MARK BLAND
Travel genius, yogi & owner of Satori Africa
My name is Mark Bland, South African born and raised, and so incredibly passionate about this continent I call home! I have spent most of my adult life living on the slopes of Table Mountain in Cape Town but take any opportunity I can to go visit the family back in Durban or get off the beaten track and into the bush. I teach yoga part-time (likely to keep me sane!) and have been really lucky to work in a few industries (including advertising, cheffing, sommelier work, hospitality staff training, marketing and more) which has led me perfectly to where I am now – running and inspiring people, along with my team, to travel and explore through Africa.
If you could be an animal for a day what would you be?
Undoubtedly a meerkat as I feel they are 100% my spirit animal and most like me in character. Reliant and committed to family and friends. Feisty when they need to be and with a spirit of adventure, curiosity and cheekiness in all they do. They also have a soft side and love interactions and cuddles! I could and have watched them for hours on end.
Your favourite destination to send clients to?
I should never have approved these questions – they are far too tough and unfair! At Satori Africa we always ensure that we get a thorough understanding of each and every single one of our guests first, and then choose our perfect suppliers and lodges to match their needs. However one of perhaps my favourite places in Africa is Matopos National Park in Zimbabwe. It is for some, a little off the beaten track, but for the right type of person it perhaps one of the most profound places to experience. If you take away the incredible wildlife, unbeatable vistas and interesting history of the area there is just something in the energy and air of this place that is magical!
What is your perfect idea of an African holiday?
Whilst I never tire of searching for animals and birds both big and small my idea of perfect African holiday is much simpler. Give me a view, a fire, a cold beer and friends and I am at my happiest. Africa is a total awakening of the senses so being able to sit back and just listen, to hear, to smell the nature that surrounds you is incredible. The natural world is alive when we allow ourselves the chance to take a step back and observe it.
Tell us a random quirky thing about you:
My love of the bush was likely either developed through the fact that I went for my first safari at the age of one or because one of my great uncles used to work and ride with Sir Percy Fitzpatrick – author of Jock of the Bushveld – and so grew up romanticizing the bush life with a dog!
Your perfect sundowner:
An ice cold beer from the country that I find myself in or the quintessential safari gin and tonic, sitting in complete silence!
If you were stranded on a desert island, what three items would you want to have with you?
A dog for company, a hammock so I could convince myself I was on a luxury remote island and somehow a fridge with constantly stocked cold beverages of many forms!
What is your favourite TV show?
I do not watch TV these days but as a youngster I was committed to collecting and watching every The Simpsons season! Generally anything dry and British usually does the trick too!
Would you rather be able to fly or turn invisible?
Fly – imagine all the safaris I could do!
Which one fictional place would you most like to visit?
Pride Rock from the Lion King. Although many of the scenes were largely based on landscapes from East Africa – Pride Rock just seems amazing, especially with my best friend Pumba!
Where is your next go to travel destination?
There are many places I would love to head to next including Sao Tome & Principe as well as Mana Pools but I would love to do a luxury self-drive overlanding trip through Eastern Botswana and Western Zimbabwe again next.
