About Ryan Schmitt and Lizzie Hamrick

Custom and Tailor-made Safaris

We are located in the USA and are a personable team that can meet with our guests easily to discuss trip customization and planning. Our philosophy is for everyone to experience the wonders that Africa has to offer. We carefully listen to what type of safari and travel experience you are seeking, whether it be purely wildlife or a combination trip that could end with a relaxing beach stay. During our consultation with you, we will discuss optional add-ons, like having a private guide to host your group on safari or scenic balloon and helicopter flights that would make your vacation extraordinary. The possibilities are endless.

Ryan Schmitt

Ryan Schmitt was born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa. He developed a real passion for all things wildlife from a young age. Ryan has guided safaris in some of the pre-eminent areas of South and East Africa for more than 20 years. During this time, he developed close, personal relationships with many of the leading safari operators in Africa. Ryan moved to the United States in early 2017 to be with his wife, Lizzie.

Lizzie Hamrick

Lizzie Hamrick grew up in Charleston, South Carolina. She visited Tanzania with her family as a 13-year old girl and had a yearning to return someday. Lizzie met Ryan through a mutual friend’s wedding in Virginia. She moved to Tanzania a year after meeting Ryan to join him there while he was working in the Safari industry. Ryan and Lizzie got married on the plains of the Serengeti in early 2015, surrounded by family and friends, and a fair amount of plains dwellers!

Lizzie and Ryan worked together for five years at Tanzania’s premier safari destination before she decided to head back to the States to pursue her MBA, and Ryan joined her soon after.

Commitment and Donations to Conservation

Both Ryan and Lizzie are deeply committed to the conservation of Africa’s wildlife and natural areas. To this end, Schmitt & Hamrick donates 5% of their revenue to organizations that are committed to providing developmental support to the rural communities around them, as well as the conservation of the fauna and flora in the areas that they operate in. Donations will be made in the guest’s name, who can then decide which they would prefer to support.

Ryan and Lizzie both share the hope that everyone will discover Africa’s natural and cultural wonders, and fall in love with the Mother Continent. They look forward to designing you a perfectly customised safari, and sharing the beautiful continent of Africa with you.