Life-changing experiences, sensational adventures and epic memories
At Bonamy we believe the best journeys are the ones that bring you back to yourself. Adventures that allow you to disconnect, so you can reconnect with what truly matters.
This is why we’re dedicated to listening to you. It’s only through this deep understanding of who you are and what you value that we can craft unforgettable experiences that are unique to you.
Connecting more people to Africa today so we can conserve its wonder for tomorrow
Travel has the power to change lives - both for the traveller and the communities they visit. Our mission is to create exceptional travel opportunities that combine exhilarating wildlife encounters with authentic cultural experiences so that more people can continue to discover and conserve Africa’s natural beauty.
We don't just sell safaris - we share our passion for Africa and its many wonders. We invite you to join us on this journey of discovery and connection. For you, and the love of Africa.
A travel team with heart
Our story began when school friends Toby and James discovered a mutual passion for travel and nature. Toby’s expertise in guiding safaris and keen eye for the hidden gem, coupled with James’s level-headed business mind and operational prowess, perfectly united to create Bonamy.
Now as a small team of great friends who are simply obsessed with travel, we’ve been lucky enough to live safari from every possible angle - as guests, lodge managers, guides and even as the intern charged with keeping camp safe from mischievous baboons.
As our team continues to grow, we’re excited to unearth more spectacular locations and build even more meaningful connections with local businesses and suppliers striving to protect and enhance this beautiful land.
Meet the team
Safari is fun, and so the planning should be too. From the moment you first get in touch, to long after you've returned home, we hope that you'll want to become part of the Bonamy family.
The safari world is vast and we don't claim to know everything about every light fitting or warthog burrow. However, the joys of years spent wandering the plains of the Serengeti to the Okavango mean we have made many great friends along the way, and what we don't know, they do.
Toby Pheasant
- Next adventure: Congo, exploring Odzala
- Geographical soft spot: Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia
- Penchant: Top quality guides
Toby first visited Africa at the tender age of four when he accompanied his family on their first of several safari holidays. From that moment on Toby’s love affair with Africa’s nature and wildlife grew and grew.
Having spent most of his adult life in the bush, Toby is Bonamy's safari thoroughbred and has developed a deep and intricate knowledge of Africa. With very high standards, an uncanny nose for quality, and a love and respect for Africa that couldn't be purer, he brings a refreshing but authentic approach to safari planning.
James Handley
- Next adventure: TBC
- Geographical soft spot: Galápagos Islands
- Penchant: Absolute attention to detail
Born and bred in the South of England, James is Bonamy’s intrepid traveller. When not honing his skills in London over the last decade, he's spent much of his time on self-planned expeditions and adventures to some of the world's wildest places.
It's through these adventures that he has developed his superb ability to plan journeys with unerring accuracy and attention to detail, whilst still retaining the care as if they were his own.
Vanessa Beldam
- Next adventure: Kariega Game Reserve, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Geographical soft spot: Anywhere in Zimbabwe
- Penchant: Finding new experiences
Ness first landed in Africa in 2008, when on a whim she accepted a job working in a safari camp in Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park. Little did she know how deep an effect this would have on her, and go on to shape her adult life. A passion was ignited and she has since worked and travelled extensively across Southern Africa.
Ness brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and ideas to Bonamy, and is exceptionally talented at finding that little hidden gem to make your trip to Africa even more perfect.
Taylor Knight
- Next adventure: Namibia
- Geographical soft spot: Cape Town & Antalya
- Penchant: Exploring off-the-beaten-track
Growing up with the vibrant landscapes of South Africa as her backdrop, Taylor has always been drawn to nature and adventure. Her wanderlust has led her to explore diverse corners of the world, with an eye for the unique stories each place holds.
With her vast travel experience and extensive background in social media and marketing, Taylor is excited to help others discover the indescribable beauty of Africa with Bonamy.
Our purpose
Planning a safari from scratch can be a hugely confusing and complex process. That's why we make sure we take the time to listen to you to truly understand what you’re looking for. We then use our firsthand knowledge and extensive networks throughout Africa to create epic adventures, designed especially for you.
You’ll experience our uncompromised standards of sustainability and service - from handpicked lodges and camps through to dedicated support along your whole journey.
The protection of Africa’s stunning wildlife, people and habitats is at the heart of everything we do. We only ever work with suppliers that share our core values of respect and care, and who like us are dedicated to conserving the environment for future generations.
Your personal and financial security is of paramount importance. We have handpicked transfer companies, lodges, tour operators and airlines to ensure you are in the safest hands.
We are also ATOL protected and members of the Travel Trust Association, giving you peace of mind that you are fully financially protected every step of the way.
Create unforgettable experiences
Planning a safari from scratch can be a hugely confusing and complex process. That's why we make sure we take the time to listen to you to truly understand what you’re looking for. We then use our firsthand knowledge and extensive networks throughout Africa to create epic adventures, designed especially for you.
You’ll experience our uncompromised standards of sustainability and service - from handpicked lodges and camps through to dedicated support along your whole journey.
Act responsibly
The protection of Africa’s stunning wildlife, people and habitats is at the heart of everything we do. We only ever work with suppliers that share our core values of respect and care, and who like us are dedicated to conserving the environment for future generations.
Ensure your safety and protection
Your personal and financial security is of paramount importance. We have handpicked transfer companies, lodges, tour operators and airlines to ensure you are in the safest hands.
We are also ATOL protected and members of the Travel Trust Association, giving you peace of mind that you are fully financially protected every step of the way.
