ABOUT US

We've seen it all

and so can you

Our Story

It Began in Africa

Recognised as one of the UK's leading safari operators, we are excited to have expanded our offering, allowing us to bring you a diverse range of unforgettable experiences while maintaining our dedication to conscious travel.

A Free Service

We work on a commission basis with the hotels and lodges in your itinerary and don't mark up on any extras (flights, transfers, park fees, etc). This means our service, expertise and experience are free to you.

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A shot of the team

Our Process

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Speak to an expert

Tell us about your holiday ambitions and let us know a bit about you, your tastes and requirments.

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Recieve a tailored itinerary

We'll make recommendations based on our personal experience and tailor everything to your needs.

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Confirm your trip

That's it. We'll handle the bookings and manage every last detail from here on in.

Nelson Travel Team

Our Team

We are a small boutique team who want you to love your holiday, working with us and to enjoy the many travel experiences we offer.

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Ben Nelson

Ben Nelson

Travel has always been an integral part of my life, encompassing cherished moments spent with family, exhilarating adventures with friends, and captivating journeys throughout Africa.

As a teenager, I had the opportunity to win a travel scholarship that allowed me to engage in community work in Africa. This eye-opening experience left a profound impact on me and solidified my desire to pursue a career in travel.

Decades later, I have explored many corners of the world, connecting with an extraordinary network of inspiring travellers, colleagues and clients. Each encounter has deepened my enthusiasm for this industry.

Welcoming clients to Nelson Travel brings me immense joy, as their choice to travel with us means so much to me. Our ultimate mission is to create unforgettable holidays tailored specifically for them. I sincerely hope to have the pleasure of hearing from you and planning many extraordinary journeys together.

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Ed James

Ed James

I've always had a great connection with travel. My father founded and ran Vacation Work, a travel book publishing company so travel books from ‘Work your Way around the World’ to ‘The Kibbutz Volunteer’ and the pioneering Travellers Survival Kit series were always littered around our house. I was also an amateur jockey for some years so I guess the thrill of crossing terrain is instilled in me.

I am delighted to have the opportunity to co-found Nelson Travel - we're on an exciting journey and I love seeing our clients have amazing holidays with us. We all share the long term view, look after your clients and build strong relationships. We don't want you to go on holiday with us just once, we want you to love your holiday, love working with us and continue to enjoy the many wonderful travel opportunities we have on offer.

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Emma Hunter

Emma Hunter

My very first job after school was working for a luxury hotel in the highlands of Scotland. As fate would have it, what was supposed to be a money earner turned into a career and a passion. I really enjoy working and find it extra satisfying when it directly benefits the client. Whether it be something simple like a restaurant reservation, or something a little more special like a honeymoon plan, I find real joy in knowing the client benefits - we're always discussing how to enhance your holiday and make that extra difference.

Aside from "work", I'm also a Horse Racing fanatic, a baker and can often be found walking my dogs along the Devonshire coast.

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James Bloor-Griffiths

James Bloor-Griffiths

James is a doctor, safari guide, and wildlife documentarian! Inspired by his father, an ornithologist, he developed a passion for the natural world from a young age. After qualifying as a guide in Botswana as a teenager, James worked at two of the most prestigious safari camps in the Okavango Delta before pursuing medical studies. He went on to become a doctor for the NHS in the UK, as well as a wilderness doctor in Africa. James is a partner at Nelson Travel and also hosts guided group trips in Botswana.

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Alice Nicol

Alice Nicol

Travel has always been about creating meaningful experiences, and some of my favourite memories have come from exploring. Most recently, I travelled through Kenya and Zanzibar, combining incredible wildlife encounters with time spent on the Indian Ocean.

Now, as a parent, travel has taken on a new dimension. I’m currently dreaming up my toddler’s first safari adventure, though am also exploring family friendly hotels both near and far.

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