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Interview with Will Bolsover, Managing Director of World Safaris

Will Bolsover has worked in travel and Africa for the past 15 years. Starting out as a teacher in the remotewestern region of Kenya, he went on to study French and African and Asian Studies at Sussex University then worked as a safari guide in numerous African destinations. Six years ago, he set up the luxury touroperator, World Primate Safaris based in Brighton, Sussex. Since then, the company – Natural World Safaris – has expanded into other wildlife niches, namely World Big Cat Safaris and World Bear Safaris. What is it that you do exactly?
That is what I love about my jobÂ…day to day I do so many different things. I get an early start, dropping off my son at nursery, followed by a walk along the beach with Sprokit the dog. Once in the office, the main focus of my work nowadays revolves around developing new products, but this involves so many different job descriptions. In the first instance, the ground work must be done and this involves experiencing the product. For example, launching World Bear Safaris involved a lot of travel to various bear haunts throughout 2010. From there, I build a website, work on SEO and launch the experience to our clients. Usually we develop a new product on the back of client demand so feedback from clients is always gratefully received. Managing a company such as Natural World Safaris is a forever changing job role and aside from developing new products my daily routine can include anything from assisting the sales team with enquiries, training our consultants on destination knowledge, and updating websites to liaising with our in country staff and ensuring a quality experience to our client base.
What do you enjoy most about what you do?
Liaising with clients is a personal favourite. Receiving feedback from clients that have travelled with us in the past and who have had a thoroughly enjoyable and unique experience makes the long days worthwhile. Client satisfaction and providing a truly quality experience are the foundations of the company.
What would you say are the 3 best places youÂ’ve ever stayed?
Zarafa Camp – a truly exclusive luxury camp based in the private Selinda concession in Botswana. With only 4 luxury tents, private plunge pools and exclusive high class game viewing, Zarafa Camp is hard to beat. Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge – a luxury lodge located in the foothills of the Virunga Volcanoes. Stunning views across the valleys and countryside of Rwanda and the ideal place from where to set off on one of the best wildlife experiences there is…gorilla tracking. Anjajavy – located in a private nature reserve on the north west coast of Madagascar this lodge offers comfort at the same time as a remote wilderness experience. You have sifakas (a type of lemur) dancing across the lawns, sandy beaches and a tropical climate.
WhatÂ’s been your most memorable dining experience to date?
A meal with my father at the George V in Paris in celebration of my upcoming marriage to my now wife Ciara. Are there really that many different olive oilsÂ…?!
Have you rubbed shoulders with the rich and famous, either through your work or your travels?
Surely this is a trick question?! YesÂ…but as a company we would never reveal who, where or when.
What currently ranks highest on your travel wish list?
Even though I have been to Botswana numerous times it is still up there. Otherwise, the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica, a return trip to Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia. As to travel gadgets, a Nikon 200-400mm lens is very temptingÂ…
Thank you for a fascinating insight into your world, Will, and we hope your safari business goes from strength to strength. Great name for a dog, by the way! If you would like to be interviewed on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.

Paul Johnson

Paul Johnson is Editor of A Luxury Travel Blog and has worked in the travel industry for more than 30 years. He is Winner of the Innovations in Travel ‘Best Travel Influencer’ Award from WIRED magazine. In addition to other awards, the blog has also been voted “one of the world’s best travel blogs” and “best for luxury” by The Daily Telegraph.

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