TIA SAFARIS, INC.
BOCA RATON, FLORIDA

Choosing a touring company, whether it be for overlanding or short family trips can be a difficult process. There is no shortage of companies out there. At TIA Safaris we make that decision easy for you. TIA combines stellar itineraries, a vast knowledge and love of Africa, and a burning desire to introduce you to Africa in a unique and unforgettable way. TIA Safaris not only wants you to have a safe, comfortable journey from one destination to another, but also to have an in-depth understanding of those destinations and everything in between them. Everyday you will be privy to the secrets and fascinating details of those people, places, and things that await us on the road. For those who would like to listen, we will provide you with lectures on the history, geography, taxonomy, geology, and, most especially, the flora and fauna of Africa throughout the trip. No African rock will be left unturned for you to see what is beneath. More often then not, safari companies will drop their clients at the accommodations and leave them to their own devices. TIA makes sure, that if you are so inclined, and time and setting permits, you can partake in a number of included hikes, night walks, and group entertainment at our destinations. Travel is as much about sharing what you have experienced with others as the experiences themselves. TIA strives to help create that feeling of camaraderie with these extra activities for all who want to join in. TIA Safaris is, above all, about making your trip one that is unique, personal, entertaining, and enlightening, bringing you into Africa, and Africa to you in the most enjoyable way possible. We want you to leave Africa like you are leaving a wonderful friend you just met and cannot wait to see once again. , and the Field Guide’s Association of Southern Africa in 2007. He worked as a safari guide at a five-star lodge for six months and then decided that he wanted to see more of Africa. He joined one of the Africa’s premiere overlanding companies, Africa Travel Company. He worked as an overlanding guide in both East and Southern Africa until deciding to create TIA Safaris. With a passion for Africa and a particular love for its flora and fauna, Mat is now living his dream; taking people across Africa and introducing them to Africa’s beauties and wonders. In creating TIA Safaris, Mat has found the perfect vehicle for not only taking people on safari, but also teaching them to love and understand Africa. From the Mountain Gorillas in the Virunga Moutains of Uganda to the Cape Floral Kingdom on top of Table Mountain in From the beginning Mat exhibited great leadership ability as he organized our 25-member group. He helped us understand truck rules, taught us how to pitch out tent, and advised us concerning other matters that would help us throughout our two weeks. We never traveled before in any similar overland or camping scenario, and so we didn’t know quite what to expect. But Mat always made himself available to assist us with any questions or concerns that we had, as he did seemingly with everyone else in the group as well. Besides his knowledge regarding African life and nature, Mat also showed sensitivity towards African culture and the environment. He stressed the importance of leaving no evidence of our travels and doing what we could to leave no footprint. This manifested itself in how we took care of our dishes as well as our personal daily needs. As much as Mat wanted us to enjoy and learn from our trip, he wanted us do so responsibly. Going to Africa was always something I’ve wanted to do, but always believed it was inaccessible. At 66, after seeing most of the places I wanted to see on the planet, I decided to make the trip to Africa. I was rather uneasy to say the least. After more shots than I really wanted, I shuffled off to Africa to join an overland trip that had been recommended to me by my son’s friend. He had heard about an American “Steve Irwin” who was the guide on the truck I was about to embark on. The only thing that gave me comfort was that I knew the guide would speak English. What surprised me the most about Mat was the amount he knew about Africa, its animals, its plant life, its cultures, its history, its everything. In fact, most of the time I thought he making it up. I didn’t think it was possible anyone could know so much about a place in so short a time. I then realized something about, Mat. He was a person who LOVED where he lived and worked. What was more, he guided us through Africa as if he wanted us to love Africa as well. Any fears I had before I came to Africa disappeared in the face of Mat’s enthusiasm, his knowledge, and his love for Africa. He made an “old man’s” trip to Africa one of comfort, safety, and enrichment for which I am truly grateful. I would have liked every guided “safari” that I had done across the planet as life-enriching as my trip through Africa. Next year I will be going back to do the East Africa trip with Mat, even if it means more shots. Going to Africa scared me. I hate bugs. I hate camping. I hate not having hot showers and my own toilet. The only reason I went is because I grew up with Mat and I wanted to see what all his African hubbub was about. Every time Mat came back to town with his arsenal of photos and endless stories, I was more and more curious about this place that could create such incredible pictures and stories. When I finally made it there to travel with Mat and seventeen other people on our truck, I was amazed to see my childhood friend in this way. I almost didn’t recognize him. I did recognize him picking up rocks and catching spiders, scorpions, snakes, lizards and all sorts of other creepy –crawlies to show us since he’s been doing that since he was born. What was different was that he was in his element. Being in his element, he put us all in that element. He opened Africa up for us like it was the front door to his home. After my trip, I’m not going to say that I’m in love with bugs and camping because of Mat. I will say that Africa is definitely a place I will travel to again even with the bugs and camping. The Africa my childhood friend showed me was more than worth it. I wouldn’t go with anyone else.