For many years Think Africa Travel has shaped the way visitors experience Botswana by adapting quickly to shifts in global travel and by placing personalised service at the heart of its approach. From Maun—the gateway to the Okavango Delta—our team designs unique, flexible itineraries for family holidays, private mobile expeditions, honeymoons, specialist birding trips and more. Long-standing relationships with leading camps, lodges and hotels across Southern Africa allow us to secure the right products, rates and logistical support for every traveller.

ABOUT US

Think Africa Travel operates as a fully licensed inbound tour operator under Botswana’s Department of Tourism and is a subsidiary of Chobe Holdings Limited, listed on the Botswana Stock Exchange. Established in 1992, the company delivers impartial advice to both local and international guests. Proximity to the Delta enables us to maintain real-time knowledge of conditions on the ground; clients are personally met on arrival and departure at Maun International Airport, and assistance is available throughout their stay. Close ties with suppliers in Botswana, South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Zambia allow seamless regional combinations. The company is a long-standing member of the Hospitality and Tourism Association of Botswana.

MANAGEMENT TEAM

Managing Director Walter Smith grew up in South Africa and Namibia and entered Botswana’s safari sector in 1990. Over 35 years he has guided safaris, managed tour operations in Namibia and Botswana and spent 15 years as Marketing and Operations Director at Desert & Delta Safaris. His depth of regional knowledge and industry connections underpin Think Africa Travel’s strategic direction.

General Manager Ernest Khanye Tafhi, a Motswana from Kanye, joined the company in 1995 and progressed from trainee consultant to senior leadership. He holds a diploma in Travel and Tourism Management and has served in sales, reservations and group marketing roles within Chobe Holdings.

Senior Safari Planner Onalenna Pitlo known affectionately to us as Ona, was born and raised in Orapa, a diamond mining town in the heart of Botswana. After completing her Diploma in Accounting and Computer Studies, she settled in what is now her village of Maun. Initially influenced by her early exposure to the mining industry, Onalenna spent seven years working in her father’s quarry, where she not only assisted with the relevant administrative functions, but also trained and learnt how to operate their heavy machinery. However, she discovered her true passion lies in connecting with people rather than machinery. For the past 14 years, Onalenna has thrived in the tourism industry. She now serves as Senior Safari Planner at Think Africa Travel, crafting unforgettable and heart-stirring journeys across Botswana’s Okavango Delta and beyond, including Zimbabwe, Zambia, and South Africa. Her deep local knowledge and dedication ensure every safari experience is uniquely tailored and truly memorable.

Product Development Officer Queen Kaiko born and raised in Maun, Botswana, is a dedicated travel professional with a strong passion for African travel experiences. She earned her Diploma in Travel Management from Gaborone Technical College in 2022 and quickly immersed herself in the travel and tourism industry, gaining valuable experience in reservations and administrative roles. Queen joined Think Africa Travel in 2024 as a Reservations Administrator, where her dedication and teamwork quickly led to a promotion as Product Development Officer. In this role, she is responsible for negotiating supplier rates and supporting marketing efforts across Southern Africa. Queen’s work is essential in strengthening partnerships through quality products and services and enhancing the company’s diverse product offerings throughout the Southern African region. Driven by a vision to inspire African travellers, she continues to grow and ensure a lasting impact on the industry.

Reservations Administrator Martha Fisher hails from Gaborone, Botswana. She studied International Tourism at a vocational training institute in Gaborone, laying the foundation for her career in the travel and hospitality industry. With over 10 years of experience across various tourism companies, Martha has developed a deep understanding of guest relations and travel logistics. In 2021, she joined Ker & Downey Botswana as a Meet and Greet representative, where she thrived in welcoming guests from different countries and cultures, an aspect of the role she found especially rewarding. Her passion for connecting with people and ensuring memorable travel experiences has been a hallmark of her career.  Martha joined Think Africa Travel as a Reservations Administrator, where she assists the team with booking processes, pre- and post-travel arrangements for our clients, and serves as our meet-and-greet representative for arriving and departing travellers. 

Together, this team combines decades of on-the-ground experience with strong industry partnerships to ensure every itinerary is crafted and delivered to the highest professional standard.