Alex Grose
Alex was born in Abu Dhabi and raised between the Middle East and the UK. He caught the travel bug early, helped by the UAE being a brilliant springboard for family adventures across the globe.
After an early career in the oil and gas sector, which included travel to far-flung destinations, he found his true calling in the travel industry in 2011 and hasn’t looked back. Since then, Alex has worked with several award‑winning UK tour operators, focusing on private, tailor‑made travel. He’s not only crafted countless bespoke itineraries but also led teams of travel experts, helping them grow their skills and passion for discovery.
Building on Aardvark Safaris’ deep Africa expertise, Alex brings a wealth of industry know‑how to help grow the business and deliver trips of a lifetime across the continent.
When he isn’t plotting routes and comparing sundowner spots, you’ll likely find him pitch-side cheering on his three energetic children – or out and about in the Cotswolds with his young labrador. A fan of the outdoors, Alex enjoys hiking and paddleboarding, and will seize any chance to go scuba diving in the ocean. He never hits the road without his camera – there’s always something worth capturing.
Favourite African Animal
The hippopotamus! There’s something about the way they watch you with their little ears flapping – but knowing under the surface is all that bulk and power too. At the other end of the scale, I’m very fond of the painted reed frog or bell frog. I find their collective calls at night mesmerising, like bamboo wind chimes and ringing bells.
Favourite African Experience
In April 2026, I was fortunate to visit Victoria Falls at a time when the water levels among the highest in recent memory. Experiencing Victoria Falls from every angle left a lasting impression – from the air during a breathtaking helicopter ride, to Livingstone Island, balanced precariously at the very edge of the cascade.
Favourite three camps
Skybeds, located in the Khwai Private Reserve, was home for my first ever night in Botswana, and it didn’t disappoint. The three-storey sleepout platform gives you all the comforts you need. Sleeping under the stars with elephants walking by in the night is very special.
Nkasa Linyanti is a new camp located on a private island in the Nkasa Rupara National Park, Namibia. It gives you understated luxury in a landscape that feels so untouched.
There are some wonderful places to stay along the Zambezi River, but I love how Tongabezi Lodge strikes a perfect balance between luxury and character. The individual houses all offer something slightly different – especially the ‘Doghouse’, a superb, large family option (which appeals to me as a father of three!)
African countries visited
Botswana, Egypt, Morocco, Namibia and Zambia
Tropical islands visited
On arranging holidays – why you love what you do
Holidays are about lifelong memories. From honeymoons to first adventures with your children, those moments are priceless. Helping people experience exactly that, by tailoring every trip so they get what they truly want, is what motivates me.
