A snapshot

After completing a Tourism degree in the UK, which led to leading an expedition to Tanzania, Matt moved to Southern Africa, where he lived and worked. Setting up and running a small tourism social enterprise opened doors to explore more of the continent. After 15 years in the industry, Matt joins the YZ herd ready for his next adventure.

Expert destinations

Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, South Africa

Recent travel experience

Matt’s most recent safari was to Botswana. He was blown away by the landscapes and varied activities of the vast Makgadikgadi Pans before moving on to the Selinda Spillway for a more traditional safari experience where the birding, big cat, and elephant sightings were exceptional.

Matt's most memorable experience

“It is really hard to pick out one particular experience, but I was incredibly lucky recently to enjoy a scenic helicopter flight over the Makgadikgadi Pans and Kubu Island. Makgadikgadi is one of the largest salt pans in the world. Kubu Island sits in the middle of this endless flat salt pan. It is a gorgeous granite outcrop set on a small island, which is also home to beautiful baobab trees.

We were up before sunrise to ensure the chopper was in the air in time to see the sun rising over the Makgadikgadi Pans, which translates as ‘the great empty’. Once we reached Kubu Island, the pilot landed and took the doors off the helicopter! We then flew over and around the island several times before heading out over the pans to fly at low level.

The pans are so empty and vast that you can see the curvature of the earth and it almost feels like you’re flying over the sea or a lake! 
Returning back to camp with the doors back on, I was greeted with a champagne breakfast, and then we headed out on a game drive where we met habituated meerkats and spent time with a small pride of lions and a relaxed bull elephant to round off the perfect morning.

I feel very lucky and fortunate to have traveled extensively around sub-Saharan Africa, visiting remote and stunning locations and witnessing incredible wildlife across a multitude of countries. This particular experience, however, is a real stand-out for me. I still cannot fathom the size and scale of the pans and the beauty of Kubu Island.”

Matt's biography

Born and raised in rural England, Matt developed a passion for wildlife from an early age. Even before his first trip to Africa, he would pore over books about Africa and lose himself in wildlife documentaries. Serengeti Shall Not Die by Bernhard Grzimek was the final piece of inspiration Matt needed to push him to make several forays overlanding through East Africa after leaving school. He went on to study Adventure Tourism Management at University College Birmingham, which included a return visit to Tanzania as an expedition leader.

Matt started setting up a tourism social enterprise based in Lesotho while finishing his studies. He then moved out to Southern Africa to run the business with a friend. Weekends and holidays were spent exploring Lesotho, South Africa, Botswana, and Zambia over the following few years. 

Matt returned to the UK and started working in the luxury tour operating business, which allowed him to continue to indulge his passion for Africa’s wild spaces, people, and wildlife. He has subsequently visited and expanded his knowledge of Namibia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, and Madagascar. 

Matt is a passionate advocate for responsible travel and is thrilled to become a member of the YZ herd.