The Great Travel Debate: Should you create a trip or buy ready-made?
When I founded Leopard in 2019, I wanted to build a travel company that allowed visitors, like you, to discover Africa in a very authentic and unique way. Based on my experience as an independent traveller, I was always drawn to journeys that unfolded organically, rather than packaged holidays, which were never my thing.
I remember a trip I took to Cuba in 2011, which was planned by a local person I found on TripAdvisor. It was one of the most incredible holidays I’ve ever had, thanks to his expert advice and recommendations of homestays (there were very few hotels in Cuba back then) and tour guides. I remember staying in Vinales and visiting a local tobacco farmer’s home, which was eye-opening. In Trinidad, I discovered a salsa club in a cave by speaking to local people.
Everywhere I went, people were so friendly and constantly invited me to join them, and because I wasn’t on a hectic schedule, I was often able to say yes to these invitations, and so I got to know Cuba so well.
This is why Leopard was created around bespoke travel. A tailor-made journey allows you to experience a destination on your own terms and at your own pace, tailored to what truly excites you. Whether that’s a slow morning in the Cape Winelands, tracking wildlife in a private conservancy or island hopping across the Indian Ocean, your trip should be truly yours.
Here are 5 reasons a bespoke journey to Africa, with Leopard, makes all the difference:
Ultimate Flexibility: You aren’t tied to specific flight times, large hotel chains, or set durations. If you want to add an extra safari drive or stay 4 days in one place and 9 in another, you can.
Access Beyond the Obvious: You will get access to boutique hotels, luxury safari lodges, privately-guided hikes, remote island retreats, and local guesthouses that major tour operators don’t partner with.
Thoughtful Pacing: Some travellers want early mornings and full days and others want their mornings to unfold slowly and to take their time. You decide if the itinerary is fast-paced to fulfil your curiosity about a new destination or unfurls slowly, allowing you time to absorb the landscape and experiences.” A bespoke itinerary allows space, or momentum, depending on what restores you – and you’ll never have to wait for a busload of 40 other people to finish their lunch.
Specialised Interests: Whether you’re interested in photography, a specific hiking trail, golf, food and wine, multi-generational travel or a tailored honeymoon or anniversary trip, a curated itinerary is designed around you.
Authenticity: An authentic experience allows for a deeper immersion in local culture and a more personalised journey, rather than a “tourist activity”, and although we love some of the iconic experiences, we also love helping you discover the hidden ones.
Packaged holidays have their place. They offer simplicity often at a lower cost, which suits some travellers. But these packaged holiday itineraries (or even AI-created itineraries) tend to skip the soul of a destination, favouring the highlights only. Whereas on a tailor-made trip, there’s the opportunity for spontaneous discoveries. For example, meeting a local artisan and being invited to her house for dinner, or stumbling upon a small family-owned vineyard that is not listed in any guidebook or online.
If you prefer a personalised journey, as I do, we’d love to hear from you.
Happy travelling,
Diana