Two people, one love of southern Africa
We’re Lance and Nikita, based in Perth. We started Wild & Wonder to share the Africa we know with people who want to see it properly.
Who you’ll be travelling with
Lance Ridley
Lance grew up on a remote wildlife farm in Zimbabwe, where the bush was his backyard and he learned Shona and the local customs alongside the families around him.
He still goes back every year. Ten years in the Australian military and a career as an environmental scientist taught him to plan carefully, read the country and stay calm when Africa does its own thing. He’s at his happiest watching someone see their first elephant herd up close, and hearing them start to plan their return.
Nikita Davis
Nikita grew up in Australia loving the outdoors, has travelled across Asia, Europe and the Americas, and fell for Africa travelling with Lance.
She has spent 15 years in logistics, projects and events, from the Pilbara’s mining industry to international freight, so she’s the one making sure the flights connect and the transfers line up. She also loves good food and a warm welcome, and as a mother she knows the value of a sensible pace. On safari, that means the details are handled and you can simply enjoy being there.
We’ve done it with a toddler
We’ve travelled southern Africa with our own young child, so we know what makes a family safari work: shorter transfers, the right lodges and realistic expectations.
Seen through our lens
Wildlife, landscapes and moments from our own travels across southern Africa.
Tell us what you have in mind.
Where, when, who’s coming and roughly what you’d like to spend. You don’t need a finished plan. Lance or Nikita will reply personally within two working days.