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Africa Awaits
Written By: Deena Bouknight | Issue: 2021/10 – October
For Alastair and Laura Lamont, the sensations of Africa are constantly beckoning. If you’ve heard that beguiling siren song, contact them at (828) 360-8910 or visit AfricaAwaitsUs.com
Going on the Ernest Hemingway maxim, “I never knew of a morning in Africa, when I woke up and was not happy,” Alastair and Laura Lamont offer a unique business that involves making sure people have the opportunity to “wake up” in Africa and enjoy as much of the continent’s landscape, culture, and beauty as possible.
As travel consultants, the couple operates Africa Awaits from Cashiers, with many clients on the Plateau but even as far away
as California.
“I am from South Africa and have 15 years in the safari-guiding business,” said Alastair, “and Laura lived for three years in Zululand, working for the Peace Corps; that’s how we met. We ended up on the Plateau because Laura was born and raised in Atlanta, but her family has had a home in Horse Cove for four generations. We married there in October 2016 and are raising two children here, so the Plateau is dear to both of us.”
The Lamonts’ desire to share Africa involves utilizing Alastair’s vast network of on-the-ground resources to create tailor-made safaris for travelers interested in exploring, relaxing, and enjoying “wow moments” that exceed all expectations.
While the couple’s personal area of expertise is in Eastern and Southern Africa, they can plan trips in other parts of Africa as well due to “partnerships with people we can trust there,” said Alastair. “If you want to go gorilla trekking in the Congo or see chimpanzees in Mahale, we can arrange that. If you want to participate in a balloon ride across the Serengeti or have a private dinner under a beautiful African sky…Whatever clients want, we can put it together.”
Many clients, Alastair pointed out, want to get as close as possible to wildlife so their senses are enlivened.
“To hear them breathe, smell them, see them interact…our goal is to create trips that are life changing and forever memorable.”
Regarding the ongoing pandemic, he assured that much of Africa is open to travelers.
“Safety is the number-one priority in the safari business. I follow so many different resources to keep up with what’s happening.”
