Nikki Lynas

I was about seven years old the first time I remember saying I wanted to go Africa. It took me another 15 years to get there, but from the moment I stepped off the plane, I knew it was going to be better than I had ever imagined.

My first visit was to Zimbabwe to volunteer on a game reserve and it was an experience that completely changed my life. Africa stole my heart and after Zimbabwe, I enrolled on a six month Field Guide training course at the Southern African Wildlife College located in the Greater Kruger National Park in South Africa. Living in the bush full time was a dream come true and was one of the best experiences of my life.

After this, I spent 18 months working in Cape Town for a volunteer organisation that operated worldwide conservation and community projects. From there, I embarked on an overland tour that took me through South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda. I then returned to Zambia where I spent six months working as the Assistant Manager of a lodge in South Luangwa National Park. South Luangwa is one of the most special places I’ve ever been too. Both the people and the wildlife are incredible and I never grew tired of walking out of my chalet to find elephants wandering through camp!

I’ve worked in the travel industry for the last eight years and in that time have been lucky enough to visit some amazing wildlife destinations all over the world, but Africa is where my heart is. Kruger National Park is my favourite place as I have the freedom to drive myself through the park, and nothing makes me happier than finding a hyena den where I can sit and watch the cubs play and interact for a few hours!