Routes Rediscovered, founded by Mark Bland, ‘took root’ after a life-changing adventure through Africa.

The goal of Routes Rediscovered was born out of his desire to share his passion for Africa with all his guests, being deeply aware that every adventure and expedition is a transformative experience. This dream started with Satori Africa, a luxury safari company,where guests of theirs have enjoyed safaris throughout sub-Saharan Africa.

Through exploring this continent he has learnt that travelling through Africa is not only a discovery of her landscapes, people, fauna and flora but is also a journey of self-discovery. Understanding the purpose of your journey and what you want to get out of the experience, is key to him and his team helping in planning your very own trip.

“Time in the bush and the many kilometres spent overlanding is a very personal thing. The journey may be shared and memories created with people you meet along the way, but there is so much more that goes on and into an expedition that meets the eye, no matter the length of time. It is therefore my goal with Routes Rediscovered to share with you this deep passion and knowledge in the most authentic, professional, and personal way possible to help deliver the trip of a lifetime for you.

This business was after all born from this passion and launched as a tribute to my very special family and friends who inspired me as well as all the beautiful people of Africa I have met during my years of travel. May the beauty of Africa, her varied cultures and landscapes, the African bush and the open road set your heart and imagination free… We hope that you will rediscover your roots and take the road less travelled with Routes Rediscovered.”

– Mark Bland, founder of Routes Rediscovered

BUILDING A COMMUNITY

Overlanding and adventure travel in Africa is all about community and as much as Routes Rediscovered and its team are adventure experts in overland and African travel, it is because of their network of suppliers and contacts throughout Africa that they ensure their clients are always well looked after, have access to their networks when they are needed as well as enjoy the best and most unique experiences possible.

Some of our industry partners include:

FOLLOW YOUR DREAM

A few reviews from clients of ours who have followed their dreams of exploring Africa.

Highly recommended!

Having travelled extensively on our own across Southern Africa, I was slightly doubtful of the value-add of a trip advisor. However, Mark’s expertise and creativity massively surpassed all expectations. Mark helped us put together a trip that showed us many sides of South Africa we were yet to explore, and saved us lots of time in planning and booking. Furthermore, Mark was very pleasant to work with and would check in on our trip periodically which was a reassuring touch, to have someone who knew where we were and if we were safe.

We look forward to the next trip!

Hannah and Christian, UK

Me and my wife commissioned the build of a safari truck in Cape Town and in the beginning of 2022 it was finished. We were looking forward to our first great African adventure. But where to and how? Being from Sweden far in the north and inexperienced in travelling in the African bush we needed guidance. Through contacts in Cape Town we were introduced to Mark at “Routes Rediscovered”.

You only have to chat a short while with Mark to realize that you are in good hands. Mark seems to have been all over southern Africa and has contacts all over the place! We decided to leave all the arrangements for the trip to him and he really delivered. What´s more he is only a phone call away when you need help once you´re on the road. That´s why we gave

Mark the job of planning our next trip for this autumn.

Per and Annica, Sweden

My husband got hold of Mark after I gave up trying to figure out how to book various national parks in Botswana. We spent some time discussing our plans with Mark via mail & phone calls & he made some recommendations as to where to go etc & did the bookings on our behalf for our Botswana trip – we depart on the 8th of May! We plan to go to Zambia after Botswana but we decided to ‘wing it’ – of course after about a 3 hour cup of coffee with Mark & with some help from the Tracks4Africa Zambia guide. I also read his recent beautifully written Zambia blogs which gave us lots of inspiration as to where to go & also for future trips. It was fun speaking to Mark about our plans as he has been to these places himself & I think his travel philosophy of seeing the day to day mundane driving / setting up camp / re-supply etc as part of the journey & using our opportunities to meet the people & understand how they differ from us is a good one. We look forward to our Botswana & Zambia adventures & we shall check in again when we get back!

Rod and Siobhan, South Africa

My daughter and I wanted to experience a wilder part of Southern Africa but many of the more remote areas we wanted to explore were only accessible with a 4X4 vehicle or in a group tour, both options were not really what we wanted. We contacted Mark and he made us aware of their services and the possibility of hiring a 4X4 and doing a self drive which is something that we did not consider before. Mark organised everything, all we needed to do was download the map, pack our bags and buy groceries. The vehicle, route and camping gear were all very well prepared and we could head off leaving our city life behind for 8 days. It was such a great adventure there is no space to write about it here. All I can say if you want to experience something out of the ordinary contact them. I would highly recommend their services.

Richard, South Africa

We hope to inspire you to go out and explore and to share with you our love of experiencing Africa on the wild side!

WHO IS ROUTES REDISCOVERED?

My name is Mark Bland, South African born and raised, and so incredibly passionate about this continent I call home!

As the founder of Routes Rediscovered and Satori Africa, the journey to reaching this point and realizing the dream of launching this business has been a magical journey. After possibly a few too many years spent in advertising, I always knew that it was hospitality that was in my blood. With the amazing support of family and friends I decided to quit my job and throw myself, not into the proverbial deep end, but literally in to the boiling pot of water and commence my studies in becoming a qualified chef.

After graduation I took the opportunity presented by one of the top safari lodges to join their ‘family’ and manage one of their esteemed Relais & Chateaux lodges. After an inspiring journey in the bush, forging lifelong friendships with guests and staff alike, it was the slopes of Cape Town that was strongly calling me back again.

Before taking up my next role as Project Manager for the launch of a boutique hotel that frequently achieves top accolades around the world, I also completed my level 2 qualification with the Wine & Spirits’ Educational Trust (WSET).

Upon completion of my contract, I was blessed to join the biggest family-owned wine farm in South Africa, heading up the brand side for the farm. This was where the dream of Satori Africa was born and after completing my 200hr Yoga Teacher Training course through Yoga Alliance and a few supportive kicks, the dream became a reality!

Six years and countless kilometres of exploring Africa later, Routes Rediscovered forms part of this life journey. I am excited to have you join!