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How & Why We Began

Behind every
journey, a thoughtful
approach.
Sereni Travel Studio was born from a unique blend of passion, purpose, and possibility. Founded by architect and designer Neil Smith, the company’s roots trace back to his three years spent designing and building luxury lodges in Southern Africa.
During this time, Neil not only fell in love with the beauty and vibrancy of the region but also realized the immense potential of the travel industry to do more than just show people the world. He saw it as a powerful tool for change - a way to make a real, lasting impact on the lives of children and communities in Africa. Driven by the desire to fulfil a lifelong purpose of empowering youth through education, Neil founded Sereni Travel Studio with the vision of connecting travel with philanthropy. Our mission is simple: to help travellers explore Southern Africa in a way that gives back. By partnering with educational organizations, we make it possible for our guests to directly sponsor children or teachers, bringing hope and opportunity to those who need it most. Neil was also determined to challenge the traditional model of the travel industry, which often treats guests like numbers. At Sereni, we believe in designing personalized, curated experiences that go beyond ordinary tours. We don’t just plan your trip; we are your travel companions, guiding you every step of the way, ensuring your journey is both enriching and transformative. It’s time for us to come together as a community - because, as the saying goes, it takes a village to raise a child. At Sereni, we are 
that village.

our Curators

Meet the
visionaries behind your journey.
Our curators are more than travel experts - they are storytellers, experience architects, and adventure designers. With deep knowledge of Africa’s landscapes and cultures, they craft bespoke journeys that capture the essence of exploration, luxury, and discovery.