Meet the Coral Tree family

My love affair with Africa started on a year backpacking post University.

From climbing sand dunes in Namibia, to sailing for days by dhow in Mozambique and witnessing the spectacle of the wildebeest migration in Tanzania I was completely hooked. Since then, I continue to be captivated by Africa’s landscapes, her wide open spaces with endless horizon and beautiful creatures roaming free on the plains.

I was fortunate enough to call Cape Town home for over 2 decades and have forged my career in travel companies specialising in African safaris. I have travelled extensively with my 3 children from when they were babies to now in their teens. The memories we have made on these trips together will last a lifetime. Walking with the San in Botswana, sleeping under the stars in Namibia and hearing lions calling to one another across the Serengeti plains are particular ones that stand out.

A family safari in Africa can be an incredibly bonding time spent together, when time slows down a little and everyone can appreciate the beauty of the natural world in their own way. It’s a holiday filled with adventure, fun and learning – for all generations!
So planning these trips for other people to enjoy really does seem like the dream job..!

Embarking on a safari is one of the most rewarding experiences one can have, and for me, it has been truly transformative.

Firstly, it led me to meet Kate, my wonderful wife, while we were both working for the same safari company in Botswana. Now, we have two amazing children and a happy family based in Bristol. There is nothing more special than witnessing my children’s astonishment as a wild elephant ambles right alongside our car.

As an all-out natural world enthusiast, I am living the career of my dreams. My journey has taken me from the ‘rainbow nation’ of South Africa to the arid deserts of Botswana and Namibia, the abundant landscapes of East Africa, the biodiverse regions of the DRC, the vibrant tribes of Ethiopia, and the teardrop isle of Sri Lanka.

This path has nurtured two of my greatest passions: birdwatching and photography. What might seem like a mundane hobby to some transforms into a vivid adventure when you witness the myriad colours and species of birdlife across Africa. My interest in birdwatching sparked my love for photography, allowing me to capture the incredible wildlife and landscapes, which has become a creative outlet in its own right.

I am delighted to now share my extensive knowledge and experiences to help create unforgettable African adventures for my clients.

I first fell in love with Africa when I travelled through East Africa in 2002 spending time exploring Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda.

The landscapes and people are mesmerising and being on safari is not only exhilarating but can also be incredibly peaceful and thought provoking.

When I left university I worked for a Kenyan luggage company, which gave me the opportunity to explore more of Kenya.

Later, I worked for a safari specialist in Edinburgh, where I further developed my knowledge with visits to Botswana, Zambia, South Africa and Mauritius.  I love the buzz I get from working with my clients to create memorable holidays and feel extremely lucky to be doing so.

Now, travelling to Africa with two children in tow, I have the experience to know what makes a family holiday a success for both parents and children.  Everyone is different and by tailoring a holiday to individual preferences, we can ensure our clients have the most exceptional time.  There is nothing more satisfying than hearing wonderful stories of excitement and adventure from a client when they return.

Outside of work I spend my time with my family in East Lothian and can often be found out on a paddle board, up a hill with my dogs or head down in a flowerbed in my garden.