On Tanzania
In the Selous I highly recommend taking a boat safari along the Rufiji for the incredible birdlife and close encounters with elephants coming down to drink. 

On Kenya
For diverse wildlife but without the crowds and the minibuses, consider lesser known places like Meru and Laikipia. 

On Tanzania
The best photographic conditions in the Ngorongoro Crater are first thing in the morning so get to the volcano floor at 7am when the gate opens.  

On Zanzibar Archipelago
If you have the time a tour of a spice farm is definitely worth doing. The medicinal and practical uses for so many plants and spices are incredible plus it smells fantastic! 

On Zanzibar Archipelago
In Stone Town, try local the barbecued fish at the Forodhani Gardens restaurant. In the evenings there is a real party atmosphere here. 

On Zanzibar Archipelago
Wear a t-shirt whilst snorkelling otherwise you could find yourself with a pretty severe sunburn. 

On Tanzania
If your safari involves staying in a tented camp, take a head torch, they are invaluable. 

Biography

Ben's first trip to Africa took place in 1997 when he decided to backpack around Kenya for 3 months finishing on the islands off the Lamu archipelago. Having previously travelled extensively in Europe and to further flung holiday destinations he found nowhere that compared to Africa. Since that first Kenyan trip Ben has returned many times to Africa and enjoyed a host of wonderful experiences. This includes tiger fishing on the Zambezi, whale watching in South Africa, tracking wild dogs in Tanzania, swimming with whale sharks in the Indian ocean and trekking across the Altas Mountains in Morocco. Since joining Audley he has continued exploring East Africa and is looking forward to climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. During his free time Ben enjoys playing squash and walking his dogs to the pub.

My Most Memorable Experience

My most memorable experience was swimming with whale sharks in the Kisimani Channel close to Mafia island. These huge sharks can weigh up to 25 tonnes and grow to around 20 metres long. Floating in the water, my first sighting of a whale shark was a 7 foot wide open mouth coming straight up from the bottom of the sea towards me. At the last second she closed her mouth and turned to miss me. Although a non-aggressive species this was a nerve-wracking and memorable experience.

My Favourite Destination

Ruaha National Park, Tanzania

Ruaha National Park in Tanzania. This is an amazing unspoilt National Park deep in the heart of Tanzania accessible only by light aircraft.The wildlife is plentiful but it is so far off the beaten track that you may not see another vehicle during your stay. The quality of the guiding here is arguably the best in the country and the variety of game is phenomenal. This is one of the few last strongholds of wild dogs - the most effective predators in Africa.

My Favourite Accommodation

Oliver's Camp, Tanzania

Oliver's Camp is a proper authentic Bushcamp with huge comfortable rooms and a wonderful ambience around the camp fire in the evenings. Located at the southern end of the park the wildlife viewing is great and you can enjoy some excellent walking safaris. The food and hospitality is superb and lying in bed listening to the sounds of the bush is a brilliant way to finish the day.

Photos Taken On My Travels

The rest of the Africa Safari team

Alex

Charlotte

Elsa

David

Donna

Glenn

James

John

Kirsty

Liberty

Mark

Rob

Roz

Russell N

Steve

Tara

Tim

Toby