Conscious Luxury Travel in Africa: A New Era of Safari Experiences

Meet Nicolette Van Exel (known to most as Nico): Passion Meets Purpose

Nicolette’s journey spans multiple continents—from Europe and South Africa to North East Asia and the U.S.—and her experiences in these diverse regions have shaped her purpose.

“Living in Northeast Asia as a child, I saw communities where people struggled daily for basics, all while living on land rich in beauty and culture,” Nicolette shares. “Seeing such profound inequality and environmental hardship inspired me to seek ways of creating change.”

Beginning her career as a human rights advocate for indigenous communities in West Africa, she later worked with global brands to reduce their social and environmental impact in complex supply chains. After establishing and leading corporate responsibility departments worldwide, Nicolette now channels her passion for travel and meaningful experiences into her boutique agency, NVE Impact. With a lifelong dedication to responsible travel, she believes in connecting people to nature with care and respect, empowering local communities along the way.

“Bringing people into the heart of nature awakens a deeper connection to life’s essence and purpose. When daily distractions fade, we’re able to feel what truly matters and envision how to live with purpose and joy. It’s the space I seek when life or work feels stagnant—a transformative experience I want to share with others. Whether sailing across open waters or guiding someone on safari, where surrender to the wild brings profound clarity, these moments in nature have the power to inspire and renew us in the most meaningful ways.”

Now partnering with Fair Trade Safaris, Nicolette brings her expertise and vision to inspire purposeful, compassionate travel that uplifts people and the planet.

Learn more about NVE Impact and Nicolette’s work here.

Each journey goes beyond traditional tourism, connecting you deeply with the people and places you visit while supporting conservation and sustainable growth. At Fair Trade Safaris, we believe travel should leave both travelers and the world better than we found it. Learn more about our impact and approach to conservation here.

A Safari Experience Curated for Purpose and Connection

Together, Nicolette and Fair Trade Safaris have curated a one-of-a-kind safari experience, designed specifically for a small, intimate group of like-minded women. This journey goes beyond traditional safari offerings, combining luxury, adventure, and personal growth with a commitment to uplifting the places and people they visit. Each aspect of this safari has been carefully crafted to provide transformative encounters with Africa’s landscapes, wildlife, and communities—ensuring that every participant not only explores Africa but also connects deeply with its people and culture.

“Being with nature has always recharged my spirit,” Nicolette shares. “There’s something profoundly humbling about standing before an elephant in the wild, knowing how much bigger nature is than us. It’s a reminder that we’re all part of something greater.”

This exclusive journey is designed to foster deep connections, with a focus on immersive, one-on-one community interactions, personal coaching sessions, and meaningful engagement with local leaders. By keeping the group small, this experience allows each participant to engage fully, creating not only memories but a renewed sense of purpose and connection.

• Luxury Meets Learning: Travel in style and comfort while exploring Africa’s landscapes with expert local guides who will ensure you see the best wildlife, cultural interactions, and hidden treasures each location offers.
• Community Engagement: Nicolette emphasizes the power of simple, genuine connections, saying, “You truly connect with a community over a shared meal, where barriers fall away, and we become part of each other’s stories.” This journey supports Fair Trade Safaris’ ongoing projects, creating a direct positive impact on the communities visited. Fair Trade Safaris adds, “We’re committed to supporting local economies by hiring local guides, choosing eco-conscious lodges, and fostering community partnerships at every level of our operations.”
• Personalized Coaching: Each traveler will receive a one-on-one coaching session with Nicolette, focused on personal growth. “If I can help someone connect with their purpose and see them transformed by it, that’s where I find joy,” Nicolette shares. Designed to inspire reflection on life’s challenges and opportunities, these sessions offer travelers the chance to explore their inner journeys as profoundly as the landscapes around them. Through compassionate guidance, Nicolette helps each participant uncover new perspectives and pathways, fostering a renewed sense of purpose and connection to themselves and the world.
• Conservation in Action: Fair Trade Safaris is deeply committed to eco-friendly practices and impactful conservation projects. “For us, this means protecting both the land and the people of Africa,” explains Fair Trade Safaris. Travelers will experience firsthand how eco-conscious accommodations, conservation efforts, and community partnerships come together to create a positive impact across Africa.

Nicolette’s approach complements Fair Trade Safaris’ mission, viewing these efforts not only as a responsibility to the environment but as a pathway to inner balance and purpose. Through this journey, travelers have the opportunity to reconnect with nature and themselves, creating a lasting impact on the earth and their own lives.

Reserve Your Spot Today

This exclusive journey, with only six spots available, is expected to fill quickly. Experience Africa with Fair Trade Safaris and Nicolette Van Exel, where every step of your adventure supports lasting impact for people and nature.

Sign Up Now to join us on this life-changing journey and begin creating your legacy today.