I love to travel and feel most alive when I’m exploring somewhere new. So far, I’ve visited 27 countries across five continents, and each destination has given me a fresh way of seeing the world — sparking curiosity, challenging assumptions, and widening my perspective.
Nowhere is that truer than East Africa. Picture the sun-drenched savannas of the Masai Mara and Serengeti with their incredible wildlife, the dramatic escarpments and volcanic craters of the Great Rift Valley, the snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro, and the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Add to that the warmth of the local people and the thrill of seeing exotic animals in their natural habitat — it’s pure magic and always leaves me eager to return.
I was drawn to Audley Travel for its commitment to responsible travel, driving positive impact for both the local people and the natural environment. I feel privileged to help other travelers discover the wonders of East Africa through tailor-made journeys that support community and conservation while creating treasured memories.
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Q&A with Stephanie
What’s your most vivid travel moment?
On a trek through Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains, a group of us set out on foot with a few pack mules, their colorful saddle bags draped in hand-woven blankets, carrying our supplies. The trail wound steeply through a spring-fed valley where farmers tended stepped terraces and herds of sheep and goats picked their way through juniper trees. As we gained elevation toward Jebel Toubkal, the highest peak in the range at over 4,145 m (13,600 ft), the air grew thinner and colder, and I was relieved when our guides announced a tea break. To my surprise, they unloaded a lavish picnic from the mule packs: a red blanket and padded mats to lounge on, mint tea poured from a silver teapot into decorated glasses, and freshly made salads, omelettes cooked over an open fire and seasoned with cumin, saffron, and coriander. Between courses, they introduced us to Berber rhythms, clapping and singing while warming their bendir drums by the flames to improve the sound. Rested and well-fed, we resumed our climb, bound for the mountain lodge where we would spend the night.
Your best piece of travel advice?
‘Pole pole’ is a Swahili phrase meaning ‘slowly, slowly,’ a reminder to savor the journey as much as the destination. In our fast-paced, tech-driven world, slowing down on safari can be deeply refreshing. Nature follows its own rhythm, so relax, be patient, and let things unfold. The best moments — wildlife encounters, breathtaking views, storytelling around the campfire — are often the ones you never planned.
Which book, film, or artwork captures your speciality location best?
There’s a BBC documentary series called Africa, hosted by British naturalist David Attenborough, that covers five diverse ecosystems on the continent: the arid Kalahari, fertile Savannah, tropical Congo, parched Sahara, and ever-changing Cape. It has the most breathtaking cinematography, including aerial shots of the different landscapes and extreme close-ups of rarely seen animal behaviors. It’s both awe-inspiring and educational, explaining how the wildlife adapts to the changing environment and even rely on each other for survival.