Get to know us
A journey rooted in friendship and adventure
Actually Africa's journey began over a decade ago when Jake and Dean met in their first year of high school on the outskirts of the Kruger National Park. From the start, their friendship was rooted in a shared love for nature and adventure. After school, Jake began organizing safaris for friends and family in Botswana’s Okavango Delta, where he grew up, while Dean, who grew up in South Africa's Phinda Private Game Reserve, achieved his dream of becoming a guide in that very reserve. Over the years, their friendship deepened through extensive travels across South Africa, Botswana, Swaziland, Mozambique, and even as far as Peru.
Throughout their travels, they began to see the potential for something greater. Dean launched Lessons in Conservation, an initiative aimed at educating and inspiring future conservationists, while Jake quickly supported the cause. Recognizing the power of combining their experiences and passions, they devised a concept for creating impactful safaris that go beyond mere exploration.
This vision became Actually Africa, a company founded to ensure that Lessons in Conservation can continue to inspire the next generation of conservationists long into the future. True to their mission, they commit 15% of every dollar earned to supporting this cause, blending their love for Africa with a profound commitment to its future.
Dean & Jake watching the sunset over the Okavango Delta
For the future of Africa
We envision a world where people from all walks of life can come together to protect the natural world. By combining luxury safaris with engaged conservation education of local communities, we can help protect the natural wonders of Africa for future generations.
Meet the team
Our team shares a deep, common passion: experiencing, preserving, and sharing the special parts of Africa that we all grew up in and hold so dearly. Nothing brings us more joy than being able to change the lives of our guests by showcasing the wonder of Africa.
All African-born and raised, this is our home.
Jake Rawlinson
Jake was raised in Botswana, on the outskirts of the Okavango Delta. His parents have been pioneers of the Okavango safari industry for the last four decades.
With an upbringing in the bush and the privilege of being exposed to the best that Southern Africa has to offer, Jake has exceptionally high standards and a nose for awe-inspiring wild spaces and experiences. This comes in handy when planning safaris.
Dean Carlisle
Dean had the incredible privilege of spending the first few years of his life at Phinda Private Game Reserve. With one of South Africa’s foremost conservationists as his father, he was afforded experiences that most children only read about.
Dean founded Lessons in Conservation to share his knowledge, create awareness, and facilitate exposure to children from underprivileged communities in the hope that the fire that burns so bright for conservation in us, may be sparked in them too.
Dominique Maré
Having grown up frequenting safari destinations, a love for the bush and wildlife has been part of Dom's life from as far back as she can remember.
As she grew up it became clear that her love for the bush and for helping people could go hand in hand. She strongly believes that as individuals, we have the ability to make a difference, but when we work together towards a common goal, we can make magic.
