National Geographic Experts
A National Geographic expert will accompany each departure to share insights and a rare behind-the-scenes perspective. Listed below are some of the experts and the departure date(s) they will be joining.
Bill Branch
Bill Branch has been a wildlife biologist at the Port Elizabeth Museum in South Africa since 1979 and has undertaken fieldwork from Ethiopia to South Africa and Senegal to Madagascar. Bill is also a general naturalist and keen birder. He has described numerous new species and amphibians, received a grant from National Geographic to help fund his research on African reptiles, and published six books as well as many photographs and scientific articles.
Derek Solomon
Derek Solomon has been leading special interest safaris in southern Africa for more than 15 years. Originally based in Harare, Zimbabwe, he has led safaris to destinations in Zimbabwe, Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, and South Africa. Derek is regarded as one of the leading ornithologists in the sub-region and has published several books on bird identification and behavior. In conjunction with the local Wildlife Authority, he is conducting a survey on the birds and amphibians of the South Luangwa National Park and is studying the underwater communication and other behavior patterns of hippos. He is the author of an upcoming book on the behavior of mammals of South Luangwa, which will be illustrated by internationally acclaimed British wildlife artist Jonathan Truss. Derek has taught short courses on many wildlife topics and has lectured widely in southern Africa on topics such as bird identification and distribution, and safari destinations.
