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Tom on safari in Africa

Tom

Africa Specialist

I first set foot in Africa nearly 20 years ago, wandering the dusty plains of the Serengeti in a Land Rover with my family. Little did I know that our impulsive safari would have such a profound impact on my life. I quickly became obsessed with exploring the most remote and fascinating corners of the world, a pursuit which has taken me to cafés in Libya, houseboats in India, yurts in Patagonia, and tents across the plains of Africa.

As much as I’ve enjoyed discovering the rest of the world (70-plus countries) I’ve always been most captivated by the wildness of Africa. Nothing else compares to the experience of tracking a leopard on foot, paddling around hippos in the Zambezi, or bushwhacking through the rainforest in search of silverback gorillas. True adventures.

As a wildlife enthusiast and amateur photographer I’m keen to share my travels with others so they too can experience the magic of Africa.

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Audley Travel Specialist Tom

Start planning your trip to Africa with Tom

Shipwreck on the Skeleton Coast

I recommend visiting - The Skeleton Coast, Namibia

Namibia’s Skeleton Coast derives its name from the graveyard of shipwrecks and whale bones that litter its shoreline. Once feared by sailors navigating the treacherous waters of the Cape Horn it’s now a beacon for conservation and provides a critical habitat for desert-adapted wildlife. Here you can discover endless sand dunes, desert plains and dry river valleys, where desert lion and brown hyena roam alongside oryx, kudu and cape fur seals. Against all odds, the harsh environment sustains a thriving ecosystem. It’s a sacred place in Namibia and considered one of the world’s last great wildernesses.

View from your tent at Jongomero Camp, Ruaha National Park

I recommend staying at - Jongomero Camp, Tanzania

Deluxe

For travelers seeking an authentic African safari, look no further than Jongomero Camp in Ruaha National Park. Known for its rugged landscape of undulating hills, rocky kopjies, and baobab silhouettes, Ruaha is truly ‘wild’. It sits in a remote corner of the Ruaha park, on the banks of the Jongomero River. Its eight stylish tents all face out toward the dry river bed offering dramatic views of nomadic wildlife. It’s Tanzania’s best kept secret.

I'll never forget when…

I was surrounded by a troop of chimpanzees in the ‘Valley of the Apes.’ The day began with a trek that takes you deep into Kyambura Gorge — a sunken forest in the heart of Uganda — in search of chimpanzees that have been cut off from the larger population in Kibale. Kyambura feels wilder than other parks and the adrenaline rush of searching for chimps on foot instantly kicks in. After an hour of bushwhacking through the overgrown vegetation we heard the deafening scream of a chimpanzee. All of a sudden, we were right in the midst of a brawl. Chimps are beating their fists against tree trunks, violently throwing leaves, and howling at each other. It was exhilarating and terrifying at the same time. An encounter I will never forget.

Photos of Tom

  • Tom in Cape Town, South Africa Tom in Cape Town, South Africa
  • Tom in Kibale Forest National Park, Uganda Tom in Kibale Forest National Park, Uganda
  • Tom on a helicopter flight in Mozambique Tom on a helicopter flight in Mozambique
  • Tom in the Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania Tom in the Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
  • Tom on a walking safari in Ruaha National Park, Tanzania Tom on a walking safari in Ruaha National Park, Tanzania
  • Tom fishing on the Rufiji River, Tanzania Tom fishing on the Rufiji River, Tanzania
  • Tom in the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania Tom in the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
  • Tom on Table Mountain, Cape Town, South Africa Tom on Table Mountain, Cape Town, South Africa
  • Tom in Zanzibar, Tanzania Tom in Zanzibar, Tanzania