Joe Corder
Joe Corder
SPECIALIST CONSULTANT
Joe grew up in Stamford, Lincolnshire and first experienced Africa at the age of four when visiting family and friends in Kenya. More trips cemented his passion for Africa and he has since travelled to 14 countries across eastern and southern Africa.
Before joining Safari Consultants in 2016, Joe embarked on his Geography degree at university in Newcastle and prior to that travelled independently through eight African countries – from Cape Town to Nairobi. As a result, he has experience of the more ‘rustic’ Africa, as well as the luxury safari side of things.
Getting off the beaten track is his love, with walking in Zambia, tracking wild dogs in Zimbabwe and exploring the open plains of the Masai Mara with local Maasai guides being some his favourite experiences.
Away from work he plays cricket and golf, loves to ski and is an avid supporter of Newcastle United Football Club.
Joe’s top 3 EXPERIENCES
Walking in Zimbabwe
A country that is home to some of Africa’s finest walking areas, also happens to be home to some of the best guides too! To truly get the most out of a safari in Zimbabwe, getting out on foot and immersing yourself in the wilderness is highly recommended. Unlike walks East Africa, the focus in Zimbabwe is approaching big game as well as experiencing the wilderness from a completely different perspective – it certainly gets your blood pumping. Mana Pools for me is the most stunning walking area, but areas of Hwange National Park and Gonarezhou are equally incredible.
Ol Donyo waterhole hide
There are a number of wonderful waterholes across Africa, from Madikwe and Mashatu to Kavinga and Mwamba. However, an experience I have particularly loved is sitting at the waterhole of Ol Donyo Lodge in Kenya’s Chyulu Hills. The porous nature of the volcanic rock, means there are no surface rivers in the area so their waterhole is one of the only reliable water sources for miles. As a result, it gets incredibly productive with huge bull elephants, thirsty giraffe and even the elusive caracal! The waterhole is so wonderful that guests will often replace an afternoon activity with a cold G&T and some snacks at the waterhole, while watching the wildlife interact.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda
Until I had done it, it was hard to understand why everyone was so enthusiastic as it isn’t the ‘traditional’ safari that I know and love. I was fortunate enough to trek in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and spend an hour with the Rushegura family. Watching the young ones play, the nurturing nature of the mothers and the confidence of the silverback is amazing – the similarities between us and these primates is like nothing else I have ever experienced. It is hard to explain being eight feet away from a Silverback gorilla and looking him directly in the eye.
Joe’s Favourite Places To Stay
Kaingo Camp, South Luangwa National Park
Remote, authentic and home to incredible wildlife. What’s not to love about Shenton Safaris and Kaingo Camp? Owners Derek and Jules Shenton have perfected their camp over 30+ years – the guides are some of the best in Zambia and the area is simply stunning with ebony groves, flood plains and of course the Luangwa River itself. Shentons are known for their wildlife hides and the photographic element they bring to a safari. To be honest, it was hard to decide between Kaingo and sister camp Mwamba – there are plenty of other wonderful camps in Zambia and South Luangwa National Park too, but Kaingo is one of my favourites.
Hwange Bush Camp, Hwange National Park
Simple, comfortable and all about getting out on foot. Owned by Zimbabwe guiding stalwart Dave Carson, Hwange Bush Camp is all about exploring northern Hwange with some of the best guides in Africa, be it on foot or by vehicle. Ably assisted by Spike Williamson and the excellent team of guides at his disposal, they bring the bush to life not only tracking big game on foot but also not ignoring the smaller things that go unnoticed in a vehicle. The quality of a guide can make or break a safari and Hwange Bush is a prime example of this.
ol Donyo Lodge, Chyulu Hills
I’m not one for luxury normally, but with service to rival anywhere in Africa, a stunning location and one of the best waterholes in Africa (which is livestreamed too) it is a lovely place to spoil yourself for a few nights. A safari experience at ol Donyo is about taking a deep breath, with slower pace and experiencing the wilderness in a variety of different ways (by vehicle, on foot, on horseback, on mountain bike, by helicopter). As a result, either before or after the ‘gung ho’ game intensive safari destinations it can work wonderfully well. The lodge is beautiful with opulence and understated quality with an extensive wine cellar, spa facilities, gym, fantastic food and huge suites all equipped with plunge pools and views of Kilimanjaro in the distance.
