Podcast Summary: The Interview with Leslie Heaney – Episode: Safari Secrets feat. Claudia Church

Introduction

In the January 8, 2025 episode of The Interview with Leslie Heaney, host Leslie Heaney welcomes Claudia Church, a partner at N3 Collective, to discuss the intricacies of planning an African safari. Leslie expresses her personal enthusiasm for safaris, highlighting them as a "once in a lifetime trip" that requires meticulous planning to ensure an unforgettable experience. The episode aims to guide listeners through the do’s and don’ts of safari planning, optimal timings, budgeting, and the myriad of unique experiences available across the African continent.

Leslie Heaney [00:00]: "I know all of us want to see incredible animals and awe-inspiring landscapes, but we really have no idea where to start."

About N3 Collective

Claudia Church introduces N3 Collective as a boutique travel company specializing exclusively in African travel. Founded by three friends—Claudia, Stephanie (based in London), and Lynae (from Sydney)—the company was born out of their shared passion for exploring Africa's wild, luxurious, and unique experiences. Their deep connections with native Africans allow them to offer authentic and private adventures that travelers wouldn't typically discover through standard research.

Claudia Church [03:27]: "We are a very small boutique travel company that specializes in Africa. We eat, breathe, sleep Africa. So we are obsessed, we're passionate."

Planning the Safari: Do’s and Don'ts

Leslie emphasizes the importance of expert planning when organizing a safari, comparing it to preparing for a significant life event rather than a casual weekend trip. Claudia elaborates on this by outlining the key factors they consider when planning a safari, such as the travelers' previous experiences in Africa, group dynamics, and individual preferences.

Claudia Church [06:51]: "The first question I would want to know whether you've been to Africa before or not. If you're a first-timer or if you've been, where you went, what you loved, what you didn't love."

Timing and Budgeting

Determining the best time to visit Africa for a safari depends largely on the specific country and the type of experience desired. Claudia advises that generally, summer and Christmas periods are ideal, especially for families with children, as they coincide with school holidays. She also mentions that traveling during off-peak times, such as spring break in March, can offer cost savings without compromising the quality of the experience.

Claudia Church [08:55]: "In general, you're going to do great in the summer and over Christmas... avoid little pockets of rainy seasons."

When it comes to budgeting, Claudia explains that safaris can range significantly in cost, primarily influenced by the level of exclusivity and conservation efforts involved. N3 Collective maintains a minimum budget to ensure quality experiences that support conservation and local communities. They typically charge around $2,500 to $3,000 per person per day, though they have begun partnering with other organizations to offer more varied price points without sacrificing quality.

Claudia Church [11:14]: "A big chunk of your money is going back to that land that that lodge or camp is on. So you're actually helping by being there."

Popular Safari Destinations and Experiences

Claudia provides an in-depth overview of the most frequented safari destinations, categorizing them into East and Southern Africa, each offering distinct experiences.

1. East Africa: Kenya and Tanzania

   • Kenya is praised for its family-friendly flexibility, allowing for interactive and engaging activities such as horseback riding, camel trekking, and helicopter safaris that keep both adults and children entertained.
   • Tanzania offers stunning landscapes and the inclusion of pristine islands, which can serve as excellent additions to a safari itinerary.

   Claudia Church [16:30]: "Kenya for families... There's no way that kids will be bored in Africa."

2. Southern Africa: Botswana and South Africa

   • Botswana is highlighted as a "holy grail" for safari enthusiasts, known for its pristine wilderness and robust conservation model. Although more expensive, it offers unparalleled solitude and breathtaking landscapes, especially during the Okavango Delta flood season.
   • South Africa combines luxury lodges like Singita with rich cultural experiences, allowing travelers to enjoy both safari adventures and amenities such as fine dining, wine tasting, and art exploration.

   Claudia Church [18:15]: "Botswana is prohibitively expensive... it's magnificent."

3. Other Notable Mentions: Namibia and Ethiopia

   • Namibia attracts visitors with its stunning, dune-filled landscapes.
   • Ethiopia is emerging as a destination for cultural safaris, featuring unique cliffside churches and diverse wildlife.

   Claudia Church [38:10]: "The beautiful churches, cliffside churches, culture... simian monkeys."

Safari with Kids

Traveling with children adds another layer of consideration to safari planning. Claudia recommends that while some lodges in Southern Africa may have age restrictions (typically around 7 years old), Kenya is more accommodating, with some tours welcoming children as young as three. She emphasizes that children are often more engaged and curious, enhancing the overall experience.

Claudia Church [30:26]: "Ideally, we 7-year-olds are amazing because they're so into everything and they soak it up."

Types of Safari Accommodations

Claudia differentiates between various types of safari accommodations, each offering a unique way to experience the African wilderness:

1. Mobile Tented Camps (East Africa)

   • These camps are set up under canvas with modern amenities like hot showers and comfortable beds. They are frequently moved to offer varied experiences across different ecosystems.

   Claudia Church [26:12]: "Tented safari, mobile tented camps... it's under canvas, but they still have hot showers, flushing toilets, comfy beds."

2. Luxury Lodges (Southern Africa)

   • Permanent lodges offer high-end accommodations with impeccable services, including gourmet food, wine, art, and curated safari experiences.

   Claudia Church [27:49]: "Southern Africa is going to be more lodges like the Singita that you were in... impeccable, beautiful decor, food, wine, art, safari."

Logistics and Preparation

Effective logistics are crucial for a successful safari. Claudia advises booking at least one to two years in advance, especially for high-demand accommodations, to ensure availability. She also underscores the importance of handling all aspects of the trip meticulously, from internal flights to transfers and ensuring that all necessary health precautions, such as vaccinations, are in place.

Claudia Church [35:44]: "Lead time is everything because the camps that we love to use are so small."

Future Destinations and Innovations

Looking ahead, Claudia expresses interest in exploring less-traveled destinations such as the Congo, which offers unique ecosystems where gorillas and elephants coexist. These untapped regions promise adventurous and authentic experiences, albeit suitable for more seasoned safari-goers due to their remoteness and limited infrastructure.

Claudia Church [38:33]: "I would say I have my eye on Congo... real Tarzan territory."

Conclusion

Leslie wraps up the episode by reflecting on the wealth of knowledge shared by Claudia, expressing her eagerness to plan her own African adventure with N3 Collective. She encourages listeners who dream of experiencing Africa's majestic landscapes and wildlife to consider reaching out to Claudia for expert guidance.

Leslie Heaney [41:08]: "I'm gonna be ready to get you on speed dial... it's on my bucket list."

Notable Quotes

• Leslie Heaney [00:00]: "I know all of us want to see incredible animals and awe-inspiring landscapes, but we really have no idea where to start."
• Claudia Church [03:27]: "We are a very small boutique travel company that specializes in Africa. We eat, breathe, sleep Africa."
• Claudia Church [16:30]: "Kenya for families... There's no way that kids will be bored in Africa."
• Claudia Church [11:14]: "A big chunk of your money is going back to that land that that lodge or camp is on. So you're actually helping by being there."
• Claudia Church [38:33]: "I would say I have my eye on Congo... real Tarzan territory."

Final Thoughts

This episode of The Interview with Leslie Heaney offers a comprehensive guide to planning an African safari, enriched by Claudia Church's expertise. From understanding the nuances of different regions to managing logistics and budgets, listeners are equipped with valuable insights to embark on their own safari adventures. Whether you're a first-time traveler or a seasoned explorer, the episode underscores the importance of personalized planning to create a truly transformative African experience.