Josh Tough

Senior Travel Researcher

Over the past decade, I have constantly travelled in and out of Africa for both work and pleasure. Whether living on the cusp of the world’s largest inland delta, engaging in anti-poaching efforts within one of Africa’s greatest wildlife areas, or being based in the UK and using my experience to ensure everyone gets a chance to explore this phenomenal continent; my passion for Africa only continues to grow.

After visiting Africa for the first time in 2015, I never looked back as I embarked on an eight-country expedition driving from South Africa to Tanzania in 2016 which gained me the experience and understanding needed to enter the safari industry. This was the trip where I first visited Botswana and since then, it has been a favourite destination of mine for many reasons, most of all because of how remote and vast places like the Okavango Delta are, and how much freedom and privacy the wildlife is given. There is nothing quite like seeing animals being given the respect (and space) that they deserve.

My time within this wonderful continent led to some fantastic experiences, but two of the most remarkable were working in Zimbabwe and the Southern Kruger in South Africa. The thrill and excitement of guiding guests to witness some of the most fascinating animals on the planet is incomparable. The only thing that comes close is conservation, and due to these experiences in-country, I was able to help capture and relocate a pangolin – the sense of reward, relief and satisfaction was immeasurable. Working in the safari industry has been a dream of mine since I first stepped foot on the continent, so I made sure that once I was in it, I never left. Whether that be on African soil or British, this was the career path I wanted to follow.

Since this decision, I have been fortunate enough to spend a lot of time based in Africa, training to be a guide and taking guests into the Kruger National Park, as well as in the Kalahari – marketing some of the most fantastic lodges that Botswana has to offer.

There is nothing quite like waking up to the sounds of the bush and being fully immersed in one of the most spectacular places on Earth, but now settled in the UK, it is time for me to take a step back and put my efforts into making other’s dreams a reality. There is a great sense of reward and satisfaction when hearing feedback from guests as they return from Africa, and their great stories are why it is a huge pleasure to be part of this wonderful team at Niarra Travel.

Overview

Josh's
travels

Okavango Delta

Trying to learn the ways of traditional mokoro poling is a lot harder than it looks. I will leave it to the professionals!
Makgadikgadi Salt Pans

Driving out and camping on salt flats the size of Wales is unlike anything I have ever done, just complete nothingness in all directions. It was like another world.
Deadvlei

One of the most surreal landscapes I have ever visited. With petrified trees standing tall within a red bowl of the dunes of Sossusvlei, having the white, dry salt pan as a base, is out of this world.