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Travel operations with a velvet touch and the intelligence of the hyena
Who Leads
Practical Experience
Impeccable Curation
Quem conduz
Quem conduz
"My experience in high-end travel began in 2006. Safaris and African destinations have always been part of my professional path, but they became my exclusive focus in 2018, when I relocated to Cape Town and assumed leadership of the division dedicated to the Brazilian market within an international DMC operating multiple source markets.
Over the years, I have worked across different areas of the travel industry — from operations to team management, from agency relations to supplier negotiations. This professional path has taught me that there are no standard journeys, only distinct traveler profiles, expectations, and levels of experience. My work always begins with careful listening and unfolds through the thoughtful translation of those desires into coherent choices, supported by a carefully curated and deeply understood portfolio.
Living in South Africa, where I have built my personal and family life, has further deepened my understanding of the territory, local dynamics, and the relationships that underpin each operation. This close, ongoing proximity to the continent is reflected in more precise decisions, stronger partnerships, and experiences that are genuinely aligned with the realities of each destination.”
— Luana Do Coutto
Founder, Velvet Hyena
About Velvet Hyena
Velvet Hyena is a boutique tour operator specialised in safaris and carefully selected destinations across Sub-Saharan Africa and the Indian Ocean islands. Its approach is guided by genuine expertise, in-depth destination knowledge, and an operating model that prioritises operational precision and decisions aligned with each journey’s profile.
With consistent presence in the destinations it operates, Velvet Hyena develops travel projects, focusing on the Brazilian market, based on a thoughtfully built portfolio. It brings together established properties and partners selected with clear criteria, often beyond the most obvious circuits. Every decision is grounded in first-hand experience, delivery consistency, and a clear understanding of what each product truly offers.
Each journey is treated as a complete project, managed with discernment, responsibility, and direct involvement from initial planning through to final delivery.
How We Work
Collaborative Understanding
We partner closely with travel agents to grasp each client’s profile and expectations, offering guidance and insights
Thoughtful Selection
Our portfolio combines carefully chosen properties and partners, grounded in first-hand experience
Detailed Planning
Every element is considered to ensure coherence and a seamless experience
Consistent Presence
Direct engagement in destinations strengthens decisions, partnerships, and responsiveness.
Comprehensive Oversight
Each journey is managed from start to finish, providing reliable support to both agents and clients
The Story Behind the Name
The name Velvet Hyena was born from the combination of two elements that reflect the essence of the brand.
Velvet evokes understated sophistication, comfort, and the attention to detail that shapes every itinerary designed by the company.
The hyena, on the other hand, is one of Africa’s most misunderstood animals. Intelligent, adaptable, and deeply attuned to its environment, it possesses complex social structures, remarkable observational skills, and plays a vital role within African ecosystems.
Together, these two concepts reflect the way Velvet Hyena sees Africa: with sophistication, authenticity, and respect for the continent’s complexity.
Our Operating Regions
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