Joshua Lecompte
Joshua Lecompte
SPECIALIST CONSULTANT
Josh hails from Suffolk and his relationship with Africa began in 2022, when he managed to procure a job on a banana and citrus farm just outside of Ndola in the Copperbelt region of Zambia.
It was here Josh’s passion and love for all things Africa blossomed, and whilst primarily based on the farm during his 14-month tenure, he was fortunate enough to travel with newly made friends to several Southern and Eastern countries of the continent, spanning from Cape Town up to Nairobi.
Zambia is the country that will always hold a special place for Josh, it is his home away from home, with his most memorable adventures taking place in the Lower Zambezi. However, trips through Tanzania and Kenya dipping into some of Africa’s most famous National Parks and Reserves is where his appetite for further exploration came from. Josh also enjoyed travelling south from Zambia through Zimbabwe and South Africa, visiting highlights such as Victoria Falls, Matobo Hills and the Zulu battlefields in KwaZulu-Natal.
Away from work, Josh enjoys spending time on his family farm with his dogs and at weekends can often be found on the golf course or cricket pitch.
Joshua’s top 3 EXPERIENCES
Serian’s Serengeti South – Escarpment Walk
Accompanied by a team of Maasai guides, a park ranger and a local known as the ‘Bee Man’ we set off on a stroll through undulating bushland of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. During the walk, we passed Maasai villages and million year old boulders with the guides pointing out animal tracks and explaining the many uses the locals have for the flowers and plants (top tip, I wouldn’t advise tasting an aloe vera, it’s extremely bitter). As we were reaching the end of our walk, we came across a lone male elephant which was exhilarating and my team expertly navigated us around the giant safely. When we reached our finish line, I was treated to one of the most spectacular views of my life, looking down over Lake Eyasi from the edge of the escarpment as the sun was setting and a cold G&T was placed in my hand. A moment I found really hard to walk away from.
Exploring the private conservancies in the Masai Mara
On a recent trip to Kenya, I was fortunate enough to spend six nights exploring the private conservancies in the Masai Mara. The game viewing was exceptional with such a high volume of diverse wildlife in one area, limited numbers of vehicles and the ability to drive off road, the whole experience was very exclusive and flexible. Each camp that I stayed at was amazingly hospitable and made me feel comfortable and relaxed throughout my stay. The combination of wildlife, service and guiding from local Maasai, highlighted why the private conservancies in the Masai Mara are one of the best destinations for an all-round safari experience.
First to descend into the Ngorongoro Crater
As obsessed as I am with the wildlife in Africa, I also have a bit of a soft spot for natural beauty. During my last visit to Tanzania, I had the fortune of being the first vehicle of the day to descend into the Ngorongoro Crater. I was travelling in the rainy season which meant that it wasn’t very busy with other tourists and to my benefit I was alone on the crater floor for about half an hour. During this time, I saw the sun rise over the crater rim and the wildlife burst into view, from lion cubs playing with their mothers to zebra chasing one another through the shallows of Lake Magadi and black rhino grazing nearby. I got to experience the sheer magnitude and beauty that the Ngorongoro Crater possess and it almost felt selfish that I had that experience all to myself, but it’s one that I would never wish to take back.
Joshua’s Favourite Places To Stay
Ngare Serian, Mara North Conservancy
Set on the banks of the Mara River, Ngare Serian is an intimate and exclusive camp with only four tents and a breathtaking entrance by a suspension bridge over the river. With delicious food, friendly service and luxurious accommodation the camp maintains a sense of wilderness and adventure as you drift off to sleep listening to the sounds of the river and resident hippos. With excellent guides and exclusive use of a vehicle, you have complete flexibility during your stay.
Kambaku River Sands, Timbavati Private Nature Reserve
A warm and friendly atmosphere is ever present at Kambaku River Sands, this family run lodge in the heart of the Timbavati makes you feel welcome and relaxed with the owners Bryce and Nicola often joining you for dinner and a glass of wine (or two!). Each suite is extremely comfortable with views from your private deck of either the river/riverbed (depending on the season) or the surrounding bush. In the dry season, evenings are often spent on the dried up river bed with the sounds of the vibrant bush in the background.
Entamanu Ngorongoro, Ngorongoro Crater
Located in a secluded section on the northern rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, Entamanu has an intimate and homely feeling that was evident from the minute I arrived at camp. The pioneer style wooden cottages were spacious yet cozy, with each being built on raised decks and views peaking over the top of the crater rim. On the other side of the camp are the beautiful Ngorongoro Highlands with a stunning backdrop of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Serengeti National Park, where I enjoyed a perfect afternoon walk with the local Maasai guides and rangers. I loved the fact that Entamanu is one of the closest camps to the Senteo decent road, which meant that I was able to be the first one onto the crater floor.
