Hello I’m Sarah,

A decade ago, I started Sarah James Travel with a simple belief: that a great trip isn't just booked, it's designed. That the difference between a good journey and an unforgettable one lies in the details - the right camp at the right moment, the unexpected experience nobody else thought to include, the story you will be telling years from now.

Where it all began

I fell in love with Africa during my childhood on one of our family’s annual holidays to the continent. There was a sense of freedom, warmth and possibility that I had never experienced anywhere else. This feeling has quietly shaped the course of my life ever since.

Life under canvas

In my twenties, I spent several years working in safari camps and running luxury mobile safaris across Zimbabwe and Botswana and experiencing Africa at it’s wildest. Living under canvas and immersed in the rhythms of the bush taught me what makes safari so special.  I can still recall the smell of last night's embers lingering over that first cup of coffee as dawn broke and the bush slowly came to life. 

The places that stay with you

Over the last 25 years working in the luxury Africa travel industry, my journey has taken me far beyond the bush to vibrant cities, remote beaches, ancient deserts, vineyards, mountains, islands and remarkable safari lodges across the continent. What has always fascinated me is not simply where you go, but how a place makes you feel. Some destinations stir adventure, others invite complete stillness. Some become the backdrop to life's greatest celebrations, while others quietly find a place in your heart and call you back again.

Still curious

That curiosity has shaped my career in the world of Africa travel. It has drawn me back to Africa’s wild places and the people who know them best. Along the way, one well-thumbed khaki notebook has quietly travelled with me, gradually filling with the little details and insights that so often transform a wonderful safari into one you will remember for a lifetime. 

The Team

Although you'll always work closely with me, I'm fortunate to be supported by a small, exceptional team who share my passion for Africa and for looking after our clients.

Together, we make sure every detail is thoughtfully taken care of, leaving you free to simply enjoy the excitement of planning the trip. 

Sarah James Travel has grown almost entirely through personal recommendations, conversations over a cup of coffee or a glass of wine. Many of our clients have since become friends, returning over the years to discover more of Africa with us. 

Whenever you're ready, we'd love to begin planning your own African story.

With love,

Sarah