Chris Johnston
General Manager
Having travelled extensively in Asia and Africa, I initially specialized in our primate tours. From watching gorillas and chimpanzees in Rwanda, Uganda and the Congo to following orang-utans in the wilds of Borneo I was lucky enough to establish a number of tours in the region.
I have also been lucky enough to have spent time tracking animals with wildlife researchers for our Botswana Elephant, Leopard and Wild Dog Safari (and was lucky enough to see wild dog pups!) as well as looking for lions in Cameroon (not to mention bartering in some of the most amazing markets I have ever seen) in the Sahel.
My knowledge of travelling in the Indian Subcontinent has also seen me in Sri Lanka and I have recently returned from trekking tigers in the wilds of India and have been incredibly lucky to be with our clients on our recent snow leopard tour, where we were blessed with some incredible sightings.
Countries you sell?
Botswana, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, Central African Republic, Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, Canada.
What has been your favourite travel experience?
Undoubtedly my time in Hemis National Park in India tracking snow leopards. The sightings were incredible, but it was the scenery and the people we met, particularly during the winter festivals, that I will remember most fondly.
The best hotel/lodge that you have stayed in?
One of the homestays in Hemis National Park, India. Spending an evening with a local family, meeting nearly everyone in the village and having some of the best home made dumplings – along with lashings of cheap rum. That or the Amanbagh in India. Mindblowing luxury.
What has been your most remote travel experience?
A pirogue ride along the Sangha River in the Congo surrounded by giant butterflies.
Most embarrassing travel experience?
Getting arrested at the South Africa border crossing for credit card fraud.
Your one luxury when you travel?
Time. And earplugs.
What’s your best piece of travel advice?
A country is usually defined by its people, so get to know your hosts.
Where you would like to visit next and why?
Democratic Republic of Congo to look for Bonobo’s. I’d be keen to see what they make of me. Either that or Papua New Guinea – keen to see some birds!