SAFARI - Key Persons
By taking a tranquil journey in a Mokoro canoe, expertly punted by your guide, you'll be having an experience shared by local inhabitants of the delta for thousands of years. These slender and elegant canoes were traditionally made from the hollowed-out trunks of hardwood trees, but the modern fibreglass versions not only preserve local trees but are also much more comfortable.
From an early age, Alexandra spent her summers climbing mountains and discovering new destinations with her family. She has always been fascinated by language and culture.
Riding with gauchos in Argentina and coming face to face with the mountain gorillas in Uganda are some of Emily's favourite travel experiences, fueling her fascination for the world's wilderness and wildlife.
Set in a grove of ancient Kokerbome, Fish River Lodge has been carefully designed to echo the terraced and rugged terrain as well as the colours and textures of the landscape.
Job Titles:
- Senior Operations Executive
Hayley's journey with the company began at the beginning when she ran our office in Zimbabwe. As a Zimbabwean, who still struggles with the British winters, it is perhaps no surprise that her home country is her favourite travel destination.
‘I love the country, the warmth of the people and I've had the best safari experiences there!'
Holly has always been committed to providing clients with the highest levels of service. Her attention to detail and gentle nature make her a huge asset to our operations team and a great person in a crisis.
Jabali Ridge is a truly luxurious retreat in Tanzania's stunning Ruaha National Park. Here you will be treated to an exceptional safari experience.
Returning to Britain overland in the 1970s after a couple of years voluntary work in the South Pacific instilled John's love of places and peoples.
‘My advice is to walk slowly, pause frequently and be thankful, whether your sun rises over the South Luangwa, Machu Picchu or Varanasi.'
John Hanning Speke was the first European to lay eyes on the outlet from Lake Victoria which is the source of the mighty River Nile. About 25km downstream beyond the town of Jinja sits Wildwaters Lodge, perched on granite boulders in the six hectares of Kalagala Island.
Julia's career in travel began leading overland safaris across Africa in the 1990s. This beautiful continent still holds a particularly special place in her heart.
‘I will never tire of going on safari in Africa. The incredible wildlife, the breath-taking landscapes and the warmth of the people are the reason why I have returned so many times.'
King Lewanika is far from the beaten track in an incredibly remote location, but you can appreciate Zambia's diverse wildlife at your own pace in this unique haven, enjoying the comfort of secluded, luxurious accommodation.
A unique and beautiful way to experience the thriving nature of Arenal National Park is by kayak. A slower alternative to white water rafting, gliding on a kayak allows you to soak up extraordinary views that are otherwise unreachable.
Passionate and determined sums Laura up pretty well. Watching elephant beside the Zambezi at 14 ignited her love affair with wildlife in wild places - and it just keeps growing.
‘This amazing travel company which my family set up has been in my blood. I'm determined to keep driving it forwards so that you too can experience and help protect the wonders of our natural world.'
There are no fences at Lion Camp, so elephant, buffalo, and antelope come and go as they please. You can watch them from your private deck or the board walk, and they may well be watching you as you swim in the pool. The camp prides itself on its support for conservation and local community development initiatives, including Conservation South Luangwa and the Chipembele Wildlife Education Centre.
Job Titles:
- Senior Marketing Executive
After university Lucy set off on the familiar backpacker route through South East Asia and Australia. Returning to the UK her mind was set, a career in travel was her future.
‘I love the freedom of travel, but more importantly, the connections with people that you make, learning from them and ultimately inspiring more travel. There's so much to see out there!'
In the heart of the 35,000 acre Olare Motorogi Conservancy lies Mara Plains Camp. Access is over a bridge across the river, and when you cross it feels as if you are entering a private kingdom, a world apart from the norm. The standard of food and service here is of international class, being the only Relais & Chateaux accredited property in the Masai Mara and one of only three in the country.
Mpala Jena is the perfect base from which to explore the Zambezi National Park whilst being within easy reach of the majestic Victoria Falls.
Musango Camp is located in a superb position for game viewing, on the southern shore of Lake Kariba close to Matusadona National Park.
As soon as you cross the footbridge into the grounds of Nayara Springs, you will know you have come to a place that will fulfil your expectations. Whether you want a romantic and secluded getaway, luxurious indulgence in the spa or in your private hot pool, or some adventure in the lush forests on the slopes of Arenal Volcano, Nayara Springs has it all.
Ol Donyo Lodge is one of National Geographic's Unique Lodges of the World, and also an esteemed member of Relais & Chateaux. Such accolades are warranted: it's in a truly stunning location, and capitalises on it with meticulous attention to detail and high levels of service.
The Palacio Astoreca in Valparaíso is worthy of its title. This sprawling pink and white palace lies nestled in the hills, overlooking the city, its gardens adorned with palm trees. Only established in 2012, this hotel has quickly become a firm favourite for Chileans and foreigners alike.
Having an elephant feel for seed pods at his foot, its tusk inches from his face, was Paul's first (and still closest!) wildlife encounter.
Taking her first safari at four years old, it was perhaps inevitable that Philippa would end up working in the travel industry.
‘Truly great travel experiences have the power to be life changing. I love that our work brings people together to enjoy incredible shared moments in such unique places.'
Inspired by the great explorers, including Reinhold Messner for his summit of Everest with no oxygen in 1978, Rory has a thirst for adventure. It is perhaps no surprise that Nepal is his favourite travel destination.
‘Exploring new places is my favourite thing to do so to be immersed in that in my job is great! I am also passionate about sustainability and take great pride in our work protecting these incredible natural environments.'
From frolicking with lemurs in Madagascar, to strolling around Cape Town, to trekking in the Himalayas, to traversing Russia by train in winter, Ross has an unquenchable wanderlust.
‘I love adventure, I love travel, I love new experiences - and I love working with clients to create their own unique journeys and amazing memories.'
With more ecological diversity per acre than almost the whole of North America, the ecological reserve surrounding Sacha Lodge is teeming with opportunities for experiencing the Amazon at its very best. Spot coppery tamarin monkeys, giant otters, boa constrictors and more than 600 species of birds as you trek through the rainforest with the lodge's expert guides.
Wake up to birdsong in an untouched corner of Rajasthan's Ranthambore National Park. Sher Bagh is an ecologically friendly camp offering unmatched luxury in a unique location; it's a safari camp which harks back to the glamour of a bygone era.
Vinas Queirolo is a palace of a place, and the only hotel in Peru nestled in the heart of a vineyard. Wine lovers naturally will feel right at home, but we have also fallen in love with the scenery and the laidback lifestyle.
Warwick started his career in the travel industry as a wide eyed 17 year old and immediately fell in love.