Since 1989, I have looked for the very best local operators to help WPA with the best logistical arrangements for incredible holidays, specific to a photographer/partner and adventurer. We are proud to work with the following local experts! Some have helped us to organise over 50 tours through their regions. From transfers to beautiful accommodation, plus they know the intricacies of target subjects. We don’t just take you on ‘a trip’, we want to offer you ‘a life experience’ like no other. Hence, we have such a high return of customers, year after year. Check out the credentials and experience of these lovely people – our friends. They will become your friends also… Darran
ALEJANDRO RONCHETTI
Our South American expert since 2002…
Alejandro is an Argentinian, renowned naturalist and wildlife photographer and a top birder. His images have been published in numerous books, magazines, calendars, stamps, corporate publications and educational materials in several Latin American countries. Nature conservation is one of his passions and main interest. He has been the author and co-author of several conservation projects that have created numerous protected areas in his country, as the Nature Refuge of Ribera Norte and Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve. Alejandro is also an enthusiastic interpretive naturalist, with more than 30 years leading groups of birders, naturalists and photographers through Argentina and South America. As a professional environmental planner he has also worked for the Argentina’s Tourism Board, and assisting several state governments, agencies and local communities in the development of ecotourism and sustainable tourism.
’Alex’ has helped with the logistics of over 50 tours for WPA in South America and Central America, has guided with Darran and Pearce on several of these adventures and he is simply, Mr. South America… From the Galapagos Island to Cuba, from Patagonia to Brazil, the Atacama Desert – we have either taken groups already (Patagonia now over 13 times) or, we have plans on the office board…
JOHAN VAN TONDER
Everything Africa – since 2002…
Johan was our guide on our very first tour to Africa! He immediately impressed me with his experience, knowledge and generous nature to help those on tour. Today, he is part owner of one of Africa’s largest travel companies – Live The Journey. Johan started his working life as an engineer, but soon followed his child hood love of everything wild. From big game, to the incredible nature of Madagascar, from Maasai warriors on the East Coast, to the Namib Desert on the West Coast or, perhaps the beautiful flower season of Cape Town – Johan has a vast experience for everything Africa. In 2015, we celebrated our 40th tour to Africa. Each year we offer the very best of Africa, rotating destinations to offer you the chance to experience this unique continent and its people. Once you visit, you will be hooked for life. Some of our customers are heading to 10 tours with us in Africa. Yes it is that good…
JOHN YEAGER & BRENDA SCHWARTZ
Everything Alaska on land (and some water…) – since 2010…
John has always been and avid outdoorsman. He joined the US Coast Guard and retired in Alaska after 15 years of honourable service. John specialised in Search and Rescue, Port Security and Small Boat Operations. While stationed in Alaska, he became truly taken with the Alaskan wilderness and best of all, the nature of the region.
Brenda Schwartz is a 4th generation Alaskan that has spent most of her life guiding visitors into the Alaska outdoors. She is a Coast Guard licensed captain and certified naturalist, EMT and safe boating and wilderness survival instructor. But most importantly, she has a true love for the outdoors, a contagious sense of play and enthusiastically shares her knowledge.
MICHAEL DENG
Everything China – since 2012…
Michael is our man for the stunning country of China. He has organised hundreds of inbound travel groups, from photography tours, to foreign media. He has several credits for helping National Geographic photographers. For WPA, Michael allowed our last long tour in China to be an incredible experience. His knowledge of the best places, angles and timing is second to none! And the food… We eat like kings and generally stay in 4/5 star accommodation. Yes, together we offer you a very special time in China.
AARON JOHNSON (and the team)
Everything Northern Africa – since 2012…
We began in August 2002 as a family business with two partners, Jeff & Paul, and have expanded over the past years. Jeff Wilson, the North Africa Director lives in Morocco. Paul and Ellen Brown are at the family farm in upstate New York. Our people are linked by the internet and are located in America and in North Africa. Ruth Wheeler, our administrative assistant works from her home in New York. Joe Howell is our resident representative who lives in Florida and handles the finances. Aaron Johnson, our Experience It Tours Morocco Director resides in Fes. Jeff and Aaron are also involved in sales service as are Lorre in Florida, Marcos in Morocco, and Eliel in Tunisia. Other agents bring tours to us: Kit in Maine and Jack Wilson in Tunisia. Jill Wilson is in Libya and provides local administrative assistance. Brian Smith, in Libya, has been contracted to provide administrative services in both Tunisia and Libya.
We believe that integrity is a foundational business principle and will conduct all our dealings with honesty and openness. We are advocates of responsible tourism, with the end goal to provide the most benefit to each concerned. We strive to provide quality services with dependability.
INDIA – BHUTAN
Everything India & Bhutan – since 2009…
Chander M Rawat is our expert for India, Bhutan and several other locations in Asia. He works with a very experienced team. They started in 1979 and have over time, acquired an in depth knowledge of what works best in several Asian countries. Whether you are a seasoned traveller or a first timer, they offer guidance that has been nurtured over years of practise and dedication by a highly motivated team of tourism professionals. In understanding the right route to the right place in the right manner we have earned the reputation of a knowledgeable, reliable and dependable tour company.
