Exploring the Wild: Stanley Safaris

Wellbeing Magazine delves into the life of Shaun Stanley, the founder of Stanley Safaris, a man whose love for Africa and tailored safari experiences have created an unparalleled venture in the realm of safari adventures. A man who is hardly vocal about his awe-inspiring life, but whose unspoken tales echo through the vast African bushes and far beyond. Let’s dive into the untamed wild and discover the man behind Stanley Safaris.

Meet Shaun Stanley, Founder of Stanley Safaris

Meet Shaun Stanley. A man of few words, but his stories are profound. They echo through the wild, stirring a symphony of adventure and passion. Growing up in Durban, a grand city resting on the coast of South Africa, Shaun was not a quintessential city boy. His love for the wild was apparent from a young age, a trait he inherited from his parents. Family trips to the vast open landscapes of Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Zambia nurtured a heart full of curiosity and a longing for the African wild. The safari trips were more than just familial bonding. They were a call. A call that Shaun answered, leading him to a path of wildlife conservation and safari guiding.

Early Life and Inspiration for Safari Adventures

Shaun’s inspiration for safari adventures is deeply rooted in his childhood. 

 The trips to various countries in Africa, be it the arid landscapes of Namibia, the diverse wildlife of Botswana, the majestic Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, or the lush greenery of Zambia, all left a lasting impression on him.

The excitement of packing into the family’s 4×4 and driving across countries for a whopping 36 hours was an unmatched thrill for young Shaun.

 The final family trip before he finished school was a turning point, a moment of clarity when he realised his love for safaris and meeting different people from around the world.

His decision to follow a career as a safari guide was a testament to his love for the African bush and its mesmerising wildlife.

 Guiding for two years, his travel didn’t limit to Africa. His thirst for exploration took him as far as Asia, North and South America, and Europe. Shaun, a wanderer at heart, embarked on a massive Africa trip in 2002, traversing over 22,000 km through some of Africa’s most pristine wildlife areas.

Career Journey: From Safari Guide to Entrepreneur

The Birth of Stanley Safaris

The culmination of Shaun’s unique experiences and his deep understanding of the African wild led to the birth of Stanley Safaris. His extensive travels as a child, before the advent of luxury camps and lodges, formed the foundation of the business model.

 Stanley Safaris: More Than Just a Safari Company

Stanley Safaris isn’t just a safari company. It’s a reflection of Shaun’s deep love and respect for the African wilderness. The company’s commitment to offering only the best safari experiences shines through. Only partnering with meticulously curated lodges that meet their high standards.

The Stanley Safaris Difference

At Stanley Safaris, the focus isn’t on luxury amenities, but on the richness of the experience. Shaun’s belief in the importance of wilderness access over thread counts underscores the company’s mission.

A Uniquely Tailored Experience

Shaun’s approach to designing safaris is unique, tailoring each trip according to his client’s preferences. His favourite part of the job is the variety of work, no day is the same, especially when dealing with clients.

Tailored Safari Experiences: Shaun’s Approach

Shaun’s approach is clear. He understands the beauty of Africa and wishes to share the love and passion he holds for it. The approach has never been about showcasing just the ‘nicest lodges’. It is about letting people experience Africa the way he had – raw, unfiltered, and awe-inspiring. The emphasis on partnering with small, privately owned companies underlines Stanley Safaris’ commitment to providing a wholesome experience. Guiding experience, location, community, and conservation involvement – these are the aspects that Shaun values. His work doesn’t merely revolve around conducting safaris. It’s a craft that he has honed by understanding his customers’ unique expectations and interests. Each itinerary is a result of personal interactions with the clients. His biggest satisfaction? Seeing people fall in love with Africa just like he did years ago. 

Stanley Safaris, despite being in existence only since November 2020, boasts of an impressive number of trips, each unique and special to Shaun. I asked  him about his favourite, he smiles. It’s like asking a parent who their favourite child is. Each itinerary he creates carries a bit of him, something he’d love to experience, a place he’d want to explore.

Favourite Safari Destinations: Insights from Shaun

Shaun’s favourite destinations are as varied and dynamic as the man himself. 

 Botswana stands out due to its low-impact tourism model. The vast wilderness and the exclusive safari experience it offers are second to none.

Zimbabwe, with its professional guides and rich culture, never fails to amaze him.

 The thrilling walking safaris in Zambia are a unique experience that he cherishes.

 The unrivaled uniqueness of Madagascar, the migration in Tanzania and Kenya, and the soul-stirring experience of looking into a gorilla’s eyes in Uganda and Rwanda – are all experiences Shaun swears by. 

Passion for Conservation and Community Involvement

At the core of Stanley Safaris, there’s more than just a business model. It’s a philosophy. A philosophy deeply rooted in conservation and community involvement. In his own words, “Stanley Safaris is the best because I am lucky enough to travel with my parents as a child. I got to know these wild destinations before there were any luxury camps and lodges, and so where I send my clients is based primarily on what I know to be the best places to truly experience Africa.” Shaun Stanley is more than just a guide or an entrepreneur; he’s an ambassador of the African wilderness. 

Through Stanley Safaris, Shaun contributes to the community, partnering with lodges that are actively involved in conservation and community development. The essence of his work is about giving back, about preserving the wild he fell in love with. It’s about shaping a better, sustainable future for the generations to come.

The Future of Stanley Safaris

Stanley Safaris is not about grandeur or luxury; it’s about an experience that imprints on your heart, about the visceral connection to the wild. Shaun envisages a future where every satisfied customer leaves with memories of Africa they’ll cherish for a lifetime while also falling in love with the continent, just as he did. His vision? To let the call of the wild resonate in every heart that is yearning for an authentic taste of Africa!

Embracing the Wild with Shaun Stanley

Every journey with Shaun, every safari, is an exploration of not just the African wilderness but also of self. It’s about embracing the wild within, following the call of the untamed, and living the thrill. If you’re looking for safari experiences that transcend the ordinary, Shaun Stanley is indeed your perfect guide. With Stanley Safaris, you won’t just travel; you’ll experience, you’ll feel, and, most importantly, you’ll carry a piece of Africa within your heart forever.