- Hospitality without limits. Moscow-level service, infused with African soul and meticulous attention to detail.
- Meaningful experiences. We choose places and people with a story — free from tourist gloss, yet full of genuine magic.
- Respect for the continent. We work only with those who care deeply for nature, culture, and wildlife.
- Love in every detail. From a guide’s smile to the design of a lodge, warmth and humanity should be felt in everything.
Kenya
Namibia
South Africa
Who We Are
We are Big Magic Studio, a boutique travel agency specializing in Southern and Eastern Africa.
We live on a continent that continues to surprise even the most seasoned travelers, and we help you experience it as we know it ourselves — vibrant, soulful and real.
Why Us
- 13 years in Africa — we live here. We understand the rhythm of the continent, its seasons, its character, and the nuances no guidebook will ever tell you.
- 12 destinations — from Mauritius to Namibia, from Uganda to the Cape of Good Hope.
- 500 guests each year — private travelers, families, companies and global brands.
- We have produced the show Stars in Africa, curated corporate retreats for major media groups, and supported official delegations.
But our greatest expertise is Africa lived from within.
We design journeys where luxury lies in meaning — not in marble.
Our Mission
Africa doesn’t change you. It simply reminds you who you truly are.
Our mission is to create journeys where you discover not only the continent, but yourself.
We bring together comfort and depth, beauty and authenticity — turning travel into a personal revelation, thoughtfully designed and seamlessly safe.
DISCOVER THE JOURNEYS
Our Values
Choose
one of your
dream journeys
Family
Each family journey is thoughtfully designed around you by one of our experienced travel experts — from the route and accommodations to restaurants and experiences, every detail is tailored to your personal preferences and interests.
Corporate
Corporate travel of any scale — from intimate VIP retreats to large conferences for hundreds of guests.
Safari
Sunrises over the savannah, encounters with lions, elephants, and giraffes in their natural habitat — and the true feeling of wild Africa.
Beach Holiday
White sands, a warm ocean, fresh seafood, and days filled with sunshine.
Active
Expeditions through national parks, desert adventures by 4×4, and trekking to see gorillas in the wild.
Our Team
Behind Big Magic is a team of seasoned professionals who don’t just work in Africa — they call it home.
Ksenia Mardina
Co-Founder, Director
Journalist Ksenia Mardina has been living in South Africa for over a decade. What began as a holiday turned into a life: she found love, built a family, and continues to write her articles and books from here. She knows the country intimately — not as a visitor, but as someone who calls it home.
Lika Blank
Co-Founder
Lika Blank is a film and television producer, known for the hit project Stars in Africa. For years, she has balanced her work with major Moscow TV networks with frequent journeys to the continent she loves most — Africa.
Other Team Members
Petr Litvintsev
Operations Director & Travel Designer
Petr has over 20 years of experience designing and managing journeys across Southern and East Africa, with an in-depth understanding of the region — from private lodges to complex logistics in remote locations.
He ensures every program runs seamlessly, overseeing partners, service quality, timing, and every key detail along the way.
Kseniia Rashkovich
Travel Designer
Ksenia graduated from the Institute of Asian and African Studies at Moscow State University and speaks Afrikaans fluently. For the past four years, she has been based in Cape Town, traveling extensively across the continent and discovering its character — and its hidden gems.
This lived experience allows her to design journeys that capture the true, inspiring spirit of Africa.
Olya Kiriliuk
Travel Designer
Olya has been living in Cape Town for 13 years and knows Africa from the inside — from the vineyard valleys to the finest beaches and private lodges deep in the savannah.
Her strength lies in complex group journeys, events, and corporate travel. She orchestrates large-scale programs with precision, ensuring that everything runs seamlessly — from logistics and timing to service and atmosphere.
Mila Kirillina
Travel Designer
Mila came to South Africa four years ago for the penguins — and stayed for Africa itself. She was captivated by the continent’s warmth, its open-hearted people, and its vivid, untamed nature.
Mila introduces guests to the real Africa, ensuring they leave with more than memories — with a feeling that stays with them long after the journey ends.
Margarita Yashkova
Head of Client Experience
Margarita lived in Johannesburg and knows Africa from the inside. She carefully shapes each itinerary and stays in touch with guests throughout the entire journey.
She is behind the level of service that has become our signature — making sure every African experience is not only unforgettable, but also seamless and comfortable.
Ekaterina Selezneva
Travel Coordinator
Ekaterina is truly passionate about Africa and its vibrant energy. Her background as a flight attendant taught her how to read people, anticipate their needs, and create a sense of ease in any situation.
She keeps every aspect of the journey running smoothly, managing logistics and details so guests can fully relax and enjoy the experience.
Alexandra Yakovleva
Finance Manager
Alexandra has over 12 years of experience as a chief accountant and financial manager in international companies.
Her strengths lie in precision, structure, and a meticulous approach to numbers — ensuring that both clients and partners can feel confident in every financial detail.
Chanay Cronjé
Tour Administrator
Chanay Shane is South African and a valued member of our local team. She has an intuitive understanding of the country and helps us see Africa through the eyes of those who grew up here.
Her expertise ensures that every journey comes together as a seamless and thoughtfully curated experience.
Our Beloved Partners
We partner with Africa’s finest eco-lodges, design-led retreats, boutique hotels and private safari reserves.
Our partners share our values:
- respect for nature and support of local communities
- truly personal service
- authentic style and meticulous attention to detail
From independent family-run properties to globally renowned brands, they are united by one principle — a genuine sense of care, felt in every detail.