Editors’ Note

As an eight-year-old boy visiting the Kruger Park with his family, Richard Anderson had the fortune of a near-death experience involving a lilac breasted roller, a pride of lions feasting on a giraffe, two very angry black rhino bulls, and a game ranger recovering from a triple bypass. A life exploring the wonders of Africa was, thereafter, inevitable. After university, Anderson was trained and subsequently guided in the Kruger National Park and in Northern Zululand in South Africa where his naturalist passions, including animal behavior and birdwatching, were developed. He spent time leading leopard research safaris and as a specialist private guide on various South African reserves. Pursuing his passion for exploring the bush on foot, Anderson then trained and qualified as a walking trails guide and led multi-day walking safaris in the northern Pafuri region of the Kruger National Park. After an exploration of South America’s natural areas in Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, Peru, and Chile, Anderson was subsequently employed by a leading lodge operator in Peru to head up their guide training and guest experience division at their Amazon rainforest, Machu Picchu, and Cusco lodges. Upon returning to Africa, Anderson established himself as a pan-African safari guide, leading specialist trips throughout southern and east Africa and as far afield as the Horn of Africa and the central, west region of the continent. He has led kayaking expeditions in Madagascar, walking trails in the Kruger Park, cultural expeditions to the Omo Valley, canoe trails on the Zambezi River, and flying safaris on the Skeleton Coast. He regularly guides trips to Namibia, South Africa, Botswana, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Kenya and has recently added Ethiopia and Chad to his repertoire. This template for tailormade expeditions fitted perfectly with Anderson’s knowledge and experience of the South American continent. He has led expeditions in search of jaguars and tapirs in the Brazilian Pantanal, trekking adventures through the Andes in Peru, yacht-based explorations of the Galapagos Islands, and journeys to the “end of the world” in Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego.

Company Brief

Founded by Richard Anderson, Anderson Expeditions (andersonexpeditions.com) designs tailor-made safaris and expeditions that embrace conservation and community support while guiding travelers to some of Africa and South America’s most awe-inspiring destinations. Anderson Expeditions specializes in creating immersive experiences that minimize impact and maximize connection, offering three distinctive ways to explore:

• Guided Safari: Travel under the care of an Anderson Expeditions specialist guide, whose expertise enriches every moment of the journey, from start to finish.

• Independent Safari: Venture solo with hand-picked recommendations for destinations, experiences, and local guides.

• Remote Expeditions: Embark on adventurous wilderness explorations, led by seasoned experts and tailored to each traveler’s spirit of adventure.

With every private journey, Anderson Expeditions donates to local conservation or community organizations, reinforcing a commitment to sustainable travel. Repeat travelers return time and again, drawn by a deeply personalized approach, honed to each guest’s preferences.

Will you provide an overview of Anderson Expeditions and how you define its mission?

Anderson Expeditions is a company that creates life-altering experiences for our guests. We add value to the conservation and community in the parks, regions, and countries we send our clients. We also aim to create value for the people within the Anderson Expeditions team and network of guides and partners.

Our mission is to create exceptional travel experiences by leveraging our expertise, knowledge, and strong relationships with partners, guides, and communities across Africa, South America, and beyond. We focus on crafting journeys that connect our guests deeply with local cultures and landscapes, emphasizing the unique connections that define every expedition. Our approach combines expertly designed itineraries with a commitment to building meaningful relationships, ensuring each guest leaves with lasting memories and a genuine appreciation of the destinations we serve.

How do you describe the Anderson Expeditions experience?

Anderson Expeditions is an owner-run business with a foundation in personally guiding safaris and expeditions across Africa and South America. Every team member has over 25 years of on-the-ground experience as guides and operators, ensuring a personal approach throughout the guest journey – from planning to travel. The business is small and personal, operated by an exceptionally knowledgeable and experienced team. Our team’s guiding background informs the culture and delivery of every guest experience.

Will you highlight Anderson Expeditions’ destinations?

In Africa, we have destinations in Southern and East Africa; Central West Africa (Chad, Gabon, Republic of Congo); Madagascar; Ethiopia; and the Seychelles. In South America, our destinations can be found in Peru, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and Ecuador/Galapagos.

How important is it for Anderson Expeditions to actively support conservation and community-based initiatives as part of its journeys?

Supporting conservation and community-based initiatives is a key pillar of Anderson Expeditions’ operations. I am one of the original travel partners to the conservation entity African Parks (AP) and lead multiple expeditions and donor visits annually to highlight and support their efforts.

Anderson Expeditions also plays a critical role in promoting conservation-minded travel to areas outside traditional safari zones, such as Chad, Niassa (Mozambique), and the Republic of Congo.

Will you discuss the strength and expertise of the Anderson Expeditions team?

The strength of the Anderson Expeditions team lies in vast on-the-ground experience in safari areas and a natural EQ for matching destinations, guides, and experiences to meet the discerning needs of our clientele.

Our team is comprised of safari guides across Africa and South America; guide trainers, and camp and lodge developers/operators; and hospitality trainers in regions like Peru, Madagascar, Congo, South Africa, Tanzania, Botswana, and Uganda. Additionally, the team includes an elite group of specialist guides with over 25 years of experience in pan-African safaris/expeditions. These guides are experts in areas such as naturalism, photography, birding, and safari operations.

Did you always know that you had an entrepreneurial spirit and desire to build your own company?

My entrepreneurial spirit developed over time as I sought to be the master of my own destiny. Working across two continents, I frequently provided travel advice and planning for guests and colleagues visiting Africa and South America. This organic demand for my knowledge led me to channel my expertise into a business that aligned perfectly with my guiding skills.

In the early years, I personally planned and led all safaris. Repeat guests and word-of-mouth referrals have been the cornerstone of Anderson Expeditions’ growth over the past 17 years. Today, the team consists of long-standing colleagues and friends from my early guiding career, maintaining the same level of tailored expertise.

What are your priorities for Anderson Expeditions as you look to the future?

Our future priorities are to:

1. Continue delivering exceptional safaris and expeditions across Africa and South America.
2. Maintain our focus on the fundamentals – top-level travel planning, personal and efficient client communication, and the best guides in the industry.
3. Remain hands-on and specialists, avoiding the impersonal nature of mega travel businesses.
4. Further grow and formalize our impact on conservation areas and communities.
5. Consider expanding our geographical offerings beyond Africa and South America.