Marc

MEET MARC

Having spent much of my childhood overseas in Egypt, Oman and Bahrain, my first trip to sub-Saharan Africa in 1998 was a real baptism to its wildlife. I joined a game capture team, netting antelope for relocation to other reserves, before spending time assisting with concession, lodge management and guiding in the Sabi Sands.

I later went on to become a professionally qualified field guide and lodge manager, guiding guests on game drives and walking safaris in some of the most wildlife rich areas in Africa. I have since driven independently from the UK to South Africa and back again, visiting 30 African countries, over a period of 18 months and circumnavigating the continent.

I feel privileged to have gained the experience I have of Africa and I love to share my passion for this continent with others who want to explore it.

I also run a small charity in Malawi and truly value travel to Africa that is considerate of and benefits the local communities and the conservation of its incredible wildlife.

REVIEWS OF HOLIDAYS I'VE CREATED

Marc was recommended to us by friends who had booked their honeymoon through him. He is very knowledgeable, informative and passionate about Africa. We found him excellent to deal with by telephone, email and face to face. We can’t wait till we go on our African adventure next year.

Mike & Anita, Kenya Safari

MY EXPERTISE

I’ve spent many months living in a tent on top of a Land Rover and managed luxury lodges, so am happy to offer advice on any style of trip from a luxury safari to an adventurous self-drive. I lived, got married and run a charity in Malawi, so know the destination especially well, but have travelled southern and East Africa extensively.

MY TOP TRAVEL MOMENTS

• Watching leatherback turtles nesting – walking along deserted beaches, phosphorescence under foot, in Gabon
• Walking into 3 big male lions – when guiding in Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa
• Sitting amongst Gelada baboons – with the most spectacular views in the Simien Mountains, Ethiopia

WHERE I'VE BEEN RECENTLY

I’ve recently been to Malawi to run a half marathon, visit our community projects and a few of the best safari and beach lodges.

Other countries visited recently include -

• Uganda - Gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking, tree climbing lions and crater lakes
• Kenya - Luxury air safari to exceptional reserves, lakes and coast and hot air balloon flight over the Mara.

I LOVE STAYING AT...

I have to be honest, I love camping, but I also love staying at:

• Mumbo Island Lodge - Lake Malawi, Malawi – The perfect Robinson Crusoe style getaway, crystal clear waters teeming with colourful fish and warm Malawian hospitality.
• Nsolo Camp - I really enjoy the South Luangwa, Zambia’s bush camps, getting out to explore on foot and even better sleeping out under the stars!
• Gunn’s Bush Camp - Okavango Delta, Botswana - exploring the wildlife rich waterways and islands by mokoro, boat and foot

MY TOP TRAVEL TIPS

• Greet people – It’s often the people that make a destination special. A simple smile and greeting will go a long way and will often result in you feeling much more welcome.
• Stop and listen – Sometimes it’s better not to rush around trying to see things, but sit patiently, listen and often the best experiences will come to you.
• Keep an open mind – Expectations can limit experiences and prevent us appreciating what is special about a destination.

MY FUTURE ADVENTURES

I’ve more than scratched the surface of Africa, but there is so much more I would like to explore, including:

• North Uganda – especially Kidepo Valley
• Southern Tanzania, including Selous and Katavi in western Tanzania
• Madagascar
• Odzala in the Republic of Congo