Dayami Rivera is a passionate co-owner of Savanna Stalkers, creating immersive luxury safari, fishing, and ethical hunting experiences in South Africa that connect travellers to nature’s beauty with unforgettable adventures.

What inspired you to co-found Savanna Stalkers and focus on African safari experiences?

My first safari experience was undeniably beautiful. The landscapes, the wildlife, and the sheer scale of South Africa leave you in awe. But for me, it still felt a little too touristy. I was craving something deeper: real culture, authenticity, and adventure that felt personal rather than packaged.

Everything changed when I experienced South Africa alongside Warric. He introduced me to a completely different side of safari, one rooted in local knowledge, seamless planning, and an understanding of how extraordinary an experience can become when it’s curated properly. I saw how luxury and local culture could coexist effortlessly, how the smallest details could transform a trip, and how much more meaningful travel becomes when it’s designed with heart and intention.

The safaris we experienced were so thoughtfully tailored to us that they opened my eyes to what was truly possible. Friends kept asking, “How did you do this? Where did you go? Who planned it?” That’s when it clicked. Savanna Stalkers was born out of the idea that if you want something breathtaking, immersive, and unforgettable, we’ll plan it down to the smallest detail. You dream it, we bring it to life.

How do your personal experiences shape the way you design travel adventures for clients?

I believe everyone wants adventure, luxury, and the chance to see the wild in its natural habitat. What most people don’t realise is that you can’t simply Google your way to that kind of experience.

I’m deeply drawn to culture and uniqueness, and that shapes every journey I help design. I listen carefully to what guests say and what they don’t say. I read between the lines, picking up on their energy, their curiosity, and the moments they imagine but may not know how to articulate.

Because I’ve lived these experiences myself, I know how powerful the right details can be. Every itinerary is crafted with intention, blending comfort, authenticity, and adventure in a way that feels completely personal. No two trips should ever feel the same, and that’s exactly how we design them.

Can you share a memorable moment from one of your safaris that influenced your vision for the company?

One of the most defining moments happened during a stay at Bateleur Safari Camp. Warric and I only had two nights there, but what we experienced in that short time changed everything for me.

During a night game drive, our guide stopped the vehicle on a quiet runway surrounded by complete darkness, untouched by any light pollution. We sat in silence under a sky filled with stars when suddenly we heard it: a lion calling to its pride. The sound echoed through the night, raw and powerful.

Then we went searching. Watching that lion emerge from the bush, hearing its roar vibrate through the truck, it sent chills through my entire body. In that moment, I knew this was something everyone deserved to experience. Not just to see it, but to feel it, the sounds, the stillness, the awe. That night cemented my vision: to create opportunities for others to experience Africa in its most authentic, unforgettable form.

What makes Savanna Stalkers’ approach to safaris and outdoor adventures unique?

At Savanna Stalkers, we’re not here to chase numbers; we’re here to create memories that last a lifetime. Our goal isn’t a one-time booking; it’s a relationship built on trust, meaning, and experiences so incredible that our guests can’t wait to come back.

Unlike traditional safari operators, we design journeys around people, not templates. Every trip is curated with intention, heart, and an insider’s understanding of how Africa truly works. We focus on immersive experiences, seamless logistics, and moments that feel deeply personal, the kind you talk about for years.

We don’t just plan trips. We create stories.

How do you balance luxury travel with ethical and sustainable wildlife experiences?

Luxury and sustainability are not mutually exclusive; in fact, when done right, they enhance one another. We work closely with reputable lodges, conservation programs, and wildlife organisations that prioritise ethical practices and long-term environmental stewardship.

By supporting locally owned operations, responsible wildlife management, and conservation-driven tourism, we ensure that every experience contributes positively to the land and animals that make South Africa so special. True luxury, to us, means travelling with respect for nature, for wildlife, and for future generations.

What challenges have you faced building the brand, and how did you deal with them?

One of the biggest challenges has been educating clients on what’s truly possible in Africa. For many, travelling to South Africa or planning a safari can feel intimidating or overwhelming at first.

We’ve overcome that by becoming trusted guides, simplifying the process, answering every question, and walking clients through the journey step by step. Once people understand how seamless, safe, and extraordinary these experiences can be, their hesitation turns into excitement.

How do you ensure that local communities benefit from the tourism you promote?

Local communities are at the heart of everything we do. We work closely with lodges and operators who employ local staff, support regional economies, and create meaningful employment opportunities.

Our guests’ visits directly contribute to these communities, from tips and wages to long-term tourism growth that sustains families and preserves traditions. When communities thrive, conservation thrives, and that’s something we’re deeply committed to supporting.

What are some of the most memorable feedback or stories from guests on safari trips?

Our guests continually remind us why we do what we do. We’ve received messages from clients who witnessed a pride of lions feasting on a zebra, moments so raw and unforgettable they left them speechless.

Others talk about the quieter luxuries: returning to their suite after dinner to a roaring fireplace, soaking in the romance and serenity of the African night.

Families have shared stories of witnessing a lion chase a leopard in Mjejane Game Reserve, experiences that feel straight out of a documentary.

These are the moments that stay with people forever.

Which destinations or experiences are you most excited to expand into next?

We’re incredibly excited to expand further into East and Upper Africa, particularly iconic regions like the Serengeti. While we already have access to exceptional lodges across multiple countries, we’re eager to introduce more guests to the diversity and magic each destination offers.

Africa is vast, and every region tells a different story, and we’re just getting started.

For someone who would never personally choose to hunt, what would you want them to know about ethical hunting and conservation?

Ethical hunting, when done responsibly and regulated properly, plays a critical role in conservation. It helps manage wildlife populations, protects habitats, and provides essential funding for conservation efforts and local communities.

At Savanna Stalkers, we approach this with respect and transparency. Ethical hunting supports anti-poaching initiatives, sustains ecosystems, and ensures wildlife can thrive long-term. It’s not about sport, it’s about balance, responsibility, and preserving Africa’s natural heritage for generations to come.

You can learn more at Savanna Stalkers and see our daily work, partnerships, and experiences on Instagram @savannastalkers.

E: Information
T: Warric +27825577201/ Dayami +1 9175745735 (WhatsApp)