For Louis Vandewalle, being a Trip Experience Leader for our New! Southern Africa Discovery: Victoria Falls, Kruger Safari & the Cape Peninsula adventure is about more than tracking wildlife across savannas—he believes that immersing travelers in South Africa’s culture and daily life is equally vital to discovering the continent's wonders.
Louis started leading our New! Southern Africa Discovery: Victoria Falls, Kruger Safari & the Cape Peninsula adventure in September 2024.
Having spent 26 years in tourism and hospitality, Louis recently joined O.A.T. in September 2024. "What drew me to O.A.T. specifically was the ‘Learning and Discovery’ aspect of their tours," he said. "Travelers book with O.A.T. because they are interested in learning. Having a willing audience makes your life as a tour leader so much more exciting."
In Louis’s eyes, some of the most powerful moments come from cultural interactions—and one particular experience consistently leaves a lasting impression on travelers: our A Day in the Life visit in Eswatini. "Part of this day is visiting our guide's grandmother," Louis shared. "Our travelers always relate their own lives to that of the grandmother, who is of a similar age—around 75—to theirs. They can see the notable differences between their lives and hers, and this always leaves them with much to reflect on."
Part of the A Day in the Life experience in Eswatini is visiting the guide’s grandmother, which often leaves Louis’s travelers "with much to reflect on."
Yet it's the call of the wild that has shaped Louis’s journey as a guide for over two and a half decades. In his years of leading safaris, he has collected a treasury of unforgettable moments in the African bush. Among these, one encounter stands out with particular intensity: "We watched a male lion walk out into the open and lie down on top of a termite mound very near our vehicle," Louis recalled. "He started to belt out a roar, calling to the other members of the pride. It was an incredible experience—you could almost feel the roar as much as you could hear it."
First-time O.A.T. safari-goers often arrive with preconceptions about wildlife viewing, but Louis noted that many are surprised by how close they can get to the animals—when following proper protocol. "If we behave correctly, by remaining silent, minimizing our movements, and giving the animals space to behave normally, they can come very close to our vehicles and seem not particularly concerned with us," he explained.
Our New! Southern Africa Discovery: Victoria Falls, Kruger Safari & the Cape Peninsula adventure is more than just a wildlife tour—it can connect people with nature and local communities in profound ways.
When it comes to capturing the perfect wildlife photograph, Louis takes an unconventional approach. Rather than focusing solely on technical advice, he encourages travelers to be present in the moment. "I often tell them to put their cameras down for a few minutes and just observe the animals," he said. "We are very often so focused on trying to take a good picture, we only see what appears on the screen and sometimes miss interesting behavior that is on the periphery."
O.A.T. travelers take a moment to be present with Louis in the African wilderness.
For those planning a safari, timing can be everything. Louis recommended the shoulder seasons—April/May and September—as ideal periods for wildlife viewing. "The temperatures are between the extreme hot of summer and cold of winter," he explained. "The water has already begun to dry up in April/May, or it's the end of the dry season in September. This provides the most comfortable conditions for game viewing and the best opportunities for sightings."
A hippopotamus with its mouth open in Louis’s favorite safari spot: Kruger National Park, South Africa.
Among the many spectacular locations in Africa, Kruger National Park holds a special place in Louis's heart. "It is the largest park in South Africa, and the animals can go about their lives with little interference from us," he said. "It's always amazing how quickly you can come across an incredible sighting and how quickly things can change. You can find all species of animals here and, in a short space of time, are often able to see such a wide variety of wildlife."
Embrace South Africa’s wondrous nature and connect with local communities during our New! Southern Africa Discovery: Victoria Falls, Kruger Safari & the Cape Peninsula adventure.
