David Drayton

Travel Designer

Being half-Kenyan and raised in Kenya and Eswatini, I have a deep connection to Africa. I have travelled extensively throughout the continent, exploring its extraordinary landscapes, diverse cultures and remote, lesser-known corners.

Each visit continues to inspire me. And I love sharing my passion and using my knowledge to create luxurious, thoughtfully curated journeys for others. The memories made along the way might come from a safari drive at sunrise or sunset in the calmness of the bush, tracking wildlife on foot, or learning about a destination’s culture and traditions.

Every trip I build comes from first-hand experience because I recommend places I have been and know exactly what makes them special.

Africa

My most memorable trip

Botswana

I’d never experienced such a profound sense of remoteness as I did while travelling across Botswana’s diverse landscapes. What made it so memorable was the sense of space: even in some of Africa’s most wildlife-rich areas, it often felt as though we had the wilderness entirely to ourselves.

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Best destination for families

Kenya

Kenya is a fantastic destination for families. The country offers a great mix of adventure, wildlife, culture and time to relax. Many lodges and camps are especially well suited to children with shorter game drives and activities such as animal tracking and bushcraft lessons.

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See where I’ve travelled

Antelope in Mana Pools national park, Zimbabwe

My favourite trip

Introducing Zimbabwe

This journey takes you deep into some of Zimbabwe’s wildest national parks. Mana Pools is a particular highlight, where you can explore the Zambezi floodplains on foot or by canoe and observe an incredible variety of wildlife. Ending the trip at Victoria Falls brings you face to face with one of the world’s great waterfalls.

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DumaTau is the perfect camp for elephant lovers

My favourite hotel

Wilderness DumaTau

Wilderness DumaTau is one of my favourite places to stay in Botswana. Its setting on the Linyanti River brings wildlife incredibly close to camp. I could see large herds of elephants gathering to drink and crossing the river. It was incredible!

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What my clients say

My top tips

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I always suggest spending as much time as you can in each destination. This will help you understand the place beyond the surface and appreciate the details you might otherwise miss

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Whether it’s through cultural interactions, trying something completely new or taking part in immersive safari experiences – stepping outside your comfort zone is always worth it

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Some of the best travel experiences are the ones you don’t plan. Don’t over-schedule every day – leave yourself time to explore, wander and follow local recommendations

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Try local food, speak to the people who live there and immerse yourself in the culture. These are often the moments you remember most

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