Derek was born in South Africa. A keen naturalist, he has had a strong interest in wildlife (birds in particular) for as long as he can remember. He has a degree in Psychology and Industrial Sociology.
As a result of his long-standing fascination with Madagascar, Derek began his career in travel in 1991. While working in South Africa, he undertook many exploratory trips to Madagascar, as well as to the Mascarene islands, Mozambique, Uganda, Ethiopia and Eritrea. He arranged numerous group tours, designed tailor-made itineraries and co-authored three guidebooks.
In 1992, Derek met UK publisher and travel writer Hilary Bradt. They co-authored the first three editions of 'Madagascar Wildlife: A Visitors Guide', which won The Sunday Times (UK) 'Small Publisher of the Year Award'. He has written numerous articles for newspapers and magazines, including BBC Wildlife and World Birdwatch.
From March 2009 he was part of a voluntary team of individuals including conservationists and biologists from NGOs such as Missouri Botanical Gardens, Global Forest Watch and World Resources Institute, who worked in a campaign against illegal logging within protected areas of Madagascar. Their work resumed in 2018 and in April 2019, the team published a paper in the prestigious journal Biological Conservation. Their papers - which also address wider conservation-related topics in Madagascar - can be viewed on ResearchGate.
Derek’s contributions to books include the Madagascar chapter in the stunning coffee-table book ‘Evocative Africa’, (2013) which took 'the Godfather of wildlife photography', Gerald Cubitt almost a decade to complete. He also contributed to the 'Global Guide to Animal Protection' (2014), an extensive collection of essays on animal welfare and protection around the world.
'While Madagascar will always be my favourite destination, I have had unforgettable experiences in other African countries', he says. Top of the list among these include attending a Hamar bull-jumping ceremony in Ethiopia, Gorilla tracking in both Rwanda and Uganda, seeing Green turtle hatchlings scurry to the sea in Sao Tome & Principe and birding in Botswana and Kenya. 'It is moments like these that you cherish forever. They are a continual source of inspiration at the workplace, and I enjoy facilitating similar experiences for our clients who have a taste for travel to off-beat and unusual countries'.
The Executive Team
Guided by our shared values, our Executive Leaders drive our business to being the best it can be.
Get to know our Executive team here and find out more about their experience, background and personal passions.
Why Choose Us?
Passionate travel experts
- We've been leading wildlife travel since our first South Africa tours over 25 years ago
- Our Travel Specialists have lived in their specialist area for years
- We work with local guides to immerse you deeper in our diverse range of experiences
Personal & tailor-made
- You'll speak to your own expert who'll share their first-hand knowledge
- We'll make your itinerary seamless with 24/7 emergency contact available
- Your Travel Specialist will listen to ensure you have the best chance of seeing the wildlife you love
Responsible by nature
- We take care to actively contribute to the conservation of environments we visit
- For select countries, we make a charitable donation on your behalf when you make your booking
- We've partnered with conservation experts and NGOs to curate responsible tours
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office check www.gov.uk/travelaware
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