Donnalee has been leading travellers on African and European adventures for over three decades. An experienced organizer and detail focused guide with a wealth of local and cultural knowledge.

Early in life she travelled extensively with her father, an avid world adventurer and this set the love of differing cultures and landscapes deep.

 

“I was fortunate to grow up with ‘Born Free’ on the big screen, she says, ‘Wild Kingdom’ on the small screen - Hemingway and Kipling in the library. I relived the adventures of Osa Johnson, Karen Blixen, and Beryl Markham in my vivid imagination.”

“My favorite destination is Kenya.” She continues, “Kenya offers so much - From the heights of Mt. Kenya, (17,057 ft) to the white shores of the Indian Ocean - this is a country rich in biodiversity, tribal diversity, and the great migration. Kenya is an affordable safari destination; the people are warm, and welcoming.”

"Kenya is the home to an abundance of elephants. Some of the fiercest elephant warriors; Daphne Sheldrick, Cynthia Moss, Ian Douglas Hamilton, and Joyce Poole, have called Kenya home. The elephant population in Kenya is around 15,000 - Poaching is down about 80%. There is hope for elephants in Kenya.”

 

“To be amongst elephants is to witness a loving, matriarchal society, the ultimate in ‘girl power’.... intelligent, resourceful, kind, patient, playful; I’ve never tired of watching elephants splashing in mud holes, or picking the tiny pods off of acacia trees to munch as a special treat.”

 

While working with the storied Abercrombie and Kent, she honed the intricacies of planning and executing luxury travel experiences for a demanding and seasoned clientele. Her success there led her to pursue her own business interests in leading tours…highlighting her passion for animals, unique ecosystems, history, and the people of East Africa.

 

The cornerstone of Bespoke Tours Led by Donnalee is always adhering to responsible tourism, maximizing value, and creating unparalleled safari experiences.