About Barefoot Ken Smith

Bespoke Safaris to Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, South Africa, Swaziland and Uganda.

I started Barefoot Safaris in Malawi 25 years ago, specializing in small group tours for families, individuals as well as larger groups, offering tailor-made adventure safaris going off the beaten track through wild Africa.

These safaris hearken back to days past when intrepid adventurers, such as Teddy Roosevelt and Ernest Hemingway relied on private guides to create a safari program and escort them through the bush from start to finish.

I built a safari company using those principles, offering first-class wildlife and birding trips to a range of countries in Southern and Eastern Africa.

Barefoot Safaris has evolved and now focusing on the high end, up market travellers, who wants to experience the true Africa with the benefit of individually tailored routes and experiences in a luxurious way.

I married Eva, the love of my life ten years ago. She added new colours and flavours to my itineraries, always finding the most beautiful accommodations, the best restaurants, introducing local cuisine, arts and crafts. In South Africa we focus on gourmet food, wine tasting, arts and culture in addition to spectacular wildlife.

You can enjoy animal-thronged wilderness, stunning natural wonders, and Cape Town’s cosmopolitan flair while staying in quiet, luxury at some of the “World’s Best” hotels and safari lodges without the tourist crowd.

I am keen to share my deep knowledge, years of experience and my great love for Africa. I will show you wildlife by explaining how the ecosystem of flora and fauna works, tell you about the local history and cultural and natural heritage.

My Safaris take you to the real Africa, giving you the opportunity to feel, touch and smell Africa and be safe and comfortable at the same time. If you are looking for high-end luxurious holiday I can take you to Africa’s best wildlife places, offering seclusion, comfort, privacy, space, and beauty, allowing for a highly diverse, balanced and beautiful experience, in the savannah, rainforest, desert or at the ocean.

Planning Your Safari Holiday

I will design your journey with you, including destinations, activities, experiences, based your interests and wishes. With options ranging from boutique lodges to luxurious mobile tents, from flying, driving, or boating, we give information about all the options available to create your perfect safari holiday.

“I never knew of a morning in Africa when I woke up that I was not happy.”

Ernest Hemingway