Kirsty Gordon’s love for Africa runs deep. Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, she grew up surrounded by the rhythmic pulse of the continent. When she was seven, her family moved to the scenic town of George, nestled within South Africa’s iconic Garden Route. This move deepened her appreciation for nature and adventure, setting the foundation for what would later become a lifelong passion for African travel. But it was a singular moment in Botswana in 1994 that changed everything—a moment that ignited a love affair with the African wilderness that would shape her career and inspire travelers from across the globe.
The Defining Safari Experience
Her first safari wasn’t a meticulously planned professional trip. Instead, it was a personal journey—an invitation to celebrate a friend’s 21st birthday in the Okavango Delta. The experience was transformative. As she navigated through the pristine wetlands, surrounded by an untouched wilderness teeming with life, she knew she had found something extraordinary. “This trip started my love affair with Africa,” she recalls. It wasn’t just the wildlife or the landscapes—it was the feeling of being part of something far greater than herself.
Professional Evolution: From Corporate Travel to Boutique Safaris
At the time, Kirsty was working in the travel industry, specializing in incentive travel for corporate companies in South Africa. She coordinated luxury trips for groups of 20 to 200 people, curating experiences that blended adventure with comfort. Her expertise in crafting seamless travel experiences soon caught the attention of another company that focused on bringing international groups to South Africa for large-scale corporate events. She transitioned into event management, refining her skills in hospitality and logistics. But something was missing—something raw and real that called her back to the wilder side of Africa.
The Birth of an African Travel Vision
In an era before online travel agencies became mainstream, Kirsty Gordon recognized an opportunity. She established her first online travel business, curating package holidays across Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands. Yet, even as she built a successful company, her personal thirst for adventure never waned. She often embarked on camping safaris in Botswana, immersing herself in the untamed landscapes she loved. Then came an unexpected request—one that would pivot her career in a new direction. A client from the United States, inspired by her personal travels, asked to join her on one of her self-planned camping expeditions. That singular request led to the creation of her luxury glamping company, specializing in intimate, tailor-made safaris.
A Brief Detour: Aiming for the Beijing Olympics
By 2006, another unexpected opportunity emerged—one that momentarily pulled her away from the travel industry. A talented equestrian, Kirsty was offered a chance to train and compete professionally in the UK, with the ultimate goal of qualifying for the Beijing Olympics as a representative of South Africa. She sold her travel business and moved to the UK, dedicating herself fully to the sport. But Africa’s call was never far from her heart. When she returned home in 2008, she found herself at a crossroads. Would she return to the travel industry, or forge a new path? The answer came swiftly. “On reflection, I realized I loved traveling in Africa. I loved helping people experience and explore Africa—so my decision was made. Africa and travel were my true loves.”
And so, Anywhere in Africa Safaris was born.
Curating Authentic African Experiences
Kirsty’s vision for Anywhere in Africa Safaris was clear from the start: to create boutique, highly personalized safari experiences that would not only showcase the continent’s beauty but also inspire travelers to become ambassadors for Africa.
Having spent more than three decades in the travel industry, Kirsty has personally explored some of the most remote and breathtaking corners of Africa. This firsthand experience allows her to carefully curate each itinerary, ensuring that her clients encounter the continent in the most authentic and immersive way possible.
“I focus on handpicking small boutique lodges and ground handlers in the various countries,” she explains. “The guides we use in each destination are vetted by the amazing ground handlers I partner with. We work with lodges and guides who are passionate about Africa and want to showcase the true African experience—something that is authentic and real.”
Building Strong Partnerships for Unmatched Experiences
Kirsty believes that partnerships are the foundation of creating unparalleled experiences. “It helps when you’ve been in the industry for such a long time. You build trust and honesty with all the suppliers—lodges, ground handlers, and guides.”
To maintain the highest standards, she frequently visits destinations and lodges herself. In 2024 alone, she ventured to Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Zambia. Her next mission? Kenya and Uganda. “I’ve been wanting to revisit Kenya and Uganda since before COVID. This year, I want to focus on updates—checking out new lodges, revisiting Samburu National Park, Masai Mara, and Amboseli. In Uganda, I want to experience gorilla and chimpanzee trekking firsthand, explore Queen Elizabeth National Park, visit Murchison Falls, and even go Nile perch fishing.”
A Commitment to Conservation and Responsible Tourism
Kirsty is deeply committed to conservation and community upliftment, ensuring that her business has a meaningful impact on the destinations it serves. Anywhere in Africa Safaris donates a portion of each client’s trip to two significant initiatives.
The Future of African Travel
African tourism is steadily evolving, with growing interest in sustainable travel, conservation efforts, and immersive experiences. Countries like Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, Botswana, Namibia, and Uganda remain top destinations. However, Kirsty Gordon predicts that emerging locations such as Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Ethiopia, Reunion Island, and Madagascar will see increased traveler interest over the next five years.
“I am already working with preferred partners in these areas, so my network is ready,” she says. Her recent visits to Zambia and Mozambique have only reinforced her belief that these destinations will thrive in the coming years. “Zambia is an incredible wildlife destination, and Mozambique offers pristine beaches, fishing, and scuba diving—perfect for those looking for both adventure and relaxation.”
Advice for Travelers and Must-Visit Destinations
For anyone planning a trip to Africa, Kirsty offers one essential piece of advice: “It’s the journey, not the destination.” She encourages travelers to embrace the rhythm of Africa—where things move a little slower, but the experiences are profoundly rich. “Be open and flexible when you travel in Africa. Try not to impose first-world expectations on your trip. You will meet amazing people, see incredible wildlife, and witness awe-inspiring landscapes—but sometimes, you need patience.”
As for must-visit destinations, she has three clear favorites:
- Tanzania – Home to the Great Migration, a breathtaking natural event that sees millions of wildebeest move across the Serengeti. “It’s an experience like no other.”
- Rwanda – “Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” she says. Add in Nyungwe Forest’s chimpanzee trekking and coffee plantations, and you have a destination of unparalleled beauty.
- Botswana – The Okavango Delta, Elephant Havens, and the country’s vast, untouched landscapes make it an unforgettable safari destination.
Through her work, Kirsty Gordon ensures that travelers don’t just visit Africa—they fall in love with it. And for those who journey with Anywhere in Africa Safaris, the continent becomes more than just a destination. It becomes a lifelong passion.
