Matalai Journeys
The Black Book
Privately Guided African Expeditions
For the discerning traveler, we present a portfolio of privately guided expeditions into the last great remaining bastions of African wilderness.
These journeys are designed to reconnect with the soul of safari. Predominantly staying in intimate tented camps—be they permanent, seasonal, or fully mobile—we emphasize storytelling grounded in science, and travel by helicopter, foot, canoe, and vehicle.
Each expedition, personally guided by Joffy Bastard, weaves conservation and community narratives into its fabric, inspiring and engaging our guests to support the front-line efforts to protect this irreplaceable natural heritage.
The Grand Cru Circuits:
Mozambique
The Archipelagos and The Forgotten Frontiers
An elite helicopter safari exploring the remote coral islands of the Quirimbas Archipelago and the vast, untouched wilderness of Gorongosa and the Idylic sanctuary of Matalai House. This is a journey of contrasts, from pristine marine ecosystems to epic inland landscapes, connecting vital conservation projects in 3 of Africa's most spectacular and secluded wild spaces.
Zimbabwe
The Victoria falls, Mana Pools and Hwange Fly—Camp Odyssey
A flagship walking and canoeing expedition through the legendary Mana Pools National Park, followed by a private charter to a fully mobile tented camp in the remote corners of Hwange. This is an immersion into the heart of old Africa, focused on authentic, close-up encounters with iconic wildlife far from the crowds.
Botswana
The Delta and The Desert Traverse
A connoisseur's journey through the Okavango Delta's shimmering waterways by canoe and helicopter, contrasted with a starkly beautiful expedition into the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. This circuit explores the extremes of Botswana's wilderness, staying in a blend of seasonal and permanent tented camps that define remote luxury.
Kenya
The Great Migration and The Northern Frontier
A black book safari that combines a classic, mobile tented camp experience on the plains of the Masai Mara during the Great Migration with a helicopter expedition into the rugged, wild landscapes of Kenya's Northern Frontier. This is a journey through time, from iconic wildlife spectacles to ancient cultures.
Tanzania
The Serengeti and The Southern Circuit
An elite, multi-modal exploration beginning in the vast plains of the Serengeti and venturing south by private charter to the wild, remote havens of Katavi and Mahale. This expedition offers a complete Tanzanian experience, from classic big game viewing to chimpanzee trekking, staying in a selection of Africa's finest permanent and seasonal camps.
Namibia
The Skeleton Coast and The Kaokoland Himba Encounter
A flagship desert adventure by helicopter and 4x4, traversing the hauntingly beautiful Skeleton Coast before flying deep into the Kaokoland mountains. This journey focuses on desert-adapted wildlife, dramatic landscapes, and meaningful, respectful encounters with the semi-nomadic Himba people, staying in some of the most remote and exclusive camps on the continent.