Shantanu Chand | Founder, Oloi Shorua

Founder, Oloi Shorua. Shantanu Chand is the visionary behind the brand.

Shantanu Chand founded Oloi Shorua, a privately led travel design house specialising in bespoke African safaris.

His connection with Africa began in 1997. Since then, he has returned consistently across regions and seasons, building long-standing relationships with lodge owners, guiding teams, and conservation operators across East and Southern Africa.

He designs every journey personally. As a result, each safari reflects a clear understanding of landscape, season, and how it should unfold.

A Life Shaped by Travel

Travel formed early.

As a child, Shantanu travelled extensively with his father, who believed the only real way to understand the world was to see it firsthand. Consequently, he moved across cities, cultures, and landscapes from a young age.

Over time, this led him across more than 40 countries, exposing him to a wide range of environments and ways of life. However, Africa remained central—shaping not only where he travelled, but how he understands place.

At times, travel meant comfort. At others, it meant moving simply and without structure. This contrast, in turn, shaped an approach that values both refinement and grounding.

Africa Since 1997

Africa has remained central.

Over the years, Shantanu has spent extended time across Kenya, Tanzania, and Southern Africa, returning repeatedly rather than passing through. As a result, he understands not just destinations, but how they evolve—season to season and year to year.

Moreover, these years have built relationships that extend beyond access. He works directly with lodge owners, guides, and conservation teams—the people who shape the experience on the ground.

From Go Beyond Travels to Oloi Shorua

Between 2009 and 2017, Shantanu led Go Beyond Travels, where he developed operational depth across East and Southern Africa.

During this period, he established long-standing partnerships with camps, lodges, and private conservancies. These relationships continue to underpin his work today.

In 2017, he founded Oloi Shorua as a natural progression. The company operates with greater precision, discretion, and long-term focus.

In other words, this was not a reinvention—it was a refinement.

Industry Engagement

Over the years, Shantanu has participated as a VIP Hosted Buyer at leading international travel forums, including:

International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) Cannes
ILTM Asia Pacific
ILTM Africa
World Travel Market Africa
Indaba
We Are Africa
Arabian Travel Market (ATM), Dubai

These engagements reflect ongoing participation within the global luxury travel community. In addition, they provide direct access to Africa’s leading safari operators, conservation estates, and lodge owners.

A Name with Meaning

A Maasai chief in the Masai Mara gave Shantanu the name Oloi Shorua.

Over years of returning to the Mara, he developed a close connection with the region. As a result, he was given a Maasai name—one that carries significance in Ma’a and Maasai culture.

The name reflects the idea of taking from the universe and giving back to the people.

This principle continues to shape how he works. He draws on years of experience and translates that understanding into journeys for those who travel with Oloi Shorua.

How He Works

Every journey begins with a direct conversation.

He does not rely on fixed itineraries. Instead, he shapes each safari around the traveller, the landscape, and the season. Movement, pace, and lodge selection work together to create a journey that feels natural and unforced.

As a result, both design and delivery remain clear and consistent.

Ongoing Work in Africa

Shantanu continues to travel across Africa, maintaining relationships and refining the portfolio of lodges and private estates represented by Oloi Shorua.

This ongoing presence ensures that every recommendation remains current, relevant, and aligned with how the regions evolve.

If you are planning a journey to Africa and prefer a direct, considered approach, you can get in touch to begin the conversation.

Many journeys include:

You can also explore:

At Oloi Shorua we design bespoke safari journeys that combine the finest lodges across Africa’s most remarkable wildlife landscapes. Speak with us to begin planning your safari.