Austin-Lehman Adventures sends Vanessa to Africa and on Safari
Africa has always seemed impossibly far away. Growing up in the 1980s and 90s, the few things that stuck out in my mind
about Africa were largely negative, from the continent having the largest concentration of AIDs in the world, to seemingly endless wars and the trouble with elephants being poached for their tusks. The benefits of going on safari, seeing the foreign and exotic landscape and animals, and meeting the indigenous people seemed far too dangerous.
It was less than five years ago that I even learned metropolitan cities existed in the middle of what I’d always thought to be severe, hot, dry wilderness. Never mind I had no idea there were wineries and waterfalls. I’d only met one person in my life before I moved to New York who had actually been on a safari in Africa. He is a serious hunter and rancher in Texas. His photographs showed images of exotic animals, beautiful landscapes, smiling people, and huge termite mounds 2 or 3 times as tall as an average person! He’d gone on a luxury safari which had cost him upwards of $10,000. He said he loved it so much he’d go back in a heartbeat. I was completely floored with how safe he felt there, how kind everyone was, and by the beautiful scenery in his photographs. It seemed that there was much, much more to Africa than I’d learned in school.
Just one month ago I received a phone call from Dan (Dan Austin - Director and co-founder of Austin-Lehman Adventures) and Carmin (Carmin Arnot - South Africa Regional Director). 
It was my very last day working for JetBlue Airways. They had both been on the phone for a while going over their plans for an Africa trip and abruptly called to ask me if I wanted to go. I was at a loss for words… OF COURSE I wanted to go! Who in their right mind would say no to a trip to Africa? And I hadn’t even officially started working with Austin-Lehman yet! I was told there was still a lot of planning to be done and that I may end up not being able to go at all – everything was still pending approval. I tried, to little avail, to keep from getting my hopes up or talking about it. Finally, last week, it was confirmed – I am definitely going!
Hey V,
The itinerary looks like you’ll be pretty busy. Keep us posted on your journey and have fun!
-T
Comment by Towl — November 14, 2007 @ 8:50 am
Vanessa - How can I get a job at Austin-Lehman! Wow. What a cool employer and business to be in. I’ll be anxious to read your first impressions of the “Dark Continent”. To me it still represents the end line of civilization where new discoveries can still be made. How much “roughing it” will you be doing? I hear, even in the remote wilds, there are luxury bush camps that put the finest 5-star hotels to shame. I guess it’s all about authenticity and immersion balanced with today’s modern amenities. It’s OK to have luxury where it’s not expected as long as it isn’t a “make believe” Disney Wally World experience. Have a blast!
Comment by Dave — November 14, 2007 @ 9:00 am
Great idea, trust I will be “watching”. Have always wanted to travel to Africa, never had the nerve to just get up and do it. Been on an Austin Lehman trip in the states… it was awesome, if they do Africa as well you (and all) are in for a real treat.
JT
Comment by Joe T — November 15, 2007 @ 11:08 am
This looks great, I can’t wait to read all about your trip. I’m so excited for you.
Comment by Gina Rauscher — November 15, 2007 @ 1:41 pm
How exciting! Africa is definitely on the top of my “To Do” list. I can’t wait to watch the adventure unfold!
Comment by Alison Eshelman — November 15, 2007 @ 2:36 pm
A message from the Lehman part of Austin-Lehman. My wife and I just got back this week from Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa–checking out a couple of our new itineraries. I can’t wait to go back. Anyone who wants more information particularly about our Southern Africa trip to Botswana and Namibia should feel free to get in touch with me via our office. It is an incredible trip with lots of animals, hikes in the desert, kayaking with thousands of seals, fabulous small game camps with excellent food and comfortable surroundings, and great local guides. I am so glad that we have added our African trips. Can’t wait to share photos and stories with our guests!
Comment by Paul Lehman — November 18, 2007 @ 2:25 pm
Wow! How exciting! Anytime you want to set up a photo trip using models, let me know. We’ll set up a promo that will blow any competition in the world away! Enjoy! Peggy
Comment by Peggy Perkins — November 21, 2007 @ 8:45 am