Marula African Adventures

Journeying to the Heartbeat of Africa

Supporting Communities through Travel

Your Gateway to Unforgettable African Experiences

Welcome to Marula African Adventures, your gateway to authentic African travel experiences shaped by passion, knowledge, and genuine connections.

Our mission is to create unforgettable journeys through Africa, guided by highly qualified and passionate professionals who know and love the places they call home.

Join Chris L’Abbe and Vusa Ncube as you discover the extraordinary wildlife, cultures, and landscapes of Africa. More than a safari, our journeys are an opportunity to experience Africa on a deeper level—connecting with its people, its wildlife, and the communities that make each destination unique.

Come experience Africa with us.

What The Guests Say

I cannot express what an amazing experience I had on my African trip with Marula African Adventures. Long before I left I was impressed with the attention to detail from planning, flights, stays, dietary accommodations and adventures. Though this was the furthest trip I have traveled, Marula assisted in all the planning, regarding: flights, travel, dining and adventuring so easy and seamless. Chris brought a decade of experience traveling to Zimbabwe and was easily accessible to answer any questions and quell any anxieties. Once in Africa the guides, especially Vusa, provided so much knowledge as not only lifelong resident of Zimbabwe but also highly trained guide who provided insight to the natural environment, wildlife, culture and community of Zimbabwe. From safaris, to village and school visits, to local craftsmen and women, hikes in the bush, wildlife observations and interaction within the communities, my trip to Africa could not have been plan nor executed with any more precision and attention to detail. It truly was a trip of a lifetime. I strongly recommend traveling with Marula African Adventures and I cannot wait for my next trip with them! Thank you Chris and Vusa.

Gigi

I highly recommend Marula African Adventures for an unforgettable trip to Southern Africa. Our experience in Zimbabwe and Botswana with Marula far surpassed our expectations, providing unique and genuine experiences that truly stand out.

Having known Chris, the founder of Marula African Adventures, for several years, I can attest to her unparalleled expertise in the region. When our family decided to take an African adventure, we had complete confidence in trusting her and booking our vacation through Marula. Chris’ extensive area knowledge is awe-inspiring, and our itinerary was meticulously planned and engaging. Our goal was to have an authentic experience, and Marula provides truly distinctive experiences that cannot be found elsewhere. Marula’s commitment to trips that give back to the community is not just awe inspiring, but also a testimony to their dedication of creating meaningful connections that will last a lifetime.

When you book with Marula African Adventures, you can be certain of embarking on a breathtaking adventure every time. Their dedication to unique, community-focused tours and their founder’s profound expertise in the region guarantee that every trip is well-planned, entertaining, and truly unforgettable.

Kacy

We have traveled twice now through Marula African adventures and the service we have received from them has been over the top. Our safari trips to Zimbabwe in 2024 and to Zimbabwe and Botswana in 2025 were more than we had even hoped for. Chris does a great job listening to what it is that you’re looking to accomplish on your trip and makes recommendations based on places she herself has stayed at. For us it was all about the animals but after visiting in 2024 we quickly realized we would be going back for the people we met in the villages as well.

Debbie and Ken

This was an amazing adventure of a lifetime this was not just a tour it was about making new friends in Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls, Batonka Hotel, Imvelo Safari lodge Bomani Tented Village and Chundu Island and all the warm and welcoming staff at all and the special opportunity to meet the people of Ngamo village and share in their story of how eco-cultural tourism support is helping to elevate the opportunities and future success in this village. This would not be as meaningful without the leaders of this adventure Vusa and Chris. Highly, highly recommend!

Kathy

I have been fortunate to travel to many countries on 6 of the 7 continents. Every trip has impacted my life and provided me with unforgettable memories. Those memories pop up in conversations and from time to time I look back at my pictures. But the trip to Zimbabwe and the stay at Bomani was beyond amazing and tops them all. Two months later and everyday when I wake up I’m thinking about the experience. Most mornings I look at a set of pictures and think about a particular daily adventure. When asked what was the favorite or most memorable part I tell about the morning our safari jeep was the “school bus” for the children walking to school- the one morning a handful of children didn’t have to walk the last mile or so of their daily 3-5K walk. Twenty or so children climbed into our jeep and sang/chanted all the way to school. Unforgettable! Of course an African safari is about the animals, the daily game drives and the amazing sights. But it’s so much more- the knowledgeable guides, the welcoming staff, the perfect accommodations and the pride you see on the faces of the local community members. Planning a trip to Africa? Book with MarulaAdventures- spend time with Chris, Vusa, Eric and others- you’ll be glad you did.

Paula

My safari with Marula African Adventures was truly a dream come true. Chris and Vusa make it so easy for anyone to just book it and go. They are thoughtful with planning, A LOT of fun to be with, and they create amazing little (and big!) surprises along the way. Sharing their deep connection to the community makes this safari like no other. One of the best times of my life.

Sarah

Going to Africa was a bucket list trip for sure. I am soo glad I went with Marula African Adventures: Journeying to the heartbeat of Africa. Chris and Vusa are so great! From the pre-trip communication to in-field expertise, my experience was so much better than I even hoped for. They got us in the right spots at the right times, I came home with images and experiences that I only dreamed of. I’ve already started saving up for my next adventure with Marula African Adventures: Journeying to the heartbeat of Africa.

Andy

The Imvelo Bomani safari adventure was a journey of a lifetime! It was exciting, fun, educational and unforgettable.The staff was exceptional, going out of their way to make us feel special.Always anticipating our needs, catering to special dietary needs and keeping your drink filled! They went out of their way to cater to us…even to the point of baking us a special USA flag cake for dessert on the fourth of July!

The food was delicious, plentiful and we were never served the same food night after night. We started our day with a continental type breakfast- out by the open fire, stopped for muffins and coffee out in the bush, came in for a full sit down lunch, had snacks and sweets at 3 and full dinner at night. The sundowners drinks and hors d’oeuvres were a great way to wind down after an adventurous day. I thought I would lose weight on the trip— no way that was happening!

The accommodations were better than I was expecting. Clean, comfortable and spacious rooms. I thought I would be sleeping in a tent— but this was glamping!The food was delicious, plentiful and we were never served the same food night after night. We started our day with a continental type breakfast- out by the open fire, stopped for muffins and coffee out in the bush, came in for a full sit down lunch, had snacks and sweets at 3 and full dinner at night. The sundowners drinks and hors d’oeuvres were a great way to wind down after an adventurous day. I thought I would lose weight on the trip— no way that was happening!
The accommodations were better than I was expecting. Clean, comfortable and spacious rooms. I thought I would be sleeping in a tent— but this was glamping!

We got closer to elephants and rhinos than I would have ever imagined. The expertise of the guides kept us safe at all times.We got closer to elephants and rhinos than I would have ever imagined. The expertise of the guides kept us safe at all times.
The guides made the trip most memorable. They were friendly, fun-loving, knowledgeable and helpful. Not once did they dodge a question, seemingly knowing everything about all the animals, their behaviors and habits; where to find specific species of animals, and always putting safety first and foremost in their minds. They became friends instantaneously.The guides made the trip most memorable. They were friendly, fun-loving, knowledgeable and helpful. Not once did they dodge a question, seemingly knowing everything about all the animals, their behaviors and habits; where to find specific species of animals, and always putting safety first and foremost in their minds. They became friends instantaneously.

I would highly recommend booking your safari with Chris and Imvelo. I am not sure what they could have done to make it any better.

If it’s on your bucket list, I say— sign up today! You won’t regret a minute of it.If it’s on your bucket list, I say— sign up today! You won’t regret a minute of it.

Pam

Visiting Zimbabwe with Marula African Adventures was the most amazing adventure. Not only did we see all the animals, we had the opportunity to meet the local people of the villages. Excellent guides and everyone we met was friendly, helpful and interesting.

Thank you once again for making our very first African Adventure an experience we will hold in our hearts and memories forever. It was perfect having all the details taken care of by Marula African Adventures, taking the stress out of travel. Zimbabwe is where we fell in love with Africa. We loved picking up the children for school, listening to the joy of their singing, visiting their school and having the opportunity to go into the village to exper ence the culture first hand. This surely was a highlight of our journey to Africa. Our guides, Vusa and Eric are phenomenal! Their knowledge of the animals, birds, and environment is incredible. Their laughter is infectious, camaraderie makes it fun, and the unexpected lunches in the bush are a treat. You nailed it! Seeing wildlife right outside our tent and at the lodge was crazy cool. If I close my eyes, I can still hear the lions, baboons, elephants, etc outside our tent. The staff at Imelvo Lodge is top notch. They took exceptional care of all our needs. Thank you all for an unforgettable experince; we have fallen in love with Africa.

Terry & Rick

Where It All Began

Chris first felt the heartbeat of Africa in 2015 while exploring Hwange National Park with Vusa Ncube, an expert Imvelo guide.

As an avid photographer, she was giddy with excitement about the wildlife of the sub-Saharan bush. But it was a visit to a village school that would change her.

During the visit, Chris witnessed a young girl being asked to leave school because her family had fallen behind on her school fees. Chris and her travel companion quickly pooled their cash together and donated it to the school to help keep children like that young girl enrolled.

And so began Chris’s journey of supporting communities through travel.

The Guide Who Started It All

Vusa Ncube is a fully licensed Zimbabwean Professional Guide who grew up in Ngamo Village, near Imvelo’s Bomani and Camelthorn Lodges, adjacent to Hwange National Park.

Growing up in this area, Vusa experienced firsthand the challenges faced by villagers living alongside dangerous game, where wildlife could threaten both livelihoods and lives.

Zimbabwe’s Professional Guides are regarded as among the best in Africa, thanks to the country’s stringent qualification process. Vusa is well-known and popular with guests, often leading groups of Africa specialists and private guided tours.

It was through Vusa, Hwange National Park, and that first visit to a village school that Chris began to see travel in a different way: as an opportunity not only to experience Africa, but also to support the communities that call it home.

African travel with highly qualified and motivated professionals.

Our guide, Vusa Ncube, is a fully licensed Professional Guide with deep roots in the Ngamo village near Hwange National Park. His extensive knowledge and experience make him a valuable asset to our team. Zimbabwe’s Professional Guides are renowned for their expertise, and Vusa exemplifies this standard. Join us for private guided tours and specialized group trips, where Vusa’s insights and stories bring the African wilderness to life.

Giving Back to the Communities We Visit

At Marula African Adventures, we believe that travel should have a positive impact on the communities we visit.

Through her years of traveling throughout Zimbabwe and southern Africa, Chris has witnessed both the challenges faced by local communities and the incredible efforts being made to create opportunities for their children and families. Those experiences inspired Marula to make community support an important part of our business.

When appropriate, our guests have opportunities to learn about and support local community initiatives, including schools and education projects. We believe these experiences create a deeper connection to the places we visit while helping direct tourism dollars toward meaningful local needs.

Our goal is to create adventures that not only provide unforgettable experiences for our guests, but also contribute positively to the communities and people who make these destinations so special.

Embark on a Wildlife Adventure with Marula African Adventures

Chris L’Abbé first felt the heartbeat of Africa in 2015, when she explored Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park with expert guide Vusa Ncube. The incredible wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable experiences left her captivated by Africa and eager to return.

Today, Marula African Adventures creates personalized safari experiences that allow our guests to experience Africa’s extraordinary wildlife, landscapes, and cultures firsthand. We work with experienced professional guides who provide the knowledge, expertise, and local perspective that make each safari both safe and unforgettable.

Our goal is simple: to share the Africa we love with you

Exclusive Wildlife Spotting
Experience rare wildlife encounters with expert guides in pristine habitats.

Customized Safari Packages
Tailor your safari adventure to match your interests and needs.

Remote and Scenic Locations
Explore untouched landscapes offering breathtaking views and serene surroundings.

Book Your African Adventure with Marula African Adventures and Experience Wildlife, Culture, and Community Impact Today!

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Marula African Adventures

Journeying to the Heartbeat of Africa

Supporting Communities through Travel

Safari

Lodges

Community