It’s hard to believe that my initial journey and safari to Africa occurred two decades ago this May! At the pinnacle of my career as a fashion and textile designer, I unexpectedly found myself in the heart of the Serengeti. It wasn’t until the third day of the safari, while seated in front of my tent amidst the vast migration of hundreds of thousands of animals that I made a life-altering decision—I would be a wildlife photographer and live a year of my life in Africa! That was a loaded statement and is a tale for another time.
It was in those moments that the adventure of art began for me. That deep burning desire to explore that happens with a camera in hand For me; it has consistently been about the exhilaration of exploration and discovery, surpassing the mere objective of capturing a photograph. Even now, I am convinced that the depth of an experience propels the creativity behind crafting a meaningful and striking image. This is what continues to fuel my passion to continually shape and reshape the photographic experiences I provide.
While I recognize the financial wisdom behind creating a singular itinerary offered year after year, a common practice among larger travel photo companies with multiple photographers, such an approach does not fill my soul. My specialization in Africa stems from its profound impact on my spirit. I find myself revisiting familiar destinations, often returning multiple times within a year, because these places continue to captivate me with their exotic and magical allure. Each visit, whether with clients or solo, unveils new layers of discovery, compelling me to enhance the overall experience. This is particularly evident in the case of the two new Omo Valley experiences in 2025, a region I have been exploring for the past 15 years and which I am excited to unveil this weekend!
When frustration and challenges set in and I see the beautiful images on the wall of my office, it ignites the memories and desire to push through so I may again return to those remote, uncrowded areas of vast land, wilderness, and tribal areas; there are so few left.
The Wall Street Journal recently wrote an article stating, “it doesn’t feel like Africa.” They are correct about all the overcrowding in the national reserves and 50+ vehicles at sighting. My heart has been aching over this for the past few years. The sad situation inspired the creation of the Legacy Safari with Kimerlee Curl. We strategically picked private locations with special access, iconic species, unique ecosystems, low vehicle density, and exclusive camps. I want to feel Africa as it was 20 years ago, and it is what I desire to share with others.
Years ago, when the idea of capturing the snow leopard in my lens first surfaced, the prospect of enduring freezing temperatures held no appeal for me. However, an intense longing to stand amidst the grandeur of the Himalayas lingered within me. My photography partner in India swiftly revealed unique arrangements in one of the highest villages renowned for optimal snow leopard sightings, prompting the commencement of our plans. In 2020, a small private group of us embarked on a journey deep into the Himalayas, staying with a Tibetan family in a village devoid of hotels and commercialism. Here, Buddhism is a daily practice in the realm of the snow leopard. Life in this village remains untouched compared to the more commercialized experience in Ladakh, easily accessible to many. As they say, “the road less traveled…”
Words fail to capture or convey the experience of standing in awe within this breathtaking, untouched environment, surrounded by a picturesque community where time seems to have paused. To truly comprehend it, one must personally experience it. The impact of this journey lingers as one of the most profound for me, prompting the need to share this remarkable experience once more. Snow Leopard 2025
Today, as I write this, I am waiting for my Zoom meeting to begin discussing the final details of the Congo Expedition 2025! Several of you anxiously await the outcome and details – it is looking good so far. I will do a full post about it soon!
Twenty years ago, I was designing clothing and textiles; today, I am still designing. Now, I design experiences of a lifetime, curating the extraordinary! With twenty years of logistical expertise spanning across Africa, I feel compelled to prioritize the rare, authentic, and exclusive and to enhance comfort in challenging environments for those who could not otherwise have such opportunities.
While I’ll still offer a timeless trip annually, my emphasis is now on introducing fresh experiences, steering clear of repeating past offerings. As 2025 draws to a close, I find myself eagerly anticipating the myriad of new experiences slated for 2026. Stay tuned for a sneak peek – coming your way soon!
Although I’m just a hobbyist photographer, I have so admired your work in these tribal regions of Africa and continue to be inspired by your gifts of bringing these experience to others. Each time I have the opportunity to visit with indigenous peoples I am always so humbled and in awe. I dream of going to the Omo Valley and possibly joining one of your journeys someday. Will keep it as a goal. Thank you for your art and artistry.