Indalo Travel
Bespoke African trip design for the modern traveler
Curated itineraries with a focus on ethical partnerships and in-the-know local recommendations
A new way to access Africa that is honest, effortless, and authentic
Services
-
End-to-end African trip design
Full support for multi-destination trips within Africa. Whether you are looking to plan a honeymoon, big group trip, or simply get away for a week and don’t know where to start, Indalo provides honest guidance that integrates your personal interests at every step.
-
Safari planning
The best boutique African destination properties have long relied on a community of local travel agents to direct people toward their lodges. Within this network, we can see more availability than what is online, access preferred partner rates, and get in-depth expert advice - all of which is free of charge to the client.
-
Daily itineraries
Custom itineraries are available for Cape Town City Tours, Hiking Tours, The Cape of Good Hope, Cape Winelands, and more - allowing you to experience the best local spots on your own schedule. By hand-selecting what to do and when, these itineraries also maximize your precious time and minimize travel.
-
Cape Town concierge
Safari booked, but trying to find the best local spots in Cape Town and surrounds? If you are looking to choose a perfectly located Airbnb, book the top restaurants in advance, or figure out which hike to do, schedule a call to infuse insider tips and perfect your itinerary.
The Indalo Difference
-
Most trips follow the same tourist route - whether this is done by a foreign travel agent or crowdsourced recs from friends. I have an arsenal of recommendations that are off the beaten path. I select which ones to recommend by learning what you love and guiding you to the experiences that match those interests.
Moreover, many tourist experiences are worth doing, but there are little tips and tricks for how to do them best. By sharing candid insights, I can help you determine which ones align with your perfect trip and which ones are best to skip.
-
Agents make their money by booking hotels and tours, which incentivizes pushing clients towards recommendations that may not suit them. Some travelers would rather explore at their own pace and preferences rather than on a fixed, guided tour, or stay in an Airbnb or more boutique B&B than with a major hotel brand.
My itinerary building and concierge services allow me to provide the type of guidance I personally crave when I travel. By transparently trading my time and insights for flat fees, I can provide the guidance you individually need, and you can be certain I am putting your best interest first.
-
The African tourism industry is surprisingly unrepresentative. It lacks the expansive cultural diversity that could and should be showcased and keeps tourist dollars in the hands of the few.
Indalo was created in large part to change the status quo and uplift quality, industry partners. I exclusively work with local people of color for all daily excursion partners (drivers, hiking guides, cultural guides, etc.) and do not take a cut from any of these bookings - allowing them to make the full amount for the exceptional services they provide.
Reviews
About
Hello! Welcome to Indalo Travel. I’m Dana, and I’ve been living between the U.S. and Cape Town since 2015. My first trip to South Africa as a teen fundamentally changed the course of my life. For each trip I build, I aim to similarly create an impact that shifts perspective and provides inspiration that carries back into one’s life at home.
As a foreigner living in South Africa, I was often asked my opinion by people in my network about upcoming trips to the continent. After reading itinerary after itinerary with overpriced hotels, touristy recommendations, and unnecessary additional charges, I decided to create a new way to access quality travel in Africa.
My recommendations are built on years of personally seeking the best places to stay, eat, drink, and explore across the spectrum of African travel, from budget backpacking to the top end of luxury. From my experience working in the African study abroad, remote work, food and beverage, and luxury travel industries, I thoroughly understand what makes a trip to Africa successful for foreign visitors. At the same time, I am extremely well-connected on the ground and can find a recommendation for even the most niche request through my extensive network.
My business is a fusion of the two cultures I call home. I operate with the efficiency, timeliness, and entrepreneurial spirit of the high-intensity culture I grew up with in Washington D.C. and through my time at Vanderbilt and UCL. Meanwhile, I am committed to showcasing the joyous, laid-back culture that is ever-prominent across all African travel.
From the outside, a trip to Africa can feel inaccessible and overwhelming. In reality - and with the right guidance - it can be extremely welcoming and peaceful. Even more, you can access the highest-end experiences on a reasonable budget (8-course meals for $40, award-winning wine for $3 a tasting, coastal Airbnbs for $100 a night, the list goes on). Most of all, I can guarantee that the nature - “indalo” in Xhosa - will be the most inspiring sights you’ve ever seen or will see.
My one goal is to create a better path for visitors to access Africa. I’d love to help you plan the trip of a lifetime.
Book a consult call
If you think we could work well together, please book a free thirty minute chat to discuss the trip you are looking for support with. From there, we can decide which avenue works best for your planning needs and travel style.
Get in touch.
Feel free to contact me using the information below, or leave a quick note and let me know more about what you are looking for.
Contact Information
dana@indalo.travel
+1 (703) 400-0426 (U.S +Whatsapp)
+27 (071) 630 3698 (South Africa)