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Meet the team of experts at Imagine Africa

Our staff

LINKS: About Us I Work For Us I Responsible Tourism I Financial Statement I In the Press


Ben Morison | James O'Farrell | Ali Walls | Rose Hipwood | Belinda Whittall | Jen Chilcott | Yolandi Erasmus | Jo Shuttleworth | Joanna Rolfe-Smith | Mara |

The expertise and experience of our staff sets us apart and ensures that you have the holiday of a lifetime with accommodation, activities and scenery that exactly match your ideals.

Ben Morison

Ben grew up in Sudan & Kenya – he named his dog Mara after his favourite National Park. He wishes he’d discovered Mozambique but has to settle with discovering Imagine Africa and being the UK’s luxury Mozambique holiday expert. He spends his holidays searching for the best kite-surfing spots on the Indian Ocean. 		Imagine Africa staff

James O'Farrell


James has worked in South Africa & spent two years leading groups around East & South Africa. He is often caught ignoring the Big 5 to concentrate on lilac-breasted rollers. His daughter has bought a life-change – holidays currently involve African beaches rather than safaris.

Imagine Africa staff

Alistair Walls

Ali did his own budget safari as preparation for work leading groups from Uganda to Cape Town. This year Ali won a photo competition and his dream trip to Namibia’s Skeleton Coast after covertly submitting a friend’s photo. As compensation he took the friend with him on the trip - instead of his girlfriend.

Ali Walls on the Cape Peninsula in South Africa

Rose Hipwood

Rose is the youngest member of the office and probably the loudest and definitely the most technically savvy! She has completely fallen in love with the African bush - she loves being in the middle of the African Savannah watching wildlife. And if the lodge has an All Inclusive policy with a large dessert section - we have to fight to get her home again.

Imagine Africa staff

Belinda Whittall

Belinda grew up in Zimbabwe and spent 6 years as a safari guide. Although she has to wear shoes in the UK, she loves having a city to play in. When she goes on trips to Africa, she enjoys using her safari knowledge to catch out unsuspecting guides.

Imagine Africa staff

Jen Chilcott

Jen grew up in South Africa but admits that Tanzania is her favourite destination. She is the only person in the office who prefers a deserted beach to the open Savannah. Zanzibar, with its white sandy beaches, is her baby. The Seychelles is her next dream destination.

Imagine Africa staff

Yolandi Erasmus

Yolandi grew up in South Africa
 Imagine Africa staff
Jo Shuttleworth

Jo found James in Kenya and joined him leading groups around the continent with a final trip overland from the UK to Cape Town. She loves critically comparing luxury African lodges with the view that one day she will combine all the best little touches to create the perfect African lodge.

Imagine Africa staff

Joanna Rolfe-Smith

Joanna loves travel with a twist. She has travelled all over the world - mainly on horseback, in a kayak or on her own two feet. Unfortunately she has to spend the majority of her time in an office these days but she cycles to work and discusses riding safaris in Africa as often as possible - which helps a little bit.

 Imagine Africa staff

Mara

Mara runs the B.A.R.K. early warning visitor system. Although her travel experience is very limited, she watches a lot of Africa Wildlife documentaries on TV and I has applied for a pet passport which means she can go to Europe soon.

 Imagine Africa staff

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