Drumbeat Autumn 19

www . aardvarksafaris.com l P4 Q5: Your most memorable safari moment? A: During a game drive in the Okavango Delta’s Chitabe concession we thought we’d spotted movement in the undergrowth and went to explore – only to be surprised when, from a completely different direction, a leopard strode casually past. We followed until she climbed into a tree and then sat admiring her for an hour or so. By chance we had a professional photographer with us, so after a free lesson I have some wonderful pictures to remind me of the experience. Q6: Favourite country? A: I will always have a soft spot for Kenya where my adventures began. That said I was completely bowled over by Botswana and the contrasting landscapes of the Okavango Delta and Makgadikgadi Pans. The camps there are stunning, and with few other tourists it feels like the wilderness is yours alone. Q7: What’s your favourite animal? A: I just love the way giraffes move gracefully through the open plains. They look like they are galloping in slow motion; so elegant and poised. Plus who wouldn’t want eyelashes like theirs? Q8: What’s your sundowner choice? A: G&T or a cold Tusker beer. Or if I fancy something refreshing during the day a Malawian shandy hits the spot (ginger beer, lemonade, bitters and orange juice). Q9: Favourite safari activity? A: A game drive at sun rise; watching the plains come alive, listening to the animal and bird dawn chorus, and inhaling the smells of a new day is really magical. Our series of interviews with the sales team continues with Rosanna Pile from the Edinburgh office. Ask the Expert ROSANNA PILE Q1: How did you end up in the safari business? A: I caught the Africa bug travelling through East Africa in 2002. I subsequently worked for the Kenyan luggage company Sandstorm and was able to explore more of Kenya through work and on holiday. I have always wanted to work in African travel and can’t believe my dream has come true. Q10: Most precious piece of safari kit? A: My binoculars – oh and a good sports bra for the bouncy roads. Q11: What do you like most about being on safari? A: Switching off from the modern world and reconnecting with nature. Safaris can be exhilarating and action packed yet they can also be peaceful and thought provoking. The anxieties of day to day life just melt away. Q2: What do you love most about your job? A: Getting to know my clients and working with them to create memorable safaris full of excitement and adventure. I also love working with an incredibly knowledgeable team of experts whose years of experience is inspiring. Q3: What would be your dream itinerary? A: My bucket list is quite long but I would start off gorilla tracking in Rwanda, followed by a few days on safari at Sosian in Laikipia. Then to Lake Malawi and Kaya Mawa for some R&R before heading to the South African Winelands sipping delicious rosé at La Petite Ferme. Q4: Where are you going next? A: I am off to explore Mauritius in October. It’s a great fit with a safari in Southern Africa and I’ve heard wonderful things so I’m looking forward to finding out what it’s all about.