Call today and let our guides take you on a holiday you will never forget!
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We know it – and we are eager to share it! We have traveled the globe in search of destinations that will put you in touch with our passion – nature!
Our experience is matched by a personalized service that keeps our clients returning to travel with us year after year. From the moment you inquire about a location to enjoying your chosen destination – we are dedicated to ensuring your trip is memorable.
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| Carol Petersen – Owner/Photographer/Tour Leader |
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Wildlife photographer and videographer, Carol Petersen, is an avid wildlife advocate! Carol has traveled and led safaris to South Africa , Zimbabwe , Zambia , Botswana , Namibia , Madagascar , Uganda , Rwanda , Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya , Tanzania , Galapagos and Ecuador . The quote "Once you've become a part of Africa , it becomes a part of you" best describes Carol's love for this special part of the world. Whether it be canoeing down the Zambezi River within a few feet of a 7-ton bull elephant, or capturing some precious moments with a family of wild gorillas or watching a pair of blue-footed booby's do their magical courting dance - that is Carol's idea of spending quality time. In her dedication to preserving wild spaces, she encourages safari goers to walk lightly and appreciate the continent's challenges.
Carol walks the talk by contributing to environmental groups such as The Friends of the Galapagos; Daphne Sheldrick's Elephant Orphanage and The Cheetah Conservation Fund. Other special projects include providing radio collars for lion conservation and purchasing schoolbooks for villages to help in the aid of elephant anti-snaring projects. Her keen interest in our environment, endangered species and the enhancement of the ecosystems of our planet is a never-ending endeavor. Carol is very proud to have been chosen for a "Woman of Vision" award for her conservation efforts - an honor bestowed to 12 women per year by a Calgary television station. As well, she is excited to be named as one of 3 directors for the Cheetah Conservation Fund Canada !
See more of Carol's photographs at her retail stores in Bragg Creek , AB or West Vancouver - Simply
or online at www.petersenphotography.com and www.simplysafaristore.com.
Email: carol@natureencounterstours.com
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| Randy Gregson – Eastern Representative |
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Randy Gregson – Eastern Representative
Ever so keen, Randy does everything from the tedious accounting, to marketing and trade shows, to help travelers in the Toronto area with their safari questions & plans. An invaluable member, he brings a lot of experience to team, owning his own consulting company for 17 years. Randy has also led tours to Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa with more to come! Since Randy is our golf expert, he will be working on our Golf Safari’s - don't hesitate to contact him at (416) 617-1201.
Email: randy@natureencounterstours.com |
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| Garth Irvine– Zoo Keeper/Tour Leader |
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Garth has been caring for endangered animals from around the world for over 20 years. He began his passion by earning a Bachelors Degree in Zoology and then moved on to become a dedicated Zookeeper. He is currently caring for a troop of lowland gorillas and assorted African reptiles. His contagious enthusiasm for wildlife, ecosystems and cultures has enabled him to lead trips to Africa and Northern Canada . He also volunteered to train zookeepers in Guyana , South America in 2001, traveled across Europe and enjoyed a year working as a Jackaroo on a sheep station in the Australian outback. Garth has a keen sense of humour and enjoys sharing his passion of nature with like-minded individuals. He often speaks about our natural world on television, radio and at functions. His enthusiasm was recognized as The Calgary Convention and Tourism Bureau awarded him the esteemed White Hat Award in 2000. He believes that the best way to foster an appreciation for other species is to gain an understanding of how plants and animals exist and interrelate with their natural environments. Being a keen supporter of eco-tourism programs, Garth promotes concepts involving sharing our world with other cultures and species, both with the locals and with those traveling to amazing destinations.
Email: inquiry@natureencounterstours.com
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| Mona Keith – Zoo Keeper/Tour Leader |
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Zookeeper and Naturalist, Mona Keith’s lifelong interest in the animals of our world make her a great part of our team. She has a BSc in Zoology and started her career as a Field Biologist with the Canadian Wildlife Federation, working on the endangered Vancouver Island Marmot Project, and the effects of clear-cut logging on the forest birds of Vancouver Island. She began her Zoo keeping career in 1982, and has nurtured her passion and honed her skills working closely with animals ever since. She strives to ensure that the animals under her care have the best life possible while they serve as ambassadors for their species educating people about the crucial role all wildlife plays in our lives and the world we live in. For the last 16 years she has worked almost exclusively with African species dedicating most of her time to giraffes, hippos & warthogs as feels her role as a Zookeeper includes the education of people about the animals under her care. She has given numerous talks to school groups, special behind-the-scene tours, and many T.V, radio and newspaper interviews. Mona is an avid birdwatcher keeping lists of sightings in North and South America, Australia, New Zealand, and Africa. She loves to share her passion for our avian friends and her enthusiasm is sure to rub off. As an experienced trip leader, Mona will provide valuable knowledge and enjoyment to your trip to the wonders of Africa and the Galapagos islands.
Email: inquiry@natureencounterstours.com
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| Peter Tucker, Biologist/Tour Leader |
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Peter is a well-known mountaineer and wildlife advocate! He holds a Masters in wildlife biology and specialized in bird of prey and grizzly bears in the Canadian Rockies for over 8 years. His interest and knowledge on flora and fauna is excellent. Peter is an avid climber, paddler and backcountry enthusiast who has enjoyed outdoor activities on virtually every major continent. A 29-year veteran of mountain climbing, Peter has summited 5 major Himalayan peaks including Manaslu North (7450 m), Khatung Kang (6400 m), Parchamo (6320 m), Pisang (6100 m) and Tharpu Chuili (5500 m). Peter’s knowledge of Himalayan culture, geography and climbing lore is exceptional. Traveling with Peter is like having a personal historian on past Himalayan expeditions.
Email: inquiry@natureencounterstours.com
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