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.
A snapshot
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. Specializing 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.
Expert destinations
South Africa, Kenya.
Recent 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.
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 cozily 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 specializing 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
9 years in a row, since 2015
"The booking process was excellent and the agent very knowledgeable. "
Miles
"What made my experience great? That would be Matthew Court!
This company deserves the high praises, the stellar service scores, and high customer rankings. Simply stated, they earn it.
They are subject matter experts, responsive (despite an 8 hour time difference), patient, flexible and exper..."
David Womble
"Our second time using Yellow Zebra and we weren't disappointed. Our consultant was knowledgeable, responsive and flexible. Online tools make managing the trip useful too. Would definitely recommend."
Jill Wharfe
"They were very patient with us as our interest and plans continued to change."
Chrystie Stewart
"Genuine, sincere and friendly communications making the whole selection and booking process so smooth"