Team

Marianne
Acreman

Director

If it’s unique or adventurous, our Director, Marianne, has it covered. She has travelled extensively across all seven continents, and has an incredible knowledge base about Africa in particular.

Jim
Drapes

Director

One of our founding Directors, Jim epitomises the adventurous spirit and is the brains behind many of our innovative journeys. His enthusiasm is infectious, and Africa holds a special place in his heart.

Leanne
Flanagan-Smith

Director

Our newest Director Leanne has travelled to all seven continents so ask her anything!  A traveller at heart, she loves exploring new destinations, but South America continues to be her favourite and there’s always something new to discover.

Sarah
MacKenzie

Office Coordinator

Sarah keeps the office running smoothly and loves chatting with our clients about their travel arrangements.  Her favourite destination is the United States because of the diversity, the beauty and the many friends and family she has scattered throughout the country.

Prue
Bush

Tour Operations Coordinator

Prue is efficiency personified and coordinates our Back Track Journeys. She has trekked the Kokoda Trail, the Himalaya, the Inca Trail and the Australian Outback with a bunch of camels! One of her favourite travel memories is visiting a cheetah reserve in Namibia.

Matteo
Carri

Adventure Travel Specialist & Italy Product Manager

Born in Tuscany, Matt developed a love for food and fresh produce early on and worked in restaurants before venturing into travel and tour operations.  He’s now able to combine his passion for both food and travel and designs our portfolio of Italian Food Odysseys.

Emma
Smith

ADVENTURE TRAVEL Specialist ​

Emma’s favourite travel experience to date is trekking to see the mountain gorillas of Rwanda. A self-confessed foodie, she loves South-East Asia’s spices and flavours, and spent two years living in Canada so it holds a special place in her heart.

Wietske
Hattingh

Adventure Travel Specialist

Wietske (pronounced “Vitska”) was born in South Africa to Dutch parents. She has travelled widely and lived in South Africa, Namibia, The Netherlands and spent 2 years teaching English and travelling in Thailand and South Korea. Africa’s allure will always remain strong.

Naomi
Zerner

Consultant Support

Naomi has stepped back from consulting due to health issues and works part time supporting our consultants with her vast travel knowledge and organisational skills. She has explored all seven continents with Antarctica remaining her favourite destination. 

Ray
Baker

Trek Leader

Although now retired, former Director & Founder Ray can’t sit still. An expert at high altitude trekking, he’s back designing and leading our treks in Nepal, the Indian Himalaya and Kilimanjaro. 2019 was his 40th anniversary of trekking and he’s still going strong!