Meet the Coral Tree family

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 remember the first time I spotted an African wild dog. I was 4 years old, sat on my father’s lap, and can still picture its rounded ears in the shade of an acacia tree. I was hooked…

My love for safari travel began to develop from a young age. I grew up in Swaziland (now e-Swatini) and South Africa. My fondest childhood memories are of the Kruger National Park, with my family in a 4×4, searching for Africa’s iconic species. These early experiences of the animal kingdom and Africa’s cultural diversity were highly formative for me, and quickly began to inspire a burning curiosity for the natural world.

As an adult, that curiosity is yet to be satiated. I have travelled extensively across eastern and southern Africa, capturing wildlife through my camera lens, hosting at lodges, guiding guests, exploring new and exciting safari regions, and creating ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ family adventures to Africa.

Whilst on safari, you will usually find me out on a game drive with my camera, absorbing the knowledge of expert guides about local wildlife or pressing them for details of their most memorable encounters.

Without a doubt, my favourite recent memory is taking my sister, Fay, on a safari adventure to remote northern Kenya. Having shared the wonders of safaris together as children, being able to maintain that strong sibling bond by continuing our tradition of adventure as adults fills me with gratitude.

Ultimately, that connection is what makes Coral Tree Travel’s ethos so magical; and enabling such meaningful experiences for other families is what makes my job so wonderfully rewarding.

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.