Your Timeless Journey Awaits...
"Building on my personal knowledge, my team creates tailor-made specialist trips that deliver only-in-YPO type experiences. Each itinerary provides an intimate and memorable taste of African hospitality, wildlife and beauty where every aspect of your journey is carefully considered and perfectly planned." – Marco Van Embden
Timeless Africa Safaris was founded in 2002 by Marco van Embden, who is an active YPO member, one of the Cape Town Chapter Founding members and a Hickok award winner. Marco is a passionate YPO-er, who has served the organization well for many years and I carry a wealth of institutional memory.
Over the last 20 years we have worked very closely with YPO, putting together personal trips for thousands of members including family trips, multi-generational family trips, business trips and chapter & forum retreats.
YPO refers chapter & forum retreats, families & couples to Timeless Africa Safaris on a consistent basis. We have been showcased at 8 YPO Global Leadership conferences & YPO Edge conferences and we were the official travel company organizing the pre and post-travel around the YPO GL C & EDGE in Cape Town, March 2019 and assisted over 350 YPOers with their travels.
Below is a showcase of a few of the wonderful feedback which we have received from YPO guests.
“The trip rated a straight 10 across the board! Members shared their favorite experience and they varied across our experiences. The photos are wonderful, I would encourage the inclusion of more animal photos if possible, particularly the Lions, Leopards and fighting male Giraffes! Amazing experiences and great friendships were fostered and created through your and your team’s work. I simply cannot thank you enough. What a bonus to see Sylvan, meet the rest of your family, and speak with some of your forum mates!”
“Marco Van Embden set up a 10X in a lifetime trip at Kapama Private Game Reserve (and Cape Town) in South Africa for a group YPO Austin couples last year. The entire group just held a one year anniversary dinner party 3 weeks ago to “re-live” the adventure with photos and video memories on the big screen.
From the Helicopter-tracking rhino adventure for veterinary care, to stumbling upon a fierce giraffe “neck banging” bloody battle for territory and mate, and the roar of lions at dusk 5 feet from our vehicle and tracking a predatory leopard looking to attack his foe in front of us… it was a trip of a lifetime that we are planning to bring our boys to soon. Kapama Private Game Reserve was incredible, more than first class, but Marco and his team at Timeless Africa Safaris were the real magic. Took care of 100% of every necessary detail to make a big trip like this, smooth and effortless, half way around the Earth for us. Thanks Marco. There is more to write about your fabulous team on another post. But Africa, especially South Africa for our family, is a 10X in a lifetime trip.”
“Thank you for creating some incredible experiences for us. I know the effort and detail that it takes to create such memories for all of us! Robin, Laura and the rest of the TA Safari team…a big thank you for making our itineraries look seamless.” Sri Jyo
“Thanks a lot for a fabulous retreat. Thoroughly enjoyed it and will remember lots of fond memories forever. So much care was taken in planning and execution of this wonderful and ever memorable retreat.”
“You have been extraordinary. Thank you. I can see the WPO/YPO excellence shining thru.”
“Marco is the Gold Standard for YPO Africa Safaris. As a YPO member and former International Board member, his company is my best recommendation. I have been on sevaral safaris and have had extraordinary experiences when Marco’s company has taken care of me.”
“I just wanted to, say how amazing Timeless Africa Safari, especially Louise was on our multi-country trip (itinerary here), to Africa during COVID – I was very, very nervous. My only big worry was actually overthinking because Louise had everything sorted. It was smooth, she was on call 27 for us.
If I was worried about paperwork, all the COVID tests – she would organise them in advance.
And the places that we were staying at were like a well-oiled machine.
Again, we really didn’t have to think they worked out. the best day to take the test for us; flew in the people that needed or had onsite COVID testing and all the results came back within 24 hours – seamlessly.
So it was the most magical experience as well as going during these times, ’cause there weren’t as many people around, so we really had the safari all to ourselves.
So thank you, for being our rock during COVID times and creating the most magical trip through Rwanda Kenya, South Africa and Mozambique.”
“The trip was amazing. We had amazing seats at Gold [Restaurant]! Juma moves us by his work in Woodstock, starting from so little yet his passion and belief can be strongly felt. Tony Elvin was also a real highlight to our trip. His work at the Langa Quarter is truly admirable, and we have perhaps gotten into future collaboration opportunities with him. Martin, our guide was also quite lovely, never thought we would enjoy so much history but it was great to learn about his interesting background. Thank you for the wonderful arrangements, and Sideways [immersive food, wine and cultural] Tours are really unique in quality! I do hope we get to work with you again when we come back for safari.”
“Hi Marco and Kim, we had a trip of a lifetime so thank you so much for making this possible. I am actually about to share your details with another friend travelling to Africa this year. Hope the YPO GLC & EDGE goes well and we are disappointed that we couldn’t make it. We plan on coming back once kids can do Rwanda.”
“Hello Holly, I’ve been meaning to write you to tell you we had a wonderful time on the African trip you organized for us. We really liked all three countries – Tanzania, Kenya & Rwanda & the Ngorongoro Crater, the Southern Serengeti & the Maasai Mara with all their amazing animals & Volcanoes National Park with the gorillas. The hotels, lodges & camps were very varied, which was a plus.
You took care of every detail – the transfers were seamless and all three of our main guides/drivers – Mohammed, with some help from Charles on our return, in Tanzania, and Daniel at Elewana in Kenya in the bush and Didier in Rwanda were excellent. Thank you for your help in pulling together this trip.
We’re happy to recommend Timeless Africa in the future.
(We’ve already been mentioning our experiences to people in New York and Florida, including at a YPO evening event the other night in NY.)”
“Everything went perfectly! It was truly a dream come true for me and I loved every single minute of our time in South Africa. The hotels, drivers, tours and flight were seamless and it was so nice to not worry about the details. Our last night at the Saxon was truly extraordinary. I’m not sure if you pulled some strings to get us such amazing rooms but it was an incredible way to spend our last night in South Africa. It was unforgettable! We have incredible memories that will last my parent, my kids and myself a lifetime. Thank you!”
“Marco, I totally agree. You guys were great, and we would totally recommend your company to any other YPO’ers who travel to South Africa, as well as family and friends. All the connections were smooth, and Kim was available throughout our two weeks whenever we needed her (which was only twice, and she solved the issue quickly both times).
Plus, I think you guys must have gotten us a special upgrade when we were in Joburg, because our stay at the Saxon was one of the most amazing rooms we have every had!
Truly a YPO experience. We had been dreaming of this trip for roughly 10 years, and despite those lofty expectations, I’m happy to say that your company and the country itself totally lived up to them.”
“Dear Marco, The trip overall was incredible starting with the YPO Family Safari and ending with the two additional weeks your company planned for us. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience of sheer delight.
Belinda Lamprecht was a pleasure to work with and was extremely knowledgeable and helpful. Thank you again for connecting me with her. I will certainly refer your company to everyone I know headed to Africa!”
“Thanks Belinda! We had a fabulous time. Flying into Nelspruit including time at lodge on the way in and out allowed for two additional game drives Thanks to TAS for logistics and smooth management of this end to end. We will be back!”
“We had the greatest time in South Africa especially the time we were on safari. Kay was absolutely wonderful at taking care of everything for us. I would like to come back with my family in July!” ~ Jay
“I am back in the office today and wanted to reiterate my extreme gratitude for your incredible client service before and during my trip to Africa. You truly went above and beyond my wildest expectations!! I am absolutely blown away by the experience. My trip to Africa was a life highlight, but having experienced it, I now realize how many aspects of the trip would not have gone as well without you there to plan it and solve issues that arose. I will strongly recommend you to anyone I know who is considering visiting South Africa. You played the key role in a trip that has expanded my mind and created lifelong memories. I am now a client for life!” ~ Mark
“Hi Marco, thank you so much, Holly organized my best friend Michelle and I with the most spectacular trip! I have referred my father to her, as he and his girlfriend are planning a trip later this year. Appreciated the incredible service, and have nothing but positive things to say!” ~Rachel
“Hi Holly, Wow what a life changing experience! The itinerary you created was impeccable. This was my first time using a luxury travel agent and I was blown away. Having the VIP meet and greet to take us through security was so appreciated. I was blown away by the attention to detail you provided us in our package. The hotels were all fabulous. Another highlight for me was our driver in Cape Town. His knowledge and care of us was like nothing I had ever experienced. Mervyn I believe was his name and he had the best customer service I have yet to experience in all my travels to date. I can’t complain about a thing. It was all absolutely outstanding!
I cannot wait to come back again with the whole family. Or another girls trip to Rwanda and I will be in touch with you directly at that time. Thank you for all you support Holly. You helped me create the most beautiful memories and I am so grateful to you.” ~ Michelle
“You have been extraordinary. Thank you. I can see the WPO/YPO excellence shining thru.”
“Marco, We are members of YPO Chicago and we found your company through the YPO network. We are so grateful we found your company and had the opportunity to work with Kim Evans. She did an amazing job! She took the time to get to know our family’s interests, needs and preferences for travel and really catered a phenomenal itinerary to meet our needs. We had the most amazing experience & created lifelong memories for 3 generations of our family.”
“I have been meaning to write to you and thank you for my wonderful South Africa trip. The last day with Shelly was fantastic. She is a hoot and extremely knowledgeable. I hope to be in touch very soon so that I can plan my next Africa trip! Thanks again for everything!” ~Yassin
“Marco, We had a fantastic time! I got two other YPO couples to join us and they too had a wonderful experience. Kim is a gem. ~ Rick”
We had an incredible time – thank you for everything! Best trip ever!!!!
“Africa stole my heart! For all those who have asked me about who organized my trip I recommend our agency in Africa, which made the difference, that more than a tourist trip, it was a trip of experiences, from knowing an African village of a native tribe to meet an elephant sanctuary and feed them! I hope it serves you!”
“The wonderful team at Timeless Africa Safaris assisted in organizing the Harvard OPM37 South Africa Retreat in January 2017. The outstanding service received from Timeless Africa Safaris definitely contributed to the great success of our retreat and I would highly recommend them as a preferred Travel Management Company.”
“Firstly, thanks a lot for the very nice arrangements for our trip. Everything worked with absolute precision, whether it was pick-up or accommodation arrangements or the sight-seeing visits etc. We didn’t have to move a finger to check what was next and who will do what. Everything kept happening as per plan and each hotel confirmed the next pick up etc., and each location welcomed us with genuine love and very warm welcome.
Some memories…
We had a thrilling encounter when we nearly bumped into a hippo in Camp Okavango on a canoe trip in shallow waters… just minutes after the guide had rightly asked us not to worry because hippos and crocs don’t move in 1.5 ft deep water! Thankfully on seeing the hippo, our guide quietly and cleverly took us back from the position without incident. Another highlight was to witness the two elusive Sitatunga [antelope] in their full glory. Another highlight was to see a leopard resting under a tree from 10 ft away. But the final highlight was the walking safari in Camp Okavango and coming across a mama elephant with two babies. We had to stay still until she decided we were not a threat and moved on.
I believe that this itinerary was perfect for 6 nights. If we had 2 more nights, we would have added Moremi Camp as well. However something for us to do in the future. The private planes were perfectly on time and well organized and connected us well especially for our ongoing flight from Maun to Johannesburg.
All the locations (Royal Livingstone, Chobe Game Lodge and Camp Okavango) were superlative in their quality of accommodation, friendliness of their staff and of course the quality of their food (especially since we were vegetarians). The quality of TAS’ guides, consultants and drivers was of a very high order. They were all extremely friendly, highly efficient and always gave us a feeling that we are in good hands.
We did do the 30 min helicopter trip over the Victoria Falls and another over the Okavango Delta. Both were spectacular and I would highly recommend them for the guests!
All in all an amazing trip! A big thank you for your help.”
“Dear TAS Team, I wanted to share our deepest gratitude for all your assistance in setting up a remarkable vacation with lifetime memories for our family. Everything was meticulously planned and well executed. The guides were amazing. The accommodations very warm and possibly some of the best hospitality we have experienced in all our travels. The family is in love with Africa and is certain to come back. It is a good sign when you already start planning your next vacation!
I would love to see from you perhaps suggestions for early planning on the next trip to start thinking. Will be sending many more references your way. Best wishes!”
These guests were extremely keen to explore the Cape Winelands and its world-class food and wine scene, so Luxury Travel Manager Kim arranged a specialist tour guide to show them around. They visited the best vineyards, had a number of excellent wine tastings and cellar tours and enjoyed lunch at one of the finest restaurants in the Cape. Here’s what their guide, Pamela, had to say:
“A huge thank you for sending me this fabulous couple. I loved my time with them! Eran is into red wines – LOVES Cabs. Not fond of Shiraz. They both enjoy cab franc. Megan is more into whites and leans towards Chardonnay. They have a share in a vineyard in Napa and are wine fanatics.
We started our wine tour at Waterkloof with a wonderful cellar tour done by a lady called Lee. Lee looked after us for the wine tasting and we learned so much about her life growing up in Hopefield. She was fascinating and really bright and we all really enjoyed meeting her. We pretty much spent most of the morning there. I did a short driving tour of Stellenbosch and skidded them into Delaire Graff with instructions to have the estate wine with lunch. Eran LOVED the Cab 2015. We then headed across the road to Tokara to sample their wines. A quick drive through Franschhoek town and then we stopped into Mullineaux & Leeu Family Wines for the last tasting slot of the day. Fabulous people – I hope they come back!”
“We just returned from South Africa. Thank you very much for your support and suggestions. Lion Sands Narina was absolutely wonderful.”
“Belinda arranged a five-star safari experience in Zambia and Botswana for YPOers Jodi and Sid, who kindly visited the GLC & EDGE Marketplace in Cape Town with a thank you gift for her. They stayed at Matetsi River Lodge at Victoria Falls, &Beyond Chobe Under Canvas in Chobe National Park and &Beyond Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp in the Okavango Delta.”
“Thank you so much for organising our trip – everything went so smoothly. We loved Londolozi – it was really very special.”
“Greetings from London! We thanked you so often while we were enjoying the folks & animals living in Kruger Park! The experience surpassed our expectations. Lion Sands Narina was OUR kind of place to explore that amazing part of the world! We received wonderful service with the best guide and spotter when out in the vehicles & returned to warm, genuine hospitality and a dozen or so elephants right on the lodge property! The animals were amazing. We saw all we hoped to see – And then some! Thank you, thank you again for your special attention planning our first Safari experience! We had extraordinary time in the bush, especially with leopards!! And rhinos!!” ~ Marianne
“Dear Marco, We cannot thank you enough. It was the most thrilling experience I have ever had. Your staff was spectacular. I am re-energized, renewed and so respectful of the amazing wildlife we were able to see.” ~Peter
“Hi Kay, I wanted to say thank you for your great planning with our safari. We LOVED Phinda – so amazing! The people, the food, the location were truly incredible! Thank you for the anniversary massage as well; so special. We truly can’t wait to come on safari again… soon!”
“Thank you Marco. Everything was fantastic. Holly was a pleasure to deal with as well. We look forward to doing it again.”
“Hello Belinda, I really loved my trip in Timbavati, thanks a lot. Once we will come back to South Africa, we will definitely contact you. And also recommend you to our friends that visit South Africa.”
“Everything went really well and everyone felt that they had been treated like super VIPs over the few days we had together. All ran like clock-work! Sending a guide was a big help, that we know his brother Zakkie who does all my local airport transfers and other longer journeys was a real happy coincidence! Of course, I’ve made sure that everyone has your details if they need anything in the way of holidays in South Africa!”
“Dear Marco, It was great to meet you! Thanks for hosting us on an amazing YPO experience in Cape Town, it is such a stunning vibrant city. Our trip after to Sandibe was amazing your team, especially your guides who were beautiful and great ambassadors for Timeless Africa Safaris.” ~
“Hi Marco, nice to meet you at the [YPO GLC & EDGE 2019] Marketplace. My family had a great time with Timeless Africa Safaris.”
“Marco, Our trip to Africa was epic and well beyond my expectations. Holly was most helpful and added to our overall African experience. We are very grateful for your assistance.”
“Dear Marco, Thank you so much for everything you guys did! South Africa is becoming more and more my favorite destination.”
“I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention what a fantastic job Timeless Africa Safaris did in helping us plan an incredible trip, but even more, the services provided by Holly. The communication was clear, professionally presented and provided immense peace of mind when visiting a location extremely foreign to us. I would highly recommend your organization and Holly. Thank you for providing us a truly fantastic sampling of South Africa.”
“We had a great time in Africa on safari and exploring Cape Town. Thanks to Kay for great arrangements. Will definitely recommend you to friends and will contact you for a future Great Migration trip.”
“Thanks Marco! We had an amazing time! All of the staff at Ngala we’re outstanding!!”
17 members of the YPO Vietnam Chapter and their families journeyed to Kapama Private Game Reserve after the YPO GLC & EDGE which was held in Cape Town in March 2019. They enjoyed a two-night safari, the highlights of which included seeing the Big 5, enjoying a bush dinner under the stars, an amazing elephant interaction and a visit to the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre.
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