About Us

A West Australian, Bo Svenson grew up on mine sites, in bush camps and on a farm so it was natural he went from being a bush mechanic to a qualified mechanic. On completion of his apprenticeship he was off around the world - and rarely hit home in over eight years as he worked on Trans East Africa, Trans West Africa as well as southern Africa Safaris for a number of reputable companies.

Next stop was South America where his mother and sister were based and another three years experience working for well known overland companies and traveling from Colombia in the north right through to Patagonia in the south. He speaks fluent Spanish.

Bo Svenson

Ariana Svenson with members of her household in Cusco, Peru and below, summiting Huayna Potosi, 6088m in Bolivia.

His sister, Ariana Svenson is a journalist and currently pursuing Masters studies in the Development of third world nations. She worked in tourism for 10 years, as an interpretive guide and she specialises in environmental and educational interpretation.

She is a Director of Apus Peru Adventure Travel, located in Cusco, Peru. Apus Peru specialise in off the beaten track experiences in Peru, where Ariana has lived on and off for six years while having time to fit in a number of Chinese forays, as well as a range of other Asian destinations including Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Burma and Laos.

She has most recently developed Explore Central America, specialising in tours to Nicaragua.She is taking care of the website and Asian operations. She speaks fluent Spanish and a bit of Chinese.

Safari Salama was always the dream - to run overland safari's a little differently. A little bit slower and we have always wanted to put something back, even a little… Giving to others less fortunate than ourselves makes our trip more meaningful and helps just a few people. Unfortunately due to marketplace competitiveness and customer demand many companies are trying to fit more and more things in to an already shortened itinerary… Not us - here at Safari Salama we like to take things a little slower and maybe take the hard road every now and then…

This is an adventure of a lifetime - adventure being the operative word. We don't plan our itineraries to the last detail so that we have to stick to a plan. We have a loose plan and are open to the many wonderful things that come along.

We are a budget company - we don't have big overheads, and we don't often use travel agents so we are cheaper… so you get more time more places the same equipment and all for less!!!

Why?

Why not!!!!! You can dream about these trips all your life or you can hop on and have a ball.

Bo was a pleasure to travel with through South America (From Brazil to Peru) for the 2 months I was with him, he always made the trip feel safe even through some of the unexpected problems we faced (A coup de etat in Bolivia). He showed some excellent off the path things that one would not normally see. It was a great adventure and I will never forget it, I hope I can get on one of these adventures!
Daniel Wall , Gosford Australia

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After 4 years of travelling when asked to name my favourite trip its easy - the Trans Africa.

From deserts, jungles and savannah through isolated villages of grass huts to bustling cities of millions Africa has it all. You will laze on beautiful beaches, cruise down rivers in dugout canoes and meet some of the most cheerful people in the world who have nothing but the smiles on their faces.

The best tour guide/driver I had in those 4 years? Bo. Not only is he a great driver and mechanic who has passed through before and knows what to expect and where to take you - he has the people skills and talents to smooth the way with officialdom and the cheerfulness and resourcefulness to get the group going when the going gets tough.

Frank Graham frankgraham_1@hotmail.com (Trans West Africa)

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Went for a short 2 week holiday. Made friends I still keep in contact with 4 years later. An adventure that changed the way I look at the world, and myself - next time I will go for longer. And there will be a next time - if only life was long enough to see all that Africa has to offer!

Cindy Russel (Morrocco, 2 weeks)

Would you like to travel around the world without leaving the comfort of your own city or town?

Safari Salama are offering a range of slide nights or information evenings, starting out in Australia as an opportunity to share their travel experiences, with ancedotes, amazing photos and stories.

This is a tremendous way to learn about a foreign country, from people who know it well, and love getting off the beaten track.

Scheduled Slide Nights
There are currently no scheduled slide nights. Please email us directly to express an interest in your area.

Get your free DVD

Can't make it to one of our slide nights, but want to see what the Safari Salama experience is all about?

email us at safari_salama@westnet.com.au to order your FREE DVD!