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Feb 2024 – Travel+Leisure A-List

Congratulations to Mark and Alison Nolting on 2024 Travel+Leisure A-List. This is Alison’s third time on the list and Mark’s 15th year in a row! This safari power couple have been designing custom adventures for over 37 years. Their vast knowledge and long-standing relationship with top African guides enable their clients to have the ultimate safari. From walking safaris, rhino darting, hands-on conservation projects and canoeing, they will create an unforgettable wildlife experience for you.

Feb 2024 – Safari Soiree

The Africa Adventure Company hosted the 11th annual Safari Soiree event at the Broward Center. The soiree focused on key contributors to eco-tourism and conservation projects. Guest speakers included Dereck and Beverly Joubert (World Class National Geographic Filmmakers and Great Plains Camps Conservationists). Click here to read more.

Jul 2023 – Travel+Leisure Worlds Best – The 10 Best Safari Outfitters 2023

This readers 10 Favorite Safari Outfitters list recognizes those who know the terrain so well that they’ve become known for creating “once-in-a-liftetime” experiences. Consistency is key as the reader favorites returned us to the top 10 list again!

Feb 2023 – Travel+Leisure A-List

Congratulations to Mark and Alison Nolting to 2023 Travel+Leisure A-List. This is Alison’s second time on the list and Mark’s 14th year in a row! This safari power couple have been designing custom adventures for over 36 years. Their vast knowledge and long-standing relationship with top African guides enable their clients to have the ultimate safari. From walking safaris, rhino darting, hands-on conservation projects and canoeing, they will create an unforgettable wildlife experience for you.

Jul 2022 – Travel+Leisure Worlds Best – The 10 Best Safari Outfitters 2022

AAC made the list again! Thank you to our whole team who have been designing great safari trips since 1986. And more importantly through these past two years, a huge recognition to our support for conservation and community efforts.

Apr 2022 – Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialists

Congratulations to Mark and Alison Nolting on the recognition to the Conde Nast Traveler “2022 Top Travel Specialists” list. This was Alison’s second time on this prestigious list and Mark’s 19th! The Africa Adventure Company is one of the few Africa-specialized tour operators with more than one specialist on this list – not to mention the only married couple!

Mar 2022 – Travel+Leisure A-List

Congratulations to Mark and Alison Nolting to 2022 Travel+Leisure A-List. This was Alison’s first time on the list and Mark’s 13th year in a row! Thousands of agents were evaluated and the highly selective list is the best in the business. Alison and Mark’s insider knowledge of the top local guides across Africa and enabling clients a face-to-face adventure with elephants, rhino and lions on walking expeditions makes him a top pick!

Oct 2021 – Condé Nast Traveller 2021 Readers’ Choice Awards 

For the second year running The Africa Adventure Company has appeared on the list for “Best Tour Operators in the World”. This list is not exclusively for Africa-specialized tour operators, but for tour operators specializing across all destinations and trip types! We are thrilled!

Oct 2021 – ClubLife Magazine 

The editorial Dana Freeman (Travel Writer) recommended our “10-Day Kenya Exclusive Locations” on their Luxury Safaris in Kenya page “Walk on the Wild Side”.

Jul 2021 – T+L Newsletter – A-List Spotlight

Mark Nolting has been named again “a top travel advisor – Africa specialist” in the A-list 2021; Nolting specializes in unforgettable wildlife experiences, whether they involve helping to dart rhinos with researchers in South Africa’s Kwandwe Private Game Reserve or tracking elephants in Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools National Park. “Travelers are more conscientious and involved in supporting conservation efforts to sustain the long-term employment of communities around the parks,” Nolting says. He’s also noticed that more and more clients are requesting remote or exclusive experiences — a trend that pre-dates the pandemic, as certain areas become overrun or unregulated. Still, there’s plenty of wilderness to be seen, with his trips to Asilia Africa camps or areas managed by African Parks Network, to take two examples. Nolting has also started taking clients — particularly those who’ve already ticked the traditional safari box — further afield: “I planned a 20-day private safari to the Republic of the Congo and the Central African Republic that included private gorilla trekking in Odzala-Kokoua National Park.”Congrats on the 13th year in a row.

Mar 2021 – Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialists

Congratulations to Mark and Alison Nolting on the recognition to the Conde Nast Traveler “2021 Top Travel Specialists” list. This was Alison’s first time on this prestigious list and Mark’s 18th! The Africa Adventure Company is one of the few Africa-specialized tour operators with more than one specialist on the list – not to mention the only married couple!

Oct 2020 – Travel+Leisure A-List

Mark Nolting has been named “a top travel advisor – Africa specialist” in the A-list 2020; Nolting specializes in unforgettable wildlife experiences, whether they involve helping to dart rhinos with researchers in South Africa’s Kwandwe Private Game Reserve or tracking elephants in Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools National Park. “Travelers are more conscientious and involved in supporting conservation efforts to sustain the long-term employment of communities around the parks,” Nolting says. He’s also noticed that more and more clients are requesting remote or exclusive experiences — a trend that pre-dates the pandemic, as certain areas become overrun or unregulated. Still, there’s plenty of wilderness to be seen, with his trips to Asilia Africa camps or areas managed by African Parks Network, to take two examples. Nolting has also started taking clients — particularly those who’ve already ticked the traditional safari box — further afield: “I planned a 20-day private safari to the Republic of the Congo and the Central African Republic that included private gorilla trekking in Odzala-Kokoua National Park.”Congrats on the 12th year in a row.

Oct 2020 – Condé Nast Traveler Reader’s Choice Awards

The Africa Adventure Company is thrilled to announce that we’ve been recognized as the #10 Specialist Tour Operator in the world for the 2020 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards! Additionally, this is the first time they have recognized us for this prestigious list. Thanks to your votes and glowing testimonials, AAC was ranked as the 10th best Specialist Tour Operator in the world. What’s more, this list is not exclusively for Africa-specialized tour operators, but for tour operators specializing across all destinations and trip types! “These are the enduring gems that can withstand the test of time,” said Melinda Stevens, CNT’s editor, about the recipients. Your support in the past, and in the future, is what will allow AAC to endure for years to come! Both the AAC tribe and the guides and staff in Africa immensely appreciate your recognition of our diligent, personalized service. Call or email us today to book your next safari!

Mar 2020 – Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialists

Congratulations again to Mark on the recognition to the Conde Nast Traveler “2020 Top Travel Specialists” list. Nolting is a pro at “off the map” safari add-ons such as private mobile camping in the Mabuasehube Game Reserve in southwestern Botswana. He’s arranged for his guests to meet with rhino researchers like Map Ives in Botswana, wild dog expert Peter Blinston in Zimbabwe, and visit lion studies in the Serengeti. And he knows which properties are best for families—those with spacious private villas, say—and which tents and rooms at various camps have the best views.

Mar 2020 – Safari Soiree 

The Africa Adventure Company hosted the 10th annual Safari Soiree event at the Broward Center. The soiree focused on key contributors to eco-tourism and conservation projects. Guest speakers included Luke Bailes (Singita Group), Nick Murray (Bushlife Safaris and Bushlife Conservancy), Wendy Panaino (researcher at Tswalu Pangolin Project), Rod Cassidy (owner of Sangha Lodge and Pangolin Project), Paul Tefler (CEO of Odzala Discovery Camps), and Map Ives (director of Rhino Conservation Botswana). Click through to Read & Listen to the speakers.

Feb 2020 – Fort Lauderdale Magazine 

Fort Lauderdale Magazine dubbed the Africa Adventure Company “Lauderdale’s Africa Experts,” whose reputation as premier Africa Travel Specialists strands 3 decades and now 2 generations – Mark and Alison’s son Miles joined AAC in March 2019.

Dec 2019 – National Geographic Magazine 

National Geographic has recognized Magashi Camp in Rwanda’s Akagera National Park as one of the African lodges leading the way in wildlife conservation. The Africa Adventure Company was selected as the go-to Safari Planner to book your stay at this trailblazing camp. Click here to read more…

Aug 2019 – Travel+Leisure A-List

Mark Nolting has been named “a top travel advisor – Africa specialist” in the A-list 2019; Nolting can plan multi-generational trips – he frequently visits the continent with his sons – as well as more adventurous options for intrepid travelers, like trekking, canoeing, and walking safaris. Especially in demand are trips that combine the diverse landscapes of Zimbabwe and Botswana, and what he calls “Plains and Primates” itineraries, which transition from traditional game drives in the Serengeti to gorilla and chimpanzee tracking in nearby Rwanda and Uganda. He predicts that the Republic of Congo and the Central African Republic, two lesser-traveled, politically precarious countries, may be developing safari destinations to watch in the coming years, based on a recent trip which he described as “one of the best safaris I have taken in my 33 years in the business. Congrats on the 11th year in a row .

Apr 2019 – Fort Lauderdale Magazine

The Africa Adventure Company hosts annual Safari Soiree event at the Bonnet House. This year’s soiree focused on lion conservation. It was thrilling to hear our guest speakers Calvin Cottar, Brooks Kamanakao, Nic Polenakis and James Currie talking about Conservation efforts in Africa. They spoke on their various regions of Skeleton Coast of Namibia; Maasai Mara, Kenya; Hwange in Zimbabwe; and the Okavango Delta in Botswana. Over 300 guests attended and the raffle raised much needed funds for collaring for research projects.

Mar 2019 CNT Specialists Team List

Congratulations again to Mark on the recognition to the Conde Nast Traveler “2019 Top Travel Specialists”  list.

Nov 2018  Condé Nast

Mark Nolting is quoted in This flight might be the best new way to Africa.  Kenya Airways is flying non stop JFk-Nairobi.  

Oct 2018 CNT Specialists Team List

Congratulations again to Mark on the recognition to the Conde Nast Traveler “2018 Top Travel Specialists”  list.

Aug 2018 – Travel+Leisure A-List

Mark Nolting has been named “a top travel advisor – Africa specialist” in the A-list 2018;  His 15-Day trip around Rwanda and Zimbabwe was featured.  Congrats on the 10th year in a row.

Apr 2018 – International Travel News

The editorial staff recommended “Primate & Plains Safari to Uganda and Rwanda” on their tours page.

May 2018 – Fort Lauderdale Magazine

The Africa Adventure Company hosts annual Safari Soiree event at the Bonnet House . This year’s soiree focused on the two endangered great ape species, chimpanzees and mountain gorillas. Speakers included Mwiga Mambo from Greystoke Mahale Camp in Tanzania and Craig Glatthaar from Bisate Lodge, Rwanda.  

Jan 2018 – Forbes Magazine

Why You Should Go on Safari to Zambia this Year by Alexandra Kirkman.  “People say that Zambia epitomizes the real Africa, and they’re right,” says Mark Nolting, founder of the Africa Adventure Company and author of Africa’s Top Wildlife Countries, now in its ninth edition.  

Jan 2018 – Toronto Star

Charging after Rhinos in Botswana’s Bush. A great piece by Liz Beddall who Africa Adventure hosted. 

Dec 2017 – Condé Nast Traveler’s Top Travel Specialists

Conde Nast recommends the Pros that serve travelers with the hightest standards and the most unique experiences. Mark Nolting features again for Africa experts!

Aug 2017 – Travel+Leisure A-List

Mark Nolting’s has been named “a best travel agent” to plan the perfect trip to Africa n the A-list 2017; Best for East and Southern Africa for multi-generational families, adventure, couples/honeymooners. Perfect timing as it is the 9th time in a row he is on the list, and his new 9th edition of the guide-book has just come off press!

Jul 2017 – Travel Agent Central

Explore Africa Focus: Africa Tourism Grows as Visitors Find Their Niche

Apr 2017 – Condé Nast into Africa issue

City, Safari, and Surf: The Ultimate Southern African Holiday

Dec 2016 – Condé Nast Traveler’s Travel Specialists

Conde Nast recommends the Pros they you use in their yearly Travel Specialists listing. Mark Nolting features again for Africa experts!

Aug 2016 – Travel+Leisure A-List

Mark Nolting’s dedication is recognized on the A-list 2016; 8th year in a row! His specialties of East and Southern Africa for multi-generational families.

Jul 2016 – Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards

For the 4th time we are in the “World Best Awards”- Safari Outfitters. Galloping Ahead!

Apr 2016 – International Travel News (ITN)

Features our “Eyes on Elephant Safari” on their Tours page.

Feb 2016 – 30th Anniversary

Click to view video The Africa Adventure Company celebrates our 30th anniversary!

Jan 2016 – Wall Street Journal

Mark was interviewed by Tanya Rivero on WSJ – An African Safari is Cheaper Than You Think.

Dec 2015 – Condé Nast Traveler

“The Experience Makers 2015”. Conde Nast recommends the Pros they you use in their yearly Travel Specialists listing. Mark Nolting is on the list again for Africa experts!  

Sep 2015 – Travel+Leisure A-List

We are so pleased that Mark Nolting remains on the A-List 2015 for a 7th year in a row! His specialties of East and Southern Africa. 

Sep 2015 – Robb Report

“Front Runners September 2015: Linked In” by Bruce Wallin. Article featuring Linkwasha Camp in Hwange, Zimbabwe.  Book your stay with Africa Adventure! 

Aug 2015 –  Travel + Leisure

“Call of the Wild” by Nathan Lump, editor at T+L.  Nathan was the very first guest at Angama Mara’s opening in Kenya.  Africa Adventure is the call to action operator for his article! 

Aug 2015 – Washington Post Travel

“Cape Town inspires art in all forms” – Africa Adventure is featured as call to action for travel packages.

July 2015 –  Travel + Leisure World’s Best

For the 3rd time we are in the “World Best A  “Worlds Best Awards” – The Africa Adventure Company was honored to be one of the Top 5 Safari Outfitters. A loud lion roar to all our clients for voting! 

May 2015 – Condé Nast Traveler

Using their new “Travel Specialist Finder Tool”, Conde Nast recommends Mark Nolting as a Family Safari Expert planning trips that appeal to multi-generation adventurers.

Jan 2015 – Ciao Bambino

“Five Great Safari Experiences with Kids in Africa”. Article with blogger Amie O’Shaughnessy.

Nov 2014 – Travel + Leisure

“Best Adventure Outfitters for Families”. We are on the list of the top five, World’s Best.

Oct 2014 – Miami Herald

“Experts in Adventure” – A much-lauded tour operator in Fort Lauderdale has been sending clients on African adventures for nearly 30 years.

Sep 2014 – Travel + Leisure

Mark Nolting was named on the A-List 2014 for a sixth year in a row “These destination experts offer much more than booking services. They offer insider insights, unparalleled access, the ability to create a seamless itinerary, and value.”

July 2014 – BIG NEWS – Travel + Leisure

“Worlds Best Awards” – The Africa Adventure Company was honored to receive the second place on the Top Safari Outfitters listing, with a score of 96.67. A loud elephant trumpet to all our clients for voting!

July 2014 –  National Geographic

“Tips for a Stress-Free Safari” included the Africa Adventure Company Safari planning map as a good resource to help you plan the perfect trip.

July 2014 – AFK Travel

“Safari Photography Tips for Beginners” included Mark Nolting’s book as a good resource for planning your trip.

May 2014 – TravelWeekly, The Pursuitist and The Epicurean Explorer and Luxury Feed

“Top Experiences of a Lifetime for Solo Travelers” featuring a number of top options for solo travelers.

Apr 2014 -TravelPulse

“Africa for First Timers” provided insight into a first trip to the continent, and listed the Africa Adventure Company as a good option to book your trip!

Mar 2014 – The Miami Herald

 “Women meet wildlife in Zimbabwe” featured Mary Anderson’s trip with The Africa Adventure Company.

Jan 2014 – Jetsettersblog and Trend Luxury and South Florida Insider

 “The Africa Adventure Company Announces New Tours for 2014” – Spotlight on African Adventure Company’s tours in 2014.

Dec 2013 – Condé Nast Traveler

 “Your Guide to the Guides”. Conde Nast recommends you use AAC to finding a quality, first-rate safari guide.

Dec 2013 – Washington Post

 “Answering a call of the wild in Zimbabwe”. African Adventure Company offers an African experience unlike any other, for those “game for adventure”.

Nov 2013 – Fort Lauderdale Magazine

 “The Heart of Africa”. Spotlight on the one and only travel specialist Mark Nolting and the trend towards experiential travel in Africa. http://flmag.com/good-life/heart-africa

Nov 2013 – Condé Nast

 “Once-in-a-Lifetime Vacations to Brag About”. The article highlights 10 Trophy Trips and includes our 12-Day Omo River Valley Adventure to Ethiopia. The trip has the “off the charts” wow factor for cultural immersion.

Please click on this link to see Conde Nast’s article where this trip is featured in “Once-in-a-Lifetime Vacations to Brag About“.

Sep 2013 – Travel + Leisure

Mark Nolting was named on the A-List 2013 for a fifth year in a row! Thousands of agents were evaluated and the highly selective list is the best in the business. Mark’s insider knowledge of the top local guides across Africa and enabling clients a face -to-face adventure with elephants, rhino and lions on walking expeditions makes him a top pick!

Aug 2013 – Condé Nast

We’re pleased to share the exciting news that Mark has just been named a Top Travel Specialist by Conde Nast Traveler for 2013! Mark has been honored by the prestigious publication for his family safari expertise 11 years in a row. CNTraveler continually honors Mark and The Africa Adventure Company for delivering seamless safaris and trips of a lifetime.

Jul 2013 – Los Angeles Times/Travel

featured our “In the Footsteps of Dr Livingstone” tour. The nine-day trip to Tanzania, “In the Footsteps of David Livingstone,” includes visits to the island of Zanzibar; the capital, Dar es Salaam; historic Bagamoyo; the immense Selous Game Reserve, for wildlife viewing; and the site near Lake Tanganyika where explorer and journalist Henry Stanley met up with Livingstone and uttered his now-famous query.

Condé Nast Traveler – December 2012

10 fabulous years in a row as a Top Travel Specialist. “150 Experts” who can craft your perfect escape with Mark Nolting listed under Safaris for Families. What an honor and testament to the entire staff at The Africa Adventure Company.

Travel & Leisure – September 2012

“Best Adventure Outfitters for Families”.  We are in the list of the top five, World’s Best.

Tanzania Tourist Board – September 2012

“Product Development Award” for 2012 in recognition of Africa Adventure Company’s 8-Day Culinary Tanzania Safari

ITN – September 2012

“Hunting with the Hadza”. The feature article was written by Suzi Colman who planned and booked her trip with us.

Travel & Leisure – August 2012

“World’s Best Awards 2012”. A prestigious recognition with a debut, at number 2, in the safari outfitters’ category!

Condé Nast Traveler – March 2012

“A New Day for Zimbabwe”. A feature article that Mark Nolting, President of The Africa Adventure Company had been working on with the travel writer and photographer for over a year! Zimbabwe’s guides and lodge owners deserve the recognition.

Condé Nast Traveler –  Jan 2012

“Twilight of the Tribes; Ethiopia’s Omo River Valley”. Mark Nolting of The Africa Adventure Company is featured as the Africa travel specialist who has first hand knowledge to plan and book you this epic trip.

ITN – January 2012

“Looking for wildlife while living in comfort on a tour of Tanzania” by editor David Tykol.  A great account of his experiences on safari planned by Africa Adventure Company.

Travel Agent Central – December 2011

“Travel Agent Magazine’s Top Travel Destinations of 2011” by Jenna Tesse Fox.  Listed her Best Tour Operator as Africa Adventure Company and described her recent trip to Tanzania.

Condé Nast Traveler – December 2011

We were selected for the 9th year in a row as one of their “133 Travel Wizards” who can work wonders for you. What an honor and testament to the entire staff at The Africa Adventure Company.

Tanzania Tourist Board – September 2011.

The company earned the Tour Operator Humanitarian Award.

Travel & Leisure – September 2011

Named on the A-List 2011 for a third year in a row!

National Geographic Traveler – May-Jun 2011

Award winning trip outfitter for “Walk Among Elephants in Zimbabwe”, a “50 Tours of A Lifetime”.

Budget Travel Magazine – March 2011

Selected in Dream Trips 2010. Zimbabwe: Local Immersion and Luxury.

National Geographic Traveler – Jan-Feb 2011

“Experience – The Dinner Hour”. What one family learned from hunter-gatherers on the shores of Tanzania’s Lake Eyasi.

Travel & Leisure – October 2010

selected as one of their “120 Top Travel Agents – A List”.

Condé Nast Traveler – August 2010

Selected as one of their “135 World’s Top Travel Specialists” for the 8th year in a row. Well done to Mark Nolting and the team at The Africa Adventure Company.

Budget Travel Magazine – March 2010

Selected in Dream Trips 2010. Botswana: See the Big Five.

National Geographic Adventure – January 2009

Selected as one of their “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth”.  The recognition that we outfit trips supporting sustainable tourism using eco-friendly accommodations and community projects, and that our clients’ feedback on the safari journey is an exceptional experience!

USATODAY – January 2009

Article “Expert Advice for African Safaris” that also appeared in other newspapers around the nation as an Associated Press interview

Bloomberg Markets – January 2009

Article “African Odyssey”

National Geographic Traveler – Travel-Planner has us selected as one of their “Africa Experts” and “Tour Operators”

Recommend Travel Magazine – “Family Fun in Africa”, March 2006

Condé Nast Traveler – “10th Annual Hot List – Botswana Vumbura Plains Camp”, May 2006

Outside – “Best Trips 2005: Fishing and Diving Adventure to South Africa and Mozambique”, February 2005

Outside – “48 Trips of a Lifetime – South Luangwa Walking Safari”, March 2004

Mens Journal – “How to Plan the Perfect Safari”, February 2004

National Geographic Adventure – “The 25 Greatest Adventures to Do Now”, November 2003

Tanzania Tourist Board – 2003 Award winning tour operator, October 2003 Travel World News