t seems a bit weird to already being saying “a few final places” but, well, we’ve lived through some bizarre times in the last 24 months and nothing seems quite normal. Since sending out the newsletter a month ago, much of what was left has been filled. However, for some destinations I have managed to secure extra departures (as I’ll already be there) and this has opened up a few possibilities.

Congo: the dark heart Safari: Group 1 full, but 2 spaces left on a second departure (March 2023)

At present we have two spaces on a second departure that I’ve managed to get arranged.. I will already be in country (and will have been for a few weeks in the region, shall we say ;-)) and meet you in camp. This trip includes three gorilla treks to see the lowland gorillas (you will be in a group of no more than 5 people…a researcher, a tracker and 2 guests and possibly me!) and it is certainly a life-affirming experience. If you’ve seen mountain gorillas, then to see the western lowland is a completely different experience. Non-commercial, uncrowded, no big groups or “fly-ins” – these are the jungles of Tarzan at their best. We will also spend time looking for and finding the likes of forest elephant, forest buffalo and others across two further camps and a Bai-system and spend as much time as we can out in the field and forest – whether that be capturing butterflies massing on a stream, or facing flocks of green pigeons or grey parrots as they circle above us. This is true Central African Adventure…offering a very different take on the traditional safari and putting you photographically into positions that very few will get into their lifetime.

In-depth Zimbabwe: Group 1 full, but 2 spaces on a second trip (October 2023)

Incorporating a remote bush camp in Hwange National Park for 3 nights and then a further six in Mana Pools, this is truly a special Zimbabwean adventure. Famous for dogs, elephants and lions amongst others, both venues offer spectacular photographic opportunities – many of which we will be able to undertake on foot for some close, unique encounters. These parks are amongst my favourites in Africa, and I have always greatly enjoyed my time there. Whilst this year, workload stops me from getting there to lead any of the five departures we have, I will be able to make it in 2023 to escort two groups of four through these magical landscapes in successive departures. This is remote Southern Africa at its finest and you will have a fantastic time immersed in true, Zimbabwean wilderness.

Baffin: a polar bear odyssey: D1: 3 spaces; D2: 1 male share

Ok, so you’ve all seen the pics, heard the tales and everything else about Baffin Island the polar bear searches we’ve undertaken over the years. Ever since I did this for the BBC back in 2016, it has captured the imagination, and I’ve been lucky enough since that first tough commission to have the benefit of taking guests back to experience life in the high arctic, in a lot more comfort than we did way back then! There are not enough superlatives to describe this trip. In 2024, for one last time, I will be making the trek north to Baffin in April that year with the aim of photographing and filming polar bears and their newborn cubs on the sea ice. These are two groups of 9 guests each, and at present I have 17 of the 18 spaces filled. There is, because of a change in plans by one visitor, a rare opening to join me on the trip. It is a male-share space only (all accommodation is shared). For more info on this trip, click here

It’s not impossible other spaces may appear as the trip is a long way off – comparatively – but I can’t guarantee it.

FOR MORE INFO’ ON ANY TRIPS, PLEASE CONTACT ME DIRECTLY