What inspired you to get involved in the abroad industry? Why gap year travel?
I have always loved to travel and the world has shown me some really amazing places so far!
I feel really passionately about constructive and sustainable travel. Why sit in a safari vehicle for a week, chilling by the pool in the afternoon reading a book, when you can go walking in the bush with the Maasai, see even more, get to know your hosts in person and have a much more culture-rich experience, learning far more and supporting local business? It’s a no brainer for me. As travelers, we have a huge opportunity to ensure the money we spend goes to the right place. I could never travel any other way and want to encourage as many people as possible to do the same.
Searching for Rhino on foot at Il Ngwesi.
I think gap years are a really important time in someone’s life and one of the greatest opportunities they will get to try something new and become truly inspired. I wanted to teach and show people more about modern-day conservation in the most honest authentic way possible. It made total sense to engage the next generation by developing a purposeful gap year program.
What inspired you to found Culsans Gap travel and why Kenya?
Mainly the inspiration has come through the enjoyment and enrichment of my own travel experiences. I discovered a floating eco-lodge in Brazil which totally changed my viewpoint on how we should travel. This was my ‘sustainable travel’ intro. From here I happened to work on Borana Conservancy in Kenya. This magical place inspired me so much. After Borana, I went to work in Zambia and was shocked at how little the guests knew about their surroundings and the vulnerability of the land and wildlife. They were there to just tick boxes. This angered me so much having seen how easy it is to travel with more meaning. I’d always wanted to create a worthwhile business project so I started writing my business plan right then!
James, the Il Ngwesi Maasai Guide, and Sam with an Aardvark track.
What type of support do you offer participants once they arrive in Kenya?
I am with my students every day of the trip supporting them in whatever way they need. I do absolutely everything! I act as ‘Mum’. Then I rapidly move away from ‘Mum’ and try and reach the cool older sibling status! I want to make sure my students are getting the most out of each experience and that they are happy and comfortable. General day to day management and logistics, hospital visits, sharing beers, chats about their future careers, phone calls, and emails home - all of this is part of my supportive role.
What is your best piece of advice for a prospective participant?
My best piece of advice is to sign up! Our trips are one of the best personal investments you can make. You will have an incredibly eye-opening experience, pushing your boundaries and meeting like-minded people. All of this is done while massively supporting the local community. The more students I can take out there, the more support we can give and the more money we can raise for the Il Ngwesi Scholarship Fund. The entire experience, from every angle, is worthwhile.
Home sweet home!
Tell us more about the accommodation for participants.
The accommodation changes throughout the trip. I think this is important for the overall adventure so students can experience different environments. When we are in cities we stay in guest houses, in dorms, or in private rooms. We have one luxury week where we stay in Il Ngwesi Lodge - a gorgeous safari eco-lodge run by the Maasai. This is an amazing place and popular with British Royalty. When hiking Mt. Kenya we sleep in specialist mountaineering tents with two per tent. These are much smaller but very cozy which is important! The majority of the trip, however, is spent camping out in the bush. The tents are very comfortable with full bedding and linen provided and very spacious. We have a pop-up toilet and bush shower with hot water. Two or three students are in each tent with a full-time Maasai chef and security to protect from inquisitive wildlife!
Why should volunteers choose Culsans Gap Travel?
Because there is no other experience that offers this variety of activities, the level of education and delivery, personal mentorship and sustainable ethics. There really is nothing else like it out there. Culsans is the only option available where you can collectively visit all of these conservancies and see how things work. The journey does not stop when you get home either - you’ve only just come off the start line!
A relaxed day on the farm with Julius.
What is your favorite part of your job?
Tough question! Nothing really beats living in the bush organically and hanging out with elephants and wildlife, but I get a great sense of fulfillment when watching my students learn and interact alongside the Maasai. Everyone supports each other regardless of who you are or where you come from and it really chokes me up! It’s everything I aimed to achieve and just so touching to see it happen before my eyes.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
I think it’s important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures to learn and educate themselves. Travel makes us realize what’s important in life and what’s unnecessary, which when living in a Western world, can be quite difficult to differentiate. I think it’s also really important to travel sustainably as there is so much help and support you can give simply by being there. I really believe that the life of people and animals can be improved through travel when it’s done correctly.