Africa safari cofounders

Our Journeys are family.

Explore natural wonders and local culture.

 

Why?

It started as an idea from a group of friends (citizens of Botswana, the United States of America, and Colombia) to cultivate a community that prioritizes authenticity, cultural exchanges, and experiencing remarkable journeys. We also have an affinity for Botswana, the outdoors, and community-focused, generous, adventurous, open-minded, strong, and intelligent people. Pooling all of our talents together, we knew we had an opportunity to share Botswana with others by providing unique journeys. Plus, be able to cultivate a digital community of extraordinary people. We enjoy remarkable journeys with remarkable people.

A Journey is a collective noun for a group or family of giraffes on the go. When they’re standing still, they’re called a tower. A journey embodies what we want to build and how we want our community to feel - like a non-static (mentally and physically) group of individuals who are made to feel like family. The kind you like…

Our Values

  • ERE 

    • Everyone Respects everyone. We are the 4 founders, we respect each other, we will have disagreements, at the end of the day we are still friends. 

  • Happy to be here

    • No one has to do this. It’s a choice to be here and it’s an incredible opportunity to own your own destiny.

  • Commitment / Accountability

    • We value our word and the commitment we made to each other. Be reliable, be on time, prepared, effective, disciplined, and put your best effort into each task. Mistakes are okay, own it, fix it, try hard. When one of us wins, we all win. 

  • Communicate

    • Over-communicate, be honest, be upfront, be credible (when you are honest and upfront you build credibility).

Meet the Team

  • Zappa

    Zappa, Chief Morale Officer

    U.S. resident.

    Twelve years of experience in de-escalating situations. Expert in snuggles, swimming, and chasing tennis balls.

  • Matt Phillips, Co-Founder & CEO

    Matt Phillips, Co-Founder & Chief

    U.S. citizen.

    University of Florida alumni - majoring in Economics and African Studies. Having lived in Botswana for years, Matt dreams of sharing Botswana's beauty and Batswana (the people) with more of the world.

  • Moses Teko, Head Africa Safari Guide

    Moses Teko, Co-Founder, Head Guide & Operations

    Botswana citizen.

    “Mozeeh” has 15-years of experience in the Okavango and surrounding areas. Camp Director. Certified Professional Guide. Guide trainer. Moses has had an illustrious career, including establishing and leading many local safari programs. Moses has also personally guided some of the world’s biggest celebrities.

  • Thato Thuto Utlwang, Logistics

    Thato Thuto Utlwang, Co-Founder, Administration & Logistics

    Botswana citizen.

    Strategy Coordinator for Botswana's Ministry of Agriculture. Human Resources Manager. Extensive experience with hosting & event planning for international & multicultural groups.

  • Paula Gean, Co-Founder, Chief Marketing Officer

    Paula Gean, Co-Founder & Marketing

    U.S. & Colombia Citizen.

    As an award-winning tech executive with 18 years of experience in MarCom, PR, strategy & community engagement, Paula has worked with the World Economic Forum, the SXSW® conference & most of the Fortune 500 companies. She’s excited to document local culture in Botswana & its parallels with Latin America.

  • Ale Linares

    Colombia Citizen

    Hi, I’m Ale Linares! I’m in college studying International Marketing and Advertising at Universidad Icesi. I’m a creative, proactive, and goal-oriented individual who thrives in dynamic environments, values teamwork, and is passionate about learning and innovation.