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Chris McIntyre

Chris McIntyre

Managing Director

Being in Africa makes me feel more alive – the people, the landscapes, the wildlife: it’s all very real and immediate.

Chris McIntyre

Chris is in the UK and usually available:
UK time: 10:00-18:30 Mon-Fri.
See our office hours and locations.

More about Chris...

I first went to Africa in 1987, after reading physics at Queen's College, Oxford. I taught for almost three years in a rural school in Zimbabwe (with VSO), and during this time had the chance to travel extensively. In 1990 I co-authored the Guide to Namibia and Botswana for Bradt Publications: the first English guidebook to these countries. Then shortly after I returned to the UK, to spend the following three years as a business analyst and shipbroker for P&O in London.

Leaving the city, I joined Sunvil Holidays in 1994 to concentrate on what I enjoy most: Africa. The passionate and pioneering company that is Expert Africa grew out of this, and remains a proud member of the Sunvil family of travel companies.

I feel incredibly lucky to be doing what I love, and to have an amazing team of specialists working with me and sharing this passion.
I am committed to responsible travel, and regard extensive travel for the whole Expert Africa team as essential – helping everyone to keep up to date and give the best advice possible.

In 1996 I wrote the Zambia guidebook, for Bradt Travel Guides; then the first guidebook to Zambia and now in its 6th edition. I followed it in '98 with a new Namibia guide and in 2003 with a new book on Botswana; both are now in their 5th editions. My wife Susan and I, have co-authored five new Zanzibar guides, and I recently co-authored a couple of guidebooks to Tanzania. My regular research trips to Africa help to ensure that up-to-date new editions are produced regularly.

I am a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and periodically contribute to various papers and magazines, from Wanderlust, BBC Wildlife and Travel Africa to The Independent and The Telegraph.

I have been an expert panel member for two of DFID's business challenge funds in recent years, and a director of AITO (Association of Independent Tour Operators) for the last five years.

Based with my family near Farnham, in the UK, I return to Africa regularly for research trips.

Chris's most recent Africa trips


Botswana

Botswana, Kenya, Zimbabwe

Jul 23 23 nights

This was a very varied trip, starting with a deep dive into Botswana's Kwando-Linyanti area and part of the Delta. The stand-outs were some extraordinary tracking of predators; outstanding game sightings; really great camps and experiences (and just the odd one that wasn't!). And some concern over the demise, due to natural causes, of old trees in areas that I'd remembered covered in forests. Then a hop brought us to the Kenyan Coast, a first for me in Africa and for something totally different. Amazing variation in a super trip.

Zambia

Zambia

Jul 22 22 nights

On my first proper post-Covid trip to Africa, I returned to see two favourite areas in-depth: South Luangwa & Lower Zambezi. Both were in great shape with camps and communities are forging forward after two difficult years of Covid. Guiding was great and wildlife excellent, including many outstanding leopard sightings, my first sighting of wild dogs in Zambia, and of Aardvark ever! Shout out to the fantastic work of Project Luangwa and Conservation South Luangwa! The 'Stove in a box' initiative is inspired. Expert Africa's has long supported this, but I've returned determined to do more!

Botswana

Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia

Apr 19 14 nights

April to June is my favourite time in Southern Africa, as the environment is still fresh after the rains and the place is fresh with life but fairly empty of visitors. The first part of this trip, with family and friends, was a private mobile safari plus a few days on one of the lovely ‘Chobe Princess’ boats. What a treat – we had both to ourselves! It’s such a privilege to be able to share a love of Africa with my family and friends. Then came a short foray into an area of Hwange that I’d never visited before, reminding me of what a great park it is.

Chris's previous Africa research


Country Arrived Length of stay Areas visited
Zambia October 2018 8 nights Kafue National Park
Botswana, Zimbabwe July 2017 24 nights Kalahari's Salt Pans, Moremi Game Reserve, Okavango Delta Safari Reserves, Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park
Namibia August 2016 18 nights Windhoek, Namib-Naukluft National Park, Swakopmund & Walvis Bay, Etosha National Park, Central Highlands, Okonjima Nature Reserve
Zanzibar January 2016 10 nights Stone Town, Northern Zanzibar, East Coast Zanzibar
Zambia, Zimbabwe September 2015 10 nights South Luangwa National Park, Lower Zambezi National Park, Victoria Falls
Namibia, South Africa March 2015 15 nights Augrabies Falls National Park, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, Southern Namibia, Namib-Naukluft National Park, NamibRand Nature Reserve, Windhoek
Kenya October 2014 7 nights Nairobi, Amboseli and the Chyulu Hills, Tsavo East National Park
South Africa April 2014 12 nights Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, Hermanus, Wilderness | Garden Route National Park, Knysna | Garden Route, Plettenberg Bay | Garden Route, Samara Karoo Reserve
South Africa May 2013 22 nights Cape Town, De Hoop Nature Reserve, Tsitsikamma | Garden Route National Park, Shamwari Game Reserve, Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, Addo Elephant National Park, Kariega Game Reserve
Seychelles September 2011 6 nights Mahe Island, La Digue Island, Praslin Island
Malawi, Zambia, Mozambique May 2011 9 nights South Luangwa National Park, Likoma Island, Manda Wilderness, Shore of Lake Malawi, Liwonde National Park, Majete Wildlife Reserve
Zimbabwe May 2010 14 nights Harare, Mana Pools National Park, Matusadona National Park, Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, Matobo National Park
Namibia October 2009 9 nights Windhoek, Namib-Naukluft National Park, Luderitz, NamibRand Nature Reserve, Fish River Canyon, Damaraland, Skeleton Coast & Kaokoland, Etosha National Park
Seychelles August 2008 9 nights Bird Island, Mahe Island, Praslin Island, Denis Island, Fregate Island, Desroches Island
Zanzibar, Tanzania February 2008 7 nights Northern Zanzibar, East Coast Zanzibar, Michamvi Peninsula, South-west Zanzibar, Stone Town, Dar es Salaam
Zambia September 2007 15 nights Kafue National Park, South Luangwa National Park, Lower Zambezi National Park
Seychelles July 2007 7 nights North Island
Tanzania June 2006 13 nights Arusha, Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti Migration Area
Namibia May 2006 12 nights Windhoek, Southern Namibia, Namib-Naukluft National Park, NamibRand Nature Reserve, Central Highlands
Botswana, Zambia February 2006 15 nights Okavango Delta Safari Reserves, Kwando-Linyanti area, Livingstone & Victoria Falls, Moremi Game Reserve, Kalahari's Salt Pans
Zanzibar August 2005 9 nights East Coast Zanzibar, Michamvi Peninsula, Northern Zanzibar, Stone Town
Mozambique, Tanzania May 2005 10 nights Bazaruto Archipelago, Maputo, Quirimbas Archipelago, Pemba & mainland, Dar es Salaam
Namibia, South Africa May 2004 13 nights Cape Town, Winelands, Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, Hermanus, Knysna | Garden Route, Plettenberg Bay | Garden Route, Tsitsikamma | Garden Route National Park, Windhoek, Okonjima Nature Reserve, Damaraland, Swakopmund & Walvis Bay
Tanzania, Zanzibar October 2003 11 nights Dar es Salaam, Katavi National Park, Mahale Mountains National Park, East Coast Zanzibar, Michamvi Peninsula
Zambia August 2003 3 nights Livingstone & Victoria Falls, Kafue National Park
Zambia May 2003 15 nights Livingstone & Victoria Falls, Northern Zambia, North Luangwa National Park, South Luangwa National Park
Namibia October 2002 6 nights Skeleton Coast & Kaokoland, Damaraland, Swakopmund & Walvis Bay
Tanzania, Zanzibar September 2002 17 nights Tanzania Coast, Mikumi & Udzungwa Mountains, Nyerere National Park, Ruaha National Park, Stone Town, Mafia Island
Namibia April 2002 5 nights Windhoek, Southern Namibia, Central Highlands, Waterberg Plateau National Park
Zambia, Zimbabwe June 2001 9 nights Victoria Falls, Lower Zambezi National Park, South Luangwa National Park
Zimbabwe, Botswana February 2001 2 nights Victoria Falls, Okavango Delta Safari Reserves, North-west Kalahari & Panhandle

Botswana

Botswana

Co-author 6th edition 2024

Returning to Botswana was fantastic, especially the trip with Susie and my children. I explored its landscapes in depth for this edition, trying to understand the changes, though I was sidetracked by new camps and some phenomenal wildlife sightings.

Tanzania Safari Guide

Tanzania Safari Guide

Co-author 9th edition 2023

Tanzania is a vast and diverse country with incredible attractions. In this guide, we’ve offered a comprehensive overview while keeping finer details clear and concise – to make a great resource for planning trips to this remarkable destination.

Northern Tanzania Safari Guide

Northern Tanzania Safari Guide

Co-author 5th edition 2023

Northern Tanzania is such an amazing area and these days its busier than ever with new camps and lodges opening. As ever, research of our team and observations from our travellers have helped us to keep on top of the many changes.

Zambia

Zambia

Co-author 7th edition 2023

Our first post-Covid guide saw Susie and I return Zambia, which is close to our both of our hearts. This edition we focused more on the national parks, wildlife and safaris - and we were able to include many more colour pictures in the book.

Zanzibar, Pemba, Mafia

Zanzibar, Pemba, Mafia

Co-author 10th edition 2022

It’s nearly 20 years since my wife, Susie, and I wrote that first Zanzibar guide. Now the islands are more commercial and popular, but we’ve tried to ensure that our book also covers the more interesting, individual and offbeat places.

Namibia

Namibia

Author 6th edition 2019

Namibia's profile has grown immensely since my first guidebook to it 30 years ago, as have the options for visitors there. So research for this edition was a huge undertaking; I was particularly grateful for help of many of the Expert Africa team.

Botswana

Botswana

Author 5th edition 2018

This 5th edition of my Botswana guide came out mid-2018 and, as always, putting it together was a team effort. Researching in 2017, it was great to see how well Botswana is doing, both for its people and its wildlife - a real success in many ways.

Tanzania Safari Guide

Tanzania Safari Guide

Co-author 8th edition 2017

As with Northern Tanzania, my wife, Susie, and I input to this guide as well as being responsible for the 'Zanzibar, Pemba & Mafia' guide published at the same time.

Zanzibar, Pemba, Mafia

Zanzibar, Pemba, Mafia

Co-author 9th edition 2017

My wife, Susie, and I have written the Zanzibar guide since researching its 6th edition, in 2005. Since then, the island, and the scale of tourism there, has changed immensely – but at its best, it’s still a very magical place.

Northern Tanzania Safari Guide

Northern Tanzania Safari Guide

Co-author 4th edition 2017

This Northern Tanzania guide has long been Phillip's book - but my wife, Susie, and I took responsibility for the islands, and helped across the parks, thanks to the experiences of our travellers there, as well as our our own.

Zambia

Zambia

Author 6th edition 2016

I backpacked alone to write the first Zambia guidebook in 1996, when Zambia was unknown territory. Now Edition 6 is a team effort: Freddie & Eleanor from the Expert Africa team also headed off to research far-flung parts of Zambia for this edition.

Namibia

Namibia

Author 5th edition 2015

I first travelled to Namibia in 1989, pre-Independence. I expected problems but found none. Just a captivating country which was, even then, very easy to travel around. Many editions later, it’s even easier to travel there and just as captivating.

Botswana

Botswana

Author 4th edition 2014

Botswana is always an interesting book to research and write as the concessions and areas change relatively slowly, which gives me time to explore some of the areas in depth each time - and that's always a real pleasure.

Northern Tanzania Safari Guide

Northern Tanzania Safari Guide

Co-author 3rd edition 2013

For this 3rd edition of the Northern Tanzania guide, my wife, Susie, and I took responsibility for the islands and input across the parks, with help researching from Angela & Eleanor in the Expert Africa team, plus many comments from our travellers.

Zanzibar, Pemba, Mafia

Zanzibar, Pemba, Mafia

Co-author 8th edition 2013

Zanzibar had changed a lot in the two editions since my wife, Susie, and I took over this guidebook, so it was great to for us to cover the ground again, seeing the changes first-hand, updating our understanding - and finding a few real gems.

Tanzania Safari Guide

Tanzania Safari Guide

Co-author 7th edition 2013

My first significant contribution to a guidebook on Tanzania built on a great existing base from Philip Briggs, and the help of research from several of the Expert Africa team, not to mention many of our travellers' comments.

Zambia

Zambia

Author 5th edition 2012

The 5th edition was large, around 550 pages, as tourism to Zambia had grown. It's a magical country of owner-run lodges, serious safaris and great walking guides. Expert Africa's Claire, Eleanor & Lucy all helped with research and immense expertise.

Botswana

Botswana

Author 3rd edition 2010

Researching my Botswana guides has always been an adventure and this 3rd edition was no exception - a great privilege and pleasure to take a 4WD to reach and research some of Botswana's most remote corners.

Zanzibar, Pemba, Mafia

Zanzibar, Pemba, Mafia

Co-author 7th edition 2009

Zanzibar's relatively small in size, but there's a lot of places to get around to research a guide like this and the speed of change is high. This guide took months in-country, and longer at home to write - but it's a privilege and worth it.

Zambia

Zambia

Author 4th edition 2008

After a big expansion for the 3rd edition, this 4th edition needed more remote travel to offbeat areas, and lot of work re-visiting for updates. As now the norm, it was a team effort, with colleagues working for Expert Africa playing a huge part.

Botswana

Botswana

Author 2nd edition 2007

The first edition of Botswana was still a very strong guidebook, so updating it for this second edition was a very straightforward task. I consolidated and thoroughly updated it, including the sprinkling of new lodges and developments.

Namibia

Namibia

Author 3rd edition 2007

With over 500 pages, this comprehensive third edition captured the expanding array of options available in Namibia. These needed more extensive research, but the trips remained captivating as travelling in Namibia has always been a real delight.

Zanzibar, Pemba, Mafia

Zanzibar, Pemba, Mafia

Co-author 6th edition 2006

My wife, Susie, and I took over this guidebook which needed researching, re-structuring and re-writing. Hard work, with almost two months on the ground - but it was a privilege to get to know these stunning islands in real depth.

Zambia

Zambia

Author 3rd edition 2004

For this third edition of Zambia I branched out further, driving around on several extended research trips to reach and map some of Zambia’s wilder areas. The result was a step-change in the book’s size, and the areas covered in detail.

Namibia

Namibia

Author 2nd edition 2003

After nearly a decade of organising trips to Namibia, this edition incorporated many travellers' experiences as well as research by myself and my Africa team. Fly-in trips to Namibia were gaining popularity and great new conservancies were emerging.

Botswana

Botswana

Author 1st edition 2003

My first solo Botswana guide was a labour of love. With unprecedented access, I explored and studied the region’s remotest corners, got the full picture of its private concessions and then committed my understanding into this encyclopaedic guide.

Southern Africa

Southern Africa

Co-author 1st edition 2001

Totally different in style from my usual guidebooks, this full-colour guide allowed me to recount in depth about adventures across the Kalahari, Namib and Skeleton Coast. Such a privilege to be able to spend this time in Africa and write about it!

Zambia

Zambia

Author 2nd edition 1999

The ground-breaking first edition successfully raised awareness about Zambia. It also provided the springboard for me to delve deeper and write more comprehensively. As a result, this second edition became a stronger, more authoritative piece of work

Namibia

Namibia

Author 1st edition 1998

Namibia inspired and kick-started started my African writings, but it seemed an age before I wrote this first, stand-alone guide. The country had changed hugely, but I made up for lost time: lengthy research produced a really comprehensive book.

Zambia

Zambia

Author 1st edition 1996

I backpacked, hitched and bussed around for months in 1995, reseaching this first Zambia guidebook. Help by some amazing pioneers of safari - Norman Carr, Jo & Robin Pope, Grant Cumings and others - it was a privilege as well as an adventure!

Namibia & Botswana

Namibia & Botswana

Co-author 1st edition 1990

I co-authored my first guidebook to Namibia & Botswana in 1990 and a second edition in '94. Both were basic by today’s standards, with line drawings, sketch maps and few pictures, but as the first full English guide to these countries, they did well!

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