ABOUT US
About Only One Safaris
Two Decades of Transformative
Safari Experiences
OUR STORY
From Burnout to Bush
How We Found Our Purpose
We were not born into the safari world. Like many of our clients, we were corporate professionals—stressed, overworked, and desperately needing something more than another hotel conference room or beach resort.
Our first African safari was not planned. It was a last-minute decision, born from exhaustion and a need to disconnect. What we found changed our lives forever.
In the stillness of the Serengeti, watching the sun paint the acacia trees gold, something shifted. Time slowed down. Our nervous systems finally exhaled. For the first time in years, we felt truly present.
That experience sparked a journey that led us to leave our corporate lives behind. We spent years learning from the best—creating journeys and camps, learning from the best guides and operators, understanding the intricate dance between luxury hospitality and wild Africa.
Today, Only One Safaris exists for one reason: to give other high-achieving professionals the same life-changing experience that transformed us. Because we know what it is like to be where you are. And we know exactly what you need.
What Makes Us Different
Experience That Matters
We have been in every seat in the safari industry. We have managed lodges, planned and equipped expeditions, planned thousands of journeys. We know what exceptional looks like—because we have lived it.
Boutique & Personal
We are not a massive tour operator. We are a small team of experts who limit our client numbers to ensure every safari gets our full attention. When you work with us, you work with us—not a call center.
The Details That Count
From the moment you land to your final sunrise, every detail is considered. Private transfers, English-speaking guides, dietary preferences, special celebrations—nothing is too small to perfect.
Beyond the Surface
We do not just book lodges. We craft experiences. Want to meet conservation researchers? Dine with Maasai elders? Photograph the migration from a hot air balloon? We make it happen.
Our Promise to You
Zero Planning Stress
You have enough on your plate. We handle every detail.
Authentic Luxury
Five-star comfort that doesn't insulate you from the real Africa
Time That's Yours
No rushed schedules. No tour groups. Your pace, your way.
Transformative Moments
Experiences that stay with you long after you return home
Expert Partnership
20+ years’ of relationships mean access others can not provid
Ready to discover what a real break feels like?
Transformative Moments
Experiences that stay with you long after you return home
Expert Partnership
20+ years’ of relationships mean access others can not provid
Personal Messages from Our Team
Mark Donnelly
I joined the travel industry in Manchester, England in 1996 and for 8 years I progressed quickly to become the director of a specialist sports travel agency in UK. In June 2004 I traveled to Tanzania for the first time. Almost as an afterthought, I went on a short safari. Within two hours I was hooked on the sheer beauty and scale of the landscapes contrasting with the eco system of savannah animals existing in their natural habitat. In March 2005, we set up our safari and mountain climbing operation on the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro. By June 2006, life packed up in UK, we were living in Tanzania and operating and growing our business. The business grew massively over the years making contracts with leading US, German and Dutch tour operators handling every detail of their travelers’ experience in Tanzania. Our attention to detail and value for money pricing made the company a huge success, owning and operating camps and lodges in Serengeti, Lake Natron and on Mount Kilimanjaro as well as an extensive luxury Kilimanjaro climbing operation and a fleet of safari vehicles with well selected and highly trained driver guides.
The world changed in 2020 and this brought a change of direction. We moved to the Kenyan coast, spending the quiet time reading, studying, walking, swimming and traveling. A new desire was born to share all the knowledge built up over 20 years of planning, organizing training and experiencing safari. This has culminated in Only One Safaris, where we offer our skills and insights not to huge tour operators to plan their operations but for select travelers looking for the ultimate personalized safari experience. I have met thousands of travelers and have personally seen the transformation. The difference in the energy, of the stressed recently-arrived client compared to the serene, relaxed, eyes-sparkling person after safari, is unmatched. I now lead a quiet life with my wife, Charity, our family and friends. We live on good exercise, food and wine faraway from the high stress of running a large safari tour operation. I have a passion to share my knowledge to those who want to see and experience.
Martina Hirschberg
I have always been drawn to Africa’s wide, open spaces, the extraordinary fauna and flora, the mighty rivers and impressive mountains. After climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in 2003 I decided to start my own travel business with focus on Africa. But it took four more years to make my dream come true.
Since 2007, I have been organizing individual safaris and extraordinary round trips in the countries of southern and eastern Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Mozambique, South Africa and Namibia). The safaris are designed according to your taste and are tailor-made for you.
You benefit from many years of experience in tourism, from the close and transparent cooperation with our local partners. I am happy to share with you what I have learned from 40+ safaris in the last 30 years.
The safari experience is always at the forefront of my travel planning. Walking over dust-dry, red earth and through enchanted rainforests, driving over bumpy tracks in a four-wheel drive safari jeep, flying into remote areas away from mass tourism in small bush aircraft, canoeing on meandering river arteries and tracking down wild animals – this is my safari Africa that I would like to show you.
The Rest of Our Team
We work with innumerable guides, camps, lodges and experience providers throughout East and Southern Africa. Everyone is dedicated to delivering the best possible experience of their country, their locale. In all our destinations, there is a passion to share the uniqueness of her peoples, the landscapes, the wildlife and above the warm hospitality of Africa. If you journey with us, you will get to meet many of these amazing people.
Look forward to working for you!
Only One Safaris
CONTACT US
Let's Create Your African Adventure
Have questions about planning your safari? Want to discuss your dream African adventure? We are here to help you create the perfect journey.