Louisa Forsyth
Louisa’s love for Africa began when she volunteered on a rhino conservancy in Zimbabwe, working with endangered species as well as the local communities. After that, she had officially caught the ‘bug’ and made her way up to Kenya, exploring a good chunk of the country in a Land Cruiser that broke down often. After a stint of exercising horses in Kenya, she squeezed into a packed bus bound for Arusha, hired a Land Rover, and explored Northern Tanzania in a roof tent, before unglamorously backpacking around Zanzibar. Fast forward a few years and, after studying Zoology at Newcastle University, Louisa completed a six-week internship at Aardvark Safaris, which cemented her plans for a career in travel. After the internship, she was straight back to jet-setting for six months, working and travelling in New Zealand and Australia, then came back to join the Aardvark Safaris team for good.
Favourite African Experience
Some highlights include flying low in a helicopter with herds of Grevy’s zebra and elephants running alongside us. Another flying experience was taking over the controls of a Cessna soaring over Laikipia. Swimming with dolphins off the coast of Zanzibar were incredible too, and feeding a trunkless elephant calf a bottle of milk. There are too many to list!
Favourite African animal
Rhinos. After volunteering on a rhino conservancy and interacting with both black and white rhinos up close, you realise how magnificent and intelligent they really are. It is amazing how long they have been on this planet, and their prehistoric looks show us just a glimpse into the history of the animal. The fact that they are so sadly endangered makes it extra special when you spot them on safari.
Countries visited
Tropical islands visited
Riding experience
I had a very fun time exercising young safari horses at Ol Malo Lodge, a highlight being a two-day ride with an overnight fly camp, with camels walking alongside, carrying our kit and camping with us. A rather scary riding moment was looking down from my horse’s back in Zimbabwe and realising we were stepping over a gigantic python in the long grass! Luckily, the horse didn’t have a clue.
On arranging holidays
I am really excited to start arranging tailor-made holidays for other. I think using my passion for travel, Africa, and chatting to people from all walks of life will help to create memorable and unique experiences.
