About Down in Africa
Africa is not just where I work — it’s where I come from, what I know, and what I share through every journey I design.
Meet Melanie Tucker
I grew up in Cape Town, South Africa, and I’ve spent more than 30 years working in travel. For the past 15 years, my focus has been solely on Africa — the continent I call home and the place that continues to shape every journey I design.
Africa isn’t just a destination I sell. It’s in my blood. I’ve tracked gorillas through the misty mountains of Uganda, followed chimpanzees through dense forests, hiked the magnificent Fish River Canyon in Namibia, and spent countless nights around safari campfires across East and Southern Africa.
But what truly defines my work isn’t just where I’ve been — it’s the relationships I’ve built. For over 15 years, I’ve worked with the same trusted partners across every country I serve. I personally visit properties several times a year, not to tick boxes, but to understand what’s changed, what’s new, and whether I would confidently send my own family there.
My belief is simple: everyone should have the chance to experience Africa. A safari touches your soul in a way few journeys can — connecting you to the land, the wildlife, and something deeper within yourself. I’ve seen it hundreds of times, and it never gets old.
The Countries I Know Best
I specialize in crafting bespoke journeys throughout Africa and the Middle East, with hands-on experience across a wide range of destinations. Each itinerary is shaped by personal travel, trusted partnerships, and an understanding of what truly makes each place special.
Africa
- Botswana
- Egypt
- Ethiopia
- Kenya
- Lesotho
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Mauritius
- Morocco
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Rwanda
- Seychelles
- South Africa
- Tanzania
- Uganda
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
Middle East
- Israel
- Jordan
- Oman
- Turkey
- United Arab Emirates
My personal favourites? South Africa (for obvious reasons), Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda — though I pour the same care and attention into every destination I plan.
Experience That Runs Deeper Than Travel
My understanding of Africa isn’t based on short visits or curated highlights. It comes from years of living, working, and building relationships across the continent.
I work closely with guides, conservationists, lodge owners, and local communities — people I trust not because of contracts, but because of long-standing personal connection.
This allows me to design journeys that feel grounded, seamless, and genuinely meaningful — not just impressive on paper.
