Hartley’s Safaris roots are in Africa and we have a deep commitment to the people of this vast continent and to the conservation of its wildlife and wild places.
Hartley’s Safaris are pioneers in the great adventure of luxury African travel. We have offices in the United Kingdom and South Africa. Our heritage drives our passion to ensure the Hartley’s journey is incomparable.
Henry Hartley (1815-1876) was a famous African hunter and explorer who some believe to have been the first European to see the magnificent cataracts which later became known as the Victoria Falls.
Independent Travel Specialists
Experts in the art of luxury and African exploration. We combine service, knowledge and passion to create unique and personal travel itineraries for the most discerning travellers.
A foot on African soil since 1834
Our knowledge has provenance going back over 150 years, and reflects a deep respect and understanding for Africa that has always been fundamental to us.
Talk to Us
We are a talking company and would love to hear from you. Call us on +44 (0) 1673 861 600 | +27 (011) 467 4704 or email enquiries@hartleysgroup.com to find out more.
OUR HISTORY
Although the celebrated explorer and missionary David Livingstone, believing he was the first white man to see the falls, decided to name the Falls after the British Queen Victoria in 1855 some historians believe that Hartley first saw the falls in 1849.
Hartley was born in Mansfield, England in 1815 and arrived in South Africa with his family in 1820. As a young adult Hartley began pursuing a life of adventure and excitement, farming, trading, hunting big game and exploring what was in the mid 1800’s a poorly known continent.
During his years as a hunter and explorer he forged a friendship with the Matabele King, Mzilikazi, and was renowned for his extensive knowledge of vast area of the southern Africa interior.
He died in what is now Zimbabwe, never fully recovering from injuries sustained after being charged by a wounded rhino.
HARTLEY’S
Hartley’s story starts with hunter and explorer Henry Hartley, who some believe to have beaten Livingstone to Victoria Falls.
We endeavour to maintain his pioneering spirit by always looking to break new ground, in the service we give our guests, our specialist expertise and the new opportunities we find for them on their travels.
We believe that helping people discover Africa is a responsibility, as is ensuring their journey is a remarkable one, from their first conversation with us to the moment they arrive home.
Over 70% of our business is repeat and referral – let us show you why.
Call us on 011 467 4704 (SA) | 016 7386 1600 (UK) or email enquiries@hartleysgroup.com
OUR COMMITMENT
Sustainable eco-tourism plays a vital role in supporting conservation programmes in many parts of the continent and also in helping rural communities live better lives through the creation of jobs and the establishment of various self-help and education programmes run by responsible safari operators.
Many safari operators assist local anti-poaching programmes and wildlife research projects and most pay tourism levees to local Parks authorities, thus ensuring that a portion of each of Hartley’s clients’ fees contribute towards conservation.
AFRICA IS DIFFERENT
Although it is the most peaceful and grounding place, you don’t just go there for “relaxation”. Although it’s raw, inspiring, and thrilling, you don’t just go there for a “break” from normal life. And although it has unparalleled spectacle and diversity, you don’t just go there for “sightseeing”. Africa means more.
Because we don’t just know Africa, but understand it, and understand our clients, we know that choosing a trip with us isn’t only about a holiday, it’s about a need. And whatever that need is, Africa can fulfill it, and with you we can find your Africa.
