Africa is not a place you simply visit. It is a feeling — one that remains with you.
For us a safari is not only about where you go or what you see. It's about how deeply you reconnect with time, with yourself, and with the environment around you. When distractions fall away, what remains is presence, awareness, and a quiet reminder of what truly matters.
From Roots
to Ranger
Tyron Walsh |Co-Owner,Qualified Guide & Photographer
Born with a deep connection to the land, Tyron’s passion was kindled on family expeditions to Kruger and Zululand, absorbing the stories of the bush from a young age. But for Tyron, simple observation was never enough; he sought mastery.
He underwent rigorous training to become a Qualified Field Guide in South Africa, honing his skills in some of the continent's most challenging environments. From the rugged floodplains of Mana Pools to the vast wilderness of Gonarezhou (Zimbabwe), Tyron learned to track game on foot, interpret animal behavior, and predict the movements of predators. This period defined his understanding of the wild, moving beyond the role of a tourist to become a true participant in the ecosystem.
The Architect of Sanctuary
This dedication to the wild is not just professional; it is a lived practice. On his family farm in Richmond, KwaZulu-Natal, Tyron established Thula iNyoni, an intimate nature retreat he designed and hand-crafted from the ground up. He built this off-grid cabin to serve as a haven for the region's prolific birdlife and a place of restoration for guests.
His dedication to rewilding this space proves that he understands hospitality not just from the perspective of a booking agent, but from the heart of a host. He knows the value of silence, craftsmanship, and the delicate balance required to create a true sanctuary.
The Insider’s Advantage
Today, this unique blend of field experience and personal hospitality is the cornerstone of OrbiTrav. Tyron’s years on the ground have forged genuine, personal relationships with the owners and operational teams of Southern Africa’s most exclusive concessions.
We do not simply book a lodge based on its reputation; we leverage these direct connections to secure privileges often unavailable to the general public. Whether it is guaranteeing a specific suite with the finest view of the waterhole or arranging a private game drive in a sector usually off-limits to guests, your journey is curated with a level of insider nuance that only a guide’s handshake can secure.
Elevating Your African Journey
Connor McKinon | Co-Founder & Owner | Aviation Specialist
The Fusion of Precision and Soul
Connor represents the unique dual-heritage of OrbiTrav: the rigorous safety standards of New Zealand aviation combined with a deep, ancestral love for the African continent. Born on a farm in South Africa and educated in New Zealand, Connor earned his Commercial Pilot’s License under the exacting training of the NZ aviation sector.
Drawn back to the land of his grandfather’s birth, he returned to Namibia not as a tourist, but as a bush pilot. This background is critical for OrbiTrav’s clients; it means your journey is planned with a Kiwi’s obsession for safety and reliability, applied to the raw beauty of the African wilderness.
The View from 5,000 Feet
To understand the scale of Namibia and Botswana, you must see it from the sky. Connor spent years specializing in private fly-in safaris, piloting guests to the most
Unlike standard commercial travel, Connor’s experience involved hosting guests for up to two weeks at a time—flying them between private lodges, navigating the Skeleton Coast, and landing on remote desert strips. He understands that a true luxury safari is defined by flow. He knows which flight paths offer the best scenic views, which airstrips save you hours of driving, and how to seamlessly link the arid dunes of Sossusvlei with the waterways of Botswana.
Logistics as a Luxury
Connor’s expertise transforms the way OrbiTrav designs itineraries. He brings a 'Pilot’s Logic' to travel planning. While others look at a map, Connor looks at time, fuel, and comfort. He knows intuitively how to maximize your time on the ground by optimizing your time in the air.
This operational experience ensures that every OrbiTrav journey is technically flawless. Whether it is coordinating a cross-border charter from Namibia to Victoria Falls or sourcing a plane that can land in the deep bush, Connor ensures the logistics are invisible to you—so you can focus entirely on the experience.
The Captain’s Route
Having flown the length and breadth of the country, Connor’s 'Signature Route' follows the dramatic transition of the landscape.
'My heart lies in the Kaokoland—one of the last true wildernesses on earth and home to the Himba people. There is nothing quite like taking off from the heat of the Fish River Canyon, flying low over the Skeleton Coast, and landing in the remote north. It is a perspective of the world that very few will ever see.
