ABOUT US

We've seen it all

and so can you

Our Story

It began in Africa

As one of the leading safari operators in the UK, we have built strong partnerships with reputable operators who share our commitment to sustainability and ethical practices. We are excited that we have expanded our offering. This allows us to bring you a diverse range of unforgettable experiences while maintaining our dedication to responsible and conscious travel.

One goal

Our team shares an unwavering passion for travel, as do the remarkable individuals we collaborate with across the globe. The art of connecting with these extraordinary people brings us immense fulfilment, and our clients can sense the combined enthusiasm as we operate as a unified team, dedicated to one singular objective: delivering you an unforgettable holiday.

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A shot of the team

Our Process

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Speak to one of our travel experts

Tell us about your holiday ambitions and let us know a bit about you. We'll make recommendations based on our personal experience and tailor everything to your needs.

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Explore our range of adventures

The world is your oyster. You can take on the ocean, ski down a mountain or explore the grasslands of the Savannah. The choice is yours and we're here to help.

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Start packing, let us take care of the rest

That's it. We'll handle the bookings, juggle the itinerary, and make sure everything is ready and waiting for your arrival. Just don't forget your suncream!

Nelson Travel Team

Our Team

We care passionately about what we do, and we count both our customers and our colleagues as friends and family.

Ben Nelson

Ben Nelson

Founder

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. It is my passion. 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 love 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 utmost 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.

Show more
Ed James

Ed James

Co-Founder & Director

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 dealing with us and continue to enjoy the many wonderful travel opportunities we have on offer.

Show more
Emma Hunter

Emma Hunter

Business Manager

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.

Show more
Lizzy Nelson

Lizzy Nelson

Ski Specialist & Marketing

 Skiing has always been a favourite holiday of mine. I was lucky enough to learn from a young age and to date have skied a number of resorts across the Alps, Rocky Mountains and Fitzsimmons Range. There’s something about the fresh mountain air, first tracks in the snow and a vin chaud at the end of the day that you really can’t beat. I hope that our knowledge and expertise will enable others to share the same passion and love for the slopes that we do.

Show more
Sue Tulloch

Sue Tulloch

Director

For me, family holidays are my favourite, and with four children of my own, I understand how booking a holiday is often twinned with hassle. It's for this reason we believe we can offer an excellent service. We make it as simple as possible for you, and as we take commissions from our suppliers and don't add costs, the service is free to you. So when you're next juggling family life and work-life and want a helping hand with your holiday, know we're here to help!

Show more
Simon Kenyon

Simon Kenyon

Kenya Expert

Simon grew up on a farm on the foothills of Mount Kenya. Kenya is his home and he has made his name renowned in the safari industry here. He has worked developed a range of skills from lodge host to private guide, being trained by safari legend Tristan Voorspuy. There are few people with his extensive skill set and we are delighted to have him on our team. His passion for the bush is infectious and his extensive knowledge and enthusiasm provides a uniquely special experience. Outside Kenya, Simon has worked for Jakotango Safaris across the Andes in Argentine Patagonia and has ridden with Okavango Horse Safaris in Botswana.

Show more
Mike Keough

Mike Keough

Sail specialist

Mike, a native of Devon, embarked on his sailing journey in the UK, starting with an extraordinary trip circumnavigating the country's coastline. In 2017, he relocated to Australia, where he honed his skills as a skipper, guiding visitors along the picturesque Gold Coast aboard a diverse range of yachts and catamarans. Since his return, Mike has played a pivotal role in significantly expanding our offerings. Not only can he expertly curate your trip, but he is also available as a skilled skipper, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable sailing experience.

Show more
Ben Nelson

Ben Nelson

Founder

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. It is my passion. 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 love 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 utmost 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.

Show more
Ed James

Ed James

Co-Founder & Director

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 dealing with us and continue to enjoy the many wonderful travel opportunities we have on offer.

Show more
Emma Hunter

Emma Hunter

Business Manager

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.

Show more
Lizzy Nelson

Lizzy Nelson

Ski Specialist & Marketing

 Skiing has always been a favourite holiday of mine. I was lucky enough to learn from a young age and to date have skied a number of resorts across the Alps, Rocky Mountains and Fitzsimmons Range. There’s something about the fresh mountain air, first tracks in the snow and a vin chaud at the end of the day that you really can’t beat. I hope that our knowledge and expertise will enable others to share the same passion and love for the slopes that we do.

Show more
Sue Tulloch

Sue Tulloch

Director

For me, family holidays are my favourite, and with four children of my own, I understand how booking a holiday is often twinned with hassle. It's for this reason we believe we can offer an excellent service. We make it as simple as possible for you, and as we take commissions from our suppliers and don't add costs, the service is free to you. So when you're next juggling family life and work-life and want a helping hand with your holiday, know we're here to help!

Show more
Simon Kenyon

Simon Kenyon

Kenya Expert

Simon grew up on a farm on the foothills of Mount Kenya. Kenya is his home and he has made his name renowned in the safari industry here. He has worked developed a range of skills from lodge host to private guide, being trained by safari legend Tristan Voorspuy. There are few people with his extensive skill set and we are delighted to have him on our team. His passion for the bush is infectious and his extensive knowledge and enthusiasm provides a uniquely special experience. Outside Kenya, Simon has worked for Jakotango Safaris across the Andes in Argentine Patagonia and has ridden with Okavango Horse Safaris in Botswana.

Show more
Mike Keough

Mike Keough

Sail specialist

Mike, a native of Devon, embarked on his sailing journey in the UK, starting with an extraordinary trip circumnavigating the country's coastline. In 2017, he relocated to Australia, where he honed his skills as a skipper, guiding visitors along the picturesque Gold Coast aboard a diverse range of yachts and catamarans. Since his return, Mike has played a pivotal role in significantly expanding our offerings. Not only can he expertly curate your trip, but he is also available as a skilled skipper, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable sailing experience.

Show more
Ben Nelson

Ben Nelson

Founder

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. It is my passion. 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 love 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 utmost 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.

Read more
Ed James

Ed James

Co-Founder & Director

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 dealing with us and continue to enjoy the many wonderful travel opportunities we have on offer.

Read more
Emma Hunter

Emma Hunter

Business Manager

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.

Read more
Lizzy Nelson

Lizzy Nelson

Ski Specialist & Marketing

 Skiing has always been a favourite holiday of mine. I was lucky enough to learn from a young age and to date have skied a number of resorts across the Alps, Rocky Mountains and Fitzsimmons Range. There’s something about the fresh mountain air, first tracks in the snow and a vin chaud at the end of the day that you really can’t beat. I hope that our knowledge and expertise will enable others to share the same passion and love for the slopes that we do.

Read more
Sue Tulloch

Sue Tulloch

Director

For me, family holidays are my favourite, and with four children of my own, I understand how booking a holiday is often twinned with hassle. It's for this reason we believe we can offer an excellent service. We make it as simple as possible for you, and as we take commissions from our suppliers and don't add costs, the service is free to you. So when you're next juggling family life and work-life and want a helping hand with your holiday, know we're here to help!

Read more
Simon Kenyon

Simon Kenyon

Kenya Expert

Simon grew up on a farm on the foothills of Mount Kenya. Kenya is his home and he has made his name renowned in the safari industry here. He has worked developed a range of skills from lodge host to private guide, being trained by safari legend Tristan Voorspuy. There are few people with his extensive skill set and we are delighted to have him on our team. His passion for the bush is infectious and his extensive knowledge and enthusiasm provides a uniquely special experience. Outside Kenya, Simon has worked for Jakotango Safaris across the Andes in Argentine Patagonia and has ridden with Okavango Horse Safaris in Botswana.

Read more
Mike Keough

Mike Keough

Sail specialist

Mike, a native of Devon, embarked on his sailing journey in the UK, starting with an extraordinary trip circumnavigating the country's coastline. In 2017, he relocated to Australia, where he honed his skills as a skipper, guiding visitors along the picturesque Gold Coast aboard a diverse range of yachts and catamarans. Since his return, Mike has played a pivotal role in significantly expanding our offerings. Not only can he expertly curate your trip, but he is also available as a skilled skipper, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable sailing experience.

Read more
Feeling inspired? Speak to one of our experts