasa. This was the perfect way to end the trip with a little relaxation. Thanks again for your help in setting up the trip and dealing with our changes." -- Jamie Mott, Shaker Heights, Ohio

"Marie & Jim, just wanted to thank you both for the WONDERFUL time we had in Kenya. We were extremely pleased by the service and professionalism of the whole African Horizons team. We have recommended your services already to couple of friends. Do not hesitate to include us as reference if people want us to share our experience with them. Thanks again for everything." -- Rosa Huang, Hong Kong, China

"We had a wonderful time in Uganda. The gorillas were definitely the highlight of our trip. Our guide was the best. I highly recommend the place we stayed at in Bwindi. The staff and food were wonderful. The gorillas came down into the banana trees behind the lodge two mornings in a row. Excellent photo ops as they were all in the open. Thanks for everything." -- Ken Harden, Prospect, Oregon

"The trip was wonderful! Our driver/guide was absolutely great, always taking the time to point out what our eyes would miss. I am glad we took a private tour, it was much nicer than being with a group. Thanks for everything you did to make this trip possible." -- Edith Davis, Baumholder, Germany

"I have just returned from the most magical honeymoon anyone could have. Thank you so much for all your help in planning our trip. Our guide in South Africa was excellent. He made our trip pain free. Once again thanks so much for everything you did for us; it was the trip of a lifetime!" -- Diane Stikeleather, Murfreesboro, Tennessee

"Marie, I just wanted to tell you I had a great time. It was a more wonderful than I could imagine. I'm suggesting it to all my friends. The tour guides were excellent. The hotels were good and Mt. Kilimanjaro was unbelievable. I could look down and see the clouds at Horombo hut. I have never done anything so fantastic! I have lots of wonderful pictures and memories from our trip. Thanks for your assistance." -- Linda Watson, Richardson, Texas

"Thank you so much for an incredible vacation and adventure in Kenya. The itinerary you put together for Roxanne and I was absolutely perfect. Our guide was amazing. Not only was he very nice and funny, he also has eyes as sharp as an eagle. He could spot animals hiding in a bush a mile away and we could barely make them out with binoculars. The lodges were all great. We planted three trees at Lake Nakuru Lodge. Now we'll definitely have to come back and visit out trees. We both loved the hot-air balloon breakfast. It was truly magical. And the dinner in the bush for my birthday was really wonderful. Thank you again, Marie, for all your help in making this trip great." -- Damaris Lugo, Brooklyn, New York

"We had A wonderful trip! Marie, thank you again for your help in planning -- we did enjoy the permanent tented camp arrangement -- particularly hearing zebras munching on grass all night (they are noisy eaters) and hippos squishing as they walk by (they truly sound like wet sponges walking around)… The Masai Mara is a wonderful reserve and we want to return there (2001 or 2002) and spend 2 weeks in the Mara itself. Give us some thoughts on a Mara trip when you have a moment." -- Laura Romin, West Valley, Utah

"While in Africa, it was determined that I would potentially encounter an uncomfortable situation due to local elections. I was immediately provided with new accommodations, plane tickets and other amenities. This exceptional service resulted in the most luxurious, stress free travel I have ever encountered. Thank you African Horizons!" -- Shawn Shallow, Birmingham, Alabama

"We had a great time! We were met at the Nairobi airport then taken to our hotel at which point everything was explained to us. The next morning after breakfast we proceeded with our safari. Thank you for choosing such wonderful places to stay. We like the order in which our tour was set up, going from seeing a few animals to great herds of animals. I think we must of had the best guide in Kenya. We were able to see a pride of 14 lions, a parade of baboons, the demise of a wildebeest by a crocodile, the stalking of two leopards by a couple of lions, as well as the ingestion of a wart hog by two male lions. Upon our return to Nairobi we were comfortably situated in a hotel until the time of departure when we were picked up, taken to the airport, and escorted through the ticketing process and right up to the customs door. The service was flawless which made our vacation so enjoyable. Thank you again for a most enjoyable vacation in Kenya." -- JoAnn Westerman, Fair Oaks, CA

"Our African trip was excellent in almost every area. The game camps were a unique experience that we will always treasure. Both Camp Okavango and Ngala were memorable for the excellent staff and our wonderful experience with the animals. I have traveled a fair amount and this is the first trip I am ready to repeat immediately. Our next trip is to India and Nepal, but soon after that I feel we will return to Africa. Thank you for all your fine work." -- Gene Triplette, Pilot Mountain, North Carolina

"My entire trip was an adventure far in excess of my expectations, especially my stay in Kenya. Everything went exactly as planned. Guides were always prompt, helpful, knowledgeable and quite amazing in their ability to locate animals during game drives. I can not say enough wonderful things about African Horizons and the trip Marie laboriously planned on my behalf. My requests were always received most graciously and suggestions were offered that were most appreciated. It was the trip of a lifetime and African Horizons' planning was superb." -- Shirlee Gendreau, Santa Clara, California

"Botswana is amazing. The canoe trips were great and walking was an experience hiding from the buffalo! In Chobe we saw over 100 elephants in 3 hours. The following day we saw two lionesses with 5 cubs - just wonderful. Thank you for organizing the trip, and for being patient with my alterations, etc. It was really a trip of a lifetime and impossible to beat." -- Ginnie Scarles, Burks, England

"The trip was wonderful. We are very pleased we found you. The lodges were all great. We found that we could not take the long drives on dirt roads in Namibia and made some changes by flying to lodges. The operator did this easily and fairly. Use us as a reference any time." -- Ray Murray and Maureen Fleming, Missoula, Montana

"Well, the trip was great--as you told me it was beyond my expectation. Everything went very well, we loved the camps, the guides were great: knowledgeable, interesting and interactive. …We are looking forward to our next safari in a year or two. Thank you very much for organizing the trip. It was exactly the intensity and thoroughness I expected." -- Dr. Kami Godder, Columbia, South Carolina.

"This is just a quick note to say how much we enjoyed our holiday in Namibia & Botswana. We had a highly personalized service and we were really provided for. We had a wonderful time looking for leopards and other animals, as well as enjoying the cooking which was first class. All in all, a very successful experience from our point of view, so many thanks for all your help." -- Jan Kingsley, Barcelona, Spain

"We spent a wonderful time in the trip carefully prepared by you. The three generations enjoyed if very much, and as you can imagine, that was especially applicable to my grandson, who had a memorable experience. ...In short, we were very pleased with the services of your company." -- Raul Auzmendi, Gaithersburg, Maryland

"Overall, the trip was very easy. Everything went smoothly and efficiently. My favorite place to stay was the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge in Zimbabwe. It was a beautiful, luxurious place. Thanks Marie for all your help." -- Lisa McDonald, New York, New York

"I researched 8 other companies before picking African Horizons. Having completed the safari I must say I would go through Marie's agency again in the future. Even before I booked my safari, I found that they were willing to give me more information to help me decide. ...I planned my trip just 15 days before I left, she did a very good job of planning my trip. The price was also very competitive. Overall, it was a great value for the money we paid." -- Ravi Narashiman, Hillsdale, Illinois

"I wanted to let you know that I had a very enjoyable vacation in Kenya. I want to thank you for making all the tour arrangements, and personalizing the choices for me. I can say now that your brochure description of the tours was accurate. ...Your office connection in Kenya was friendly and informative. They met me at the airport promptly when I arrived and dropped me off timely when I left. They helped me through any paperwork and questions." -- Kathleen Spring, Lyons, Colorado

"I want to tell you what a wonderful time we had. Your arrangements went flawlessly and our accommodations were excellent. Everyone made a fuss over the kids and went out of their way to make them feel special. ...Our itinerary starting in Samburu and going down to the Masaai Mara then to Ngorongoro was perfect. We saw leopards, cheetah, giraffes, elephants and a variety of other animals. All the animals were incredible and the experience of seeing them in the wild was truly awe-inspiring. ...Marie, thank you again for all of your help. We had a truly wonderful family trip. It was all that I hoped for and you did a great job getting us ready. As soon as we are ready for our next trip we'll let you know." -- Nancy Mislin, Williamsville, New York