About Our Experts
Go Behind the Scenes With Our Experts
Every great adventure has its memorable characters: the brilliant scientist, the consummate storyteller, and the local whose passion fills the room. These are your in-country experts, wonderful people from diverse backgrounds with an almost encyclopedic knowledge of your host country. These are the folks most excited to share with you their knowledge of the local animals, fauna and culture, taking you off the tourist trail and introducing you to a deeper, authentic engagement with the people and the land.
On your trip, you’ll encounter several in-country experts. Each will amaze you with their knowledge and passion. Each will invite you to roll up your sleeves and to experience their world first-hand. As one student adventurer put it: “After just a day, you’ll swear there’s nothing they don’t know.” Gurus, adventurers, and scientists—these are the folks who make your trip unforgettable.
Meet some of our experts:
Jack Pennington
Geologist
Grand Canyon
Jack's vast experience in geology and mineral exploration has taken him around the world. In Africa, he worked as an exploration geologist at the world-famous Ashanti mine in Ghana. He also toured South Africa's and Swaziland's rich mining districts. Jack has worked at the Grand Canyon since 1994, serving in the capacities of naturalist and plant restoration specialist.
Master Yan Bo
Warrior monk
China
Yan Bo has been a student at Shaolin Temple since he was 10 years old. He is highly accomplished in martial arts and recognized as his famous temple’s most expert swordsman. Yan Bo has traveled to more than 30 countries to speak and demonstrate kung fu.
Colin Menter, Ph.D.
Paleoanthropologist
South Africa
Colin has worked extensively on dig sites across southern Africa and currently serves as the deputy director at Drimolen, one of the most remarkable hominid sites being excavated in Africa. He will share his own experience uncovering fossils in the region, including the “Little Foot” skeleton, and show you the amazing discoveries still being made.
Heather Purdie, Ph.D.
Glacierologist
Australia / New Zealand
Heather has spent many years studying the Fox Glacier on the west coast of New Zealand. Heather holds a Ph.D. in glaciology and climatology, and her vast knowledge of the glacier and the publications she has authored, make her a sought-after resource for visitors and other guides.
William Lishman, Ph.D. (Hon)
Artist, inventor, filmmaker, and naturalist
The Arctic
Bill Lishman is perhaps best known as the first human to lead birds in formation flying an ultralight plane. He inspired the film Fly Away Home and co-founded Operation Migration to continue to restore native birds that have disappeared from a particular region.
