Following the agonising years of Covid, Sober Travel had emerged as more than just a passing trend for many travelers. It became a way of life that transformed how journeys were experienced and valued.
CNN Travel published a feature that captured this shift, highlighting those who chose mindful and intentional travel over typical indulgences, and contacted Safari Guru, as an established pioneer in the global, specialist safari sector.
Among the influential voices behind this movement was Deon De Villiers, the founder of Safari Guru, who not only had been recognized as one of the safari industry’s most credible and respected designers but also offered years of on-the-ground safari operational experience.
Deon brought with him over two decades of immersive experience in Africa, having escaped the corporate world to roam the continent’s wilderness to capture its beauty. Deon has managed some of the most prestigious safari camps in Botswana and South Africa, including the acclaimed Mombo Camp, which, under his leadership, was ranked No. 1 in the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards.
His reputation as a conservation activist, bush adventurer, and luxury travel specialist grew globally, with a discerning international client base trusting him to craft bespoke safari itineraries that combined authentic wilderness encounters with purposeful, sober Travel.
With Safari Guru, Deon had helped redefine what it meant to travel with intention across Africa—offering journeys that balanced thrilling wildlife experiences with soulful connections to nature, culture, and conservation.
CNN Travel Feature
The CNN Travel feature reflected this ethos, showcasing how sober Travel was not only a hot trend but a lifestyle embraced by passionate adventurers guided by trusted experts like Deon De Villiers and Safari Guru.
