ABOUT LUXURY AFRICA SAFARIS

Patrick was born in Germany and moved to South Africa with his mother at the tender age of 5, where he went on his first safari in the Hluhluwe/Umfolozi Game Reseve. The Land Rover was chased by a grumpy Rhino, and in the ensuing excitement Patrick was hooked. With bi-annual trips to Europe to visit his father, Patrick became a world-traveller at a young age. So, it comes as no surprise that after completing a degree in Software Development, Patrick soon realized that coding did not give him the thrill and people interaction that he craved, so he began to look for an alternative career and got involved in the world of travel.

Patrick has been involved in the travel industry for over 28 years in both the United States and South Africa. Patrick’s previous roles include being the Sales Director at Thompsons Africa, one of South Africa’s largest inbound tour-operators, as well as 10 years at the helm of Seasons in Africa, a luxury lodge & hotel group. Patrick’s time at Seasons in Africa afforded him the opportunity to assist in expanding the company’s portfolio of properties to include Desroches Private Island in the Seychelles.

In 2013, Patrick decided to create Luxury Africa Safaris with the sole aim of offering clients an unparalleled safari experience of Southern and East Africa. In 2008 Patrick guided one of the world’s most affluent families on a two week private jet safari around Mozambique, which he describes as an amazing privilige, and one of many subsequent trips he has handled for high net worth individuals. From the very inception of Luxury Africa Safaris, there were numerous travel companies, that wanted him to personally guide their guests, which reminded Patrick how much he enjoyed this aspect of the business.

Patrick is one of those private guides who “gets it” and will passionately share Cape Town and the safari destinations that he loves with his guests. As a father and traveler, Patrick understands the need to engage families across all age groups and has a few tricks up his sleeve when it comes to making a trip “come alive”! Patrick is well traveled across Southern & East Africa and can speak to all current issues and questions you might have about life in Africa. He is also incredibly well connected, due to all his years in the travel industry as well as living locally in Cape Town, and can often make the impossible, possible. Patrick is a relentless foodie and will take great pleasure in sharing this side of Cape Town with you, its restaurants being some of the best in the world. Patrick is a qualified pilot as well, which makes him the perfect co-pilot on a private jet safari and his passion for photography will supply you with both family & wildife images, capturing and documenting the memores of a great safari! Patrick’s keen eye has led to him creating a gallery in Cape Town, exhibiting both wildlife and cultural works of top local photographers.

You will meet a private guide, but leave with a new friend who has infected you with his love for Africa!

Born in Cape Town, with an endless desire to explore the world, Storm has become the ultimate African travel guru! With an in-depth knowledge of Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Botswana, Mozambique, South Africa, India and Sri Lanka, her attention to detail in creating itineraries which exceeds expectations is un-paralled.

Storm met Rob (a fellow Luxury Africa Safaris key team member) while studying in Cape Town. With their combined love of the African bush; they made their way back to Rob’s family farm on the southern outskirts of the Kruger National Park. Before long, Storm found herself working for Patrick Siebel, the founder and owner of Luxury Africa Safaris. A few years later, and now husband and wife, Storm and Rob embarked on an adventure to manage Sand Rivers Camp in the untamed Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania. Here they gained valuable experience running a camp in the remote wilderness. Working with a design team on the refurbishment of Sand Rivers and the construction of Kiba Point (Sand Rivers’ satellite camp), they were soon snapped up by the owner of Chongwe River Camp in Zambia. Located on the Zambezi River, opposite the magnificent Mana Pools, in the Lower Zambezi National Park, this experience broadened their horizons even further.

Headhunted, they next found themselves managing a luxury hotel in India; The Oberoi Wildflower Hall in Shimla at the foothills of the Himalayas. A completely different experience to that of safari lodges; the 85 room 5-star deluxe Spa Retreat, exposed Rob and Storm to corporate Hotel Management. Hosting celebrities and dignitaries, Wildflower Hall exposed them to The Oberoi Group’s world-renowned standards and operating procedures. After 3 years in northern India, along with extensive travel throughout India and Sri Lanka, the draw of Africa lured Rob and Storm back to the bush.

Joining Sirai House, on the Borana Conservancy in Kenya, they had the privilege of working alongside a team of professionals handpicked to create arguably one of the most luxurious properties in East Africa. During the completion phase of Sirai, they experienced a pre-opening property where they headed the team responsible for the mammoth task of the finishing and snagging phase of the project. A truly incredible 5 years spent running a property as if it was their own.

After welcoming their gorgeous son Angus into the world and conquering a road trip through half of the African continent from Kenya to Cape Town, they decided they wanted to share their love of safari with the world! Incorporating understated luxury, with authentic wildlife and cultural experiences in some of the continent’s last remaining true wilderness areas, Storm brings together all of her skills and experience (combined with a wicked personality!) to create an unprecedented safari itinerary.

With a solid knowledge of Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Botswana and South Africa, Rob is the epitome of an experienced safari guide. Charming and witty, he is armed with a wealth of knowledge and has built a reputation for providing an exceptional all-round safari experience.

Rob started his safari career in South Africa’s Lowveld, before embarking on an adventure with his vivacious wife Storm to manage Sand Rivers Camp in the Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania. Here he gained valuable experience of the Southern Tanzania’s remote wilderness. After travelling the length and breadth of Tanzania’s untamed places, they set off to manage Chongwe River Camp in the Lower Zambezi National Park. This exposed them to some of Zambia’s top safari destinations and is also where Rob obtained his Zambian Wildlife Authority Guiding Qualification including walking, boating and canoeing.

Young and eager to see more of the world, Rob and Storm soon found themselves managing a luxury hotel in India! The Oberoi Wildflower Hall, in Shimla at the foothills of the Himalayas, became their new home. This 85 room 5-star deluxe Spa Retreat exposed them to corporate hotel management and the high standards and procedures of the Oberoi Group. Whenever possible, Rob and Storm explored India and Sri Lanka’s wild spaces, finding places which rang true to their safari spirit. After 3 years in northern India, the draw of Africa lured them back to the bush.

Joining Sirai House on the Borana Conservancy in Laikipia, Kenya in early 2012, they had the privilege of working with professionals who had been handpicked to create this incredible property. Managing the house for 5 years, they headed a team who aimed to deliver arguably the best standards in safari in East Africa.

True to their adventurous spirit, Rob and Storm, now joined by their young son Angus, have since secured an untouched tract of Northern Kenya. This allows their guests the chance to integrate with local communities, contribute towards the protection of wildlife and be part of securing a natural habitat. They hope to leave a conservation legacy that preserves a spectacular corner of Kenya.

Rob uses his years of management and guiding experience, as well as a vast knowledge of the African safari industry, to open up a world of adventure for discerning guests.

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Matthew is a born and bred Capetonian, with a passion for South Africa and it’s future.. After working in the financial sector to pay for his studies in finance and accounting, Matthew felt the desire to travel and to see more of African continent that he so loves. Through 2011 to 2015, Matthew partnered on several non-profit relief aid trips, getting to see some of the deeper parts of South Africa, Zambia, Malawi, Botswana and Mozambique. These trips deepened the love that Matthew has for South Africa and its cultural heritage.

In 2016, after turning down the opportunity to work abroad, Matthew decided to seek out a South African company who held similar values to himself and that’s where he met Patrick Siebel and caught onto his vision for Luxury Africa.

Matthew plays a key role in the financial aspect of Luxury Africa, helping steer the company to meet its goals and working closely with the founder in making sure that the business stays ahead of its field whilst offering clients the best experience possible. Matthew’s greatest desire is for others to fall in love with South Africa as much as he has. Hence, nothing makes him happier than to hear of what an incredible time guests are having exploring the region, on a Luxury Africa Safari.

Erni was born in China and moved to South Africa with her family at the age of 9. She studied Fashion Design in both Durban and Munich and spent much of her working career in the fashion world. In the 70s 80s and early 90s, Erni lectured Creative Design at the Natal Technikon’s Fashion School, mentoring many of the people that have emerged over the years, as top South Africa fashion designers. Erni also had the priviledge of being voted one of the Top 10 Best-dressed women in South Africa.

With her keen creative eye, Erni has helped curate the Luxury Africa Atelier, helping source unique African luxury items that visitors like to purchase while in South Africa. Erni also assists with office administration, where her eye for detail helps the team.