Hi, I’m Karen, the founder and director of African Encounters.
My journey as an independent tour operator has been full of twists and turns, but one thing has always been clear – after working with large tour groups during my time in Africa, I knew that mass tourism wasn’t the path I wanted to take. Instead, I chose to specialise in intimate small groups, allowing my guests to venture off the beaten track and away from the crowded safari circuits. It’s a decision I’m very happy with. There’s nothing quite like witnessing lion cubs play or elephants cool off in a river, with no other vehicle in sight—those are the memories that last a lifetime.
Every year, I personally escort small group safaris to my favourite places in East and Southern Africa, sharing my love for this extraordinary continent with my guests. These Signature Safaris are true ‘safaris in comfort,’ where we stay in my favourite luxury tented camps with just a few guests. These safaris are exclusive to African Encounters and are loved by my loyal clients who keep coming back for yet another adventure!
I’m a New Zealander with ‘itchy feet’ who lived in Switzerland for 20 years, traveling extensively throughout Europe during that time. I then relocated to Africa, where I worked for a tour operator in Kenya for several years before returning to New Zealand to start my own tour business. For two decades, I escorted small group walking tours throughout Europe and South America, but it was Africa that truly captured my heart from my first visit nearly 40 years ago, and it’s Africa that keeps calling me back. They say you can leave Africa, but Africa will never leave you—and that is certainly true for me!
Decades of living and working across Africa have given me a wealth of hands-on safari knowledge that simply can’t be found in glossy brochures or on websites. I stay in constant contact with my safari partners across Africa, ensuring we always have the most up-to-date information. I also regularly escort my Signature Safaris to maintain our expertise—and because I just love sharing my passion for this incredible continent with my guests!
Karen Platzer, African Encounters Ltd
Staying in community-run private conservancies allows us to support local communities and conservation projects. A donation to community and conservation projects is included in the tour price – so by joining an African Encounters safari you are also giving back to the places and people we are so privileged to visit.
The animals have also discovered the peace and tranquillity of these unfenced private conservancies provide respite from the hordes of vehicles in busy national parks and reserves so the game viewing is exceptional!
Our hand-picked lodges and luxury safari camps are run with solar power. They recycle and minimise their water usage, grow their own produce, and reduce and recycle waste.
