Armstrong Fortescue, an exciting new safari venture
Earlier this year, following an idea that spurned from an off the cuff conversation with fellow photographic guide Matt Armstrong-Ford, we launched our new business venture “Armstrong Fortescue”, a safari company dedicated to offering some of the most exciting photographic opportunities on the planet.
Our Background
Over the last few years both Matt and I have guided trips in Kenya, Norway, India, Zambia and Zimbabwe and concluded that rather than continuing to both operate solo, it made infinitely more sense to join forces and work together.
The response has been fantastic and we are extremely grateful for the support we have been shown by friends and clients - given our optimistic approach of starting a travel company in the grips of a pandemic - and with our first guided tours setting sail in 2023 excitement levels are rising ever higher.
Svalbard, Norway, offers some of the best arctic wildlife viewing in the world
Founded on the basis that everyone can be a photographer and knowing, from our extensive experience, that some are more dedicated to getting “the shot” than others, we have created safari itineraries that support every kind of photographer and wildlife enthusiast.
On every trip we host our group can be split in to two teams, one guided by Matt and the other by me. Matt’s background, that includes being a zoology student, professional footballer, FGASA trained safari guide, lodge manager and published photographer leaves him ideally placed to guide those on safari that, keen photographers or not, place more value on quantity and quality of sightings and perhaps being the first to the sundowner table.
Meanwhile, the other team will join me and place more emphasis on going home with a selection of great images. This might mean waiting at a sighting for a little longer than Matt’s group, but do so in the knowledge that should the leopard leap down from the tree or the polar bear make that brief moment of eye contact, it’ll all be worth it.
Our Trips
While we are increasingly optimistic that International travel is becoming ever easier, we do appreciate that launching a safari company in the midst of a pandemic is bold. Therefore, we have taken the decision to host our first safari in 2023, giving the world plenty of time to adjust to the new situation we find ourselves in.
Our first safari is to India in March, offering guests the chance to see three of the world’s most famous big cats; tiger, leopard and snow leopard, the latter being a species known by many but seen by very few.
The world’s largest big cat in Ranthambore National Park, India
In May we head to the Arctic Circle, setting sail around the Svalbard archipelago in search of killer whale, arctic fox, walrus and the pinnacle of arctic wildlife, polar bear. We’ve taken exclusive use of the specialist arctic exploration ship, MV Villa and in collaboration with Nansen Explorers offer our guests eight nights of premium arctic exploration.
Following our stint in the frozen north its off to Uganda, searching for our closest living ancestors, the chimpanzees of Kibale Forest, while getting eye to eye with gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and searching for the tree climbing lions of Ishasa (Queen Elizabeth National Park).
Trekking with mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Where we can, Matt and I have been out scouting for new trips, and are excited to add one if not two brilliant Kenyan itineraries to our roster of tours which we will announce in early 2022.
Our Promise
These safaris are all about wildlife. As such, it makes total sense that we put the animals first on each trip.
Conscious of the carbon footprint associated with international travel, but firmly of the opinion that visiting these places is the best way to engage people with the drastic need for conservation, we are partnering with Terra Neutra to offset our carbon footprint on each trip. Each safari will include a carbon offsetting token, provided in certificate form to each of our guests.
Importantly, at each sighting we are lucky enough to witness, well being of the wildlife comes first. No shot is worth a distressed animal and we ask each and every guest to buy in to our ethos as I’m sure you all will.
Above all each trip is about enjoyment. We have partnered up with local specialists for every itinerary and can feel confident that we offer some of the best wildlife viewing available. Combined with luxury accommodation and first class guiding we look forward to welcoming as many of you as we can on safari in the future.
For more information please visit: https://www.armstrongfortescue.com
We promise we know exactly what we are doing!
