Kota Tabuchi– Travel Consultant

THE PLACES I’VE VISITED

Various parts of the US, Canada, Mexico, Ecuador, Chile, Argentina, Cuba, Japan, China, Australia, Switzerland, Italy, France, Monaco, Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, Belgium, Spain, Slovenia, Croatia, Hungary, Czech Republic, Montenegro, Bosnia, Macedonia, Albania, Greece, England, Netherlands, Egypt, Jordan, United Arab Emirates, South Africa, Lesotho, Swaziland, Namibia, Mozambique, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Madagascar, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda

THE YEAR I STARTED IN THE BUSINESS

2001

THE YEAR I STARTED WITH TRAVEL BEYOND

2011

THE THINGS I ENJOY MOST ABOUT CONSULTING

Going on safari, for many, is a once in a lifetime experience. What I enjoy the most is when my clients return from their “once in a lifetime” trip hungry for more. My clients often come back asking, “Where in Africa should I go next?” I also enjoy the creative aspect of tailor made trips – working closely with clients to ensure I provide them with the best trip possible. Finally, I enjoy a good challenge! Special interests groups, multi–generational trips, birders…bring it on!

MY MOST MEMORABLE TRAVEL MOMENT

I have too many tales to pick just one. I don’t know if this is the most memorable, but I recall the night I fell in love with Africa. It was a warm spring evening when I was driven into the middle of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans in Botswana – near the end of my first two week safari. In the middle of this massive ancient lake bed, the stars packed the sky from horizon to horizon. With utter silence, lack of light pollution and immense open space around me, I had a chance to lay and reflect on my first roller coaster of an African experience. This was the beginning to my turbulent affair with Africa.

MY MOST EMBARRASSING TRAVEL MOMENT

Getting caught with my pants down – literally. In some places I’ve traveled, the maids don’t knock…

MY FAVORITE MEAL WHILE TRAVELING

My favorite meals are always of local fare. Street food and dives are what I enjoy most; especially meals where you eat with your hands. But, I have to admit, my favorite/most memorable meal was at the L’Espadon at the Ritz in Paris. The meal was a treat from my Egyptian colleague and friend who wanted to gift my wife and I this amazing meal as a wedding gift. After my wife and I honeymooned in Madagascar, France, Switzerland and Italy, we made our way to Paris for the conclusion to the most amazing trip. The meal was amazing – a five course choreographed display of amazing cuisine with a Japanese speaking sommelier to boot. The bill came out to $1,300+ for the two of us, and it was all paid for. I still remember the chest with white truffle and the best wine pairing…ever.