EXPERT TRIP LEADERSHIP, EVERY STEP OF THE WAY
A Vantage Adventure Leader will accompany your group from start to finish of your African safari journey — leading sightseeing tours, sharing insights, and connecting you to the wonders of your destination. You can count on your Adventure Leader to smooth the way, take care of the details, and see to it that your safari is a truly memorable experience. If you’ve chosen to add the optional Cape Town extension, you’ll also enjoy the services of a regional expert, who’ll help you plan your exploration.
YOUR ADVENTURE LEADERS
Brian Haysom
Born in South Africa, Brian originally trained as a computer programmer, but then the lure of the bush came calling. Brian completed numerous game ranger courses before moving to a private bush lodge inside Kruger National Park. Here he began leading game drives and walking safaris, eventually earning recognition from the Field Guide Association of South Africa. Aside from sharing his love of animals and birds, Brian plays guitar and golf. Brain says he “loves to show off our new country, and of course how we are progressing since the apartheid years.” He counts Victoria Falls and Kruger National Park among his favorite places, but is equally at home in cities. Brain likes travelers to see that, “although we are in Africa, we have a fairly advanced economy and infrastructure.”
Joanna Mol
Dutch-born Joanna first fell in love with Africa while working in Kampala, Uganda. But her passion for this continent was cemented during a long trip to Zimbabwe and a visit to Cape Town. After managing a hotel and assorted properties in the Cape, Joanna now delights in showing Vantage travelers southern Africa in all its diversity: “Not only all its wildlife, but the different cultures, the beautiful landscapes, and the friendly people,” she says. “And the high quality of food and drink,” she adds with a laugh. Food is so important to Joanna that she once helped fly a turkey from Harare, Zimbabwe to serve at a Thanksgiving bush dinner under the stars in Victoria Falls.
YOUR SAFARI DRIVER-GUIDES
During the safari portion of your trip, you will enjoy the services of Vantage’s experienced, English-speaking driver-guides as your group breaks into smaller parties for our game drives. Naturally, they are excellent drivers who safely navigate our vehicles across all types of terrain. But, they are also eagle-eyed game spotters who know just where to go to track the animals. You may be surprised when your driver-guide points out a speck on the horizon that turns out to be a cheetah, or when he explains the age and life history of a zebra simply by reading the pattern of his stripes. They’re that good! Aside from their deep knowledge of local flora and fauna, they’re great fun to be with. Getting to know them personally will enrich your understanding of African life.
COMPLIMENTARY WORLDWIDE CONCIERGE SERVICE
If you have a special request or personal interest you’d like to pursue during your journey, your Vantage Concierge is here to help. This complimentary service is available to all travelers — no matter what cabin category or flight class you’ve reserved!
Whether you want to plan an anniversary party, secure restaurant reservations, or organize a private experience for your group, our Concierge service can make your travel dreams come true. Concierge service is available before your journey. Simply log in to MyPortfolio, submit a pre-trip request to Concierge@vantagetravel.com, or call 1-888-982-6824 and you'll have your answer from our Concierge within two business days.
During your journey, a Vantage Destination Manager doubles as your on-tour Concierge and can assist with any personal requests you may have.
GET THE INSIDE SCOOP FROM LOCAL LECTURERS
Meet Russell Gammon
Russell Gammon’s family has lived in Zimbabwe since the late 1800s. His love for this land led to a career taking photographic societies across Southern and East Africa, including National Geographic and the Smithsonian Institute. On one of his first trips into the bush, he was caught between a pride of lions and 50 charging buffalo. Russell had seconds to decide which terrifying group to fear less. (He chose the lions and lived to tell the tale.) On another occasion, an elephant marched up to the safari vehicle he was sleeping in and poked its head into the back to make sure he knew whose territory it was. As well-versed in wildlife as Russell is, his favorite human subject is the life and times of Scottish missionary and explorer, David Livingstone.
REGIONAL EXPERTS ENRICH YOUR DISCOVERIES
No one knows a destination better than an insider. If you add an optional extension to your journey, you’ll enjoy the services of experienced, English-speaking regional experts. Their deep command of local history will certainly enrich your visits to important attractions. But, our ‘insiders’ go a step beyond, sharing information on behind-the-scenes aspects of local culture that ordinary tours usually overlook. How do families in this area get by? What are some of the local legends? What do the decorations on a particular house mean? Your regional expert is eager to bring it all alive for you.
