Albee Yeend
General Manager
My first trip, when I completely fell in love with Africa was spent in Zimbabwe on a 5 day canoeing trip down the Lower Zambezi and then riding elephants through the flood plains at Abu Camp in the Okavango Delta. I was then lucky enough to get a job running San and then Jack's Camp on the edge of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans in Botswana, which I quad biked across and stayed at Kubu Island. My personal highlights in Africa have included gorilla trekking in Bwindi, bungee jumping off the bridge at Victoria Falls, hot air ballooning over the Masai Mara, big game fishing off the coast of Northern Mozambique, diving with Great White sharks off the coast of Gansbaai, and watching the migration in the Serengeti.
In 1998 I returned to England, where I became General Manager of Art of Travel (which became Steppes Africa and is now part of Steppes Travel). I have now been with the company for over 10 years and my love of Africa has certainly not diminished. There are always new and exciting destinations to explore and wonderful hotels and safari lodges opening up every month.
Countries you sell?
Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Seychelles, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zanzibar & Pemba, and Zimbabwe.
What has been your favourite travel experience?
Hiking for several hours to see the Gorillas and then returning to meet a group of orphans in Bwindi, Uganda when I ended up agreeing to sponsor one of them through school.
The best hotel/lodge that you have stayed in?
North Island, Seychelles
What has been your most remote travel experience?
Going to the first Mali music festival in the desert with the Tuaregs riding in by camel. I slept under the stars and ate a lot of goat!
Most embarrassing travel experience?
Losing all my luggage and having to ask the safari camp manager in the main mess tent to wash my only set of clothes, wearing only an oversized t-shirt and a pair of borrowed shoes.
Your one luxury when you travel?
My mini goose down pillow.
What’s your best piece of travel advice?
Always make the effort to visit the local villages, especially the schools. It is a worthwhile experience that often provides better understanding of the country you visit.
Where you would like to visit next and why?
Singita Pamushana in the Malilangwe Private Wildlife Reserve in Zimbabwe. I have such happy memories of Zimbabwe and would love to return.