About Anita

Anita Stefanyk-Malo has been in the travel industry for over four decades, bringing deep knowledge and genuine passion to every trip she plans. A graduate of the Grant MacEwan Travel program, she’s worked as a travel consultant, a sales manager for Northwest Airlines, and in corporate sales for Coast Hotels. Eventually, she returned to consulting (her true calling), where she combines her industry insight with a personal touch.

Known for her thoughtful approach, Anita takes the time to understand each client’s travel style, interests, and goals. Her itineraries are carefully crafted to reflect individual preferences, ensuring every journey feels seamless, meaningful, and completely tailored.

About SkySafari

SkySafari offers a seamless and luxurious way to experience the wild beauty of East Africa. These thoughtfully-curated safari journeys combine exclusive access to top wildlife destinations with exceptional service and comfort. Guests travel in style aboard SkySafari’s own executive-class aircraft, stay in handpicked luxury camps, and enjoy personalized attention every step of the way. From providing effortless airport transfers to maximizing your chances of seeing the Big Five, every detail is expertly managed. With SkySafari, you’re not just visiting Africa, you’re fully immersed in it.

Q&A with Anita

What was your trip itinerary, and when did you travel?

My first trip to Africa was in 2014 to Kenya, and I have never been the same since I left a piece of my heart there. I always vowed I would go back, and it took a bit longer than I thought, but I traveled there again in 2021.

This time, we traveled to Kenya first and then on to Tanzania, where we spent most of our time, and eventually ended up on the island of Zanzibar for some beach time before the long flight home.

Travel Tip: After this exciting 10-night safari, unwinding in Zanzibar is the perfect way to end the journey. Just a short flight away, this island paradise offers the ideal setting for rest, reflection, and a touch of luxury by the sea.

What inspired you to choose Sky Safari for your trip to Kenya and Tanzania?

My first visit was an educational trip where I got a great taste of the country and traveled with a small group of fellow agents from across Canada. The 2nd trip I traveled with my husband and 6 other friends. I used Tourcan Vacations, whom I had traveled with originally, but this time I got them to book Sky Safari for us using the Elewana Collection of lodges. All-inclusive luxury in the jungle – it was brilliant.

The biggest inspiration was to fly between the lodges and not to waste time driving the very bumpy roads to get to the next location, which in some cases took hours the first go around. This provided more time for seeing animals and enjoying the sights, scents and sounds of the area. Plus, we had the entire small aircraft to ourselves. Playing the lifestyles of the rich and famous…lol. But truly, it is the best way to go and not as pricey as one might think.

How did you prepare for your Sky Safari adventure? Any special tips for first timers?

I always like to learn as much as I can about the traditions and etiquette in the countries I am visiting. That is half the fun. Learning some key words and greetings, knowing what activity levels might be required (in this case, you only need to exercise your camera prowess because there is ample opportunity to take the best photos).

As an agent, I am familiar with what visas and such are required. You have to make sure you had the right suitcase (soft-sided) to take with you and try and pack within the weight guidelines, choosing the right colors for clothing when you are out on safari, etc. All this information is provided by the tour operator and should be heeded; rules are there for a reason.

How would you describe the accommodation provided by Sky Safari and Elewana?

The accommodations are exquisite and luxurious, located in some of the best world-class wilderness locations. You are in 5-star tented lodges that have all the luxuries of staying in a resort in Hawaii, but located in the jungle or the Serengeti. Standing on your balcony in the tree-top lodge and watching a herd of elephants march by, followed by the family of baboons…and this all before you have coffee in the morning.

We also had a stay at the Manor by Ngorongoro, which was something out of a beautiful movie. Not a lodge, but separate casitas with a butler who had your bath already drawn with rose petals when you came back from safari.

What amenities or services stood out to you the most during your stay?

Hands down, the food. It amazes me how they can create these beautifully presented, delicious meals each and every day in abundance. All the vegetables and fruits are grown locally at each lodge. Impossible not to gain weight on this trip. And each day when we were out on safari, the guides/drivers had the hot lunch brought from the lodge to set up for us on tables with full regale. All the lodges had great swimming pools and either a masseuse or a spa.

What was your most memorable wildlife encounter during this trip?

Wow – so many to mention. You never get tired of going out because you will see something amazing every time. I would say on this trip, we were lucky enough to come around a corner where we encountered about 6 female elephants. We stopped because something was clearly going on, and luckily we did as we saw a calf being born. It was enough to make you cry. Even the guides had not seen that. And the females all made a circle around the little guy and started spraying him with dirt. Then they backed off, the little guy got up, started suckling, and within 15 minutes it was over, and they all walked away.

Another one was a kill. I didn’t think I wanted to see something like that, but it is the circle of life. We were on our way for an air balloon ride, and it was about 4 AM when we came across some female lions running beside our jeep, and before long, we knew why. They started chasing a smaller gazelle, and when one took it down, it was not a cruel thing. Just softly put it to sleep. We didn’t stay for the feast though…lol.

Did you have any unexpected or surprising wildlife sightings?

Well, the elephant one for sure. Some I can’t share as I may frighten some people…lol. I did give a big cheer out to the little antelope that outran a cheetah to live another day. Sad for the cheetah as they can only do that burst of speed once a day, and she will have gone hungry for a day.

Can you share your experiences with the guides on your Sky Safari?

All our SkySafari/Elewana guides were extraordinary. Their knowledge of the area is second to none. They were so passionate about the area they grew up in and love. I understand that the guides do go to school to become qualified in all aspects of a safari, from plant life to animal life. We felt safe in their hands.

We had one stop where we got to meet the tracking dogs. There is a very successful program in place to stop poaching in Tanzania. We got to meet some of the dogs that track the poachers. They are so keen. It would be one of my husband’s favorite parts of the trip.

What activities or excursions did you enjoy the most?

There was nothing I didn’t enjoy, truly. I did enjoy the safari on horseback for one afternoon. Pretty cool to ride alongside a herd of zebras. I might add, these horses were retired racehorses from the UK. Some were even award-winning, so they are of course taken VERY good care of. In Nairobi, at the start of our journey, we visited Sheldrick’s Wildlife Trust Nursery. This is a home for orphaned baby elephants where they are nurtured into adulthood and then transitioned into a herd. What they do is heartwarming. I adopted my 2nd elephant from them when I was there. You get monthly newsletters about your baby and how they are doing. Such a worthy cause. Visit their website to see the amazing things they do.

Did you have interactions with local communities or cultural experiences?

We did visit a Masai village, and that was special for sure. Had a wonderful greeting with dance from them when we arrived, and got to hear some stories from the guide about the hierarchy of the village and just how close they still live to the way they did 200 years ago. They still do the tradition where to become a warrior, you must go out of the confines of the village and don’t come back until you face a lion. Years ago, you would have had to kill the lion. There are many communities of Masai, and you can see them when you are flying over. They are all in round encampments surrounded by briars and brambles to keep the wildlife out. Later that evening, they came to our lodge and did a performance for us. It was lovely.

Did you participate in any unique experiences, such as a hot air balloon or night safari?

I was fortunate enough to have done both. For the hot air balloon ride, you need to be up and on the road by about 3:30 AM and drive for about 3 hours to get to the launching area. It isn’t always like this, but that is where we were staying. After a lot of grumbling about how early it was, it didn’t take long to wake up, and you see what goes on in the night. Such as the lion kill, or the thousands of wildebeest staring at you in the dark – it looked like you were coming into a city.

Once up in the balloon, the view is breathtaking. We flew close enough to the ground to be able to see many animals out and about. A totally different perspective from up there. I would encourage anyone going on safari to do this. It’s like looking down from Heaven.

Why would you recommend SkySafari and this itinerary to other travelers?

It is the best way to cover the most ground and enjoy the safari, instead of the driving time it takes to get to the next lodge/camp. The internal roads are not great, and even on a young body, you will feel it at the end of the day. Even if you were to take a local carrier to fly between lodges, it is better than driving and a cost-efficient way of doing it.

SkySafari is a luxury product and therefore not for everyone. There are a lot of options out there, and the best thing you could do is your homework on where you want to go, what you want to see and how you want to see it. It can be overwhelming, so my advice is to call your travel professional. Don’t try to do it alone. There are a lot of companies out there online. You need to know you are working with someone who will make sure your dream holiday doesn’t turn into a nightmare.

How did this safari compare to other travel experiences you’ve had?

It was in a league of its own. I can’t compare anything to it because there is nothing like it. For me, when I said I left a piece of Africa in my heart, I meant it. And now I’ve left more of it. On my second trip, it was like coming home. I can’t imagine what my third trip there will be like. Need to be careful or I may never come back…lol.

It was raw, beautiful, fulfilling and made you really question your relativity in the big picture. We come home and go about our lives, and the animal kingdom goes along like you were not even there. I hope with all my heart that nothing changes in that world, but like everywhere else, climate change is happening, and it does affect their journey as well. Let’s pray we all adapt.

Asante Sana (Thank you)

Ready to experience the adventure of an African safari for yourself? Whether you’re dreaming of witnessing the Big Five up close, watching a sunrise over the savannah, or staying in a luxury tented camp, Anita can help you plan the perfect journey. With her firsthand experience and expert insight, she’ll design a safari that matches your interests and travel style. Contact Anita today to start planning your unforgettable safari adventure!