About the Charleson family

East Africa Safari Ventures is built upon Joe & Gillian Charlesons’ lifetime of experience of safaris and hospitality. It’s all about keeping it personal and we are actively involved with every aspect of our safaris. Whilst Joe leads safaris, we both oversee operations at our Exclusive- Tented Camps across East Africa.

A Family History of Exploring

1987 – Joe’s dad very stuck in Nakuru (this has continued as a family tradition!)

The Charleson family history in East Africa stretches back almost 40 years and exploring and camping in the wilderness areas of East Africa was an integral part of Joe’s childhood. Now one of East Africa’s top safari guides, Joe has a biology degree and previously worked as a Private Guide in Botswana before returning to Kenya. Read Joe’s full guide profile in our Privately Guided section.

1998 – On safari in Makgadigadi in Botswana

Gillian was born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa. She began her career working in PR and marketing for some of South Africa’s finest hotels and resorts before making her way to Tanzania in 1995. Here she quickly fell in love with East Africa and its way of life.

2000 – Cottars Camp where Joe was guiding at the time we met

Soon after we met, East Africa Safari Ventures was established. We are proud to be one of the few Safari Operators keeping alive the safari tradition of true luxury mobile camping safaris. Over the years, our camps have evolved to include more modern comforts but we have gone to great lengths to ensure they remain an authentic safari experience – one which provides you with all of the necessary comforts and more, yet stripped of unnecessary barriers to an intimate, exclusive wilderness experience.

A Family Affair

2010 – On safari with guests on Lake Natron

As a family we can usually be found out ‘in the bush’, exploring new destinations. Kian, our son was included in our adventures from a very young age. He took his first safari at the age of 3 months and has been travelling with us to some of the most remote corners of Africa since then. Over a decade later, these travels and the shared experiences and wonderful memories help guide us as we tailor specialised itineraries for family safaris.