About
African Studio

We’re not a corporate tour operator — we’re your trusted partner on the ground

© Natural Selection | Botswana

niche destination management company

Who We Are

African Studio is a boutique safari DMC built on personal relationships, local expertise, and a genuine passion for Africa.

Based in Cape Town and Johannesburg, we serve international travel agents and discerning travelers who want more than just another safari—they want authentic experiences that create lasting memories.

We believe in doing things differently. No corporate speak, no cookie-cutter itineraries, no ego. Just honest advice, fast response times, and the kind of service that makes you look like a hero to your clients.

© natural selection | botswana

What Drives Us

What Drives
Us

Personal Touch

Every safari is crafted with care. We take time to understand what matters most to your clients.

Local Knowledge

We live here. We know the lodges, the guides, and the hidden gems that make safaris truly special.

Agent-First Approach

We work behind the scenes so you shine in front of your clients. Your success is our success.

Why Work With Us

Two Offices,
One Team

Based in Cape Town and Johannesburg, we have boots on the ground across Southern Africa.

24/7
Support

Your clients are on the ground, and we're just a WhatsApp away. Fast response times when it matters most.

Curated
Partnerships

We work with owner-run lodges and authentic operators who share our values—not just the big brands.

No Cookie-Cutter Itineraries

Every safari is custom-built. We listen first, then create something truly tailored.

Sustainable & Responsible

African Safaris

Part of our ethos is giving back. When you travel with African Studio Destination Management, a portion of our profits goes towards supporting organizations in Africa that need our help. Along with our chosen travel partners, we are committed to the preservation of wildlife and wilderness, the inclusion of communities and the desire to make a difference to this extraordinary place we call home.

We are also committed to sustainable tourism practices, and only work with operators and partners on the ground who strive to take care of both people and planet.

© Natural Selection | Namibia

The Team

Rob Swanepoel
Rob Swanepoel
Rob
Swanepoel
Rob
Swanepoel
Robert Swanepoel has been working in travel and tourism in Africa for over 20 years. Born in Zimbabwe and based in South Africa, he has vast experience in guiding, hospitality and the luxury safari market.

Rob and his team are passionate about creating unforgettable experiences – whether it's hot air ballooning over the Serengeti, sleeping under canvas in the Okavango Delta or organizing an unforgettable Indian Ocean island African getaway.

Specializing in personalized and professional journeys, African Studio Destination Management makes it its business to know and understand the needs of its diverse clients, including multi-generational families, LGBTQ+ couples, and groups seeking unlikely adventures in Africa's phenomenal wild spaces.
Ryan Utermark
Ryan Utermark
Ryan
Utermark
Ryan
Utermark
With 30 years in the safari industry, Ryan began his career guiding across Southern and East Africa before moving into lodge management and ownership. Today, he serves as operations lead and co-director of African Studio, where he channels his passion for showcasing Africa's diversity and creating journeys that truly fulfil clients' dreams.

His favourite destination is Botswana, a wilderness paradise of pristine waterways and abundant wildlife, where safaris are intimate and truly wild. An avid birder and birding guide, Ryan's fun fact: he'd love to be a professional air guitarist.
Natalie Utermark
Natalie Utermark
Natalie
Utermark
Natalie
Utermark
With 38 years in the five-star hospitality industry, Natalie brings a wealth of expertise from her career as a reservations manager for a leading hotel group. At African Studio, she is the administration partner and organiser, ensuring every detail is managed so that clients' dreams become reality.

Passionate about tailor-made itineraries and unique journeys, Natalie's favourite destination is Namibia, where vast deserts, dramatic dunes, and star-filled skies create one of Africa's most breathtaking landscapes. Away from her desk, she loves to dance.

Ready to Start a Conversation?

Let’s chat about how we can support you and your clients

© Natural Selection | namibia

The African Studio Collection | 2026

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