Shaka Golf Safaris

I suppose the story of how we began is in itself a bit odd.   But going back right to the beginning…..   I was born and educated in England and in 1967 I got married and headed off to Africa, Lusaka to be specific.  It didn’t take long before Africa was in my blood (it does get to you!) and I’ve lived here every since.  After Zambia came Rhodesia – yes “the” Rhodesia, and that was one of the most interesting periods of my life.  I lived in Salisbury for nearly 9 years and loved the country immensely.  Then in 1977 I moved to South Africa and have been here ever since.  I started to play golf soon after arriving here and really enjoyed it (although I was never any good!)

The “odd” bit is that, whilst on holiday on Lake Kariba (in the now Zimbabwe) with friends from England in 1994, they kept making comments like “you’d make a great tour operator” and “you should be in the tour business” etc.  Sitting on a boat on Kariba with a beer in one hand and a fishing rod in the other, I thought “I could enjoy doing this for a living!”

Three months back in the corporate office ,the international company that I worked for announced it was moving to Johannesburg, which was a no no for me.  So, when I took retrenchment from my high-powered job in 1994, I decided to start my own travel business with a view to sharing my love of golf and travel with people across the globe.

And here we still are!  From the onset I wanted the business to be absolutely tiny and personal – every single itinerary is especially designed for each Client.  I really enjoy designing golf  itineraries and have personally played 120 of  South Africa’s courses.   Due to a back problem I no longer play (and I miss it!) however I still check out new courses by driving around in a buggie with the Pro.  So I keep pretty up to date.

Many of our Clients have become friends and many come back again and again.  I think our success has been the personal touch.  When you deal with us you know it’s me, just me, sitting here having a ball designing a wonderful itinerary for you.  With my erstwhile colleague Elizabeth putting all those bookings into place.  And we love what we do!

So yes, that’s who we are.  Always at your service and able to plan wonderful golfing holidays for you!