This Is Our Story
Where Spirit Meets Safari
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Welcome to Afkira Travels, a boutique travel company dedicated to offering bespoke and privately guided safaris and journeys across Africa.
Founded by Kiren Rai, Afkira is rooted in something far deeper than wanderlust. It was born from a passion for the wild and one unforgettable moment of clarity that changed everything.
Our Story
Kiren’s journey began in the heart of East Africa. Raised among the sweeping plains of Uganda, Kenya, and the Serengeti, her earliest memories are etched with the rhythm of the bush — the distant roar of lions, the shimmer of flamingos on Lake Nakuru, the scent of rain on red earth and the sweeping wilderness of the savannah
Though life eventually bought her to India, Africa never left her spirit. She continued to return — year after year — to her family home in Kenya. These visits were more than just travel; they were quiet homecomings. Kiren’s deep connection to the region is also rooted in legacy — her family is a well-known name in East Africa, having contributed to the region’s landscape for generations and playing an active role in the hospitality industry.
Then, in 2018, everything shifted. Kiren had returned once more to the Masai Mara — this time, carrying the quiet weight of her mother’s recent passing.
It was during one unforgettable evening, as the sun began its slow descent, that everything became clear.
“The sky turned to gold, then a golden amber. The wind dropped. The land held its breath. I stood alone in the vast stillness, surrounded by open grassland — and yet, I felt completely held, cradled in the silence, as the sun slipped behind the acacias, I felt more myself than I ever had.
And in that clarity came a knowing, deep, and certain:
This isn’t just where I come from. This is what I’m here to share.”
It was in that moment of grace that Afkira Safaris was born and became the soul of Afkira Safaris: a calling to offer others the magic, the healing, and the profound presence that only Africa can awaken.
Afkira is powered by purpose — and by a small but incredible team.
We are proud to have Ishneet Mann, a true modern-day explorer, as part of the Afkira family. A seasoned angler, equestrian, golfer, photographer and printmaker, a wood carver (yes, really!), Ishneet brings global experience and creative soul to every itinerary we build. What truly defines her, though, is her profound love for Africa. She moves through the continent not as a visitor, but as someone in rhythm with its land, people, and stories. Her fluency in French and passion for the outdoors, adds richness to our safaris that you will not find anywhere else.
Together, we create experiences that are as dynamic, diverse, and soulful as the people who travel with us.
More Than Travel — A Path to Presence
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Kiren’s vision was about creating sacred journeys. We believe that travel can be transformative. That travel can shift perspectives. And that Africa — in all its majesty — holds the power to bring us back to ourselves.
A lifelong student of consciousness and quantum manifestation, Kiren believes deeply in the energy of intention. When we align with our truth, the universe responds. This philosophy flows into every Afkira journey.
She’s also the author of two spiritual works:
📖 The Sacred Indian Tarot
📖 Vedanta Tarot
Both explore the soul’s evolution — a path not unlike that of a conscious traveller.
The Afkira Experience
At Afkira, no two safaris are ever the same — because no two travellers are.
We craft bespoke, privately guided journeys for curious, conscious explorers. Whether you're drawn to wildlife photography or seeking a deeper connection with nature, every Afkira safari is tailored to your interests, ensuring an unforgettable African experience.
Founded by Kiren, who knows Africa intimately and instinctively understands the Indian traveller’s perspective, Afkira blends local expertise with cultural sensitivity. From private escapes to small, thoughtfully curated group adventures, we create immersive journeys that connect you — not just to the wild, but to the people and spirit of the land.
We don’t believe in ticking boxes.
At Afkira, you don’t just see Africa — you feel it.
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Karibu – Welcome to Afkira
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Whether it’s your first time in Africa or your fifth, we’re here to co-create something truly extraordinary.
Come with an open heart. Leave the noise behind.
Let the rhythm of Africa guide you — and let golden sunsets, roaring lions, and quiet epiphanies do the rest.
This isn’t just a safari.
It’s a journey home to your soul.