I love to seek out wild places, with fantastic wildlife and few other people – and Africa has these in abundance
I gained my first taste of Africa during my gap year when I spent three months working in Shamwari Game Reserve, South Africa. After discovering the dramatic landscapes, wealth of wildlife and sheer beauty of the country, I quickly became hooked and vowed to explore more of this vibrant continent.
Fuelled by my passion for wildlife, I completed both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Zoology at the University of Sheffield. During this time I continued to travel to Africa, undertaking a six-week biodiversity research project in Tanzania’s Kilombero Valley and later spending five weeks exploring Uganda.
Following my studies I resolved to return to Africa and took up a position with the Kalahari Meerkat Project in South Africa's Northern Cape. After one year working as a research assistant I was given the opportunity to spend a further two years working as the project manager. While living and working in the Kalahari I traveled around much of South Africa, including Cape Town and the Kgalagadi. All said, I spent three years running around after meerkats in the African bush before returning to the UK in 2015.
I joined Expert Africa in 2016 with a focus on East Africa. Since joining the company I have embarked on multiple research trips to Tanzania and have visited almost every property we feature on Zanzibar. In 2017 I was lucky enough to visit to Rwanda, spending two weeks travelling around this small yet staggeringly beautiful country. Some of my most memorable experiences with Expert Africa include trekking mountain gorillas in Rwanda; cantering past giraffes in Laikipia, Kenya; witnessing wildebeest charge across the Mara River and sleeping under the sea in an underwater bedroom off the Island of Pemba.
I am currently the destination manager for Tanzania and Rwanda, while I continue to expand my knowledge of Kenya.
Lyndsey's most recent Africa trips
Kenya, Tanzania
This trip saw me travel to northern Kenya, spending time around Samburu and Laikipia. I loved the hot, arid desert environment of Samburu with its rugged landscape and the dramatic backdrop of the Matthews Range. I particularly enjoyed the Sarara region and it was wonderful to see the way in which the camps promote community led conservation; visiting Reteti Elephant Sanctuary was also a real highlight. It was then lovely to explore the Lewa Conservancy, this was the first wildlife conservancy to be created in Kenya and it has set an example for those to follow.
Kenya
Having spent my first few years at Expert Africa focussing on Tanzania, I was excited to head north of the border and start exploring Kenya. We started in wilderness of Laikipia, which is very different from any other safari area I have visited previously. I loved the wonderful range of activities on offer here, from walking safaris and fly-camping to river activities, fishing, cycling, horse riding and even camel riding! We then headed on to the Maasai Mara, spending time in the Mara Conservancies, which are famed for their fantastic wildlife and comparatively few people. The highlight of the trip was a balloon safari on our final morning over the open plains.
Tanzania, Zanzibar
For this trip I took a personal holiday to Tanzania, revisiting the Selous Game Reserve before flying on to Mafia Island on the Tanzanian coast. I've heard amazing stories about Mafia and it was lovely to be able to spend a week here, exploring this quiet island and discovering plethora of marine life in the shallow seas. Snorkelling with whale sharks was incredible, and it felt like quite a privilege to swim with these gentle giants. As this was my own holiday I travelled with my mother; I loved introducing her to Tanzania and it is safe to say that she has become a safari addict!
- I visited
- Dar es Salaam, Selous Game Reserve, Mafia Island, Michamvi Peninsula, Stone Town
Lyndsey's previous Africa research
| Country | Arrived | Length of stay | Areas visited |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tanzania | October 2018 | 14 nights | Arusha, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park, Serengeti Migration Area |
| Tanzania | February 2018 | 12 nights | Arusha, Lake Manyara National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti Migration Area |
| Zanzibar, Tanzania | July 2017 | 14 nights | Stone Town, Northern Zanzibar, East Coast Zanzibar, Pemba Island |
| Rwanda | May 2017 | 12 nights | Akagera National Park, Kigali, Nyungwe Forest National Park, Lake Kivu, Volcanoes National Park |
| Tanzania | September 2016 | 14 nights | Dar es Salaam, Tanzania Coast, Selous Game Reserve, Ruaha National Park |
| Zanzibar, Tanzania | June 2016 | 15 nights | Stone Town, Michamvi Peninsula, South-west Zanzibar, Selous Game Reserve, Ruaha National Park |
Reviews from Lyndsey's latest travellers
