“Sala morago ditoro tsa gago”
– Follow your dreams

About umbiyi

During my time as a translator on safari tours for a major tour operator, many guests told me that they would rather book through local, family-run agencies or guides than through international companies. More and more people want to ensure that their money directly benefits the people they’re traveling with on the ground—rather than getting stuck in offices in Europe or the U.S. But it’s often difficult to find such local agencies from abroad.

At the same time, some safari guide friends of mine – who have started their own local agency – told me that they have a hard time selling enough tours to keep their employees on the payroll year-round. They often struggle to reach their target audience directly and therefore frequently work as guides for international companies instead of for their own business.

Umbiyi was born out of these conversations.

Umbiyi acts as an intermediary between local providers and international guests

… a connection that is important not only during the booking process but also while traveling on-site—for my local partners, my guests, and me. A harmonious collaboration, just as symbolized by Botswana’s national animal, the zebra.

 

Umbiyi means zebra in ShiYeyi

… the language of the Bayei, a people in the Okavango Delta. The zebra, Botswana’s national animal, symbolizes the harmonious coexistence of black and white.

By the way: I consciously specialize in Botswana – the land of elephants and zebras. However, the safari world in southern Africa is closely connected, so if you’d like to travel to another country, I’d be happy to refer you to some contacts.

About me

I live and work in Basel, Switzerland, for most of the year; it’s also where I grew up. But every year, I also spend several weeks at my second home in Maun, under the starry sky of Nxai Pan or by a campfire in the Okavango Delta.

Years ago, I faced the challenge of planning my trip to southern Africa for the first time. Despite my experience as a frequent traveler, a lot of things were unclear to me. And I quickly realized that I wasn’t the only one: many travelers face similar challenges.

Today, after many trips through Botswana and countless unforgettable experiences, I’d like to share my knowledge with you through Umbiyi—with a clear focus on sustainability, authenticity, and encounters that will stay with you for a long time. I hope that you, too, will feel that special warmth in your heart as you glide through the Okavango Delta or get up close to a wild animal. I’m happy to answer all your questions—whether they’re about itineraries, local culture, or where to find the best cappuccino in town.

My experience in Southern Africa

  • Organization and Tour Leader at Umbiyi (since 2023)
  • Translator on safari tours for a Botswanan tour operator, Botswana (2018–2024)
  • Volunteer work at a game resort, Namibia (2018)
  • Safari Guide Course, Ecotraining, South Africa (2018)
  • Volunteering at a vervet monkey conservation project, South Africa (2013)