Crafted Africa (Malawian Style)

Story

Founded by Mike Varndell, Crafted Africa grows from a passion for showcasing Southern Africa through unforgettable travel experiences. Born in Zimbabwe and raised in Malawi, Mike returns to Africa in 2009 after a career in finance in the United Kingdom to establish Malawian Style, a company specializing in budget group tours across Malawi. As expertise expands into high-end adventure travel throughout Malawi, Zambia, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Zanzibar, the company evolves into Crafted Africa to reflect a broader destination portfolio.

The success of Crafted Africa comes from Mike's passion for Africa and the expertise of a dedicated team that combines local knowledge with international service standards. Quick response times, personalized planning, and extensive destination expertise help you create a journey tailored to your interests, travel style, and expectations.

Whether planning a honeymoon, a family holiday, an adventure with friends, or a solo escape, Crafted Africa offers carefully researched itineraries featuring the region's best destinations and boutique lodges. Every itinerary combines authentic accommodations with unforgettable experiences, including walking safaris, helicopter and hot air balloon flights, water sports, cultural encounters, mountain hiking, tiger fishing, and many other adventures designed to create lifelong memories.

Mission

Crafted Africa creates personalized African adventures by combining expert local knowledge, carefully selected boutique accommodations, and exceptional service. Every itinerary delivers authentic experiences while supporting independent, sustainable properties that showcase the natural beauty, culture, and wildlife of Southern Africa.

Vision

Crafted Africa promotes responsible tourism by partnering with lodges that minimize their ecological footprint and protect the environment. Many partner properties operate with solar power, conserve water, grow their own produce, reduce and recycle waste, and use environmentally friendly cleaning products. Community support remains central to every journey through local employment, local sourcing, conservation initiatives, community development programs, wildlife and fish conservation, reforestation projects, clean-up campaigns, and educational initiatives. Every trip allows you to experience Africa while contributing to the long-term protection of its people, wildlife, and natural landscapes.

Crafted Africa believes that responsible travel helps protect the environment while creating meaningful benefits for local communities. You travel with a company that is committed to supporting lodges that operate sustainably and minimize their ecological footprint.

Crafted Africa partners with boutique lodges that protect natural resources through responsible practices. Many of these properties operate using solar power, recycle and reduce waste, minimize water consumption, grow their own produce, and use eco-friendly cleaning products. These efforts help preserve the environment while delivering authentic travel experiences.

Crafted Africa also supports lodges that strengthen local communities by employing local people, purchasing goods from local suppliers, and contributing to community development programs. Conservation and community levies collected through bed-night stays provide direct funding for projects that improve local livelihoods and support sustainable tourism.

These contributions also help protect the natural environment surrounding each lodge. Funding supports wildlife and fish conservation, reforestation initiatives, community clean-up campaigns, and environmental education programs that encourage long-term stewardship of Africa's natural heritage.

By choosing Crafted Africa, you support responsible tourism that values sustainable operations, empowers local communities, and helps preserve the landscapes, wildlife, and cultures that make Southern Africa an exceptional destination.