We Dream of Africa

Oliver Nicklin, whose company Olo Safaris delivers white-glove travel experiences to fortunate travelers from around the world, values authenticity and knows his clients feel the same. Authenticity paired with delicious luxury, that is.

Most of Nicklin’s U.S. clients come to him from the East or West Coast, but he’s pleased to have worked with one lucky Oklahoma family, the Kassam-Alamis, whose glorious trip we chronicled in Edition 33. Nicklin’s company is an associate of The Original Ker & Downey Safaris, the longest-running safari company in the world, with the best mobile camps in Africa. Responsible travel is a priority at Olo. Its commitment to conservation and philanthropic partners means that you’ll have multiple options for giving back and making sustainable choices to the inhabitants of this magical continent.

We recently chatted with Nicklin, who goes by the nickname “Olo,” to learn more about his company, its rich history and his philosophy.

How would you explain the concept of a “bespoke safari”?

Combining an excellent understanding of the countries we visit and getting to know all of our clients' requests ensures truly bespoke itineraries and a tailored trip to our clients. Whether that includes specific activities, locations, being conservation-focused or the overall experience they want from their trip to Africa, we can make that happen for them. We curate, design and deliver highly refined travel experiences that match people to places, so no trip is ever the same.

Africa is a vast adventure playground, and your safari will be whatever you would like it to be: camel treks, horse riding safaris, helicopter flights to remote areas we cannot reach by road. Anything is possible in Africa. No matter what the request!

How are the trips you offer different?

Being born and brought up in East Africa allows us an excellent understanding of getting the best out of the continent. Being a small Kenyan bespoke company, we have the time and energy to really understand and meet the needs of what our clients want. Being a partner with The Original Ker & Downey, we have access to the oldest safari company in the world. With over 70 years of safari experience, it has taught us the best way to get close to Africa. When you stay in our private mobile camps, you can rest assured that you’ll have the best of everything. The custom-made tents are the largest and roomiest available, with luxurious beds, en suite bathrooms and private verandas with carefully chosen views. Every camp is tailored to our guests: the menus, locations and arrangements for special activities.

Tell me a bit more about the conservation efforts Olo is involved in and initiates.

We have always been at the forefront of wildlife conservation and responsible tourism.

Our first objective is to ensure that all elements of your safari are 100% carbon offset. In contrast to existing offset programs that focus on international flights, our ambitious goal considers every element of safaris, from game drives to domestic fixed-wing and helicopter flights to waste production to the usage of plastics and non-renewables. ‍

Our second objective is to support local communities and conservation organizations, facilitating staff and client engagement to optimize opportunities for high-impact communities in Africa and conserve wildernesses and wildlife. Each of our safaris contributes a donation to Kenya Wildlife Trust, a conservation organization that focuses on allowing people and predators to thrive.

We create specific conservation-focused itineraries which give clients the opportunity to join the experts who have been performing award-winning wildlife conservation work for more than a decade. We founded Prints for Conservation at the start of the pandemic, which sells prints to support conservation organizations in Africa through the sale of art and photography.

What are some of the ways Olo makes travel, specifically safari, magical and stress-free for its clients?

Every detail is our responsibility, from the day we pick you up to the day we drop you off for your international flight home, so you can relax and enjoy a stress-free safari. Most of our safaris are privately guided by me, Olo, or another one of our expert guides and a full-time team of employees on call 24-7 based out of Kenya.

It is hard to imagine anyone who would not enjoy being on safari — even those who might not think it is for them. Exhilarating, humbling and inspiring, this is what going on safari is all about. From witnessing the wildebeest migration crossing the Mara River, getting up close and personal with the gorillas, and meeting traditional, authentic and untouched tribes.

Safaris in Africa offer a diversity of different habitats to explore, from endless savannas to snow-capped mountains, from harsh deserts to tropical coastlines. The African safari experience is so moving, so beautiful, and says so much about our place in the world that it is truly something everyone should experience. People say it is a “bucket list” thing, however, clients come back repeatedly, each time with friends, family and even grandchildren.