Drumbeat Autumn 18

www . aardvarksafaris.co.uk l P4 Q1: What’s key to planning the perfect safari? A: Learning from your client about their interests and the sorts of things they enjoy. This is best done over the phone or in person as a conversation reveals so much more than email. You can also bounce ideas back and forth more quickly and get a feel for how your client responds to them. Q2: What’s your most memorable safari moment? A: I spent last summer working as a host at Nsolo Camp in Zambia’s South Luangwa Valley and loved that we often had wild dogs in camp in the early mornings. Waking to the exhilaration of seeing these hard to spot animals was very spoiling. Seeing a pennant winged nightjar and Pel’s fishing owl in Kafue are also two of my favourite birding memories. Q3: What do you love most about your job? A: A very obvious answer, but it has to be visiting Africa regularly and seeing the landscapes, beautiful lodges and camps, and meeting the most fascinating people who are dedicating their lives to safaris and conservation. I also love the stories and photos my clients bring home – I have to live vicariously through them when not in Africa myself. Q4: What would be your dream itinerary? A: To explore more of Zambia, so it would be an itinerary taking in Bangweulu Wetlands, Kasanka National Park, Northern Kafue and (at the top of my list) Liuwa Plain. I wouldn’t say no to a little hop over to Kaya Mawa on Lake Malawi to finish it off. Q5: Where are you next? A: I’m taking my mum on her first safari this September, which I’m really excited about. We are visiting Ant’s Hill, Marataba Safari Lodge and then spending five nights in Madikwe. She is then off for some R&R in Cape Town whilst I head up to Kenya for a two week fact finding mission. Q6: How did you end up in the safari business? A: I studied Art and Art History at university and when I graduated I worked part time as an Art Consultant alongside working on my own paintings. I wasn’t overly keen on wearing a dress and heels to work so a friend who worked for a safari company suggested I come and work as an admin assistant. I became very keen on maps and began picking up quite quickly where camps and lodges were, road conditions, weather patterns, wildlife and so on. My boss sprang a spot quiz on me one day and decided I was going to be a sales person, so packed me off on a self-drive through Zambia and Malawi. It was a life changing trip and I’ve not looked back. Q7: What’s your favourite animal? A: I really love jackals, which I know is a slightly odd choice. At Okonjima Plains Camp in Namibia I had a mother and about five pups outside my room. I had my morning coffee on the verandah watching the puppies chasing each other round and round my villa whilst the mother looked on. I love seeing family structures in wildlife and have spent hours watching baboon and elephant families interacting. It gives me a lot of joy to recognise things about us which are reflected in nature. Q8: What’s your sundowner choice? A: Gin and tonic. Or a cold lager on a very hot day. There was a fierce debate at Nsolo, which lasted the whole season, on whether Mosi or Castle was best. No conclusion reached despite multiple tastings. Q9: Favourite safari activity? A: Walking. Q10: Best ever sighting? A: This is a hard one – I’ve seen leopards in trees with hyenas lying below waiting for scraps, leopards mating, three generations of hyena puppies at a den, lions on a walking safari, huge herds of roan, wild dogs hunting, lions making a kill, and seen and heard some outstandingly beautiful and fascinating birds. Q11: Most precious piece of safari kit? A: My 10x42 Opticron binoculars – even in England these come everywhere with me. Q12: What do you like most about being on safari? A: I just like the concept of safari – heading out into nature to see and appreciate what is around you. Even better than that is the privilege of being with an expert, who can explain how things relate to each other and the wider eco-system. I really do find it very magical. We chat to Jess Hills, most recent recruit to Aardvark Safaris’ Hampshire team, about safaris and arranging holidays. Ask the Expert JESS HILLS