Who We Are
Angela Miller, US Office - Senior VP Marketing
I am here to help you plan your perfect safari. If you’ve searched for a safari online, you’re probably overwhelmed with all the options. I am here in the USA to help you figure out where and when to go, especially if this is your first time on Safari.
My connection with the travel trade extends back into the last century, initially working as a travel advisor and then for many years with an international tour operator. My first experience on safari was over 20 years ago with my husband and two young daughters. It was undeniably life-changing for the girls and unforgettable for all of us. I have been with Holden Safaris since the beginning. Our approach to creating personalized safaris has proven that travelers’ expectations are not only met but exceeded. This makes their travel advisors happy too! I have personally traveled to Southern and East Africa multiple times and have experienced what we provide to travelers. I am confident letting travelers and travel advisors know that, with Holden Safaris, they can’t go wrong! Seeing the end of journey responses from travelers and speaking with their travel advisors makes my job easy as I continue to promote these extraordinary experiences.
Let me know when you would like to travel, what are your interests, and what is your budget, and I will plan a safari that suits you.
Passion for Africa is what motivates me to design the best Safari for you and take away all the difficult decisions, when you might not have the knowledge.
While on safari, you will never need to worry, From the moment you arrive at the airport, to the moment you return to the U.S., everything is taken care of, and you are "hand-held" by our local staff.
I look forward to hearing from you when you’re thinking of a safari.
Angela was born in the UK and travel has been in her blood from an early age. Throughout her 40 + years in travel, she has held various positions in agencies and tour operators and has had her own travel marketing company for over 15 years. She has traveled to over 40 countries worldwide, and some of her most favorite places are in Africa where she has been on safari multiple times. “No matter how many times you venture into the wild on game drives, the experience is always different and never disappoints,” says Angela.
Vivienne Holden, South African Office - Senior VP Operations
Hello from Africa – Vivienne here. Working very closely with Angela and our southern and east African partners, I prepare our safari itineraries, researching the destinations, providing day to day schedules and making sure to include all the latest travel information our travelers need before they leave home. At times I accompany small groups on safari as Tour Leader, and from arrival until departure, take care of our clients’ needs to ensure unforgettable experiences. Based in Durban South Africa, I am available 24/7 for assistance or to provide answers to any questions during their travels. I’ve lived my life in South Africa and Botswana, and have travelled throughout southern and east Africa. I understand and respect the local people and their cultures and have a passion for our precious wildlife and its preservation. A contributor to many conservation groups, I support the work of conservationists, wildlife veterinarians, rangers, and guides in their fight to preserve our wildlife for generations to come. I am so fortunate to live only a 3 hour drive away from wildlife national parks, and no matter how many times I visit these areas, there is nothing quite like the experience of being in the African bushveld - something I love to share with our American clients.
Vivienne Holden was born in Johannesburg South Africa and currently resides in Durban South Africa. Vivienne completed high school in Durban and studied at the Vega advertising school in Johannesburg. After completion of her qualification, Vivienne worked in major advertising agencies as Client Service Manager – running the advertising campaigns for major international blue-chip clients. Reporting to the City Manager, Vivienne was the Event Manager for the City of Durban and was responsible for managing major international business, sporting and entertainment events which included preparing travel packages for participants/delegates and management. Vivienne has promoted the City of Durban and various southern African travel opportunities to many international cities, special committees such as the United Nations Climate Change Committee, and sporting federations including the Olympic Committee in Lausanne. For the past 10 years, Vivienne has worked with Jim Holden and our professional local operators in southern and east Africa as the Holden Safaris African Office Director and is passionate about sharing the magic of Africa.