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Ensuring you the finest safaris and adventures
A tight and wonderful team
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THE TEAM
Meet our passionate guides
Our dedicated travel guides live and breathe the travel experience and like all the Epic team, they're passionate about presenting unique and authentic trips for our clients.
Founder, Director EPJ
Brad Horn
Brad Horn is by design and desire, a professional adventurer with a passion for wild and natural places. This passion was nurtured growing up on a cattle station in Western Queensland and as an Australian Army Officer. Brad then spent six wonderful years living in the African bush operating safaris with his wife Annie.
Brad has developed enduring relationships with the best tour and resort operators around the world. This network of contacts, combined with his extensive hands-on experience, ensures Epic Private Journeys delivers on an unrivalled experience.
In May 2018, he achieved a personal dream of climbing and successfully summiting Mount Everest, the world’s highest mountain at 8, 849 metres. Brad continues to guide select groups and private journeys in Africa and around the globe throughout the year.
Brad's advice
"Please don’t angst about security and safety for your safari. Africa is THE most amazing continent. So full of wonder and thrills. I am pretty sure you will find the happiest and most hospitable people you have ever met. We have enduring relationships with the best operators built on years of trust."
(Photo: Ian Johnson)
Director, Guide, Doctor.
Rob Barbour
Born in Kenya, Rob spent his formative years in Australia gaining a medical degree and serving in the Australian military on peacekeeping missions and in special forces.
Never losing his love for Africa, 'Dr' Rob (and yes he's a real doc) migrated to Tanzania to found a socially responsible and community conservation orientated safari operation and a private community conservation area, called Kisampa. He joined Epic Private Journeys as a partner and private guide in Eastern and Southern Africa where he is able to share his experience and passion for the natural world and local cultures, and his belief in poverty alleviation through conservation.
Rob continues to guide select private groups to Africa, Nepal and Northern India throughout the year. If you want to see a snow leopard, Rob is your man.
Rob's tip
"Bring your sense of humour, smile, look people in the eye and say hello to everyone. Initial greetings in Africa especially are a very important part of building relationships and sets up every subsequent interaction. Take the time to get to know your guides and hosts. They all have fascinating histories and stories".
Sam is an extremely passionate, highly motivated and adaptable fella, who has always been fascinated by wildlife, science and nature. His background and love of zoology, ichthyology (study of fish), guiding and outdoor adventures has moulded the person he is today. Growing up in the UK, he yearned to go to Africa as a kid and packed himself off to University in South Africa when he left school.
He's a very happy husband and Dad these days and has travelled extensively before and with his family, with still plenty of wild places to see on the bucket list. Sam has guided for many years in South Africa, Botswana, Kenya and Tanzania. He's an outstanding photographer, fisherman, raconteur and all round top bloke!
Sam's tip
"On safari or any wildlife adventure, the more eyes looking for animals the better. Three things to remember: Shape, Colour and Movement. These are key to spotting even the most camouflaged creatures.''
A chat with Sam on family, photography and all things Africa.
Lee has recently partnered with Epic, guiding safaris for us after a long and exemplary career as a private guide. He's a much loved character in the industry and a champion fella who can also take a hell of a knockout photograph. Lee has travelled extensively to some of the most remote parts of the continent and the Indian Ocean. He's a huge believer in the ability of nature to touch people at a deep level and thinks we all need to reconnect with the natural world and our environment wherever we live, to address some of the issues we humans are responsible for. From Gabon to the Seychelles and his beloved Madagascar, Lee has opened the eyes of safari travellers from all over the world, to the wonders of Africa and the Indian Ocean destinations. Lee grew up on a farm in KwaZulu-Natal, which lit the fire for his passion for the outdoors. Many years with the famed Singita operations, both in South Africa and Tanzania guiding and teaching guides, have moulded Lee into one of Africa's most sought after private guides.
Lee's advice
T.I.A. This is Africa - expect the unexpected, don’t be surprised, roll with the punches and above all, have FUN!
Simon joined Epic mid way through 2023, after a long career in broadcast television, both in front of and behind the camera. Simon and Brad met in Botswana when they were living in Maun with their respective families 25 years ago. Simon brings his love of Africa and media background to a marketing and content role, as Epic looks to the future with the increasing demand for content across different platforms. He is also guiding safaris to Africa.
Simon's tip
"Take time on safari to stop and listen. Sounds are as important as sightings. I guess we call it 'being present' these days. Park your ego and find perspective in the bush. We complicate our lives with stuff. Material and emotional stuff. Life is ephemeral and we're a mere blade of grass on that savanna. For the wildlife and birds around you, everything is pared back to basics. There are also lessons from the generous, warm hearted people and staff you meet. Open your heart to all of it."
EPIC CO-ORDINATION
Meet the senior operational team
Operations Manager, Africa
Anita Campbell
Of British and Mauritian descent and born in Kenya, Anita
heads up our African operations. There are very few people in
the safari industry with Anita's depth of experience. Growing up
in Kenya she started in the tourism industry in her late teens and
it's been her life passion and pursuit ever since. Fluent in Kiswahili,
Anita moved to South Africa for work in her 20's, got married and
settled, while continuing to sell her beloved East Africa to people.
We're extremely fortunate to have Anita overseeing our team on the great continent.
Anita's tip
“Take the photo of the sighting, put the camera down and appreciate that moment of Nature.”
Operations Consultant, Africa
Robynne Fleming
Born in South Africa and based in Johannesburg, Robynne has worked in the travel industry for more than 20 years. She started out with a horse safari company, before joining Pulse Africa for 17 years. We're very glad she found her way to Epic where Robynne brings all that experience and knowledge to crafting personal journeys where every transfer, every detail matters to her and our clients.
Of her extensive travel through North, Southern, East Africa and Madagascar, her favourite destination is Zambia, both the South Luangwa Valley and the amazing Lower Zambezi.
Robynne's great advice
"Africa moves at a slower pace. Don’t rush. Take your time to savour each moment. Remember, the best travel memories often come from the unexpected and the humorous moments along the way. Embrace the quirks, laugh at mishaps, and cherish every adventure."
Operations Consultant, Africa
Debbi Meadows
You were probably destined to work in the travel industry at some stage when you grew up with grandparents who owned hotels and travelled through Africa and to exotic locations around the world. Debbi studied to become a nurse, but a combination of the genes and the pull of the travel industry became too much. The bug had well and truly bitten and Debbi began a career which saw her work with many of the key players in the safari industry.
We're fortunate to have her land with Epic some years ago, where she now brings all her knowledge and passions to our Southern African operations.
Deb's tip
"Prepare to be amazed - No two safaris are the same, and the unpredictability adds to the excitement. Wildlife behaviour and unexpected sightings contribute to the sense of wonder and anticipation".
Sales Executive, USA based
Bridgit Fried
After a highly successful career in marketing and public relations, along with raising four great kids, Bridgit turned her love of travel and
adventure into a pivotal role with Epic based in the United States.
Her marketing and sales experience is now invested in creating incredible trips for Epic clients all around the world. As you'll see from the photographs, Bridgit never lets the grass grow under her feet, she loves challenging herself in her adventures and brings that exact same energy and application to her job.
Director, Operations
Heather Saunders
Heather has over 30 years of experience in the tourism industry in Australia. She studied languages at university, majoring in Japanese and French. Heather has always had a love for travel and has travelled extensively with her most loved destination being Antarctica.
Heather joined Epic in 2005 and nowadays, she oversees all the moving parts of Epic, having witnessed the company's growth from modest beginnings to its current success. She has been an integral part of that success story, running the operations and contributing significantly to the company's achievements.
Heather’s tips
Leave home with an open mind and be ready to learn and discover. Embrace new experiences, cultures and perspectives and you just might gain a deeper understanding of the world around you.
A favourite quote.
"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness…” Mark Twain
Operations Consultant, Africa
Lisa de Swardt
Lisa is the most recent and very welcome addition to the Epic team.
Born and raised in Kenya, Lisa’s heritage boasts a blend of Italian and British influences. It was during her travels in the UK that she met her husband, and together they eventually set roots in South Africa. Though South Africa became their home, Kenya's energy continues to inspire her wanderlust. An avid traveller at heart, Lisa thrives on discovering new corners of Africa. Whether it's getting lost in the dramatic landscapes or exploring the rich tapestry of different cultures, she's always up for an adventure.
The continent's vibrant art scene, intricate textiles, patterns, and beadwork, hold a particular fascination for her. Lisa's happy place would probably be the bustling markets of Stone Town, Zanzibar, with the explosion of colours, the rhythmic hammering of artisans, and the intoxicating blend of spices filling the air. Lisa believes there's a magic to Africa that lingers in the soul, forever pulling you back for another taste.
Lisa's tips
1. Don’t shy away from trying local dishes! Whether it's bunny chow in South Africa or injera in Ethiopia, Africa boasts an incredible food scene with flavours you won't find anywhere else.
2. Learning a few local words goes a long way. Even just Jambo (Swahili - hello) and Asante (Swahili - thank you - this is East Africa) make a huge difference. People light up when you try, and suddenly you're not just a tourist, you're a guest.
3. While taking photos is important, remember to also set the camera aside and fully immerse yourself in the experience. Some of the most cherished memories come from being present in the moment, rather than just observing through a lens.
Epic tales from our travels
More safari ideas
Africa calling
Safari Inspiration
Some exciting safari options from our wonderful team above.
Zambia classic 9 nights
A perfect mix of camps with the best of South Luangwa National Park and Lower Zambezi National Park. Throw in the warm and generous embrace of the legendary Mfuwe Lodge, incredible game viewing and this is a safari that's an old style Zambia classic. A big chance of seeing painted dogs in South Luangwa. Get your walking shoes on as well.
Zambia
Wild Tanzania 12 nights
Fair to say I think for those of us at Epic who've spent many nights in the bush, these are the kind of camps, areas and experiences that get us excited. The road less travelled in many cases, real adventure, remote places and throw in chimpanzees at Mahale and you have a fantastic and truly wild safari combination.
Tanzania
Premier Kenya 10 nights
This itinerary showcases Kenya's finest camps and the standards by which others are measured. 10 wonderful nights taking in the Masai Mara, Amboseli and the incredible Lewa conservancy. Luxurious, unforgettable.
Kenya
Luxury Namibia 11 nights
Namibia is a paradise for photographers. Unlike any other offering in Africa, the landscape changes dramatically every 50 or 100 km. The towering windswept dunes of Sossuvlei, the remoteness of the north with the Kunene and Skeleton Coast, never cease to leave our guests in awe. Shipwreck Lodge has to be seen to be believed, a multi award winning design. This safari puts you in the best places in the finest camps in one of our favourite destinations. You have to see Namibia.
Namibia
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