Located 100 miles southwest of the capital city of Santiago, you’ll find the gem of a retreat known as Vik Chile. Founded by Alex and Carrie Vik in 2006, Chile’s Millahue Valley is the backdrop for this scenic winery and retreat. The valley, named the “Golden Place” by the native Mapuche people, boasts over 10,000 Read more…
August 24, 2020
I am writing this on August 22, 2020, and I just got back from Africa! On July 2, with no advanced warning, Kenya opened their borders to American tourists with an effective date of August 1. The next day, I began planning my first trip to Africa since November 2019. Since leaving the military in Read more…
June 28, 2020
While on safari, the majority of your time is spent in a safari vehicle to view the wildlife. However, many properties throughout Southern and East Africa have created a unique and exciting alternative by constructing photographic hides for guests to view wildlife from a protected spot outside a vehicle. These hides vary in their look Read more…
June 27, 2020
I’ve always been a big advocate of enjoying safaris outside of the vehicle. Activities such as walking, biking, canoeing and equestrian safaris allow travelers to immerse themselves into the natural environment sans engine rumble and exhaust fumes. Although I am not an avid rider, I do know how to ride and always look forward to Read more…
May 2, 2020
From the vast plains of Serengeti National Park, filled with stampeding wildebeest and kopjes, to the fertile slopes of Ngorongoro Crater, teaming with diverse wildlife and landscapes, a safari in Northern Tanzania is unlike anything else. You will undoubtedly leave with a lifetime of memories. But beyond this, what really makes Tanzania memorable is the Read more…
April 7, 2020
On my most recent familiarization trip to South Africa in December 2019, I was lucky enough to, once again, enjoy the iconic Peninsula Tour. This time the excursion included a few special changes along the way, one of which was that we spent the day with our private guide and Cape Town based colleague David Read more…
February 24, 2020
Sitting in the front row of the safari jeep with my eyes wide and camera ready, I didn’t know where to look —I didn’t even want to blink, worried I would miss an animal hiding behind a tree, just out of sight. On the edge of my seat, I scanned the horizon for signs of Read more…
February 19, 2020
I was told that in the Kalahari Desert, I would have a high chance of seeing meerkats. I, therefore, arrived thinking I’d likely see a few from our safari vehicle. What I wasn’t expecting was to go on an evening walk and have a wonderful close encounter with them. To my surprise, it would be Read more…
February 19, 2020
There are places in this world that speak to us like no other; that call us back time and again and hold a piece of our hearts each time we leave. For me, Peru is one of those places. Since my first visit in 2001, I have come to love this country with its warm Read more…
February 17, 2020
I recently returned from a visit to the stunning Tswalu Private Game Reserve in South Africa and was reminded once again what a very special place it is! I’ve been fortunate to have had the chance to visit many varied safari regions over the years, and I find that Tswalu offers a truly unique environment Read more…
February 15, 2020
Admittedly, I’m a bit of a caveman when it comes to technology. I have a hard time keeping up with the latest and greatest, and feel some degree of FOMO in not having the most recent version. It seems like every few weeks we get inundated with the newest smartphone, car technology, computer, TV, etc. Read more…