Bryan De Rijk
Originally from the Netherlands, Bryan is a travel enthusiast with a deep-rooted love of Africa. With experience working for tour operators in South Africa and the UK, today Bryan uses his extensive African travel experiences to plan epic safari adventures for his clients.
Bryan’s knowledge ranges from eastern to Southern Africa. He has traveled through most of Yellow Zebra’s favorite countries, making him an all-around safari specialist.
Bryan’s Recent Travel Experience
Bryan’s most recent trip brought him back to Tanzania, where he visited all the major national parks of the northern safari circuit. He was surrounded by massive elephants in Lake Manyara National Park, he saw two lions mating in front of the vehicle in the Ngorongoro Crater with no other vehicle in sight, he caught a glimpse of the herds of the Great Migration in the Western Serengeti, and he saw two lionesses with seven cubs approximately 1.5 months old in the Northern Serengeti.
Bryan’s Most Memorable Experience
“It’s obviously difficult to pick one experience, as there are, luckily, plenty to choose from. If I have to pick one, it’s definitely my first gorilla trek in Uganda. Having done multiple treks, in both Rwanda and Uganda, it’s the first one that was most memorable. If you’re doing something for the first time, it is always extra exciting, as you don’t really know what can be expected. The trek, which was about 4 hours, led through thick bushes, muddy (and therefore slippery) paths as well as steep hills. It’s a true challenge, but that makes the reward so much better. Being there, on foot, face to face with these gentle giants, is an experience like no other.
“The best thing about a safari is definitely the unknown – the bigger the surprise, the better. And I cannot wait to experience more surprises in the beautiful bush.”
Bryan’s Bio
Bryan just knew that he was going to end up in travel, which is why he started a Tourism Management study. During his studies, he had the chance to spend some time in Cape Town. And that’s where it all started. Straight after graduation, he started working for a smaller, Dutch, Africa-focused tour operator. This was the perfect chance to travel a lot and learn more about several African destinations, such as Namibia, Botswana, Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda.
After about 2 years, Bryan joined the Africa team of a slightly bigger and more luxury-orientated organisation, where he has worked for the last 6 years. During that time, he visited Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, and Mauritius, some of which multiple times. As he met his British wife in Africa, the continent will always have a special place in his heart. Bryan has now made his way to the UK, and will keep spreading his love for the African continent at Yellow Zebra!
Expert Destinations
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Tanzania
A classic safari destination home to big game, epic wildlife events, and iconic national parks.
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South Africa
Big Five safaris, lively cities, and dramatic coastlines. South Africa delivers exciting contrasts and variety.
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Namibia
Towering dunes, rugged coastlines, and breathtaking night skies. Namibia’s scenery is unlike anywhere else in Africa.
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Rwanda
Gorilla trekking, Big Five safaris, and poignant history. Rwanda is a truly inspiring safari destination.
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Uganda
Primate treks, boating expeditions, traditional safaris, and more. Uganda’s safari potential is wonderfully diverse and untapped.
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Botswana
From dusty salt pans to delta floods, Botswana is a celebration of pristine African wilderness.
Bryan’s Top Lodges
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One&Only Nyungwe House
From $1,400 – $2,070 ppNyungwe House is a partner hotel of One&Only, a company with a portfolio of luxurious properties in some of the world’s most exotic destinations! Other offerings we sell include One&Only Cape Town. Nyungwe House is booked on a full-board basis, including all…
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Morukuru
From $2,710 – $4,050 ppGuests have the exclusive use of each property, with the staff completely at their disposal. They also have their own personal game ranger and an experienced tracker who will take them out on game drives. We highly recommend Morukuru for both families and…
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Sand Rivers
From $950 – $1,360 ppFounded by famous guide Richard Bonham in the early 1990s, today Sand Rivers Selous is operated by Nomad Tanzania. Nomad runs a total of ten properties, among them the superb Serengeti Safari Camp, Entamanu Ngorongoro, and Greystoke Mahale. Sand Rivers has…
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Kaya Mawa
From $610 – $970 ppKaya Mawa is a superb beach lodge! With its stunning rooms, beautiful stretch of white beach, and high-quality food and service, it’s easily the finest property on Lake Malawi. Its varied activities and cultural experiences are also great reasons to come…
