The African travel community has lost one of its most respected and recognizable figures with the passing of Jim Holden, founder of Holden Safaris and a longtime friend to many across the APTA community.
Born in Lusaka, Zambia (then Northern Rhodesia), Jim’s life and career were deeply shaped by Africa from the very beginning. He attended high school in Zimbabwe and studied economics at the University of Natal in South Africa before setting off on a life defined by exploration. In his early career he led legendary overland expeditions across continents, including journeys from London to Sydney via Kathmandu and from London to Cape Town across the Sahara Desert, as well as a year traveling throughout South America.
Jim eventually returned to Africa and became Regional Managing Director for Abercrombie & Kent in Nairobi, helping shape the early era of modern photographic safaris. Later, after relocating to the United States, he held leadership roles with several respected tour operators including Travcoa and African Travel, continuing to deepen his connections throughout the safari industry.
In 2018, Jim founded Holden Safaris in Newport Beach, California, bringing together decades of firsthand knowledge and trusted relationships across East and Southern Africa. Known affectionately to many as “Safari Jim,” he built his company around a simple philosophy: helping travelers navigate the often overwhelming choices of planning a safari and connecting them with Africa in an authentic and meaningful way. His passion for the continent, combined with his deep network of lodge owners, guides, and local partners, allowed him to design highly personal journeys that reflected both expertise and care.
Many within APTA had the privilege of knowing Jim personally over the years. For those of us who worked alongside him, Jim was not only a respected professional but also a warm and generous colleague whose enthusiasm for Africa was infectious. I first met Jim nearly 17 years ago when I entered this industry, and like so many others, I quickly came to appreciate both his knowledge and his kindness.
Jim passed away peacefully after a period of declining health. Holden Safaris will continue under the leadership of Angela Miller and Vivienne Holden, who worked closely with Jim from the company’s earliest days and will carry forward the values and relationships he built over a lifetime in the safari business.
On behalf of the APTA community, we extend our sincere condolences to Jim’s family, friends, and colleagues. His legacy will live on in the partnerships he forged, the travelers he inspired, and the countless sunrises over the African savannah that he helped others experience.
