Nico is a Kenya and South Africa expert at Yellow Zebra. Her passion for the wild has led her to explore vast stretches of our planet, with a particular focus on Southern and Eastern Africa.
About Nico
Hailing from Italy, Nico embodies a passion for the wild that spans continents. With almost a decade of experience as a seasoned travel planner, she has crafted complex and unique tailor-made travel experiences across the world. Specialising in Africa, from her recent solo self-drive adventure in Namibia to unforgettable moments under the African sky, Nico’s journey reflects a lifelong dedication to uncovering the raw beauty of Southern and Eastern Africa, amidst extensive global travel experience.
Nico’s latest escapade was a solo self-drive adventure in Namibia. Roaming through the remote corners of this breathtaking country, she rates the drive along the D707 road, through the Tiras Mountains from Luderitz to the NamibRand Reserve, as a must-do for every adventurous soul.
Nico's most memorable experience
Every safari is unforgettable, but some moments resonate deeply, reminding us of our place in the wild.
One such occasion happened when walking through the South Luangwa National Park in Zambia. Doing a multi-day walk through the bush, camping under the canopy of stars along the way, between one bush camp and the next, is already a defining experience. But one night, when our group was sitting cosily around the fire after dinner, a loud commotion made us all sit up and we witnessed a lioness dart through camp, between the fire and the bathroom, chased by a group of hyenas. What was a bad hunting session for the lioness, became a life-long memory for us.
Nico's biography
Nico was born in Italy, beneath the Alps. Her upbringing instilled a love for nature’s extremes. Camping, trekking, and mountaineering became second nature, propelling her to explore the world’s wild corners.
Growing up mostly in Italy but having lived in Tunisia, France, Spain, the UK, and Germany meant that by the time Nico had finished her degree in International Relations in Milan she was ready to truly scratch the travel itch and go explore the world. Long travels in Patagonia and Canada truly introduced the vastness of the natural world, but it was during her fist safari in Botswana that she really understood how humbling a truly wild and alive landscape can be.
Living by this point in London for some years and having started working for a boutique tour operator specialising in complex sabbaticals around the world, Nico jumped at the opportunity of African travels and soon she had added Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique, Malawi, Kenya, Tanzania, Madagascar, and Uganda to her list of travels. Her journey, including a safari guiding course in Botswana, reflects a lifelong dedication to uncovering the beauty of the natural world.
"Yellow Zebra are genuine specialists; they know the African bush like the back of their hand."
Brian Jackman, safari expert for The Sunday Times, The Telegraph, Condé Nast, and the BBC
'Europe's Leading Safari Tour Operator' at the World Travel Awards
10 years in a row, since 2015
"Matt, my planner contact, has been wonderful: super knowledgeable, efficient, thorough, friendly. I don't travel for some months, but the research and booking processes were excellent. Started with two additional travel companies but narrowed it to Yellow Zebra as the best. "
Jeanne Likins
"Incredible from start to finish. From giving them our budget to coming up with an amazing safari adventure , everything planned from touch down in nairobi to departure day. Leading up to departure they were great at supplying full itinerary, advice on clothing, photography, tips, and sorting out..."
Heidi
"Excellent service from Yellow Zebra. Excellent communication before and after our safari to Walkers Plains camp.
Catherine really listened to what we wanted ) being our first safari ) and gave her hands on experience and advice.
Could not fault them at all. Excellent holiday and service "
monica elizabeth
"Lauren Noakes gave us exceptional service as she helped us plan our first-ever Safari on short notice. We were given red carpet treatment all along the way and had the time of our lives on our Yellow Zebra Safari. Thank you Lauren! Your knowledge and passion for your work are an asset to those..."
Catherine Trescony
"Yellow Zebra was easy to work with. They listened to my needs and made the best recommendation. Our trip is going to be amazing because of Yellow Zebra. "