Having traveled with Jami and Theo on a couple of previous trips, I can say that they do a terrific job setting everything up.  From start to finish, I have enjoyed my time with them.

Ethiopia was no exception.  The trip was built around three different photo opportunities.  First, the Gelada baboons were just a pleasure to photograph. Second, Lalibela is a Unesco Heritage site with churches carved from solid rock.  Third was visiting many tribes in the southern part of Ethiopia.

In all, it was a great trip, with great people and many great memories!

This was my first trip with Wild Focus Expeditions, and I’ve already booked two more — Mongolia and Botswana. It is difficult to articulate above and beyond what Chis, Dan and Tom have already expressed so beautifully and truthfully below about our shared trip to Greenland.  What stands out the most for me is Jami and Theo’s enthusiasm (humor),  their vast knowledge of the land and the wildlife, and of course, photography. Plus their patience and eagerness to help each of us achieve near perfect shots, even if only using the camera on an iPhone. Jami and Theo are thoroughly engaged in taking care of their guests/fellow travelers. They provide a perfect blend of safety and push to experience a unique adventure.  Through their guidance, along with their expedition leader, I was able to capture  majestic photos of the pristine beauty of the ice sculptures, land, and skies of Greenland— with my iPhone!  Definitely a trip of a lifetime!

I have just returned from Greenland recently and what a fabulous trip.  Everything from the stunning scenery, some great wildlife opportunities and even the northern lights made an appearance.  The boat was comfortable, food fabulous and the crew lovely.  Special mention to Yves Adams our motivated expedition leader who consistently displayed extensive knowledge and passion for the area. The zodiac trips and treks enabled us to have some great wildlife sightings and in the evenings some talks and lectures finished off the day. I have been fortunate to have also travelled with Jami and Theo to Svalbard this year, (Svalbard Extreme, another amazing trip).  What stands out for me as a solo traveller and novice photographer is the ongoing support from them both with the camera, even when faced with amazing wildlife opportunities themselves the help is there.  It matters not whether you have the latest gadgets, an iPhone or just a love of nature, you will have a great experience. In addition the nicest group of fellow passengers made both trips feel like travelling with old friends enjoying a shared interest.  Wonderful parts of the world to which I hope to return.

We just returned from Greenland trip. I’m already depressed. It was a trip to a different world impossible to describe.  Even the many images and videos don’t do justice. We feel very privileged to have experienced this part of what our planet has to offer and to do it with a perfect group led by Jami and Theo is very very special. We are committed to at least two trips a year until Jami and Theo retire. Just don’t retire soon. 

My wife and I just returned from a Wild Focus Expedition trip to Greenland, and I want to be the first to comment on what an incredible trip this was. Everyone on the trip boarded the MS Freya in Iceland and we cruised the Denmark Strait to Greenland. During this time we saw White Beaked Dolphins, Humpback Whales, Sperm Whales and a Minke Whale.  As soon as we got close to Greenland we were in awe of all the icebergs that we saw every day until we landed back in Iceland almost two weeks later.

Jami and Theo hired Yves Adams a local expedition leader to guide us through the Scoresbysund Fjord in Greenland. On our second day in the fjord, we saw a Polar Bear and on our last day we saw four Polar Bears. In between this time frame we saw Musk Oxen an Artic Hare, Ringed Seals, Harp Seals, and Orca Whales. Yves was incredibly knowledgeable on the twenty-nine different birds or gulls that we saw on our entire cruise and we also heard a loon.

Jamie and Theo guided us through numerous zodiac excursions and made certain that everyone on the cruise was an integral part of the entire expedition. The weather was also perfect running the entire gamut from cloudy and snowing to reflective smooth glass seas. Jami, Theo and Yves made certain that we were able to get the best pictures first before they thought of shooting pictures for themselves. They also offered numerous photographic classes while we were shooting and also back on the ship. We even had two nights photographing the Northern Lights. Incredible!

Everyone felt like family aboard the MS Freya. We ate and felt like royalty while sleeping like babies at night. This was our second trip with Wild Focus Expeditions after our first trip to Svalbard with Wild Focus also on the MS Freya. I would also rate our Svalbard trip as Excellent…

We would recommend Wild Focus to anyone who is looking for a personally catered trip like no other. Thank you, Jamie and Theo.

We have been extremely fortunate over decades to have been able to combine our first priority – family – with our #2 priority — travel, especially wilderness travel. Wild Focus has become our “go to” for melding these two personal imperatives. The best example of this is the incredible Botswana safari experience shared last month by our ten family members, our three sons, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren.

Most family members have already posted five-star reviews below, and it is hard to improve on the articulate descriptions and heartfelt impressions they have expressed.  The trip was without question one of the most unforgettable for every one of us.

This was our fourth trip to Africa, but the first to the southern part of the continent. We have loved each visit.  On the first three occasions we had traveled with a very capable, family-owned, Nairobi-based operator which had exceeded all our expectations. These folks did a marvelous job for us. Wild Focus has supplanted them — good as they were and are — for three reasons.

First, Jami and Theo, owners of Wild Focus, have one overarching goal — taking care of their guests. This means making sure that every participant on a trip is engaged and able to participate fully in the entire experience.  The differing needs and interests of family members ranging in age from 9 to 68 are not easily accommodated, but Jami and Theo were constantly watching and assessing and making sure everyone is having a memorable experience.  One small example on this trip was the smooth accommodation of the diets of our four vegans which happened almost seamlessly.

In another illustration of this emphasis on the guest experience, Jami and Theo knew that we hoped on this trip to see an African wild dog.  They found us three packs of these critically endangered “painted wolves,” 74 individuals, in three different parks and preserves.  We visited a pair of den sites with dozens of pups and watched the sobering but inspiring drama of two successful hunts.  Many family members wanted to see meerkats in the wild.  With Jami and Theo, we shared the breaking dawn alone with a family of nine of these small social creatures who crept onto the prone bodies of our kids and grandchildren.  Unexpected sightings of an aardwolf, honey badgers, seven leopards, and an excavating aardvark added to the adventure.

On top of the guest-centric ethic which drives Jami and Theo, they bring a unique knowledge to every excursion, based on their years of experience, which is a tremendous benefit to their guests. Jami’s and Theo’s abiding curiosity helps them expand their understanding with each trip.  This includes knowledge of the environments in which we found ourselves and of the animals we had come to observe.  Their knowledge extends to the art of wildlife photography, in which they are both expert and which they unselfishly share with their guests.

Jami and Theo have also built a knowledge base around the accommodations and, in particular, the driver guides and safari operators on the ground, in this case in Botswana. A perfect illustration was of this was the mobile tented camps at the Moremi Reserve and Chobe National Park in which we spent most of our time. Although slightly less luxurious than the more familiar fixed tented camps that are safari staples, these experiences were enjoyed the most by our family members. The mobile camps allowed us to occupy wilderness locations where we could experience the animals in the midst of their habitats and where it was not uncommon for lions to walk among the tents overnight.  Jami’s and Theo’s selection of Capture Africa, with its driver guides Brian and Johno, manager Carmen, and chef Flo, was a masterstroke.

Finally, Jami and Theo set Wild Focus apart from others by their boundless and contagious enthusiasm for the wild, for preservation of natural places, and for the inexorable circle of life in which they immerse their guests.  They invited us into the marvelously symbiotic relationship they have developed with nature.

After such exposure even the most unrepentant slash-and-burn developer would have to be rethinking his convictions. For guests like us, who already believe fervently in preservation of wilderness and revel in natural environments, there is affirmation of their philosophy, validation of their world views, and encouragement to action.

Every trip adds to one’s knowledge and experience. Traveling with Wild Focus, however, compounds that experience, overflows the heart, and transforms the soul.  We are so grateful for the opportunity.

This excursion is tailor-made for the traveling photographer interested in capturing beautiful images that could easily end up in the National Geographic. Your guides Jami and Theo will help you get pristine shots by taking positioning and lighting into account as well as patiently working with you on photography techniques if you’re new to it.

I’d been to Africa two times previously but never have I had the chance to witness this amount of diverse animal behavior, from parental bonding between a leopard and her cub to dramatic wild dog hunts. I would recommend bringing at least a decent camera along but you get close enough to the action that even the shots my family members got on their smart phones were striking.

We camped in the beautiful bush and deserts and listened to wildlife every night. Aside from the amazing opportunities to see Botswana’s natural beauty, there was something very special about the camaraderie of sitting around the fire in the evening listening to the endlessly fascinating stories from Jami, Theo, and the talented trackers and drivers who accompanied our group.

This trip stands alone as uniquely unforgettable because of the wonderful people we met, the captivating fauna we observed, and the adventure of a lifetime we had.

It’s been about two weeks since we returned from our family safari in Botswana, and I can’t stop thinking about this trip! Jami and Theo curated an amazing series of stays in beautiful parks and reserves with opportunities for exceptional wildlife viewing and photographing as my family members have described in previous reviews. I’d also like to highlight the care given to our dietary preferences and especially to our children (ages 14 and 9) throughout the trip.

From the initial planning stages, Jami gave my family of 4 confidence that vegan meals could be accommodated, and we were so happy with the meals prepared at each accommodation. The staff at many of the lodges consulted with us about the meals that they were planning to prepare and took our preferences into account. Our best meals of the trip were prepared by Flo and her team at the tented camps: vegan breakfast, morning game drive snacks, lunch, teatime cakes and snacks, and a multi-course dinner every night in the bush! Incredible!!

Our daughters had an excellent time, and it is an experience that they will never forget. Jami and Theo took time to talk with each of them throughout the trip to find out which animals they most wanted to see and to hear about their impressions of the activities. Landu at Tubu Tree Camp was on staff during our stay to make sure that our girls had everything they needed. Brian, Johnno, Carmen, Flo, and the staff at the tented camps also made sure that our girls were safe and well cared for during our six nights with them in the African wilderness.

This was an incredible trip for all of us, and I’m sure one that will stand out for our daughters as being extra special! Thank you, Jami and Theo, for your expertise guiding us through such amazing experiences in Botswana and Zimbabwe and for connecting us with such caring and accommodating hosts along the way!

How to begin to describe the trip of a lifetime?
I honestly didn’t know what to expect, but once there, I felt how much bigger the world is, how much more there is to see, humbled and honored to be a part of it. To witness the rawness of it all, fauna and flora at its wholeness co-existing in a symbiotic relationship. You can’t help but be overcome with emotion and respect.
Traveling with our family to Botswana with Jami and Theo brought the adventurer out in all of us, with amazing sights on game drives, beautiful camp sites, specialized trackers and guides and an awesome staff who took good care of us!
My most sincere and heartfelt thanks to Jami and Theo for all the care and attention to detail on planning this exceptional trip that we will surely never forget!

Dear Jami and Theo,

I wanted to write to you both personally to express my gratitude and bewilderment of the AMAZING trip that we just took together. It’s a struggle to try to pluck the right words out of my mind and present them to you because nothing, words or pictures, does that experience justice.

You have both inspired and reignited my love for wildlife and exploration. When I was a child, I used to venture through the woods in my backyard and pretend it was this expansive wilderness for me to discover. Uncovering rocks to inspect what worms and rollie pollies lived underneath; climbing trees with the swinging monkeys in my imagination; prodding dead birds with a stick, puzzled by what had caused its death. I used to dream of moving to Montana or becoming a biologist and journalist; any sort of career that would catapult me out into the world and into nature. As I grew up and life got in the way, those sort of childish fantasies got pushed to the back burner. However, through my recent travels, this trip included, I thought to myself that those dreams weren’t so childish and that maybe what Jami and Theo are doing is truly LIVING and BREATHING life, the way nature and the world had intended.

This trip has far surpassed any of my expectations and reminded me that we are so small in this world, a world that is both kind and unkind; full of life and riddled with death; sprawling with mysteries and sprinkled with small, magical moments. There is something so amazing and special that you two are doing, both put on this Earth for a reason. If not to capture the beauty and cruelty of nature, which you both do so beautifully, but maybe to inspire others to do so. From the naturalists in Emma and Tom, to the amateur photographers of Dave and Bill, to the adventure enthusiasts in Cindy and Jeff, and the excitement for the wild in all the rest of us, we all left with a sense of newfound love. Every tearful observation of the incredible sightings we had were all backed by the purest of love for each creature and their role in the complicated ecosystem they reside.

Just know that there are people like me, who will take these memories to heart and let them lie there for years to come.

You are both so so so awesome (and funny, even you Jami!). Thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge and wisdom that comes with experience and not age. It is appreciated beyond the meaning of the words in this message! Thank you so much.

We’d heard great things about Wild Focus from our parents (who had traveled to Patagonia with Jami on a previous trip), and our trip to Botswana with Jami & Theo truly exceeded all our expectations by providing an outstanding and unforgettable trip!

We enjoyed incredible opportunities for capturing wildlife. Jami & Theo’s deep knowledge of the destinations (and that of the their favorite local trackers & guides) allowed us to spot some pretty rare and elusive wildlife, including honey badgers, aardwolves, and an aardvark! As passionate wildlife photographers themselves, Jami & Theo offered invaluable photography tips along the way. Their expert guidance really made this safari truly unforgettable! We returned not only with some great photos but also with many really special memories of an extraordinary adventure!

I went on a safari with Wild Focus, and it was amazing! Jami and Theo were super friendly and made everything fun. They knew where to find all the coolest animals!

The best part was getting to take selfies with the animals! I got to take pictures with giraffes, elephants, impala, meerkats, wildebeest, zebras, and even wild dogs. The giraffes were so tall, and they came really close to our Land Cruiser. The wild dogs were really cool and played around while we took pictures. We stayed in a couple of fancy hotels but I liked the tented camps even better. The wild animals were right outside our tents!

I had so much fun. If you love animals and selfies, you’ll love going on safari with Jami and Theo!

WOW! Our 10-person extended family excursion was out of this world! Thank you to Jami and Theo and their connections in Botswana for making this trip such a success. The mobile tented camps were super, including the driver/guides engaged by Wild Focus at the camps. The staff of the tented camps went out of their way to be sure everything was perfect and the food was plentiful and excellent. But the wildlife viewing and photography were beyond expectation. (And we have some pretty high expectations!) This was our second Wild Focus expedition and won’t be our last! Thank you again Jami and Theo for taking such good care of our family and making the trip unforgettable.

An addendum to the review I submitted earlier today….. another advantage of traveling with Jami and Theo is that they not only include educational photography training, but also make available a selection of their own professional photos taken on the trip.

Tremendous, fantastic, life changing experience. My 3rd trip with Wild Focus Expeditions and Jami and Theo provided yet another beautiful wildlife excursion unlike any other. We were immersed into the world of the Pumas of Patagonia. The landscape alone was breathtaking, but we also walked right alongside the wildlife of Chilean Patagonia. Our tracker and guide were not only skilled and knowledgeable, but friendly and fun as well. We spent our time with Pumas everyday and were fortunate to even spend a day with a mother and not just one, but two cubs. We enjoyed beautiful sunrises, sunsets, fresh air, hiking, and lots of laughter every day! The personal touch that Jami and Theo bring to this experience is unprecedented. I can’t wait for the next Wild Focus Excursions adventure!! Thank you Jami and Theo from the bottom of my heart ❤️

This being my husband (Steve) and my 5th time traveling with Wild Focus, we are pleased to say that Jami and Theo did not fail to deliver an amazing trip to Chilean Patagonia. Our goal was to see pumas in their natural habitat and knowing how elusive they can be, we were a bit skeptical of how many we would actually be able to see. But, the trackers/guides “delivered” two pumas on our very first day. On the second day, we saw and walked along with a female puma and her two young cubs. These cubs acted just like kittens playing.

We actually had great puma sightings all 5 days. And, when the trip description included “tracking pumas,” that’s exactly what we did – once they were found, we were able to follow along with them on foot in their natural environment for hours – great exercise for us humans, as well.   And, Jami also delivered great weather.

We took some wonderful photos and videos and our traveling companions were fun to be with too. Our accommadations were comfortable and clean, but we really only spent time there sleeping and eating. However, the “box” lunches were questionable. Overall, we loved the trip and plan to have many more with Wild Focus. Our next being  in August, 2025 in Kenya (Tsavo, Lakipia, etc).  Which will be my 9th or 10th trip. One of the definite advantages of traveling with Jami and Theo is that they know  the best guides and best venues wherever they take you.

I just returned from a wonderful trip to Patagonia with Wild Focus Expeditions. My first adventure with Wild Focus was to Antarctica and both trips have been tremendous. I can attest to the dedication of Jami and Theo for providing the best possible experience for their clients. They are very experienced, organized, fun and well connected with local experts setting the stage for unique and exciting vacations. Look forward to my next adventure with Wild Focus Expeditions!

We have been fortunate to be able to indulge our impulse to travel much of the world and to visit the fifty US States and all 63 US national parks. Most often we plan our own adventures, but we also have experience with numerous large and small travel companies.

Among all our trips and the tour operators we have dealt with over the decades, our recent Patagonian journey and Wild Focus Expeditions stand out. For those interested in observing wild animals in their natural setting, there can be no better choice.

From our clean and comfortable accommodations in a small village in Chilean Patagonia, our group of five eager guests ventured out each day in search of pumas or mountain lions, as we often call them in the States.  Each day we were rewarded with sightings that did not require binoculars. Indeed, the cats walked within feet of our little cohort on dozens of occasions.

The incomparable success of this venture was owed to meticulous planning by Wild Focus’s Jami Tarris, her extensive knowledge of the area explored, and her genuine interest in delivering the best possible experience to each of her guests.  She even did a masterful job with the weather, and arranged magnificent backdrops featuring mountains, glaciers, waterfalls, and frequent views of the three granite monoliths of Torres del Paine.

Jami, a highly accomplished wildlife photographer herself, carefully planned this trip so that all of her guests would have a chance to see close up National Geographic-like views of these incredible cats behaving in their natural habitat and would have opportunities to photograph them on their home terrain (even if the guests’ images were not quite as publication-worthy as Jami’s, which she generously shared with the group).

Jami also knows the area well from previous experience and, more to the point, knows the best guides and trackers, who share the conservationist values of Jami and her guests for these wild places and who hold the animals — predators and prey — in awe and respect.

Combining these elements with Jami’s effervescent enthusiasm for sharing the experience with her people and making sure that the needs of all are met resulted in an adventure that none of us could possibly forget.  We can hardly wait for the two Wild Focus trips now on our calendar and for other opportunities to travel with this amazing group.

Our trip to Patagonia was our first with WildFocus and it was amazing!!!!! From our quaint, clean and comfortable accommodations to the days out searching for pumas, this trip far exceeded our expectations. Our trackers and guides were first rate and we experienced the beauty and pumas of Patagonia in an exceptional way. Jami’s knowledge of the right local guides made the trip one not to be forgotten. We saw and tracked pumas every one of the six days of our trip.

We are eagerly anticipating our upcoming trip to Botswana with WildFocus in July and are already signed up for their Antarctica trip as well. You won’t go wrong by choosing WildFocus!!!!

We had a wonderful trip to Japan with WildFocus Exp for wildlife and a bit of city touring.  Jami/Theo set up a terrific itinerary filled with cranes, eagles, owls, swans, and even the entertaining snow monkeys!   The scenery and wildlife were gorgeous (we especially like winter settings so this was a bonus for us) and our small group was a delight for traveling.   Being able to stay in a small Inn run by a professional photographer and a Japanese chef was absolutely a highlight of the trip.  Not only were the photography opportunities abundant, but we were also so graciously taken care of with delicious food and the most luxurious bedding I’ve ever known.  Thank you for a great trip WFE!

Our family couldn’t have asked for a better experience.  Jami took the time to learn our individual, and family preferences, and catered everything to maximize the value of each minute for the each of us. From timing and focus of each animal drive to selection of lodges and meal preferences,  everything was considered.  The selection of local guides, exemplifies years of experience and strong relationship the WildFocus team has build with native professionals, business and guides.

In general, rest assure, you can’t go wrong with WildFocus team.

There are a million and one things that I could praise Wild Focus Expeditions for, but for the sake of time and energy, I’ll try to keep it short.

My family and I went to Kenya this past August as a private trip with Jami. It was filled with fun, excitement, surprises, adrenaline, and some once in a lifetime experiences. I learned a multitude of things about conservation, interacted with wildlife that I never even knew existed, and overall, pretty much never stopped smiling. For context, I am a high school student, and often find myself struggling to find the energy or motivation to explore and be adventurous, but Wild Focus Expeditions changed that for me. There was never a dull moment, and I could not have ask for a better experience. I wish I could relive every minute of it again :)

Additionally, it feels important to note that as a guide, Jami was extremely knowledgable, flexible, and supportive. She made all arrangements that we requested, and never disappointed us for a second with her decisions. She was reliable and well connected, and it helped make the experience all the more better.

I, along with my whole family, very much recommend this company. They have changed my life forever, and to whoever is reading this review, I hope to see you on an upcoming trip!

I was able to take a trip with an amazing group of people from all over the world. I was able to make new friends and learn many new things about different cultures too. I highly recommend Wild Focus Expeditions if you want a life changing adventure. The Indonesia trip was so fun. The food and the lodging was spectacular and very nice. This trip went above and beyond my expectations. There was some hiking but most of the time we were sitting just enjoying the beauty of this earth. Not to mention how fun Jami and Theo are to travel with, filled with excitement, fun jokes, and laughter.

This July, my mom, who is a photographer, took my twin sister and I, who are teenage non-photographers, on a Wild Focus Expeditions’ trip to Indonesia for a personal encounter with the orangutans and the famous Komodo Dragons. Beginning in Sumatra and ending on Komodo, this trip was led seamlessly by Jami and Theo who are not only incredible wildlife photographers, but caring, accommodating, and level-headed group leaders.  Jami and Theo planned everything meticulously, but never hesitated to make adjustments to the plan if the circumstances required (such as a plane schedule change). There were 8 of us (not counting the group leaders), and Jami and Theo made every effort to make everyone feel included and taken care of.  The two of them always ensured that everyone, photographer or not, was getting the most out of their experience and had the best time, despite the logistical complexity and physical demands of the trip. From handling all of the guides in each lodge/location and arranging and rearranging transportation to switching seats with carsick teenagers in the back of a van, carrying and lifting other group members luggage without even being asked (Theo), swapping rooms with a client whose hot water heater broke, etc, Jami and Theo truly made this trip special and stress-free for us. The places we visited and the experiences we had were incredible and unique, like visiting the orangutan rehabilitation center in Sumatra, or hiking in the jungle in a torrential downpour, or snorkeling off of pink sand beaches, and many-many more.  Jami and Theo are absolutely the kindest, funniest, and all-around most delightful company one could ask for, which made this trip even more special and unforgettable. To both of them, a huge thank you and many hugs :)

Once again Wild Focus Expeditions delivers not only an excellent trip but a unforgettable-beautiful wild experience! Japan is a wonderful country and we had many opportunities to see and photograph different beautiful species between red crown cranes, sea eagles, owls, swans, foxes and snow monkeys with stunning backgrounds. I have to say that they were some pretty cold days, colder than I have ever felt, but it was part of the adventure, being out in the wild. We were also spoiled with hot delicious chef prepared Japanese meals our hosts and guides at Hokkaido were exceptional. Jami thank you for another amazing expedition.

Wild Focus found us a guide in Hokkaido who has more Nature’s Best photo awards than will fit on his desk. We were his first non-Japanese tour group since the pandemic and only works with clients he trusts the most. Apparently that puts Wild Focus at the top of that list.

With decades of shooting on his island, he knew what to expect of every animal depending on the weather – which for our trip was sometimes extremely cold. He showed us better spots to shoot from than the ones crowded with tourists, and strongly encouraged angles that at first I would never have guessed. He was spot on.

Up before us long before dawn, whole days planned out, he and his staff worked longer and harder than any of us. Between key destinations he chose driving routes that maximized our chances of finding the Edo (Sakhalin) Fox and we found them twice, once within a few meters. He knew where the short-eared owls did their aerial hunting and put us right next to them at sunset. When the standard spots weren’t delivering whooper swans (too cold) he knew where they’d be instead – no other visitors seemed to know these spots only shared amongst locals.

The list goes on, but of special note – he also helped us find the best bowl of ramen on Hokkaido (two times) and some killer Korean BBQ. When you start your day at -23C that’s a bonus.

Lots of people run this route – eagles, cranes, swans on a well-trodden loop. Wild Focus put us in the hands of one of the most respected pro photographers on the island, and we benefited greatly from that.

Usually I prepare for trips and do some studying on where I am going.  For this trip I did not have the chance and I think that added to the adventure, not know what to expect.  The trip was one of the best if not best trips I have ever been on.  Experiencing Mongolia the way we did was a once in a lifetime experience for sure.  The people were just lovely.  Tourism is not big there yet and I am not sure we want it to be because it is such an authentic and real place.  Jami and Theo found the right people to make it truly unique for us. Yes, it was rustic but that was part of the adventure too. Attending the Eagle Festival with the eagle hunters was surreal and then riding horses with them was just incredible.  We could not have had a better group of people too which was the icing on the cake!  Thanks so Jami and Theo!!

The trip to Mongolia was one of the best trips I have ever taken and it far exceeded my expectations. The reasons are numerous: experiencing a nomadic culture; witnessing the Golden Eagle Festival with local guides; living with local eagle hunters who were warm, friendly and generous; participating in an eagle hunt; and much more. All of this was possible because of the experience and professionalism of Jami and Theo. All aspects of the trip, from logistics to input on photography, were well thought out and ran smoothly. I am looking forward to my next Wild Focus Expedition!

On relatively short trips into a country, one barely dips their toe into the culture and people met.  The pre-work that went into this trip, allowed us to jump in with both feet.  If for only a short time we were able to learn and experience the nomadic life, ride horses with the eagle hunters, and have cross-cultural exchanges that are very rarely found when traveling.  Jami and Theo provided a strong platform that led to a memorable trip. 

Best of all was the travel experiences within our group and with the Mongolian people.  The Mongolian people are some of the most hospitable people you will meet anywhere!

Mongolia was an incredible experience. The scouting work performed by Jami in 2019 paid off big time with wonderful guides and resources that made this trip very special. This was a very “rustic” trip and the group we travelled with was friendly, easy going, and interesting, with no whiners or compaliners to be found. The Mongolia people we spent time with were the most generous, warm, hsopitable people I have ever met. The genuine warmth with which they welcomed us into their homes was extraordinary. Riding on horseback with the eagle hunters, in rough moutainous terrain was a thrill, and to witness a successful hunt was a truly unique experience. Thank you to Jami and Theo for creating this once in a lifetime opportunity for us. I think it was perfect in every way. Dan Baker

The previous reviews are well stated! This was a trip of a lifetime! It far exceeded my expectations. The biggest factor in my book was the relationships that Jami and Theo have created with the local guides who provided the most sincere, generous, and genuine experience imaginable. Mongolian hospitality is beyond measure. The scenery is breathtaking. I am not a photographer but managed to capture some moments I will cherish forever! Thank you Jami and Theo for your caring and thoughtful planning and execution.

Ooops I did it again…… that is, I joined another Wild Focus Adventure and had the most amazing experience.  Where to even start. As always, Jami and Theo generously share their photographic skills and knowledge. They have gathered together the right people to create this authentic Mongolian/Kazakh experience. An immersion into a time tested culture with some of the most welcoming, warm and generous people you’re ever likely to meet. Photographic opportunities abound with action (not only at the Golden Eagle Festival) but also amid landscapes so vast they will leave you breathless. They have created a genuine relationship with a renown Eagle Master and his family, this enabled us to ride with them and other Eagle Hunters to observe successful hunts. This is not a trip for the faint hearted or for those of ‘fragile’ temperaments. The trip is ‘off the grid’ and takes you to places that will test you…, but as you adapt your comfort zone will expand, your senses will explode and your heart will fill with the sheer joy of experiencing a culture that has survived by being passed from generation to generation. 

Being to Svalbard 2x before, this was about to be the first with Jami and Theo of Wild Focus Expeditions. And I liked it :) Their knowledge of photography, small-size groups and drive made them for me the perfect leaders on this year’s ‘expedition’. And apparently they have not been that for only this tour: of all 12 people joining I was 1 out of  2 were first time clients. Their secret ingredients? 1) Their enthusiasm and humor, without losing touch of the subject matter:  delivering photographic knowledge and capabilities; 2) and personal touch in delivering these skills, or should I say – “their commitment to have you take a perfect photo”: 1-to-1 deck personal recommendations, people’s introductions to camera settings, technical support and on-demand lectures on wildlife & landscape photography subject See you soon :)

This has been definitely been “the trip of a lifetime” for me!  Mongolia’s landscapes, horses, eagles, and people have captured my soul the way no other place has!
Wild Focus Expeditions (Jami & Theo) exceeded my expectations in every way.  They did an incredible job of preparing for this “first ever” trip by establishing close relationships with the most famous Eagle Hunter in Mongolia. He & his family were the most genuine, gracious, loving people I could imagine!

Some of the highlights:  1. Riding in the Altai Mountains on sturdy, Mongolian horses as our Eagle Hunters searched for prey. 2. Being entertained on some evenings by our talented hosts!  There was dancing, throat singing, musical instruments, etc. Their culture is just amazing. 3. Playing a game of “disc throwing” with our Mongolian friends! 4. Hiking, with 360• views of the mountains in the distance. 
I could go on & on, however, this trip is NOT for sissies!  If you aren’t comfortable “roughing” it a bit, it’s not for you.  The gher’s are comfortable but basic.  You will be living the way these nomads live… including the outdoor privies!  This is the only way to truly understand this culture & experience this “trip of a lifetime”!! 
Thank you, Jami & Theo!  Looking forward to our next adventure with Wild Focus Expeditions!

I will start with my biggest regret…that I have not met Jami and Theo and discovered Wild Focus Expeditions years ago! In the last 8 months I have traveled with them three times – to Pantanal Brazil, Svalbard and now to Namibia. They have quickly become not just preferred tour guides/photography leaders, but good friends of mine. For me, traveling in good company and having reliable leaders who are personable, responsive and easy to communicate with is equally if not more important, than the itinerary or the destination. Jami and Theo were always there for each guest,  paying attention to everyone’s needs and always trying to help, accomodating requests and considering suggestions, creating a fun and relaxed environment for all.

I loved that the group was small – only 6 guests, and everyone got along. I loved that we flew between destinations rather than drove for hours and hours, losing valuable time on those transfers. It was so worth the extra expense! And the bird’s eye views of the unique Namibian landscapes were so beautiful! I loved our visits to the Himba villages – not those which every tour to Namibia visits, but the real, remote, authentic and rarely visited tribal villages. I loved all other destinations too, of course, especially the magnificent dunes, but interactions with local tribes are always a highlight for me.  All accommodations were comfortable; selection of our cabins right by the watering hole in Etosha was especially appreciated.

Overall there was only one unfortunate thing that happened on that trip – it ended. Saying good byes was hard.  I am already looking forward to my next trip with Jami and Theo in 2023!

This was our 4th trip with Wild Focus Expeditions, because trips with Theo and Jami are reliably great. Namibia was totally unique compared to Botswana or Kenya. As a geologist, it was geological-geographical landscape paradise. We climbed giant sand dunes, the oldest on earth, with beautiful forms and colors ranging from grey to tan to red depending on time of day.

Our small aircraft (Caravan) flight north along the Skeleton coast was not just a shuttle to the next camp, it was a low altitude aerial tour of dunes, shipwrecks, salt flats and an abandoned diamond mine.

The Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp was nestled in a moonscape canyon, but the trees and shrubs in the nearby Hoanib riverbed supported desert elephants, giraffe, springbok, oryx, etc. We drove the entire river bed from mountains to floodplain to coast for a picnic one day, where spectacular waves crashed the Atlantic coast, and a huge seal population surfed the big waves near Merva Bay.

Change of pace at the waterfalls and two Himba villages around Epupa Falls, then back to safari mode at Etosha National Park with springbok, kudu, oryx, impala, zebra, giraffe, lions, rhino, jackals, mongoose, and elephants.

Finished up at Na’ankuse Wildlife sanctuary, with special encounters with cheetahs and baby baboons, plus a specially arranged exhibition of venomous snakes by one of the worlds foremost herpetologists.

Jami and Theo certainly have the experience and connections and work hard to put together a memorable experience, and they are super travel and photography guides. Already looking forward to another adventure with them next year in Japan.

This was our fourth trip with Jami and Theo, and once again it was spectacular.  I am not a photographer – I do enjoy taking photos with my iPhone, but only to capture the moment for friends and family back home.  However, both Jami and Theo each gave me a lot of assistance on this trip which has opened up a new world for me.  Theo spent lots of time in Deadvlei teaching me how to compose a picture, not just blindly snap photos.  That really helped me on the rest of the trip.  While sitting together on one of our first flights, Jami taught me how to edit a picture on my iPhone.  I had no idea that was possible.  So with the knowledge I gained from Jami and Theo, I thoroughly enjoyed taking pictures on the rest of the trip.

This expedition to Namibia definitely focused on wildlife, but also on spectacular landscapes, scenery and geology.  Our pilot Jessica took us on one flight that I will never forget.  We flew at 500 – 1000 feet for quite a while, allowing us to see first hand the amazing geology of the land and how it changes drastically in such a short time. I became fascinated.  Then after listening to the two geologists on our trip, plus my non-geologist husband who seems to know so much about the subject, I’m considering taking a course this fall!

Here are the highlights of the trip for me:

• Climbing the sand dunes of Sossusvlei.  Climbing up and down the dunes, photographing the sensual lines and curves, was exhilarating.
• Deadvlei, a landscape photographer’s dream.  The beautiful, haunting old trees, with the gorgeous dunes in the background, were such a wonder.  One of my fellow travelers commented that it felt like we were in a place that very few people ever have the opportunity to be.  I had that same feeling.
• The Skeleton Coast.  The day we spent on the coast brings back such funny memories.  We had terrible weather!  Some of the worst winds ever experienced, with sand hitting the skin so hard.  It was absolutely so bad that it became hysterical.  We saw an old shipwreck, a huge seal colony, an animal graveyard, and my favorite, a beach that consisted of the most beautiful small rocks!  I could have sat there collecting rocks forever! Jami and Theo set us up at the top of a tall, steep sand dune, sitting in a row, then we all slid down the dune together, hearing the other-worldly sound made by the sand.  So much fun!
• Epupa Falls.  Here we had two very different experiences.  First was a hike above the falls, taking photos and feeling one with nature.  We went back before sunrise in the morning to take photos of star trails and the Milky Way, with a magnificent Baobab tree in the foreground.  We were also so fortunate, because of years spent at this place by Jami and Theo, and relationships that they developed, to spend time at two different Himba villages, able to photograph such beautiful people in their natural setting.
• Etosha National Park.  Our rooms were located just steps away from the largest watering hole in the park.  Our group witnessed rhinos and elephants so close to us at the watering hole.  We also went on a game drive in Etosha where we watched three lions playing and drinking water.  And my favorite little animals, the jackel, kept appearing in the funniest locations, seemingly trying to create havoc!

Jami and Theo of Wild Focus Expeditions truly hit it out of the ballpark with this trip, once again.  I would highly recommend this trip to everyone!

Again we were out for another adventure with Jami and Theo. The Namibia trip was gorgeous with scenery not seen in other African countries, always an adventure awaiting and encounters never experienced before that will last in my memory a lifetime. Behind the scenes there is a lot of work done by Jami and Theo always focused on giving us the best trip we can imagine. So lucky to have run into them and Wild Focus Expeditions!

I’ve travelled with Jami and Theo of Wild Focus Expeditions previously so I returned with high expectations. To my ultimate satisfaction Jami and Theo always seem able to realise and exceed these. Their combined knowledge of photography and willingness to share it elevates my images each time. They’re friendly, professional and are driven to get results for all their clients. Whether you’re a hard core photographer with equipment ‘out the wazoo’ or simply there for the adventure with an iPhone its all the same to them … your satisfaction is their ultimate aim. I cannot recommend them highly enough and will plan to join another of their expeditions.

Finding polar bears in a huge, pristine landscape takes more than just showing up in a boat. You need small, ice-hardened ships operated by local captains with decades of experience, able to search the narrow fjords, shallow waters, and broken sea ice where the bears are most often found. Your chances are best with a guide who deeply understands the local bears, and the ever-changing ice conditions that determine where they’re most likely to be hunting.

That’s what Wild Focus delivered for us.

I knew we were in the right hands when we returned to the ship on a frigid arctic night, thinking of little more than getting warm again, only to see our expedition leader racing along the rail and yelling frantically that our Zodiac needed to go back to the ice NOW! We had been watching a sleeping mother and cub but had finally given up – we were freezing and they might not move for hours. But Theo Allofs had continued watching our bears from the ship even as we headed back, so we wouldn’t miss out if something changed.

Sure enough, the mother and her cub had awakened and begun walking closer in perfect low light, a dream scenario – but our backs were turned as we headed home. As we approached the ship, Theo ran outside shouting and pointing back to shore. Our guide – a man of 30 years’ experience with Svalbard’s polar bears – spun us around with a huge grin on his face and gunned the engine. The best photos of the trip came minutes later and the guide could barely contain his infectious joy – grinning madly and pumping his fists for the beautiful experience his guests were sharing with him.

How can you beat that?

Photo expeditions to wild places demand the right plan, the right equipment, and the right people. For me, that’s Wild Focus.

Thank you Jami and Theo for another incredible experience through Wild Focus Expeditions.  Svalbard was our second venture with Wild Focus and it exceeded our expectations.  Spectacular scenery, exciting dog sledding, and intimate encounters with polar bears.  It reinforced why we will continue to travel with Jami and Theo.  They excel in 3 key areas:

First, they have lots of hands-on experience from previous trips and provide guidance from food and lodging decisions to animal behavior predictions.  At one point (after tracking a polar bear for a couple of hours), Theo recommended we return the Zodiacs to the ship to warm up, anticipating that at some point the bear may wander down to shoreline to hunt.  Within minutes of our return to the ship, the bear came down and walked the shoreline, just as Theo predicted.

Second, they bring the best local guides.  We were provided 2 experienced local “bear guides” to help locate and provide a safe encounter for both us and the bears. Imagine our surprise and delight when one of the books we found on the boat about polar bears was co-authored by one of our very own guides, Rinie van Meurs.  You can’t ask for any more expertise on an expedition.

Finally, they provide a great balance between the serious business of getting you to the right locations to find the animals and catering to your comfort.  For example, we saw other much more luxurious and larger ships unable to follow us into the pack ice to find bears or get close enough to the shoreline.  We had our share of great up-close bear sightings but were never uncomfortable.  The boat was capable with functional cabins and we ate like royalty thanks to our Swedish chef, Daniel.

Whether you are a serious photographer or just want to experience animals up close in their natural habitat, Wild Focus delivers! We are already booked for our next trip with them.

I had an amazing trip to Svalbard!

Jami and Theo and all the onboard crew were brilliant… they were always there for any technical camera questions or for information on our surroundings at that point on our trip.  The lectures we had were fascinating too.

The snowmobiles were a great laugh and the trip to the Ice Cave was mind blowing – so beautiful.

Once we got started, we saw some wonderful landscapes and Arctic terrain.

The food and service was terrific – always interesting and lots of it.

Everyone joined in with the wildlife spotting, either from the bow of the ship  or from the Deck.  Lots to see, including Walrus, Bearded Seals, Arctic Foxes and lots of bird life too.

We had great trips on the Zodiacs.

The last Zodiac trip was out of this world.. to see the initial male Polar bear was great but then to carry on and follow the Mother Bear and her Cub was just was mind-blowing… something I would have put at the top pf my List.

A great Tour and one that I would wholly recommend.

I can’t recommend a Wild Focus Expedition highly enough.  I loved every minute I was in Svalbard.  Thanks to the great ground work done by Jami and Theo it was everything  I hoped it would be and more.  But as well as their organisational skills – their photographic knowledge is beyond belief.  Nothing was too much trouble for Jami and Theo and anytime you had a photographic question they were only too happy to help.  Thank you for a trip of a lifetime.  Now If I could only squeeze in your Snow Monkeys expedition to Japan.

Excellent trip to Svarbard. Planing on 2 trips a year with Theo and Jami. Anyone can contact me 24/7 via email or text. dankimmd@me.com 9498723336.

This trip to Kenya exceeded all of my expectations. I had the original impression that we would be looking at one or two lions from maybe 100 meters away. This preconception was far from the truth. We were able to look at the animals from an arm’s length away, while learning about their behavior. Jamitarris and our guides, Mwashi and Siele, had an immense knowledge about all of the wild animals we saw. They would always put us in the best places to shoot the animals (with a camera), and with their knowledge, they would proactively move the vehicle to where the animal would go next, putting us in prime position. Jamitarris was an exceptional guide too. She was always entertaining, whether it was sharing her past experiences around the animals or engaging with us when drives seemed dull. She also ensured we were comfortable wherever we were; she was ready to make any change if it would help our experience. Jamitarris, Mwashi, and Siele clearly all cared deeply about the animals and environment, and they made our first safari the best trip we have ever been on.

OMG! Where do I begin … we had our trip planned during covid times and we started as a group of 11 and ended with 4 of us going. Our group was a 20 something, 70 + and two 40+ individuals. Everyone was catered to on your level and it’s a trip of a lifetime!!!!

The communication we received from Jami and Theo before the trip was top notch. From flight info to what to pack and expect … the stress and anxiety was a zero.

Jami’s and her guides expertise was mind blowing. I loved her
Conservation angle and that just added to the overall experience immensely.

Did I want to leave? Heck NO! The time flies by with the majestic scenery and excellent accommodations.

The only problem … what trip to do next!!!

Sorry for the delay with this review but, right after we got home, a few days later, we had to contend with a class three hurricane.
This trip to Kenya exceeded all of our expectations. This was Debbie’s third trip Wild Focus and my second.
A few days into the trip, Jami asked me what I thought of what I had seen. My only response was I was in “Sensory Overload.” The types and number of animals seen were incredible. The facilities, food and service were first class. During the different game drives with Jamie and Theo they would give tips on how to get the most out of our equipment. The result was, we got pictures that were incredible and impossible before.
If you are going to see Kenya, this is the way to do it.

To Jamie and Theo……..Nicely Done!

This is the third trip that we take with Jami and Theo and it is always such an amazing adventure.

Kenya was full of surprises and two of the lodges where such a treat and out of the ordinary with superb service. Being able to stay at permanent tents just to the side of wildlife corridors. One was mainly elephants and the other hipos, with the addition at night of other wild creatures roaming around. Wonderful sounds and savannah aromas, loved being part of what Nature and wildlife are, just one of the best things we have on this beautiful planet.

There where out of the ordinary sightings where I felt I was watching a Nature documentary. I learned so much on this trip of wilderness behavior, just loved it.

We were fortunate to see quite many different species of all kinds, had several sightings of big cats with their cubs.

Also being able to go to the Maasai village and getting to learn about their culture and interact with them was also a plus.

The guides were extraordinary, their knowledge and intuition of where to find the best and unique sightings.

Jami and Theo always have a lot to offer, on photography information, sightings that we are experiencing, looking for best ways to make us feel as  premier guests, they are wonderful.

Looking forward for the next adventure…

The itinerary for Kenya had everything I was looking for and more, and it was a fantastic adventure made possible by the experience and careful planning by Jami and Theo! The trip was a fantastic experience from beginning to end, and you definitely need an adventurous mindset to go on one of their trips!

I’m used to traveling in small groups of 2 – 3 people and I enjoy the hard work of putting together all of the many components that make up a full itinerary, but after discovering Wild Focus Expeditions and reading the itineraries they put together for small-group trips in different areas around the world I was intrigued. Most of the destinations they put trips together for are places they have been to multiple times, and most importantly they have established good connections/relationships with people and know how to get the most out of where they are going and have learned what to do and what not to do from their past experiences. This is invaluable and helps to make all of their expeditions fantastic. The challenge of going to a place on your own for the first time is that you don’t have any good connections established yet and you’re hoping that the itinerary you put together works out. It was completely evident that Jami and Theo had fine-tuned the whole Kenya experience through their past trips there. They picked fantastic lodges to stay at, and over the years had developed great relationships with drivers/guides that were exceptional, as well as great connections with people in villages in the local cultures we visited. The whole itinerary was thoughtfully put together from when you’re picked up from the airport to when you’re dropped back off, and they provided a great handbook before the trip to help with packing and your personal planning needs. They used various drivers/guides in the past until they found ones that were exceptional and great to work with, and we benefited from that process immensely. You really get to know the drivers/guides during the trip, and they work very hard for you with everything they do. They, along with Jami and Theo, help to provide you with insight and information on the wildlife and the cultures you’ll experience. They know how to anticipate where the action is going to happen when there is a potential hunt, and they did an excellent job of getting you positioned in the best possible place to photograph or just view the action.

Part of the itinerary that I especially enjoyed were the visits to the Samburu and Maasai villages. I enjoyed seeing the people all dressed up and happy to share parts of their culture with us. These visits were made especially great because Jami and Theo have long-standing relationships with people in the villages and it almost feels like you’re going with them to visit friends.

As a serious amateur photographer it was important to me that I chose an expedition company that would ensure that I got all of the photography opportunities that I could, and with Jami and Theo being photographers themselves they really helped to make sure everyone in the truck had the best possible vantage point to whatever it was we were seeing. The trucks were comfortable and well equipped and made photography easy and I came home with a lot of great photographs, and more importantly a lot of great memories and a few friends from the trip.

Thank you to Jami and Theo for the incredible work you do to make these trips a great experience from beginning to end! I’m looking forward to traveling to Svalbard with you in 2022!

RAND

This was a trip to top all trips. For one – the trip leaders Jami Tarris and Theo Allofs provided us with the most awesome itinerary, sharing their passion for wildlife, photography and conservation every step of the way. I was most impressed with their depth of knowledge about the behavior and lives of the wildlife we observed and their love of the cultures of the indigenous people we were able to meet.

The guides/drivers were always the best with wonderful ways of sharing their knowledge of the animals and cultures wherever we were. Jami and Theo always made sure we got the best photos and angles at each wildlife encounter. They are both world class photographers and shared so much of their knowledge with us. It was so appreciated and I left the trip with so much more knowledge of photography than I started with.
At each camp/lodge we were always attended to in the most caring and courteous manner. The tent camps are the epitome of glamping and were most incredible. It was very civilized with long cocktail hours before dinner while we relived our favorite parts of the day. I loved having hippos in the river right outside my veranda or the huge elephant that came to visit right outside our deck. At each lodge we were always provided a porter to help with getting around the camps without too much of a wildlife encounter – just enough!
And the food . . . I know you don’t go to Kenya on a safari for the food but I have to tell you the food was the best! Especially at the Mara Bush Camp – Private Wing. There was always a full bar, and wine and beer were always available. We had wonderful breakfasts in the bush while viewing animals and one day were met for lunch with a full on hot buffet out on the savannah! Pretty amazing!

If you’ve looked at the itinerary for the trip you’ll see all of the wildlife you’ll get to experience and Jami and Theo with their wonderful drivers will deliver on that experience. They know the area and the animals so well that they seem to be able to predict where they’ll be. One time our driver – Siele saw a baboon sitting in the top of a tree and said why is he up there? He looked around and there was a lioness with her cubs! If he hadn’t seen the baboon in the tree and known what that meant we would have missed a wonderful experience!

If you’re considering a trip to Kenya this is the way to do it!

UGANDA
My wife and I have traveled to Africa several times in the past, but not with Wild Focus Expeditions. We had the chance to see mountain gorillas in Rwanda back in 2012, and the experience of being with these awesome primates is so unique, I’ve wanted to see them again ever since. So, given the Wild Focus itinerary we saw this as an excellent opportunity to interact with gorillas again, this time in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest of Uganda. It was well worth it. This was our third trip with Wild Focus and we continue to be favorably impressed with their capabilities. Of course, this being the era of COVID, unlike our previous African trips, there were several “hurdles” to negotiate. But, with Jami’s experience, positive nature and in – country connections, all worked out well. In addition to our trekking to see the mountain gorillas, we spent a day and a half observing and photographing chimpanzees at home in the Kibale Forest National Park. This too was an extremely memorable experience, as these noisy, excitable and human-like creatures were really cool. This being our first visit to Uganda, we were eager to see the country first-hand. What a lovely country it is and we were impressed by the friendly, courteous nature of everyone we encountered. Our accommodations were all first – rate, especially the Ndali Lodge, a tea and coffee plantation dating back to the British colonial times, that sits on the rim of one of the many crater lakes in the area. This is definitely a lodge we’d consider coming back to again.
KENYA
The second leg of our trip was to Kenya and the Maasai Mara. Again, we’ve been to Kenya before but were attracted to the Wild Focus itinerary because it included a chance to experience the Great Migration along the Mara River. Before heading off to the Maasai Mara however, Jami very thoughtfully arranged for us to have a private visit with the orphan elephants at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Center in Nairobi. This was a very special opportunity to be up – close and personal with more than a dozen elephant calves for over an hour prior to the Center opening to the public. It was another terrific example of Jami sharing her passion for wildlife conservation and protection, just like our own. Then, it was on to the Maasai Mara where we were definitely not disappointed. Not only did we have many opportunities to spend time viewing and photographing wildlife – including 4 of the African Big 5 (rhinos being the only one we missed) as well as cheetah, giraffe, hyena, zebra and hundreds of birds. Thanks to Jami and our splendid guide/driver Siele, we also witnessed a fantastic crossing of the Mara River from Kenya into Tanzania by what must have been a thousand wildebeest. And, once again, Jami’s choice of accommodations was superb. We stayed at the Mara Bush Camp – Private Wing, a relatively new eco-lodge right in the heart of all the Mara action and staffed with a first-rate chef and extremely helpful and courteous housekeepers, waiters, etc. (For more detail, I suggest you read the review written by fellow traveler, Barbara Harned). Many thanks to Jami (and Theo) for putting together such a memorable trip.

Uganda was my second trip with Jami and Wild Focus Expeditions and it did not disappoint! Traveling during the pandemic may not be for everyone, but the payoff for all the flight planning, tests, certifications, and QR codes was well worth it. Link to my trip summary and photos below. Looking forward to my next great adventure with Jami and Theo! https://spark.adobe.com/page/U5A3pDr9Xhlap/ 

Wow what a magical trip!! We were the brave ones who stayed the course on an originally 11 person tour that dwindled down the 4 of us total due to Covid. We were anticipating the trip so much that nothing was going to stop us and I’m sure glad nothing did! From watching a lioness carry her 3 week old cub in her mouth, to hundreds of elephants just feet away, to a rare melanistic servil cat, to a blue eyed leopard, to 4 cheetahs taking down a wildebeest to the massive great migration crossing experience, and SO much more, this trip well exceeded our expectations!! We didn’t want to leave and were tempted to extend our trip another two weeks. Jami and her crew, especially the seemingly psychic, animal whisperer, driver Siele were top notch. We felt in great hands with so much experience and so many stories behind their belts. And the accommodations were fantastic. We especially loved the last camp at the Masai Mara where our tent overlooked a hippo pool and we had a 24 hour view of these magestic animals from our porch. This was a trip of a lifetime and we will never forget it. Our biggest problem now is… How do we top it???

This was our third trip with Wild Focus and as expected and usual it couldn’t have been better.
Leading up to trip, the US Embassy did cause us to have some trepidation concerning crime and Covid. Jamie assured us that that was embellished and it was! Yes there was more “hoops and whistles “ to cover but Jamie had all testing arranged and made sure we had appropriate when needed.
Actually Covid was our friend as to wild life viewing since tourism is down. There was no over crowding of vehicles at sightings. In fact at one leopard view we were the only vehicle and by the time another vehicle arrived we were ready to leave. Also the lodges were quieter than usual , so had over the top service.
As to actual wildlife experience,read my good friend Barbara Harned’s review. I couldn’t have said it better.
We are now looking forward to our Wild Focus trip to Antarctica in October 2022.

This was a great trip which started in Uganda primarily to find and observe chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, and gorillas at Bwindi. All treks were successful, with lots of opportunity to photograph these primates. The hiking in Bwindi zigzags uphill and is pretty strenuous, but well worth it! (Most of us hired porters who were very helpful.) We found one gorilla family after only about a 1/2 hour hike. The next day we hiked for about 1 1/2 hours to get to a family of at least nine, including four playful babies that wanted to great us. An adult female was uphill from us and her infant was downhill. They approached each other for breast feeding, meeting just several feet away from where we were standing. We actually had to step back to maintain space. It was incredible!

Between Kibale and Bwindi we visited Queen Elizabeth Park including two boat trips on the Kazinga Channel. There were many animals to see along the banks during the morning trip, but much fewer in the afternoon. During our drives there seemed to be a dearth of wildlife at Queen Elizabeth, which was a little disappointing. Kayambura Gorge is beautiful, and geologically impressive. Not much wildlife there on the day we visited.

On to Kenya – we visited the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust where orphan elephants are cared for before a ‘soft’ release back to the wild. It was fascinating and fun to interact with these curious calves. One of the smallest took my hand in his trunk to lead me around. We also visited the Karen Blixen museum estate before departing Nairobi for the Masai Mara.

Our stay at the Mara Bushcamp Private Wing was phenomenal! Jami and our driver/guide, Siele, didn’t just locate animals – they managed to locate animals actively engaged in interesting behavior. We saw 4 male cheetah successfully hunt wildebeest. We watched them locate, strategize, chase and kill. Ditto for a couple of hyena that stalked, chased and simultaneously killed not one, but two wildebeest. The two hyena that started this chase quickly attracted an entire clan to bicker over the feast. Brutal, but fascinating. We saw other cheetah – including mother and cubs; leopards in trees – some with their prey; many variety of antelope; zebra and wildebeest assembling for migration. Lots of lions including a group of three males, three females and 4 cubs. The dominant male was in full control of the group – occasionally rebuking an underling for attempting to eat out of turn, or for getting too close to his currently favored female.

We saw two crossings (part of the Great Migration) over the Mara River. The first was a small group of wildebeest – maybe 100. The second was a large group of around 1000 with great visability of the entire expanse of the river. Jamie and Siele did an excellent job of positioning for maximum photographic opportunities, which were abundant!

International travel is definitely tedious these days, with all the testing, documentation and health screening. But it was worth it. Jamie did a great job of helping to mange those logistics, and helped us through the process. We felt very safe and very welcome everywhere we went.

Thanks to Jamie and her excellent driver/guides – Jason (in Uganda), Mwashi (in Nairobi), and Siele!

This was a great trip which started in Uganda primarily to find and observe chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, and gorillas at Bwindi. All treks were successful, with lots of opportunity to photograph these primates. The hiking in Bwindi zigzags uphill and is pretty strenuous, but well worth it! (Most of us hired porters who were very helpful.) We found one gorilla family after only about a 1/2 hour hike. The next day we hiked for about 1 1/2 hours to get to a family of at least nine, including four playful babies that wanted to great us. An adult female was uphill from us and her infant was downhill. They approached each other for breast feeding, meeting just several feet away from where we were standing. We actually had to step back to maintain space. It was incredible!

Between Kibale and Bwindi we visited Queen Elizabeth Park including two boat trips on the Kazinga Channel. There were many animals to see along the banks during the morning trip, but much fewer in the afternoon. During our drives there seemed to be a dearth of wildlife at Queen Elizabeth, which was a little disappointing. Kayambura Gorge is beautiful, and geologically impressive. Not much wildlife there on the day we visited.

On to Kenya – we visited the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust where orphan elephants are cared for before a ‘soft’ release back to the wild. It was fascinating and fun to interact with these curious calves. One of the smallest took my hand in his trunk to lead me around. We also visited the Karen Blixen museum estate before departing Nairobi for the Masai Mara.

Our stay at the Mara Bushcamp Private Wing was phenomenal! Jami and our driver/guide, Siele, didn’t just locate animals – they managed to locate animals actively engaged in interesting behavior. We saw 4 male cheetah successfully hunt wildebeest. We watched them locate, strategize, chase and kill. Ditto for a couple of hyena that stalked, chased and simultaneously killed not one, but two wildebeest. The two hyena that started this chase quickly attracted an entire clan to bicker over the feast. Brutal, but fascinating. We saw other cheetah – including mother and cubs; leopards in trees – some with their prey; many variety of antelope; zebra and wildebeest assembling for migration. Lots of lions including a group of three males, three females and 4 cubs. The dominant male was in full control of the group – occasionally rebuking an underling for attempting to eat out of turn, or for getting too close to his currently favored female.

We saw two crossings (part of the Great Migration) over the Mara River. The first was a small group of wildebeest – maybe 100. The second was a large group of around 1000 with great visability of the entire expanse of the river. Jamie and Siele did an excellent job of positioning for maximum photographic opportunities, which were abundant!

International travel is definitely tedious these days, with all the testing, documentation and health screening. But it was worth it. Jamie did a great job of helping to mange those logistics, and helped us through the process. We felt very safe and very welcome everywhere we went.

Thanks to Jamie and her excellent driver/guides – Jason (in Uganda), Mwashi (in Nairobi), and Siele!

Uganda is where you go to see primates. It involves trekking through heavy forested areas for possibly several hours to reach them. We were fortunate to get to both chimpanzees and later gorillas after a trek of about an hour each. Wild Focus has the expertise and knows the guides and rangers who can get you to where you want to be. In addition to seeing wildlife you get an education into the culture and food of the local population. The accommodations are top drawer ensuring one of a safe and yet back to nature stay

We just spent two weeks with Jami through Kenya (Amboseli, Sanburu and Maasai Mara). I’ll echo the usual sentiments about how amazing the sights, sounds, tastes and smells were (our first but not last safari). However, I wanted to provide insight on how and why Jami and Wild Focus made a difference in our experience.

First, is her personal experience and expertise. She has been to Kenya over 20 times and knows where to stay (dizzying number of camps, but location is key in seeing animals without a lot of driving); how long to stay (each park requires some time to explore and track the whereabouts of each pride, coalition, herd or tower of animals); and what to look for (tracks, animal movement, placement of vehicle for best pictures, etc.). Wild Focus only books trips where Jami or Theo have personally mapped out the trip from the itinerary, to experiences, to selection of accommodations.

Second, is her selection of drivers and guides. Our 2 drivers (Mwashi and Siele ) contributed greatly to a great experience. They were extremely knowledgeable about the parks, animal behavior and photography. Each drove expertly and positioned our vehicle to get the best shots.

Third, is her infectious personality and desire to help you get the best experience and best photos. She spent a lot of time helping my family take the best photos (camera settings, lighting and positioning) and tips to enhance our experience.

It is a long and costly trip of a lifetime to experience big cats, elephants, giraffes and hippos up close. I believe Jami and her crew will work to make sure you have no regrets.

H.Y.

This trip to Kenya exceeded all of my expectations. I had the original impression that we would be looking at one or two lions from maybe 100 meters away. This preconception was far from the truth. We were able to look at the animals from an arm’s length away, while learning about their behavior. Jamitarris and our guides, Mwashi and Siele, had an immense knowledge about all of the wild animals we saw. They would always put us in the best places to shoot the animals (with a camera), and with their knowledge, they would proactively move the vehicle to where the animal would go next, putting us in prime position. Jamitarris was an exceptional guide too. She was always entertaining, whether it was sharing her past experiences around the animals or engaging with us when drives seemed dull. She also ensured we were comfortable wherever we were; she was ready to make any change if it would help our experience. Jamitarris, Mwashi, and Siele clearly all cared deeply about the animals and environment, and they made our first safari the best trip we have ever been on.

Before arriving in Kenya, I really had no idea what to expect from the trip. Jami, however, provided us with an amazing experience for the entirety of the two weeks we spent there. Not only was she was incredibly knowledgeable about the area, the animals, and the cultures of the local tribes, but she was also highly entertaining and a joy to spend time with and get to know. In addition, she constantly made sure that we were comfortable and that our accommodations were perfect for us, as she was not afraid to make adjustments if necessary. Mwashi and Siele, the local guides that she picked for us, were also excellent. I could tell that everyone involved truly cared about the animals and their jobs, and there was never a dull moment for me on the trip.

What an Amazing trip – Best Trip Ever! This was our first safari and first trip with Wild Focus.

Jami and her guides made the game drives exciting and interesting. They are well informed and very knowledgeable with the parks and animals. Enjoyed the stories/information and names of certain animals.

Jami is so thoughtful, fun and funny. We really loved our time with her.

Thank you Jami and see you in Svalbard!

Two trips with Wild Focus Expeditions and two successes. First Svalbard, now the Galápagos Islands – we can hardly wait for our third adventure. We really enjoy the small group, nature centric approach of Wild Focus – which clearly is an extension of Jami and Theo.

Traveling during the pandemic created a couple scheduling challenges, and we greatly appreciate how Jami and her team pivoted with full transparency. It wasn’t easy, but we missed nothing and enjoyed the full experience. The ship accommodations were great and our local guide, Carolina, was super sweet and knowledgeable.

The wildlife of the Galápagos Islands is spectacular and we highly value the access that Wild Focus is able to provide. Jami, Theo and their team are second to none, again we anxiously await our next trip together.

Finally, as a quick side note for future visitors to the Galápagos Islands, we can not encourage enough adding a visit to the Capital of Ecuador, Quito, and its surrounding areas.

This was our second trip traveling with Wild Focus Expeditions; last year we went to Botswana. Needless to say, once again the experience was amazing, especially considering that we traveled during the pandemic, which created “hiccups” that were beautifully resolved by Jami and her local team. The plus side of this was that the islands were empty of tourists and provided us with a unique experience of undisturbed sightings . My favorites were snorkeling with sea turtles and sharks and getting very close to sea lions sleeping on the beach!

The variety of birds was extraordinary, (and the quantity of lizards too!).

Traveling with Jami and Theo is always a treat. Their knowledge, kindness and incredible sense of humor is to be experienced at least once in a lifetime!

I can’t recommend enough Wild Focus Expeditions and hope to travel again with them in the near future!

We were initially sceptical of travelling during the pandemic, but a lot of hard work and organizational effort by Jami Tarris from Wild Focus Expeditions enabled the entire expedition group to feel safe enough to embark on our Galapagos island adventure.

The pandemic caused some logistical hiccups with our itinerary, but our guide and expedition hosts dug deep, and managed to pull off an exceptional trip that covered all of the islands we were originally scheduled to visit. Interestingly, because there had been almost no tourist traffic on the islands for the previous nine months, we were treated to wildlife and vegetation populations that had undergone significant recovery. We may in fact have had one of the best, most vibrant, natural viewing experiences possible in many, many years.

We have travelled previously with Wild Focus to the Arctic, and have now added the Equator. Next summer it will be Africa, and I am sure that that trip wil be as unique and “off the beaten path” as our last two were.

Traveling with Jami and Theo has enabled us to fully immerse in the locations we visit, and Wild Focus Expedion trips provide a close up experience with nature that other tour operators can not match.

This trip to the Galapagos Islands was on the top of my “Bucket List” and it exceeded, by far, all of my expectations.

Getting everyone there was a major accomplishment on Jami’s part and with everyone around us being tested, with the exception of our Schnauzers, we were probably safer there than in the United States.

The wildlife in the Galapagos Islands is almost indescribable. Our guide, Carolina, was determined to make sure we saw as much as possible and she became one of our group. The crew of the ship we were on were fantastic. The food excellent and overall service was great.

Five words:::::::I want to go back! So, it’s still on my bucket list.

I was also able to celebrate my birthday with an incredible group of people.

Our next trip with Wild Focus will be in August in Kenya provided the world hasn’t gone Bat Shit Crazy. Strange times we live in.

To Jami……Nicely Done!

This was our first Wild Focus trip and we thoroughly enjoyed it. After a few initial hiccups due to Galapagos governmental intransigence with ship permitting, the entire itinerary of the tour was completed. This was in no small part due to the perseverance and resourcefulness of our group leader Jami (no Theo this time) and tour guide Carolina.
Jami’s sense of humor helped ensure that our group of sixteen quickly felt as one, and Carolina’s extensive knowledge and patience added to all the many tours. Every day there were three or four events planned which guaranteed we saw all the flora and fauna that the Galapagos is famous for. It’s obvious why Wild Focus Expeditions is so successful.

This was a wonderful, magic trip in December 2020, during the pandemic. It is a testament to Wild Focus Expeditions and the operators and guides they use in country that we were able to make this trip at all. There were several issues completely out of the control of Wild Focus and the operators, due to the pandemic and forever changing regulations, that the staff worked tirelessly to overcome; we ended up having to switch schedules and ship, but saw everything and everywhere we had planned, with a fantastic guide and crew, and are forever grateful. The Galapagos are another world, stunningly beautiful, with distinctive wonderful flora and fauna. It may take me months to go through all the photos, but it will be more than worth the work! Thanks Jami and Theo!!

Traveling with a small group to Botswana and Kenya was a rare treat. Jami and Theo our group leaders were great and took the time needed to get the best possible photos of the wildlife.
The guides were very knowledgeable
about the animals and knew the areas that would provide us with the most wildlife. Very
accommodating for sure.
The facilities staff members were excellent and the food was amazing.
We look forward to our next adventure with Jami and Theo.

The Pantanal trip ended up all that I had hoped for animal wise. We had enough Jaguars to fill all the memory cards I needed with plenty of interesting shots.

As usual, Jami and Theo did an excellent job in securing guides and lodging considering we were in the middle of nowhere. The rivers were well taken care of.

This was our third trip with Wild Focus Expeditions and considering a 4th.

Larry Lehner

The Pantanal is spacious wetland in central Brazil. The trip to get to the focal region was planned well and it was distant. We had very educated Brazilian guides. Targeted species were seen: ocelot, tapir, jaguar, capybara, giant river otters,caiman, birds of prey, and song birds. Photographic opportunities were abundant. questions were always addressed. Photography hints and assistance were amply provided by Theo and Jamie.

Out of our control were the extremely hot temperatures.
The 3 lodgings were adequate, kept clean, and sleeping quarters were air conditioned. Food was basic and repeated.

Wish to visit?? Go soon, (over) tourism is raising its ugly head.
Regulations regarding siting, boating, crowding need to be addressed by the government.

The guides were excellent, the jaguar viewings wonderful! Also, giant river otters, tapirs and a multitude of birds.
Out of Jami and Theo’s control: the weather, the food, and the fact that the area is being “discovered” with little control over the tourist trade.
I would highly recommend going sooner rather than later, the wildness of the Pantanal is diminishing rapidly.
Pat Baker

Fascinating part of the world. Saw lots of jaguars. an ocelot and two tapirs not to mention the many birds and caimen. Theo and Jami’s previous experience in this region was invaluable in making this  a successful trip. I would recommend going there sooner rather than later as it is becoming “discovered”.

I had the privilege of setting sail on Arctica II on Wild Focus expeditions Svalbard Extreme in June. What an incredible experience, the scenery alone is worth the journey, however it is the amazing knowledge and experience that Jami, Theo and Heinrich provide that makes this trip exceptional. Spotting lone polar bears on ice flows several kilometres out at sea and manoeuvring the yacht into place for prime viewing is what you can expect with this team. The accommodation is cosy, yet warm and inviting, with all cabins having en-suite facilities. While we all chipped in with cooking, both Theo and Heinrich prepared their specialties. Enjoying a glass of wine while sailing this incredible archipelago and listening to stories from Theo’s many amazing travels, or sharing a cup of coffee in the morning with Jami’s beaming smile. A journey I will never forget. An incredible place, an amazing team, and spot on organization with Wild Focus Expeditions

Fabulous opportunities to see and photograph wildlife. Jami and Theo were a great help in making our photographs sharp! Brian and Josh were very knowledgeable about the animals, tracking them, and setting us up for the best views to photograph! There was no lack of wildlife: elephants, warthogs, lions, many kinds of antelopes, birds, hippos, giraffes, crocodiles, etc… All of the beautiful people on staff that put up and took down tents, prepared showers, set up the tables, did dishes, cleaned our clothes, and fed us, were kind and helpful in every way! Totally enjoyed the music and dancing as well! Loved walking with lion cubs and riding an elephant! Definitely an amazing trip!

This was a wonderful trip!  Botswana is a treasure. Theo and Jami were very knowledgeable about taking pictures of wildlife and very available to those of us who needed the support of experienced photographers. Our safari guides, Brian and Josh, were super hosts who made sure everyone enjoyed the camping and game drive experience. Everyone felt like royalty. Beautiful Tumi, our campsite chef, created delicious and creative meals that were beyond expectation. Hot water bottles  tucked into our cots were such a welcome surprise on chilly nights! And last but not least – Jami’s “two week” parlor game was a killer!

Absolutely incredible! I can’t say enough good things about this trip. Jami and Theo are great hosts and fun, extraordinary, people. The food was amazing, and the support staff were wonderful. Our guides, Josh and Brian, were extremely knowledgeable, and were fantastic at getting us the best and closest views of the animals. In addition, it is very clear that they all have great respect for the animals, the people, and the environment which, as an individual working in the field of conservation science, is important to me. (Also, they all had great stories!) Every aspect of the trip was well-thought-out. Every day brought very special experiences that I will treasure forever. It was unlike any trip I’ve ever taken.

Truly an amazing experience. You couldn’t possibly be closer to nature, deep in the bush, with wildlife all around, including in camp. I added about 7k clicks to the shutter count on my camera, mostly because everyday on our game drives we had more wildlife sightings than we could handle. To have lions within 10 feet of the vehicles was not uncommon, and safe I would add because of the experience Jami and Theo bring, along with that of our guides. To top things off, the cuisine everyday was delicious, with a lot of local dishes, and a camp staff that came to feel like family. If you’re looking for an authentic and intimate safari experience, in the wild, look no further than Wild Focus!

I just returned from a two weeks trip  to Botswana with Jami and Theo, and can say, without any hesitation,that this was the best travel experience of my life. The trip was superbly planned and everything exceeded my expectations! I was joyfully overwhelmed by the amount of wild life we saw and experienced in the bush. Jami, Theo and their guides always took the time to answer any question we may have had regarding animal behaviors and wildlife , which i found fascinating. Everyone was super friendly, the staff was amazing (we ate like royalty in the middle of the bush!) and the trip provided the perfect amount of excitement while feeling safe at all times. I cannot recommend this trip enough. Kudos to Jami and Theo for providing this kind of service and experience; it was truly magical.

Svalbard Extreme !!! What an adventure. When you board a small but comfortable yacht (Arctica 2) with a bunch of like minded wildlife adventurers who are up for an expedition ‘on the fly’ that relies on the Skippers local knowledge and the experience and talents of photographers Jami Tarris and Theo Aloffs you soon learn that you’re going to be up close and personal with the very best that Svalbard and the Arctic has to offer. A photographers paradise with the changing moods of nature’s seascapes and landscapes. Exceptional wildlife viewing, Polar Bears, Walrus, Seals, Arctic Fox + + and birdlife aplenty for even the most ardent of ‘twitchers’. Extreme Svalbard gets you eye to eye with it all. What an adventure this has been, so good that I would do it all again tomorrow.

Africa, a dream come true!

This trip exceeded my expectations, it was marvelous in every way. We had sightings of so many different wild animals and in their natural behavior. We saw lots of elephants, packs of lions, a leopard and her cubs, wild dogs which sadly are rare to find since they are endangered, beautiful birds, crocodiles, an aardwolf, hyena, so many more. A big plus was being in mobile tents, it made the experience even more real and adventurous. Our wildlife guides were very knowledgeable of the bush; safety plus living the experience was their number one priority. The whole crew was amazing.

Jami and Theo, the expedition leaders, are always superb not only on taking care of all the details of the trip but also making sure their guests are well taking cared of, they are wonderful souls who care a lot about wildlife and pristine environments. I feel so fortunate to have met them.

This trip will stay in my heart as one of the most memorable.

It takes an extra dimension of humanity to lock in to the natural world of Africa and Jami and Theo have it in spades. If you are going on a mobile photographic safari in Africa, this is the team to go with.

For example, the participation of the esteemed local guides in Botswana, Brian and Josh, was a payoff of many years of trust and friendship with Jami and Theo that is not available to everyone. Indeed, there are some one-off dudes with temporary signs taped on vehicles guiding in the parks that make one appreciate the high standards of guiding delivered by Wild Focus. Plus, Brian and Josh were mannerly and damned funny.

We also encountered some self-drives. One was lost, another stuck in the sand, and another backed into a parked vehicle of observers at a water hole. So you see the upside of professionalism, high quality vehicles and prime campsites.

Speaking of funny, that Theo. I don’t know how to put this, but the net result is laughter.

Jami and Theo collectively pack an enormous array of knowledge along with those fancy cameras. A tree, a bird, an alert sound, a track, a rarely sighted animal. They fill you in when you need it. Pure experience is the only way to come to that level of understanding the complete African environment.

All the very positive details listed by the other Botswana trip reviewers are accurate, but I would also like to give a special shout out to our small group of traveling companions. If you are going to be in the bush for ten days, you might as well have a hell of a lot of fun, and we did that.

Many thanks to Wild Focus for sharing that extra dimension.

How do you describe a trip of a lifetime?
A place that you’ve dreamed of since you were 10 years old.
A place of wonder where animals roam free where you are a guest in their realm and your role is stillness, quiet and observing them in awe.
A place where you rise before dawn and dress with an excited feeling building in you like a kid on Mardi Gras morning.
What will you see today?
What prize will you capture through your lens?
How close will you get to a king?
A place where you watch a red sun set over cocktails, feel the warmth of a roaring fire and new found friendships and feast over stories from your day of adventure.
A place where you lie awake reflecting on the majesty that you have witnessed and listen for the sounds of great beasts outside your tent.
A place where you are humbled by all you draw in with your eyes, your heart, your soul.
A place never to be forgotten.

Thank you Jami and Theo for the memories, the moments, the magic.

There should be a rating above excellent because that doesn’t begin to describe the wonderful eleven days with Jami and Theo in Botswana and Zimbabwe that vastly exceeded our already high expectations.

From first meeting Jami, her passion for Africa and showing people the amazing country, people, animals and land was obvious. Her desire to share her passion with fellow travelers helps build excitement for the trip long before one steps off the plane in Maun. And then meeting Theo, not only the consummate professional photographer, but a very knowledgeable old hand at the African experience, with a twinkle in his eye and a wit that is special, we knew we were in for something unique. Their intimate knowledge of all things African – art, topography, animals, flora and history – help to make this trip much more than just driving around looking at the amazing creatures that call this place home. We were introduced to a woman in Maun trying to replicate her village and give jobs to dozens of single mothers by keeping their craft of basket making alive – a friend of Jami and Theo’s. We were shepherded around by two other old friends of theirs, African safari guides Brian and Josh, who’s local knowledge of the area added much to the trip and kept us enthralled.

Both Jami and Theo’s expertise with a camera is mind boggling. Standing next to them, using the same settings, their photos look worthy of a coffee table book and mine something out of a how-not-to in a beginners photography manual. However, their expertise with a camera is almost second to their willingness to share their knowledge of how to work a camera that is what makes them so special. They taught me more about not only how to use the camera, but how to line up shots creatively and with thought than any class has ever given me. Their patience and kindly given constructive advise was invaluable.

However, this is not just a photo safari. You are surrounded by people (Jami, Theo, Brian and Josh and the amazing traveling staff) who share so much more about the animals, land, history, people and politics. My husband doesn’t know how to turn on a camera but spent eleven days enraptured. An interest in photography is not a prequisite for this trip. A desire to learn and enjoy a new experience is more than enough motivation to make this trip the trip of a lifetime.

Dinners in the bush, cooked by the astounding Tumi, were unbelieveable – as were breakfasts, lunches, high tea, sundowner cocktails and snacks – but it was the fun interaction with our traveling companions, filled with stories, laughter and fun, at the table that we will always treasure.

Theo and Jami are delightful, kind, warm, funny and caring people. Their goal is for everyone who travels with them to have a positive, unique, fun and eye-opening experience. And they more than provide. I cannot recommend this trip enough to anyone seeking a memorable experience with great people in Africa.

Thank you Ms. Jami and the Gurman, we not only feel like we have had the experience of a lifetime, but have made lifelong friends!

From the moment I contacted Jami about joining their Svalbard Classic tour, I felt an enthusiasm that instantly made me impatient to actually step aboard the ship. Apart from that, a cool sense of humour told me that, even though I was traveling alone, I would be fine during the expedition.

When, days before the start of the expedition, SAS went on strike, things almost seemed to go wrong. Fortunately, I was able to book a flight on another carrier (as did the other participants), but I did arrive two days late. Jami did all she could to offer us a dogsledding tour on the day of our departure, which was a great introduction to the stunning landscapes of Svalbard.

As soon as we stepped on the M/S Freya, and were introduced to the bear guides Mette, John and Jens, and the crew of the ship, I knew Jami and Theo had managed to get together a great team which, on an expedition with only 12 passengers, is very important and makes a big difference. Everyone went out of their way to make the trip truly memorable. The bear guides were awesome (I already knew Mette and John from an Antarctica expedition, and Jens turned out to be the perfect addition), the cook managed to prepare dinners which were better every day, the staff served his creations with a big smile, the captain and his staff never tired of explaining us anything we needed to know about the route, the landscape, the ice conditions, etc. etc. The mechanics managed to keep the ship going flawlessly.

Jami and Theo: two complementary characters making for a great team. Warm humans with an open mind to all aboard. Always ready for a chat, for explanations about photography, for a joke, for stories of their adventures in remote places around the world. Inspirational!

I was especially happy for having chosen a small expedition (having been to Antarctica on a 100-pax ship). It makes it all low-impact, easy to deal with, gives you personal space, makes getting into zodiacs a breeze. It might cost more, but is definitely worth the money as you experience is much more intense.

A big thanks to J&T!

Jami and Theo created a very special trip to Botswana and Victoria Falls. It was filled with wild life we have never seen before. Our camp guides Brian and Josh were very experienced finding wildlife to photograph at ever turn.
Jami and Theo gave us some very important photography tips for capturing the essence of the animals and birds we saw. Some of the highlights were astonishing. A lioness with her cubs frolicking feet from us. She had killed an animal and called to her cubs to come feast on it. Quite a wonderful scene between the cubs and her walking them off to eat the kill. Another group of lions with cubs were also in the area and we took every advantage to capture their life in the wild.
A rare look at a Leopard with her cubs which was so exciting. Never saw this before as they are so rare to see.
We were given a great opportunity to visit an Arrdwolf in its den. Eventually it moved on and gave us a full view of this beautiful animal as it left the den.
Elephant groups with their young at the water holes were a very impressive sight.
The food was excellent prepared by Chef Tumi. Each meal was different well presented and delicious. 5 star restaurant quality. Our extended trip to Victoria Falls was enhanced by an elephant ride and visit to a sanctuary for baby lion cubs which we were able to walk with and pet.
I would strongly recommend this trip to anyone who wants a tailor made adventure.
This was our second trip to Africa with Wild Focus Expeditions.

I have been with Jami and Theo for two trips to Svalbard. The Svalbard extreme was outstanding. We were in a small boat for many days scouting for wildlife and this trip gives you the real flavour of what a wildlife trip is all about: hard work, patience, struggle, living in harmony and most importantly being equal participants. I enjoyed every bit of my time in the 15 days. We had one of the best polar bear sightings. Wildlife is a lot of luck as well and we managed to see a lot of it (seals, walruses, birds, balugas, humpback whale, minki whale). The trip was organised meticulously by them. You will get to witness Theo’s humour as part of the package and it is hilarious :) I would recommend this trip to anyone who is ready to take up a challenge, enjoy wildlife at its best. Our captains were excellent and know the area extremely well.

I was unsure as to what to expect on my first trip with Wild Focus Expeditions for a number of reasons; I have never really been an avid photographer, I had never been to the Arctic, and I had never been on a ship longer than a ferry ride from Vancouver to Victoria. All I can say is that none of these things mattered in the least! Our expedition to Svalbard was SPECTACULAR!

From the Dogsled trip on our first day, to the wonderful time we had aboard the MS Freya I totally enjoyed every aspect of this trip! Jami and Theo did an amazing job of organizing, hosting and teaching us about the islands and photography.

Our guides Jens, Mette and John were knowledgable about the Arctic and the wildlife we were observing and were constantly working to maximize our experience, while managing our safety, and minimizing our impact on the animals we were observing. All three have have become good friends.

The Captain and crew of the MS Freya were a true pleasure to be with and they took care of all of our needs while aboard. The other members of the expedition were also a pleasure to travel with!

I took more pictures than I could count of reindeer, seals,  walrus, foxes,  beluga whales, calving glaciers, icebergs, sea ice, spectacular mountain scenery,  and of course, polar bears! Some of them even turned out to be pretty good, thanks to advice and coaching from Jami and Theo!

Mary and I were thrilled to have had the opportunity to participate in this experience, and I am positive we will travel with Wild Focus Expeditions again in the very near future!

Our trip to the Arctic was amazing and what fun ! Great to see a different and very important part of the world. The MS Freya was just right – it was comfortable, the food was delicious, the bear guides were exceptional – on the lookout for polar bears, arctic foxes, whales, seals, walruses, etc 24/7. We saw at least 18 polar bears ! What we found to be really special about Wild Focus Expeditions is Jami and Theo (owner/consultants) travel with you which means they are right there “real time” to make sure you have the exceptional experience that you expected. They try very hard to please ! Also, they are great fun and very knowledgeable about photography and the environment. Steve and I will travel with them whenever possible. (Actually, going to the Pantanal in September and Jami assures me that we will see Jaguars!)As you can tell, we were thrilled with our Svalbard experience and highly recommend Wild Focus Expeditions.

Great trip! Wonderful part of the world.  Very educational and upfront and personal about the very real dangers of climate change.

Comfortable ship, great guides, good food. Happy to have the opportunity to see that part of the ecosystem before it is gone

Just returned from our expedition to Namibia.  The trip was a sampler of what Namibia has to offer.  Trips to Sossusvlei and the surrounding dunes was a magical experience.  We followed that with a few days in the Hoanib River Valley where we saw desert adapted elephants.  Beautiful creatures in a spectacular setting.  A rare trip to the Skeleton Coast was also a highlight.  Once again Wild Focus did a spectacular job.  This was a complex trip with multiple flights covering long distances.  From travel to accommodations to hotels to game drives everything was perfect.  I strongly recommend this trip and Wild Focus Expeditions.  This is our fourth trip with Jami and Theo and the have all been spectacular.

Thanks Wild Focus!

The Svalbard expedition was certainly a trip of a lifetime for me!  It is such a surreal setting, so beautiful yet so desolate at the same time.  We spent ten days on the MS Freya, a lovely, very comfortable boat with an exceptional crew, who spend so many hours making sure that the guests’ every need is met.  The food was amazing.  I am a vegetarian (the only one on the ship) and the chef created a separate dish for me every day.   Our three bear guides were very special.  Each of them has very different backgrounds,  and so bring considerable knowledge of wildlife, nature, glaciers, conservation to the expedition.  On top of that, they were fun, told crazy stories, and were a pleasure to spend time with. We spent quite a bit of time searching for and taking pictures of the wildlife that Svalbard is known for -polar bears, walrus, seals, arctic fox, reindeer, beluga whales, and so many arctic birds to name! I understand that our three or four sightings of arctic foxes was very rare, not to mention the nine different sightings of beluga whales.  On two occasions, we were totally surrounded by the belugas in our zodiac, and even had several swim under our boat!  Now I must talk about our trip leaders from Wild Focus Expeditions – Jami and Theo.  They happen to be friends of ours in Santa Fe, so I may be a bit partial.  But, not knowing what to expect on this type of adventure trip, I was a bit nervous.  Silly me – it was the best experience of my lifetime because of the amazing experience, organization and personalities of Jami and Theo.  They are so great at helping all the guests with cameras and photography.  They are constantly watching all the guests to make sure their needs are met and that they are having a good experience.  I am absolutely blown away by both Jami and Theo, and cant wait to sign up for our next trip!  I only have one regret – I chickened out when it came my turn to do the polar plunge! I guess I have to return to Svalbard so I can redeem myself!

Great trip with outstanding resources. Jami and Theo are not only extraordinary photographers but terrific travelling companions as well. The bear guides were knowledgeable and worked their tails off to find us numerous views of bears, fox, whales and walrus up close and personal. Beautiful ship with crew completely focused on making us all comfortable and well fed!
First rate experience in every aspect.

This is a bit premature as the Mongolia expedition is not until 2020 however i was fortunate to join Jami on her Mongolia scouting trip in March so want to comment here. Mongolia is a country i’ve been curious about for some time and it far exceeded my expectations. We experienced three different areas and cultures as well as the capital city and surrounds of UlaanBaatar or UB for short. Mongolia is a place of space, vast regions of a once truly great historical empire that stimulate the imagination. The Gobi desert delivers with massive sand dunes, its lunar-type landscapes, features of Flaming Cliffs, Mongolia’s two humped bactrian camels (a surprisingly comfortable ride) and a night sky that never ends. The opportunity to stay in a Ger,.. that’s bucket list accommodation stuff. We also travelled way out west and spent ‘up close and personal’ time staying with and getting to know Kazakh eagle hunters. We rode the same stocky horse they used to conquer their vast empire with, we photographed them amid mountains and landscapes that were simply jaw dropping and we were warmly invited into their homes and community. We shared their food, daily family life and were also introduced to their music. A local eagle hunters festival coincided with the timing of our trip so we witnessed men and one young girl all in full competition mode. A real photographers or adventurers appetite wetter for the annual Golden Eagle Festival, which has to be a truly incredible experience. We were there at the end of winter so needless to say it was cold, real cold and snow covered but as spring commenced the promise of warmer weather bringing new animal life and colour was becoming obvious as the landscape began to change. Fall too must be beautiful season to travel Mongolia. Although it’s not included in this itinerary I will mention here that we visited the remote Tsaataan reindeer herders as you’ve possibly seen Jami’s images. That’s a worthwhile but entirely different, very difficult and time consuming travel experience. Having experienced Mongolia and done so at its coldest and most difficult travel times, this itinerary as planned looks tempting enough to seriously consider making a return visit. I could go on and on as the more i write the more stimulated my recall becomes but i will spare you. I’m confident that the usual level of expertise and professionalism associated with Jami and Theo’s Wild Focus Expeditions will make this trip a winner for anyone who’s ever considered Mongolia as a destination. For those who are prepared to take some rough with the smooth, and be at the forefront of photographic adventure travel the images and experiences you return with, this will be totally mind-blowing. Mongolia is the type of travel experience where you have to do more than simply sit back and scratch the surface ….. but when you do, Mongolia will amaze you and reveal the unexpected.

I keep thinking it just can’t get any better than my last trip with Wild Focus Expeditions. And then it does!

I’ve just returned from my 6th trip with Jami and Theo, the WFE leaders; this time to Indonesia. Each trip seems to have a main “target” that we hope to find and get great photo ops in their presence. Well, how about coming face to face with a dominate male orangutan in the jungles of Sumatra? We ended up getting tons of great shots of him, as well as mother orangutans with their babies, other monkeys like pig tailed macaques, gibbons, proboscis monkeys with their famous long noses! We traveled to several sites on this trip which included peaceful cruises on a local Klotok boat up the Sekonyer Kanan River to Camp Leakey in Borneo, we visited the Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Center’s Quarantine Center and their upcoming Orangutan Haven (still being built – I’m looking forward to going back there someday to see this amazing project completed!). We made two strenuous hikes up into the hills of Guwung Leuser National Park where we had multiple encounters with male and female orangutans in the wild!

Jami and Theo, and their local guides that they work with, make each step in our travels not only exciting (when it should be), but uneventful when we made transfers from plane, to car, to boat and back again. It’s obvious that they’ve done their homework and prep work, to make these trips come off without a hitch.

Now, before you think this trip was just hiking through the hot humid jungles of Sumatra and Borneo; and getting great shots of all the wildlife, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention our last three days in Bali where we got to stay at the Viceroy. This has got to be the most fabulous hotel I’ve ever stayed at anywhere in the world! We got to relax in our own personal infinity pool (in each room!!), went into town for some shopping and local traditional dances at night.

Another Amazing Trip with Wild Focus Expeditions. I’m now looking forward to next year’s trip to Botswana!!

Jami and Theo have done it again with this unique and special trip. My wife and I have been fortunate to join them as part of their second inaugural journey – Svalbard and now Indonesia.

My experiences went far beyond photography of two of the three Orangutan species in Indonesia to a broader cultural exploration and deeper, in-person understanding of the impact of palm oil production on unique and finite habitats.

Our visit to the Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Programs’ (SOCP) Orangutan Quarantine Center at the start of the trip framed the balance of my time in Sumatra and South Kalimantan, Borneo. I am extremely grateful for the time with Ian and his team. In Bukit Lawang and Tanjung Puting National Park, Jami and Theo worked with excellent local resources that again enriched the overall journey and time there.

Ubud, Bali was an excellent finale. The Viceroy itself was outstanding – location, accommodations and food – made even more so by the genuine warmth, openness and commitment to service from everyone from the gardeners to the owner who was around each day.

Indonesia is vast and diverse, so be prepared to travel frequently during the program by car, plane and boat to see everything – it is all worth it.

This was my second trip to the Arctic after Svalbard last year (both with Jami and Theo). The big draw for me for this trip was the timing – potential to spot wildlife AND witness the spectacle of Aurora Borealis. Of course none of these is ever guaranteed, but that’s the thrill of going on expeditions in nature!

While Svalbard was high on wildlife action, Greenland was glorious in the true sense of the term. In one of the few pristine places left on the planet, we had ample opportunities to photograph magnificent landscapes in some stunning, diverse light!

Wait, did I say not much wildlife action? The one polar bear we saw from up close, was in a dream setting though – on top of an iceberg with evening light and dramatic clouds in the backdrop! I would take one such over many others, any time :) Musk Ox is the other large mammal we saw from good photographing distance against the fall colours of the shrubby tundra landscape.

The Aurora Borealis (northern lights) spectacle we witnessed on the trip will always remain etched in my memory – watching the lights dance overhead is an experience not matched by many others. We were fortunate to have clear skies and strong activity on one of the nights and decent sightings on 2 others. It was also a good learning experience photographing the lights, with inputs from Theo and Jami beforehand.

My most satisfying part of the Greenland trip was definitely photographing nature’s sculptures – the magnificent icebergs, in all shapes and sizes, in some glorious lighting. It was like being in an open air iceberg art gallery, with opportunities galore to be creative with composition and light as well as experimenting with black and white photography. The rugged, pristine landscape of the east coast of Greenland formed the perfect backdrop to photograph them against.

Visiting such pristine, remote areas of the planet doesn’t just let us admire nature’s wonders, but also serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving these critical, yet fragile ecosystems. I feel fortunate to be able to be part of such expeditions and thanks to the team Wild Focus Expeditions for making these possible.

Overall, the trip was very well organized and executed smoothly – something that I have come to expect of Wild Focus Expeditions, but do appreciate that it takes a lot of depth of planning and execution. The newly renovated M/S Freya was a delight to be onboard, with spacious cabins, amazing crew and some delectable cuisine prepared by our chef on the trip – Christian. Must call out that the crew went way beyond their call of duty to help and were super helpful and supportive of the guests’ needs during the highly turbulent seas that we encountered on our way from Iceland to the east coast of Greenland. Our guides, who also piloted our zodiac boat were highly knowledgeable when it came to both the place as well as photography – thanks John, Jens and Acacia! John’s decades long experience in photojournalism, coupled with his deep knowledge of the Arctic ecosystem, definitely added to the the enrichment of my overall experience.

Wow, where to begin? This was my first trip with Wild Focus Expeditions and I can tell you it will not be the last!

In the two short weeks, we were spoiled with multiple encounters with orangutans in the wild as well as at feeding platforms, we learned about the three species of orangutans and their fight for survival, and had incredible opportunities to photograph and document their behaviors. We also found other wildlife, or rather they found us – proboscis monkeys, long tailed and pig tailed macaques, kingfisher birds, flying squirrels, wild boars, wild peacocks, geckos, even a chance encounter with a cobra snake!

I am a beginner photographer and cannot believe some of the images I was able to capture. Jami and Theo were always ready to help with camera settings, shooting suggestions, and answering my never-ending list of questions. This trip was so much more than photography. It was an education in wildlife and conservation, an experience of several different cultures, and a little rest, relaxation, and pampering thrown in with a grand finale in Bali.

The trip arrangements, logistics, and preparation material was right on point and made the trip easy and rewarding. The small group, most of whom have traveled with Jami and Theo before, was most welcoming and they, along with Jami and Theo, made the trip comfortable for a first-time tripper and beginner photographer.

Though I have not processed the whole trip in my mind yet, I think the highlight of the trip was coming face to face with a 400 lb dominant male orangutan on the ground in the forest in Sumatra.  How many people in this world can claim an encounter like this?

Thank you to Jami and Theo for a trip of a lifetime and I hope to see them soon on another great adventure!

This was a great trip both in terms of wildlife sightings and also the group. To see Orangutans up, close and personal and most importantly learn about the problems of their habitat loss due to plan oil plantations was an eye opener. Indonesia is rich in wildlife and we did see that everyday. Overall I came back as very satisfied. The arrangements were also very good.

Greenland was an unforgettable trip! It was not a destination we would not ordinarily travel to, it was a trip we took on because of Jami and Theo. It was our first trip with WildFocus Expeditions. We know them both as out-of-this-world photographers and travelling with them, we felt, would be a photographic adventure, at the very least.

They were both completely dedicated towards creating incredible photographic opportunities – from discovering how to work with light (sunrise/sunsets, shadows, backlight in fjords with rock, glaciers and icebergs), to camera settings for the Aurora Borealis (it’s something you could only work towards getting right while its on, so while helping everyone on deck with camera settings as a priority, they were also working on their own shots – which were amazing, and especially, to demonstrate what’s possible for yourself as you continue to work at your images). During downtime, they generated plenty opportunity to learn and develop one’s skill through presentations of techniques and bytes of the work they and other wildlife conversationists do in support of the protection of wildlife, as a cause.

As photographers, they are incredibly inspiring to be with. More so when you’re in the setting of Scoresby Sund (Eastern Greenland), where the geology and natural landscape was like nothing I’ve experienced before. From the outset, in the build-up to the expedition, they advised what equipment we needed to bring with us, and always responded to our queries, even the most basic ones. So committed they were to us having a great time, they checked whether we had sea-sickness patches ready, if travel visas were in order, that hotel bookings were appropriately made. We were very well looked after.

Their personalities attract global travellers who are ready for a great time with other like-minded travellers, drawn together by a shared passion. With the intimate group of 14 other travellers, my husband and I remember there being so much laughter on deck and engaging, thoughtful conversations in the lounge and over mealtimes. These travellers are people we now regard as friends, so generous with sharing their experiences, both in photography and in life – a superb group of people to travel with.

Jami and Theo’s professionalism made sure there was an experienced expedition team onboard, one that was familiar with the Arctic, and the fjord system we were sailing in. Everyone put their best efforts in to look out for wildlife, identify best landing spots, and constantly working with the crew on sailing routes and timing for best lighting conditions and ensuring safety as a priority.

Jami and Theo chartered the fantastic vessel, M/s Freya, whose crew contributed in no small part to the unforgettable experience. Bridge visits were thoroughly informative and fun. The cabins were clean, private and comfortable, and had en suite bath/toilet facilities. Meals were prepared with so much care and attention, we ate more than well. The crew were so aligned to the expedition objective that it was actually two crew members who spotted the polar bear on the iceberg right behind the vessel, while we were out in zodiacs photographing ancient glaciers and gigantic icebergs. All this after were had been cautioned not to have high hopes of a sighting as polar bears continue to be hunted in this region.

Post-trip, they’ve been sharing their photos. When I see the photographs they have taken of the very locations I was at with them, I see what’s possible for my images – images captured during landings, zodiac trips and Greenland’s landscape I’m proud to share at home.  I’ve learnt so much from these Master Photographers. But at the end of the day, I have taken away from this trip so much more than just my photographs. I treasure the entire experience.

I cannot thank Jami and Theo enough for creating the opportunity!

This was our second photo expedition with Theo and as with our first, it was top notch. We were treated like royalty by the crew and guides and became friends by the end. Accommodations and dining was superb as was the interaction with Jamie and Theo as they guided and instructed our photography.
While there weren’t as many animals to photograph as we had perhaps expected, the opportunities we did have getting close-up images of polar bear and musk ox were incredible. This was in addition to abundant opportunities for northern light and scenic landscape images.
If you are looking for photographic opportunities that will stay in your memory for life, I heartily recommend WildFocus Expeditions.

Travelling alone is not always easy and stress-free, and travelling with a group of people whom I had never met, naturally left many questions unanswered! Now, back home and two weeks post my Wild Focus Expeditions’ boating trip through the Scoresbysund of East Greenland, I can say, I will most definitely ‘do it all again’!!

The first moment of meeting Jami and Theo on my arrival at the Kea Hotel, in the charming little town Akureyri located on the North Coast of Iceland was a meeting likened to meeting ‘long time, forever friends’. They really are the most super-cool people to travel with along with our eclectic group of 16 adventurous photographic explorers – a great bonding banner to sail with across the Denmark Straight and onward into the frozen lands of the icebergs.

My focus during our Greenland Sea-faring journey was to finally graduate from operating my camera on the big A – Auto and learn how to use all the other buttons and programmes ?. Jami and Theo were super patient and shared much of their photographic expertise with us all, so we could understand the best camera and lens settings and bring home the greatest pics ever.

I have several hundred best memory images – almost a hundred alone on the very cuddly looking but super serious polar bear. Of course, the boat chef takes the credit for our visiting polar bear, that swam up to our boat to get closer to the highly seasoned aromas of Chef’s steaming lunchtime goulash that were wafting out his kitchen door.

The curious bear even tried for a closer look into chef’s kitchen by climbing onto a nearby iceberg! As we were at the time photographing from the zodiacs, luck was shining on us to give us the best ever photographic opportunity with this beautiful creature being close enough to visibly capture every cute polar bear dimple and crinkle.

We were captivated with the brilliance of the arctic autumn colours. Ice and snow-topped mountains with the lower hillsides totally covered with brilliant exotic arctic flowers, mosses and dwarf arctic willows and birches. Only by seeing the reality of these hillsides can you really fully grasp the total immense beauty of the Scoresbysund.

Not only did we get the best photographic views from the boat decks, but our outdoor ventures of many zodiac rides, casual strolls along the shorelines and glacier-side hikes really gave us the best opportunities to capture every part of this amazing fiord.

There is just so much of our Greenland trip to write about and if I keep going I will never finish for posting!!

The food was terrific, the crew were really super, the boat was cosy and warm and for the entire trip, everyone on board was bubbly and happy.

My sign off is that I never in my life imagined there is such a magical site to see as what we all witnessed the night the skies came alive and truly danced with the enchanted northern lights – is just not possible to describe what we witnessed, the only way to know, is to join Jami and Theo and go there…

My husband and I turned 70 this year.  We might have thought our adventures were behind us…and if we were made to make all the arrangements ourselves, they might have been.  That brings us to Wild Focus Expeditions, Jami and Theo.  Because of them, we are still able to go to wild, beautiful places with ease and confidence.  Greenland was amazing.  It was otherworldly.  The light and the landscapes were unique, and a treat, for those who were photographing and for those of us who were only enjoying the beauty.  I am so grateful that I was able to experience this amazing place!

Our recent excursion to Iceland and Greenland was fantastic and was our second trip this year with Wild Focus Expeditions. Jami and Theo are dedicated to providing the best experience possible on their trips. Our pre-trip notifications were timely and very helpful as well as the ongoing photography advice given to us on the trip. Theo and Jami were always available if there were questions and would schedule one on one time with us if we had additional photography questions. They made sure our trip went smoothly and that we were getting the best opportunities for Photography. We were able to get close to multiple water formations via the zodiacs as well as going on shore for hiking excursions. They were able to have the Captain navigate the ship in a position that allowed us to capture the amazing Northern Lights. I would highly recommend them for any future trips, in fact we have reserved three additional trips with them in the next 12 months!

Wild Focus did it again! This is our third trip with Wild Focus…each trip has been fantastic. Some of the most breathtaking scenery I have ever experienced. Greenland isn’t easy to get to, but WF had the best ship and the best crew you can imagine. They took us to places I know no other company would even try….all to get us the experience and photos of a lifetime. From Polar Bears to icebergs to the Northern Lights.. we saw it all.
Thanks again to Jami and Theo for fantastic memory.

I just returned from Eastern Greenland on a trip with Wild Focus Expeditions, my second trip with the company, earlier one was to Svalbard in 2016. Being a keen photographer and an avid traveller, I can easily vouch for the fact that Theo and Jami really know how to run their expeditions and outdo themselves each time.

Its a pleasure to work with them, you are always assured of friendly group of like minded participants (which is very important for me) and definitely the best guides in the business, which ensures that the trips are flawless, fun and exciting. The only downside is that they get over soon!

Theo and Jami’s extensive knowledge about photography really helps take your own photography to the next level and I have learnt a lot being on just two trips with them.

I am certain to be travelling with Wild Focus Expeditions to some of the other destinations they offer and am already looking forward to the next one.

Thanks again for a brilliant trip.

I traveled with Jami and Theo to Eastern Greenland from Sep 12 – 23. To say the very least, the trip was exceptional in every way (details below). I highly recommend traveling with Jami and Theo if you are even remotely interested in photographing off the beaten path (or even if you are not).

A trip like Eastern Greenland is logistically very complex. Jami and Theo have developed a great network of people that they work with and can count on to pull such complicated trips with consistent 5 star ratings. This was clear to me when I interacted with the remaining 15 passengers on the expedition. Almost all of them had traveled with Jami/Theo on one or more trips before and had come back for more. It was a great group of people with shared interest in photography, wildlife, conservation, unique travel experiences and good conversation.

Besides Jami and Theo (who are world class wild life photographers), the network of people I mention above consisted of a skilled ship crew (around 10 people with an exceptional captain and chef), 3 guides (all with significant years of experience in tracking animal/glaciers/local life/photography focused Arctic as well as Antarctic).

Our days on the ship were full of amazing landscapes at all times of the day (but mainly early am, early and late evening and late night for northern lights), knowledge sessions on improving our photography skills, great meals, some really excellent animal sightings.

I could fill 4 pages on how amazing it was to see a polar bear climb an iceberg and photograph it all the way as it came off and swam in the water, but for future travelers on these expeditions I would suggest that you look at the overall package (high quality people, lots of excellent learning and flawless execution) and not judge the trip by just these amazing sightings. Animal sightings don’t make or break a trip in my opinion, but bad company certainly does. This is also why I am certain that I will be doing more trips with Wild Focus Expeditions.

When my wife threw out the idea of going on an African Safari with our 19 year old daughter and 17 year old son, I thought, “I wonder how this is going to work, certainly different than Beach resorts, big cities and visiting prospective colleges.  We didn’t know what to expect, but talking to Jami and looking at the amazing photographs on the Wild Focus website, we decided to go for it, and our kids started getting really excited.   There was a lot to do to get ready, but Jami talked us through it all and provided all the information we needed in a pre-trip packet.

Arriving in a new country at 11:30 PM with kids can be a scary proposition, but our driver was waiting for us and got us safely to our fantastic first hotel.  We quickly realized that Jami had every aspect of the trip nailed!  The parks we visited, the places we stayed, the food, the shopping, and the people we met, all of it was extraordinary.

When we left Nairobi to travel to Samburu, we had our first introduction to a really special part of the trip, getting to know our Drivers and Guides Mwashi and Siele.  I feel like we took a college level course in all things Kenya.  They were tremendous and I miss our days together, bouncing through the bush.  Our conversation was interesting, friendly and very funny.

Thinking back on the trip, I couldn’t begin to narrow down the experience into highlights because every day we saw so much amazing beauty.  Thank you Jami for sharing your passion with us, and making it such a great experience for our little family.  We’ll be following your travels and we look forward to another adventure with Wild Focus Expeditions.

I though twice about writing a review simply because my husband (Mike Hayes 7/19/18) captured everything so nicely in his and I wasn’t sure another glowing review would make a difference. As you read through the reviews you will come to the conclusion rather quickly that Wild Focus Expeditions does not disappoint. This was my first trip to Africa and I must say it is a magical place.

Upon meeting Jami, you recognize immediately her passion for wild life and conservation. We learned so much about animal behavior as well as African culture from her and our two experienced guides – Siele and Mwashi.

As many reviewers have previously noted, accommodations and cuisine were beyond expectations, particularly Mara Bush Camp – private wing.

Friends and family want to know what the highlight of our trip was and I don’t have just one answer. Everyday we witnessed something extraordinary. I guess Africa does that to you…..I’m hooked!

I can’t wait for the next adventure with Jami (and Theo). Sadly, they are booked out at least two years in advance, which is a testament to their expeditions and the way they run their business. Although, for them, it’s clearly a passion they wish to share with as many as possible. I’m so glad we discovered Wild Focus!

For me this trip was simply sensational. An extraordinary experience from beginning to end. There were way too many individual highlights to even try to list them. I can say the Wild Focus Expeditions ‘team’ of guide & driver was faultless. Their knowledge of game and the anticipation of their movements had us in exactly the right place at the right time so often. As a keen photographer, having two people in the front of the vehicle looking out for my interests was hugely appreciated and i have amazing images to show for it. The combination of Amboseli National Park with its Kilimanjaro backdrop and its elephants, followed by the authentic tribal experience at The Turkana Cultural Festival (including the specially arranged Wild Focus Expeditions’ tribal photoshoots and village visits) and finally Elephant Bedroom Camp and the game of Samburu National Park made this trip unforgettable. Seriously, I could go on and on. This was my second trip with Wild Focus Expeditions and based on both outcomes I will be back yet again. Special mention to Jami Tarris who throughout was generous with both her knowledge and time.

Our guides were excellent, knowledgeable and accommodating. Very good at appreciating photographic needs and finding photo opportunities. The accomodations were the best that could be found in each of the three areas we visited. We were treated to many exciting animal sitings and interactions. Jami was very helpful both before and during the trip. I highly recommend this trip.

Incredible Adventure!  Our adventure to Kenya was professionally planned and even more effectively executed.  Jami prepped us in detail prior to our departure and I was well prepared for what laid ahead in Africa.

The sequencing of our 12 days in Kenya made each move that much more exciting.  I would not be honest if I didn’t say that I thought 12 days may be too long for my attention span. At the end I could have stayed another week.

Our adventure began in Nairobi with a private visit to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust where we personally met our adopted orphan elephant, Musiara being mine.  Incredible work being done by this organization.

From Nairobi we traveled over the Equator (fun photo opportunity) to Samburu and began our Safari.  For me, I’ll always remember Samburu as the land of the Elephants.  Of note, these elephants are up close and personal – not for the weak of heart.  Our guides, Mwashi and Siela were outstanding and knew where and when to go to find the best photo opportunities.  A special wildlife treat in Samburu was spotting a Striped Hyena – very rare from what I’ve been told.  Although elephants were abundant and a striped hyena spotting was special our guides made sure we did not leave Samburu before seeing all of the “Samburu Special Five” consisting of: Grevy Zebra, Reticulated Giraffe, Somali Ostrich, Gerenuk, and Oryx – all incredible!   Wildlife was not all we experienced in Samburu as Jami set up a local village visit.  Nothing was spared on us as we were guests in this village and got a rare opportunity to see how they lived and experience their culture first hand.  Their diet consists of Meat, Milk, and blood – you probably get the picture.

Lake Nakuru was our next destination and a much different habitat than Samburu.  Rhinos is how I’ll remember Lake Nakuru and our initial spotting of a Black Rhino.  When this Rhino made it clear he was the king of his domain we took note, as did my heart rate.  This left an impression!  Although the black rhino is the aggressive one the White Rhino is impressive in size, second only to the Elephant in East Africa.

The Maasia Mara Game Reserve was the final leg of our adventure and it surpassed my expectations.  This is what I envisioned Africa to be and it delivered.  (Of note, our accommodations at the Mara Bush Camp Private Wing were top notch.  From Michela the manager, to Martin our personal assistant, James the bartender,and Obi the chef all exceeded my expectations).

The Maasia Mara is were the largest groupings of wildlife existed.  It is amazing to see hundreds, if not thousands of Wildebeest, Cape Buffalo, Zebras, and Impala/Antelope roaming the plains of the mara.  With that said, Cats is where the fun lies and Siela and Mwashi made sure we did not miss out.  We had numerous picture opportunities for lions, male and female.  Leopards were a little more evasive but our guides found them.  A most memorable moment was watching a Leopard drag his kill (wildebeest) to a hiding spot, note the wildebeest may have been 3x the leopard’s weight. The endangered Cheetah proved most difficult but again our guides came through and we had a front row seat to photograph a group of five.  Although Cats my be the stars in the mara we also saw Hippos, Crocks, Giraffe, Ostrich, Birds of many kinds, and a special appearance of a Bat-Eared Fox.

Along with “Samburu Special Five” we can check off the “Big Five” as we saw Lions, Leopards, Rhinos, Buffalo, and Elephants during our travels.  As this trip was a Photography Safari animals did not consume our entire time as there are amazing sunrises and sunsets along with some very beautiful rivers, landscapes, and unique trees.  If you are a bird enthusiast, as one in our group was, you should bring another media card along as you will be taking pictures non-stop.  Of note, our guides could name all the birds as well.

Jami/Wild Focus Expeditions planned this itinerary to meet our needs in all areas from Wildlife to Culture to Accommodations.  Her personality was infectious and created an environment in which all nine in our group, including her, became a close group of friends.

This type of trip is an investment and Jami understands this.  She went above and beyond to deliver a value.  Great Job Jami!  Thank You for making this Bucket-List Vacation one that I will always remember.  I look forward to a future adventure with Wild Focus expeditions.  Hopefully the next adventure will include Theo.

WOW! We recently took our third trip with Wild Focus Expeditions (WFE) to Japan and we were not disappointed! We have taken other trips with WFE to Kenya, Rwanda and Svalbard and had the same level of service, personal attention and enjoyed the group dynamics as well as the photography attention from both Jami and Theo. Jami and Theo are two of the most knowledgeable guides for their trips as they not only know photography, which they have been doing for many years and have had their work in major publications, they know the locations they are traveling to and have personal relationships with many of the locals. They know what they are looking for when it comes to photography and they put you in the position to get the best shots as well as coaching you through the proper settings etc. These two don’t just sit back in an office and plan trips, this is their passion and they live it!

Our trip to Japan started with a couple of extra days in Tokyo to see the city and just experience the culture. Jami and Theo flew in early and met several of us and explored the Tokyo with us. It was a wonderful way to meet several of the other people on the trip and relax and have fun. From Tokyo we flew to Hokkaido to search for Cranes, Owls, Eagles, Foxes and Swans as well as enjoy the beautiful countryside of Japan. Our accommodations were excellent, the food was amazing, and our host were exceptional. We spent several days going to various locations as the weather would change and we would head to the area that would give us the best opportunity to take some incredible pictures.

We then ventured to Nagano, Japan to experience the world famous snow monkeys! We were able to stay just outside the park in a traditional Japanese motel that allowed us easy access to the monkeys each day. These animals were amazing and Jami and Theo knew exactly when we needed to be in the park and what to look for to get the best pictures.

Not only did we get great pictures on this trip, one on one time to learn more about photography and to refresh our skills, we also had many days and nights of conversation and laughter with many new friends.

We went to Japan with Jami and Theo and it definitely was one of the best wildlife trips I have taken in the past one and half years of doing these kinds of trips. Every detail was taken care of, from the stay, to food, transportation and most importantly the wildlife. Japan is a beautiful land with rich wildlife and landscapes. I must say I have some of the best videos from this trip and look forward to sharing that soon.  These two are amazing people and its always fun with them around. You feel part of the family.

Japan is totally worth the visit. No one should miss it. Thank you Theo and Jami.

This was my 5th trip with Wild Focus Expeditions (Kenya, Svalbard, India, Galapagos, and now Japan); Plus, I’m signed up for Indonesia next fall. So, it almost goes without saying that I have loved every one of my trips with Jami and Theo. They are experts at not only putting together exciting trips to really cool places around the world, but matching up small fun groups of people that all share their love of wildlife, photography and discovery of exotic destinations.

If you haven’t been there (and I hadn’t) Tokyo is probably what you’d expect. Millions of people and lots of traffic. But it is one of the cleanest big cities I’d ever seen. The subways were clean, quiet, organized and turned out to be a great way to travel around the city for us tourists.

After a day of playing tourist in Tokyo, we flew to the northern island of Hokkaido. Here is where the real magic began. It was cold and snowy with lots of birds nearby. We stayed at the Hickory Winds Lodge, which was basic and traditional, and had everything you needed. The chef though, is a master chef and we had Excellent food and lots of it (plan on putting on a couple pounds on this trip!). Her husband Makoto as our main guide, really knows the area and took us out for shoots a couple times every day. We ended up with Great shots of Red Crowned Cranes, Whooping Swans, Stellar and White Tailed Eagles, Ural Owl, Red Fox and of course the northern island’s landscapes! He even gave us 2 concerts during our week’s stay!

Then a quick flight back to Tokyo and 5 hour van ride back up into the mountains for the Snow Monkeys. They are just what you’d expect; cute, funny and you can still get close (contrary to some rumors we had heard that maybe you couldn’t anymore).

If you don’t have Japan on your bucket list, add it now, and go with Wild Focus Expeditions. You’ll be glad you did!

This was my first trip with Wild Focus Expeditions – what a wonderful introduction!  Though I am not really a photographer like the others on this trip, I was thoroughly entertained and had a fantastic time!

The hotel in Tokyo was a good choice, centrally located, and with a hearty breakfast.  Hokkaido is lovely, and the lodge in Tsurui was wonderful, with a top-notch chef and unexpectedly fantastic musical entertainment.  The photographic opportunities throughout the trip were downright magical at times: eagles! swans on a misty lake! red fox! cranes!  snow monkeys!  We were fortunate to have a great group of people – so much fun!  Many times I found myself just smiling, inhaling the fresh air, taking it all in, and feeling so grateful to be there.

Theo and Jami, thanks for putting together such a wonderful trip and introducing me to such great people!  I highly recommend this trip to anyone who has an interest in photography OR just wants to enjoy nature, great people, and great food!

Rwanda was amazing, Wild Focus Expeditions promised and delivered on everything they said. It was a brief 2 day expedition but boy was it worth the trip, and the price. The two Gorilla  families we visited and spent time with were quite a unique feeling: to be in their midst and to watch them interact. I felt closer to them then I had ever expected. A small baby gorilla came quite close and wanted my camera. Our Ranger deterred her as she approached me and so she went running back to her Mom deflated just as a small human child would have. Right then I knew how similar we were. I loved being in their presence.

Wild Focus Expeditions promised it would be a trip of a Lifetime and it delivered in spades.

Thank you Jami and Theo for once again delivering as promised a wonderful time on my 4th Trip, and I am still counting on more to come. You opened up a world I now want to experience far beyond my initial expectations.

So if your looking for that unique, unusual, trip, this is for you.

“Once in A Lifetime” is what I hear about our trips!! With Wild Focus Expeditions, their knowledge of locations, outfitters, lodging , photography, etc…makes it so easy that you will want to go for more!! I’ve had 3 of those “Once in a Lifetime” trips with WFE. With their knowledge, our expectations have been exceeded every time—and when I return I have so many feelings of what I have experienced that it takes awhile to mesh back into this way of Life!! I’ve been to Kenya where I fell in Love with Africa, Svalbard where I fell in love with Polar Bears, and Botswana where I was enamored by African Wild Dogs! I won’t list all of the animals we photographed, but traveling with WFE has opened our world to the Amazing Animals of this world! We do have our 4th trip planned with them so I have to say They come Highly Recommended!!!!

Theo and Jami are a blast! Aside from the great quality of wildlife viewing, and meticulous planning, the entertainment factor is the icing on the cake. Jami and Theo have been to Botswana so many times; they know the best places for photography.

Jami and Theo are top-class photographers; so folks wanting to learn and improve their photography, they are available and enthusiastic about teaching.

Tents were comfortable. Food was excellent. Needless to say, I’d be going back with them whenever possible on my wildlife and nature photography quest.

Thanks Jami and Theo.

Wild Focus Expeditions provided a unique, and exciting experience which is no surprise. I have taken a number of trips with them and it has always been just that.

It started off with a plethora of unusual animal experiences. Wild dogs were providing lots of excitement. We saw them on a number of occasions much to our surprise.

Food was great, tents very comfortable. But at camp site I was amazed at how many times we got up from a meal, to enjoy the animals that just showed up. That was quite exciting and my fondest memory to date on this particular trip.

These expeditions are always unique, and this one was no different.  No two are the same. But the thing you can take away is that your living conditions will be the best possible and the experiences will provide lots great memories when you go home.

I am sure I will be on more trips with Wild Focus, just haven’t decided which unusual place to go next.

Having been on safari many times before, I had high expectations from this trip to Botswana.

At the end of it, I must say, the trip not only fulfilled my expectations but exceeded them by quite a margin.

The safari started off with a bang, with sighting of a fight between 2 wild dog packs on our first drive and ended on a high note when we had sighting of a mother leopard moving her tiny little cub, holding it gently in her jaws. The time in between was filled up with lions, cheetah, elephants and wild dogs (again and again and again!).

What impressed me most was the planning and execution. 3 nights in each of the 3 areas allowed sufficient time to get a feel of the place. It did not feel rushed at all, as sometimes it does, with 2 night itineraries when you feel you have just scratched surface of the place. Spending one night on each side of the trip in Maun ensured we were well rested.

The guiding was top notch, tents comfortable and food outstanding. Jami and Theo were great company, always ensuring every member of the group got what he/she wanted from the trip. Although I was a solo traveller, I never felt out of place or alone. The superb entertainment that they provided with their light good natured banter was of course a big bonus :-).

I would certainly recommend Wild Focus Expeditions to other travellers who want to experience something different.

I am looking forward to joining Jami & Theo one one of their expeditions in near future, but this time with my family.

No words to describe this amazing adventure with a group of like minded people who also are in love with nature and the Arctic. Our Wild Focus guides were so much fun and filled with knowledge and answered all our questions while keeping us safe. I will most definitely be returning to this magical place with endless landscapes to fill the heart with so much gratitude for life and the people that I was fortunate enough to share each moment with. Not only did we capture wildlife memories on film or in our photographs, we also captured friendships for life. Jami and Theo are beyond wonderful people, whom I have known for about ten years. I was fortunate enough to spend time in Alaska with them many years ago and knew they were special people then and were in my heart to stay. I now feel even closer to them sharing these magical moments in Svalbard. If you get the opportunity to join Wild Focus Expeditions on one of their unbelievable journeys, you will never forget the sights or the magic that the nature and landscapes has to offer. I love SVALBARD!! We already have discussed a reunion trip!! Thank you to the crew and Staff of the MS ORIGO. Outstanding food and cartoon drawings of our day to day events. I would recommend this expedition to anyone. Much love to all who were there.

This was our first ever photo expedition and thanks to Jami and Theo, certainly will not be our last. Wild Focus Expeditions’ ability to structure and reach places on this planet that we never could accomplish on our own, was one of the big draws for this trip. And….our leaders and guides delivered. Before our trip began, we already had received the personal touch – as Jami met with me for lunch and put my mind at ease. She reviewed my equipment and made gear recommendations, as well as other hand holding. As for the trip, the handpicked guides of Jens and Audun was brilliant, as their knowledge of the arctic complimented Theo and Jami’s photography and nature skills.

We snowmobiled for the first time: what a great way to kick off the trip. Our boat, the M/S Origo was well matched with our goals, the crew very service oriented and quite accommodating – and the Chef kept us very well fed. We never imagined encountering our best ever lamb meal north of the arctic circle. Theo and Jami were attentive to our personal and photography needs, we definitely advanced our picture taking skills. We appreciated that you did not have to be a hard core photographer to learn from and enjoy this trip.

But best of all, our leaders and guides put us in position to experience and photograph nature and wildlife as we have never done before. Reindeer, arctic fox, seal, walrus, belugas, and most sought after – polar bear. That our zodiacs could be positioned to follow polar bear for several hours within a stones throw distance, is a testament to the skill set of those leading our group.

We highly recommend Wild Focus Expeditions, and eagerly await our next opportunity to travel with Jami and Theo. This was our first trip with them, but God willing, will not be our last. Thank you for such an amazing and unique experience!

Another amazing excursion with Wild Focus Expeditions to a truly surreal location to observe & photograph some of the less seen creatures of our planet. An adventure of a lifetime not to be missed.

Amazing trip! This was a first for me. Wild Focus Expeditions really set a high bar for any future trips. I was a little nervous about traveling in India however that was settle early as we had expert guides for every part of our travels. The games drives were a blast, racing through the Reserve hunting for Tigers. I came home with a lot of Tiger pictures, Males, Females with clubs, tigers in water, cubs playing tag and much more. Exciting and educational, the India tour really was life changing. Thank You Jami and Theo for all your help and making this the best experience of my travels.

Not knowing what to expect in such a remote area of the Svalbard archipelago I was consumed with the beauty of the Islands, Fiords and wildlife. This region is not for the faint of heart YET Theo and Jami put together a once in a lifetime safe experience for those desiring to photograph the beauty of this small area of our planet.

I consider myself an amateur photographer always eager to learn from experienced professionals. Both Theo and Jami are willing to both teach and critique which made this trip even better then one could expect. The guides, chef and crew were experienced and catered to all our needs. The food was gourmet considering where we were.

Lastly, this is the second trip in 10 months spent with Wild Focus Expeditions, the other being Kenya. I look forward to other opportunities to be among a small group in another part of the world with them.

This expedition was very well planned and I loved each and everyone in the group. Svalbard is unbelievably beautiful and we managed to see polar bears, walrus, seals, balugas and much more. Thank you Theo and Jami for such a wonderful experience and there can be no comparisons. It is a 5 star trip.19

I had been looking forward to a Svalbard trip for a long time – so when I saw A chance to go with Wild Focus, I jumped at it.

The trip was perfectly planned by Theo and Jami – they were very patient in answering the numerous questions I had prior to the trip and guided the whole group expertly.

The expedition itself was with just the right size of people – 12 on a ship which could have easily accommodated more. Because of the small group, frequent zodiac trips were not a problem at all. Most of the times, the zodiac excursions get you the best images because of the low angle and the approach flexibility. Having a small group and expert guiding from the two Norwegian guides (Jens and Audun) who had been picked by Jami and Theo, was the key to our success in getting good images and having some wonderful sightings of polar bears, walruses, bearded seals and belugas.

Theo also held a workshop on photography during the expedition – I had attended it earlier but it is wonderful to hear Theo’s insights into light and composition.

More than anything else, Theo and Jami are really nice and warm – it was great to get to know them! The expedition was an added bonus.

I am already planning more trips with Theo and Jami ?

Nikhil Nagle

Oh my, what a trip! Just when you think you’ve been on several great photo tours with Wild Focus Expeditions and they can’t get any better (I’ve gone to Galápagos Islands, Svalbard and Kenya with them and each one was amazing!) they indeed get better. If you love wildlife photography, traveling to (literally) the ends of the earth to capture it, (in style by the way), you owe it to yourself to sign up for one of their trips and just Do It (sorry Nike). In India we had a wonderful blend of shooting Bengal Tigers in Ranthampore National Park and the amazing colors, sites,sounds, shopping (and yes smells) of Jaipur, Jodhpur and what would a trip to India be without the Taj Mahal? Jami and Theo knew where to take us, found great local tour guides to get us into areas, you just wouldn’t find, or go to, on your own. I’m an amateur photographer, but have had a passion for it for 30+ years, and yet I still learn more in each trip with these two great leaders! Check out their website, if there’s a trip that looks interesting, contact Jami or Theo and see how their enthusiasm will win you over. You Will Not regret taking a trip with them!

The expedition was extremely well planned and executed. I had loads of questions in the run up to the trip, ranging from accessibility to photography gear, which the expedition leaders Jami and Theo answered with a lot of patience and aplomb. Beginning with the stay at the boutique Basecamp Spitsbergen, the nice, clear day out on the snowmobiles and finally onboard the MS Origo – the experience was once-in-a-lifetime.

Jami and Theo have rich knowledge of both wildlife and photography, which makes for great learning on the expedition. Looking at Theo’s pictures from all over the world, that he walked us through as part of his presentation on the ship, is a great lesson in understanding of light and composition.

The crew on board the ship was very helpful and hospitable. The food was exceptional – a special shout out to our chef! Our bear guides, Jens and Audun, were very knowledgeable and they, along with the captain and Theo and Jami, chalked out the best plan basis the weather and ice conditions. We were able to spot a diversity of wildlife including reindeer, walrus, seal, polar fox, a variety of arctic birds and of course, the apex predator of the Arctic, the polar bear! The count was about 13, including a mother and 2 cubs in the distance. We got up close to 2 polar bears and spent a good couple of hours taking pictures of each.

Overall, I would highly recommend this expedition – the small group (12) is a huge advantage, with speed of getting into the zodiacs as well as space to do photography, both from the ship and the zodiac. We also had a diverse group that got along very well, resulting in a great time on the ship while cruising. Humour from different cultures is always awesome!

Thanks Jami and Theo for the awesome experience ? If I do Svalbard again, I will do it with you guys only!

Svalbard May 2017 12 guests, 8 crew

This journey was our most unique – EVER!. We are 70+years, so that’s saying something!. Last year we took an unforgettable trip to KENYA with Wild Focus Expeditions.. THAT WAS AWESOME.. BUT this trip of opposite culture, climate, flora, fauna, transportation, and geography was so very unique and enriching..

Jami and Theo covered every traveler’s needs professionally and personally. The on site sea and land planning was precise.

Theo and Jami each gave a photo mini-seminar on board during down (travel) time.

Jami and Theo had interviewed and chosen VERY experienced Norwegian guides. Jens and Audun were genuine, knowledgeable, professional, accommodating and great humored. Every guest always felt safe.. The captain and crew of the retired ice breaker lead us on treks, zodiac exploration and snowmobiling..
We can’t forget our chef! Gourmet – for sure! Great humor – certainly. Clean – YES. Roger fixes ANY mechanical issue and then some.

The breathtaking photos that have been posted on FaceBook are telling. There is no where else on earth this could happen. Polar bears, seals, walrus, Arctic hare, Svalbard reindeer, beluga whales! yep all these were easily photographed. WRITE me about Wild Focus if you’d like! with questions. We extended 3 night stay in OSLO; also gorgeous, active, easily walked- on our own. KLM – great airline!

I have to say this trip to India will go down as one of my favorite trips of all time. This will now be my 4th trip with Jami and Theo and I enjoyed the variety it provided. I enjoyed the game drives, but this one provided a very well rounded view of India. The people, the culture, the history, the diversity it provided was just what I had hoped for, but didn’t know it. My memories are more vibrant then some of my other trips just because of this alone. I will forever be in AWE of the engineering of the Forts and buildings such as the Taj Mahal. The people of India are inspiring.

And shopping on an afternoon in the markets showed me just how similar the women of India are to the those of my country – rooting around for the best deal and quality.

I hope to return to India one day. I would never have known how much I would truly appreciate this wonderful country until I came this first time.

Thank you Theo and Jami for this experience. I will never forget it.

This is my third expedition with Wild Focus. Although I have enjoyed all my trips, this adventure was the perfect combination of wildlife and culture. During part of the trip we were tracking tigers through the Ranthambore National Park and the other part, we were immersed in a a whirlwind of colors, sights, sounds, and smells of India.

What makes Wild Focus Expeditions unique is the knowledge of these leaders and their passion for photography. Whether you are a novice (like me) or a serious photographer, Theo and Jami work as a team to expand your skill level and ensure that each person has an opportunity to take the best possible photos.

One of my most memorable experiences was the day our group climbed to the rooftop (during the early morning hours) to photograph the Blue City (Jodhpur). Through their personal contacts, Jami and Theo were able to gain access to this perfect spot for capturing the first glow of light on the city below. Pure magic!

As I review my photos, I still can’t believe that I was actually in India to partake in this incredible adventure. Truly a life changing experience! Thank you Jami and Theo for the opportunity to see another part of the world through your eyes!

I’ve recently returned from a ‘Bucket List’ trip to the Galapagos Islands led by photographer Jami Tarris of Wild Focus Expeditions. Having experienced a destination like the Galapagos for years on TV and in literature and through the eyes of Naturalists like David Attenborough my expectations were high. The trip with Wild Focus exceeded all these. Every aspect was without fault. The itinerary was thorough offering every opportunity whether it was snorkeling with sea lions, turtles, or penguins, watching Boobies and albatross ‘dance’, observing giant land tortoise ‘lumbering’ by, watching iguanas ‘chill’ in the sun or dine underwater on algae and so many other adventures were maximized. I’ve returned with endless memories, thousands of extraordinary photographic images and much improved camera expertise. I look forward to joining Wild Focus again in the future.

If you want to really see and understand the Galápagos Islands there is only one group to consider…. Wild Focus Expeditions. Unsurpassed knowledge of the Islands as well as superior photographic help are just part of what they offer. Great people, a great boat, top notch food and great company are all part of the experience. You absolutely will love your experience. The tour guides did a superior job….. plus photos too great for words!

I am writing as the non-photographer of the Galapagos trip (although I may be reconsidering the value of gaining skill as a visual journalist due to the stunning photos that my husband took while there…).

This trip still haunts my dreams. I have never experienced such close interaction with wildlife, especially mothers with their young. Whether it was an iguana, a shark, an albatross or a sea lion, the animals accepted we humans as just part of the landscape (unless they wanted to play, as did multiple sea lions during our snorkels). It was thrilling!

The best part of the trip, however, was what we learned from our tour guides. They are both knowledgeable and passionate conservation activists and teachers. I will forever think of wild places in a new way, with many thanks to them both. If you enjoy an adventure and want to learn new things about this planet we call home, I highly recommend taking a trip with Wild Focus Expeditions. You will be so glad you did. This was our second, and we plan for more!21

We had previously been on a trip to Africa with Jami and Theo and had a fantastic time! During our trip they told us about this adventure to the North Pole that they were planning and it sounded amazing! Our only problem was that our daughter was graduating from High School in the middle of the trip. As GOD would have it, he had our daughter enroll in a different High School and my wife and I could now make the trip. Jami and Theo were so gracious and made sure we were able to secure a spot. Both Jami and Theo took care of us months before the trip ever started by contacting us to make sure we had just the right clothes, coordinating flights and spent hours with my wife making sure we had the right camera equipment. Once we arrived in Longyearbyen they shuttled us away to our base camp, which was a very friendly and enjoyable hotel for the night. It was amazing to walk outside at midnight and still have the sun shining like it was the early afternoon. Our trip turned out to be one of the most spectacular times of our life. We met great people, had tons of fun and laughed and cried at the same time. We saw ice bergs that were several amazing colors, arctic foxes, walrus, owls, reindeer and polar bears that followed each other near the glaciers, sometimes eating in their natural environment and ones that were so close you could almost touch them from the main boat as we cut through the ice. We took at least two trips a day on Zodiacs to get a closer look at the glaciers, animals, icebergs and surrounding land mass to be able to see the beauty of this area. We took short hikes in several areas and were able to get a much different perspective of the amazing arctic area and the animals that live there. Not only did we get great pictures through out the trip, but also we had the best crew and cooks to keep us happy and safe! I would recommend this trip to anyone who loves the outdoors, as it is truly a once in a lifetime adventure with Jami and Theo and Wild Focus Expeditions!

I went with many misgivings since I had never been on an expedition before and do not like to be cold. I was also concerned that there would be physical challenges too difficult for me. It’s always satisfying to have done something hard and realize that you can do more than you think! Gorgeous scenery awaited us each day when we went out from the boat on the zodiac. One day we left the zodiac, climbed a small hill and sat looking at a serene lake surrounded with snow-covered mountains. Our guide said to sit and just be quiet. We truly heard the “sound” of silence–the most quiet moment I have ever experienced–unforgettable. The wildlife was fantastic: polar bears, walruses, seals, various kinds of birds, and reindeer. The polar bear behavior we saw was unique: a male pursuing a female with her checking to be sure he was following, a polar bear eating a seal for lunch, and a polar bear walking up to our boat–just a few feet away! I got terrific pictures of that bear and my husband is the photographer! Our expedition leaders Jami and Theo, the bear guides, the captain and crew of the boat were all superb–as was the food! All-in-all a wonderful experience. I wouldn’t change a single thing.

Truly a trip of a lifetime. More than just a photography expedition, it was a deeply satisfying experience of the beauty, nature and history of the arctic. The accommodations were excellent, both on the ship Freya and at the lodge in Longyearbyen. The itinerary was well executed to provide many opportunities to get as close as possible to birds, seals, walrus, reindeer, polar bears, glaciers, etc. and to fully experience the natural beauty of Svalbard. Great planning by trip leaders Jami and Theo, who in addition to providing pre-travel gear and camera recommendations, were immensely helpful with photographic questions throughout the trip, and are quite simply wonderful travel companions. Our polar guides Ricard and Heather were fountains of knowledge regarding the wildlife, flora and colorful history of the arctic and the Freya crew made us feel at home on the ship. We made many new friends and brought back incredible photos and incredibly fond memories!

It is so challenging to put the experiences of our Kenyan trip into words. It was the experience of cultures, the completion of a 3 credit course in zoology(!), the enjoyment of the cuisine, and the travel over the countryside via Rover (that flying wouldn’t have allowed) that made this such a fabulous trip. Focus Expeditions planned it out SO VERY well.

Our lodging, the journeys, shopping, and communications were PERFECT. Our leader,JAMI TARRIS provided photographic instruction and factual information about the country and wildlife which were SO valuable.. The small group size was perfect and is also a key to success and learning. Well, NOW we are prepared for our next adventure to Norway in May to see polar bears! WHY? because this was $$$ well spent and an opener to continued adventures….the events, places, expert guides and planning made for a TOP NOTCH adventure.

My first journey to Kenya with Jami Tarris and Wild Focus Expeditions was way more than I had ever expected. The trip was filled with the beauty of wildlife and the African landscape. Jami is an excellent photographer and was very generous and patient to give me pointers so I would bring back some incredible photographs and great memories.

Jami and our driver Mwashi were considerate and so very knowledgeable that I came back with a greater love and understanding of what exists on our planet.

The accommodations were lovely and the trip was very well organized. I was looking at some pictures the other day and relived the wonder of the experience.

This was not my trip, it was my husband’s trip. I don’t like cold. I didn’t think I had much interest in polar bears or walrus, either… but I love my husband and he wanted me to go. So I did, and I can’t even articulate how glad I am that I did! I have never experienced anything like this, nor will I ever again. It was amazing and breathtaking as well as educational and thrilling. We saw it all on a roomy and comfortable converted Coast Guard ice-cutter and enough inflatables so that we all had a good view of what was happening right in front of us. We were up close and personal with polar bears (that I now truly care for), walrus (who are the clowns of the arctic), and reindeer (who look like medium-sized dogs with pig-like noses). We also came to know a variety of amazing arctic birds, seals and even a shy arctic fox. We saw everything on our list as if these wild things were placed for our entertainment. Actually the crew sometimes worked through the night to find them for us!

Amazingly, I was never cold. Jami and Theo prepared us perfectly, so that our experience would be enjoyable and comfortable, as well as educational. They also selected the crew and guides, who could not have been more accommodating. Jami and Theo were always engaging, fun and helpful. We could not have asked for more.

You should take this trip. You will never regret it, and may even find that it will be a highlight of your life, just as it is of mine.

As a nature lover this was a trip of a lifetime, I always wished to go on an expedition out far into the wilderness and it came true with Wild Focus Expeditions. Being able to go out deep into remote wild places and experience wilderness at its best was wonderful. Theo and Jami are not only renowned wildlife photographers but they are great professionals and persons. Another important aspect for me is that they always work in avoiding creating an impact on the environment, the animals and their habitat, part of it is having small groups which makes the experience even more enjoyable. The crew from the Freya and the two polar bear guides were also amazing. In the future my husband and I will consider planning more trips with Wild Focus Expeditions.

Our trip to Kenya was fascinating and great fun. It was very well organized. We learned so much about wildlife and the local culture.

Each park was unique. It left us wanting to see more. I highly recommend this trip and Jami. She is knowledgeable and genuinely cares about both animals and people, and made sure we all had a great time and brought home great memories.

Simply a life changing experience! The Arctic is a magical place, and with Wild Focus Expeditions you get to see it in a way that not many people get a chance to experience. With only 12 people we had two wonderful professional photographers at our disposal 24/7 as well as two wonderful guides/naturalists. We saw everything that the Arctic has to offer and came home with amazing photos, life long memories and many new friends.

Jami and Theo are professional, friendly and knowledgeable. You won’t find anyone who offers a better trip and a better value. I highly recommend Wild Focus Expeditions to anyone who wants a very special experience.

After many years of talking to friends and researching safaris to Africa, my husband and I finally decided to go to Kenya with Wild Focus Expeditions. The trip was everything we hoped it would be and more. It’s impossible to explain just how spectacular Kenya is – the animals foremost – the scenery and the hospitality of the locals a close second and third. Our tour organizer and constant companion, Jami Tarris, made everything easy for us in the seemingly effortless way that she has, from the initial travel arrangements to the trip itself. Everything was perfectly planned. I can’t say that I would change anything about it except perhaps to stay longer. The local guides who drove us everywhere were particularly gracious, knowledgeable and personable. The vehicles were comfortable and well-outfitted, the accommodations were good to superior, as was the food. We were sad to leave Kenya, the spell-binding animals, the vast and varied landscape, and the kind, warm-hearted people. We have travelled quite a bit, and we would rank this trip at the very top.

This was one of the most exciting and well planned trips we have ever taken.

From the time we landed in Nairobi to our departure, the attention to detail was superb. It was a small group which allowed for a great deal of personnel attention.

The trip to the Samburu Village was a great and the people very interested in us as well. They danced for us and were very welcoming.

The Safari covered 3 areas in Kenya, all of which were teeming with wildlife. Our guide Mwashi was top drawer and very well informed. He was patient, spoke perfectly clear English and went out of his way to ensure we saw all different kinds of species. His knowledge of birds was amazing. With so many of them everywhere it just added to the experience. We had the opportunity to see a lion kill in the great migration. Many other very exciting sights on the trail were so easy to photograph given Jami’s and Mwashi’s expertise.

We saw a black rhino which was quite a joy. Giraffes in pairs with babies which was a thrill.

When we got to the Masai Mara, we were fortunate to see lions mating which is quite rare. Herds of Zebra and Hippos were all around us especially in the area we stayed. The river banks were filled with Elephants and their young. We were amazed at every turn. We even saw a Leopard and it was a thrill.
The accommodations were terrific. The rooms were well appointed great attention to detail. The food in the 3 places we stayed was excellent.

Our guide and photography expert Jami was filled with interesting details and facts about the animals and helped us with our photography to ensure we got the best shots possible.

My wife and I were privileged to be part of the Svalbard expedition. I could not wait to go but my wife was very apprehensive. AS the trip progressed her perspective changed dramatically and it ended with her having an extremely memorable and positive experience. I should say that we also celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary on the trip and Jami and Theo made sure it was a special time for us.

If you are looking for a once in a lifetime experience this is it. The accommodations were surprisingly comfortable, the food was excellent, the effort put into placing us in the right spot to see wildlife and scenery few are privileged to see was above and beyond. Jami and Theo are without doubt true professionals but beyond their professional expertise their personalities and genuine interest in the expedition participants created an atmosphere of fun, caring and true friendship. All which greatly enhanced the overall experience.
From my perspective the test of a great experience rests in the question, “Would you go with the trip leaders again”? My answer is unequivocally and resoundingly yes! Jami and Theo were as important to the overall success of our trip as was the remarkable place we were privileged to experience.

I went on the Kenya Wild Focus Expedition 6/28 – 7/13/16. I’m 82 years young, and got younger on the trip! Jami Tarris planned details for a queen (me)! And taught us much about the wild life and photography! It was THE trip of my lifetime! One would have a difficult time beating it at any price!