About Us
ABOUT EXPLORE & TRAVEL AFRICA
Explore & Travel Africa was born from a deep and enduring love for this continent, for its untamed beauty, its remarkable wildlife, and the stillness found in its wide open spaces. Our mission is to inspire travellers to visit travel Africa, to learn about wildlife and conservation and to champion Africa to their family and friends.
We specialise in crafting bespoke luxury African safaris for our guests from around the world. Every itinerary is tailored with precision and purpose, using handpicked safari lodges and trusted partners who share our values. Our guests are not simply ticking off destinations. They are stepping into stories, into landscapes that leave a lasting imprint.
Explore & Travel Africa is proudly owner operated. Based in the beautiful city of Cape Town, Michelle brings over 25 years of expertise in the travel industry and has spent decades exploring Africa, one safari at a time, from the wild plains of the Masai Mara to the floodplains of the Okavango, and the remote corners of Zimbabwe.
Along the way, she has slept under canvas in mobile bush camps, woken up to lion tracks outside luxury lodges, and absorbed the rhythm of the wild while quietly perfecting the art of creating unforgettable safaris.
This is not just a job. It is a calling rooted in clarity, care, and a deep respect for place. Michelle brings a rare combination of warmth and precision to everything she does, acting as a thoughtful guide behind the scenes to ensure every detail is considered and every trip feels personal.
Whether you are dreaming of your first safari or returning for another chapter, Explore & Travel Africa is here to help you design a journey that feels effortless, considered, and deeply rewarding. This is where your safari story begins.
Chat to us for expert advice about your next Africa Safari!
Meet Michelle
Michelle Astbury lives in Cape Town, South Africa. She began her professional career in travel more than 25 years ago, but it was the magic of Africa’s wildlife and wilderness that truly captured her heart. Founding Explore & Travel Africa was the natural next step and a way to combine her love for the continent with her meticulous attention to detail and years of industry knowledge.
What sets Michelle apart is not just her experience but how she approaches her work. She is curious, grounded, and deeply invested in getting things right. She takes the time to understand what her clients truly want, even if they cannot fully describe it, and she creates journeys that go beyond expectations.
She believes that luxury should never feel soulless. It should feel like being in the right place at the right time, with every detail quietly taken care of, so you can completely immerse yourself in the moment. Explore & Travel Africa is her way of sharing the Africa she knows and loves, rich in nuance and beauty, with those ready to experience it.
Why Travel with Explore & Travel Africa
Drawing on over 25 years of experience in crafting luxury travel experiences
Connect with Explore & Travel Africa
Inspired by nature, our journey began in the travel and tourism industry more than 25 years ago. Since then, we have been designing bespoke, carefully curated luxury safaris for travellers from across the globe.
Based in Cape Town, South Africa, we invite you to work with us to plan your safari holiday as a seamless experience, rather than booking each element directly with individual lodges.
We are proudly represented on SafariBookings.com, an independent online safari marketplace and are bonded with SATSA, a respected governing body within the South African tourism sector.
Michelle on her travels around Africa and beyond
At Victoria Falls 
In Hwange, the elephants come to you 
Cruising the Zambezi River 
In a mokoro in the Okavango Delta 
At Elephant Bedroom camp in Samburu, Kenya 
At Victoria Falls on the Zimbabwe Side Sunset and the Marsh Pride in Masai Mara 
In Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda Equator Crossing in Kenya 
Equator Crossing in Uganda In Ravello, Amalfi Coast Pushing the limits at Devils Pool in Victoria Falls
