Growing up in Maine, I have always had a desire to get out and explore the world. After college, I spent a year backpacking and volunteering throughout Central America, and the travel bug stuck. From there, I put together my college degree by studying in four countries and traveling to another 26, eagerly soaking up the lessons of each location.
I got my first taste of sub-Saharan Africa during college when I lived in Senegal, conducting research on women's roles in Dakar’s economic development. When my three months there were up, I traveled to East Africa and instantly fell in love. Since then, I've been back multiple times, either visiting friends I made while there, going on safari (my favorite), or on professional development trips. The people, natural beauty, and diversity of wildlife has made East Africa one of my favorite destinations, and I love that I get to share that experience with my clients.
Q&A with Abigail
What's your most vivid travel moment?
I was on my very last game drive to the airstrip to catch my flight home, and we happened upon a cheetah sitting about five feet from the road. Not another car in sight, we sat there for ten minutes watching this beautiful cat soak-up some rays. This experience exemplified my favorite part of safari: it鈥檚 never the same twice.
Where would you love to travel next?
I would absolutely LOVE to go on a gorilla trek in Rwanda! I've always been passionate about animals and seeing them in their natural habitat would be an unparalleled experience.
Which book, film, or artwork captures East Africa most?
Not to be too on the nose, but "Out of Africa" (all hail Meryl Streep) captures the safari experience and Kenyan landscape beautifully. For the best taste of the wildlife, you can't go wrong with "Planet Earth". It'll get you beyond excited to experience the animals up close.