A Bit About Me

My early travels with my pilot father took me to the ‘exotic’ US and Highlands and islands of Scotland. My first soft wildlife adventure was on a boat safari in Goa, but it was not until I returned to India with Allan in 1999, that I experienced my first true wildlife safari, as we enjoyed a 2 week tiger tour in Ranthambhore, Bandhavgarh and Kanha national parks. Allan proposed to me a year later from on top of the fort at Ranthambhore tiger reserve and I have returned often, more recently on family wildlife safaris with our children, Eliane and Avani.

I love organising our family wildlife adventures to destinations like Canada, Brazil and India and this has given us both a personal insight into how to plan a safari holiday which works for both adults and young children. I have been lucky enough to go trekking and tiger tracking in Nepal and have visited both Sri Lanka and Brazil on solo reccies. I design wildlife itineraries in a visual way, using cherished memories and inside knowledge to ‘walk’ my clients through their holiday.

Q&A

Which countries do you visit most for wildlife?

Without a doubt that would be India where I have visited many times, often combining an old personal favourite like Kanha or Ranthambhore that feels like home from home amongst great friends (just love the diversity of wiildlife and differing landscapes of these) with somewhere newer to me, more recent adventures in to Tadoba, Satpura and Bera really paid off - finally seeing dhole and so many more leopards and sloth bears than previously.

Best wildlife experience of all time?

Hmm, that's so tricky but it would be a choice of cat sightings with stripes and probably at Ranthambhore. On my first visit in 1999 we took a few safaris in Sariska first then Ranthambhore and had seen pugmarks in both which the guides got very excited about, but after a couple of safaris I was becoming convinced that somebody walked round each day before opening with tiger feet shaped flip flops and laid a trail for the jeeps to follow! But stopping at a dry river crossing Vipul signalled for us to wait quietly and then suddenly a large male tiger appeared from the trees maybe 20 metres away and walked down the river bed straight in our direction. I was unable to think to take a picture, I just watched, shaking and barely remembering to breathe, as he passed close to the jeep I was so transfixed by his regal beauty and his sheer size, a real OMG moment! I can't deny I feel almost as gobsmacked every time, but last year's playful sparring in the water between Arrowhead and her two grown cubs was unbelievable, and even more special to have shared this sighting with family and friends.

What are the last 3 countries you have visited?

Being fully honest, two of my last three trips have been a break from the 'norm', a ladies only city trip to Barcelona enjoying the local products, arts, shopping and cheering my sister-in-law on in her marathon run. Later a break in Key West amongst family and friends celebrating some milestones, at least we did enjoy some wildlife (not only a different sort on Duval St) and my favourite would be the pelicans here. My last trip was an amazing one in India celebrating 20 years of Wildlife Trails and Allan's 50th, in a wonderful group of 18 of our favourite humans!

Favourite piece of travel kit?

Although I left my last one somewhere in Pench (need to replace), I'm lost without my Tilley hat; easy to pack, keeps you cool and protected from the sun, looks good, doesn't fly off, copes with being wet, dirty and abused and then dries out quickly to be used next day.

Next wildlife destination on your wish list?

That's ever changing, but for a quite few years and right now it would be Namibia - again all about diversity in the wildlife, landscape and a variety of adventures over land and sea. Or to see bears in snow, although I would need to get some amazing gloves and boots first!

Why Book with Wildlife Trails?

We Are Pioneers In Wildlife Travel

Over the last 20 years, we have pioneered some utterly unique wildlife destinations, including river drifts in the Bella Coola valley and polar bear safaris with the Inuit off Baffin Island.

Science At The Heart Of Planning

As scientists, photographers and wildlife lovers, we take into account climatic changes, changes to migration routes and other environmental factors to maximise your wildlife encounters.

We Support Wildlife Warriors

For every new booking with Wildlife Trails we donate £100 to one of four wildlife charities who are outstanding in the field. They are the Raincoast Conservation Foundation, Gorilla Doctors, Panthera and Tiger Trails Foundation.

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