I’m Kim Middleton, the founder of Owl Safaris, a one-woman travel business shaped by a lifelong passion for Africa’s wild spaces and a deep love for crafting meaningful journeys. I specialise in personal, well-considered island and safari experiences across Africa and the Indian Ocean, drawing on decades of first-hand knowledge, lived experiences and relationships built on the ground. My love for travel began in the early ’90s after studying tourism, and one of my very first assignments took me by small charter plane into the Okavango Delta. That moment – the vastness, the silence, the wilderness, and a few very charming hippos – changed the direction of my life forever. I’ve travelled widely and lived abroad, but Africa’s rivers, wildlife and people continue to call me home.
My career soon led me into the fly-fishing world, and with it, to the Zambezi River – a place that quickly became woven into my heart. I spent many years hosting travel groups along the upper Zambezi, working closely with warm, generous Zambian teams and exploring hidden stretches of river at sunrise. Those days were filled with deck breakfasts overlooking hippos, tiger fish adventures, bird-filled boat cruises and village visits that still stay with me. In 2022, I had the privilege of living and working in the South Luangwa Valley, where life revolves around the rhythms of the river. Often called the leopard capital of Africa, this region remains beautifully wild and wonderfully welcoming. Arriving in Mfuwe feels like stepping into a slower rhythm: children waving, cicadas humming, the scent of woodsmoke drifting from village fires – a gentle introduction to the magic of the Luangwa.
In January 2024, I spent a week on Alphonse Island, one of the Seychelles’ remote outer atolls, and discovered a place that blends the serenity of island living with extraordinary natural beauty. The island has a single lodge with beach bungalows and villas nestled along the shoreline, all deeply rooted in conservation. Turtle rehabilitation, giant tortoise care and protected marine habitats form part of daily life here. The fly-fishing is exceptional, with vast flats offering world-class bonefishing and the chance to target giant trevally, milk fish and other species under expert guidance. Add in snorkelling, diving, spa time and fresh Creole cuisine, and the experience feels restorative, luxurious and profoundly calming. These remote islands and untouched wilderness areas hold a kind of magic – a mix of wonder, warmth and unforgettable moments. It would be my honour to help you plan a journey that feels just as life-changing.
I’m here to guide you through creating meaningful, well-planned safari and island journeys that feel personal from start to finish. Every itinerary is crafted with care, drawing on my time spent in the regions I recommend and the relationships I’ve built with guides, lodge teams, and conservation partners. From flights, visas and logistics to choosing the right camps, activities and timing, I take the stress out of planning so you can relax and simply look forward to the experience. Whether your dream adventure includes a fly-fishing expedition, a photographic safari, a barefoot island escape or a cultural journey with deeper purpose, I’ll help shape a trip that suits your interests, pace and budget – all with the reassurance of expert support whenever you need it.
As a specialist safari booking agent, we never charge extra for handling your reservations — our service is completely commission-based, meaning lodges and camps compensate us at no additional cost to you. These industry-standard rates are the same whether you book directly or through an accredited agent, but by booking through us you gain expert advice, personalised planning, insider access, and dedicated support before and during your trip. In short: you get more value, at no extra expense.
My recommendations come from first-hand experience. I’ve spent real time on the Upper and Lower Zambezi, explored the landscapes of South Luangwa, and fished the pristine flats of Alphonse Island – knowledge that allows me to match travellers with the right places, seasons and experiences. For anglers, I offer guidance on the best waters, techniques and gear for tiger fish, bonefish, giant trevally, sail fish and more, ensuring you arrive confident and prepared. For wildlife lovers, I can assist with arranging rare encounters such as searching for the shoebill storks in Bangweulu, witnessing the Kasanka bat migration, or joining marine researchers on Alphonse. No matter your travel style – glamping, walking safaris, remote islands, photography-focused trips or special-interest adventures – your journey is tailored with care, intention and a genuine passion for helping you experience Africa at its most extraordinary.
