meet the team
“Gemma has now planned several of my visits to Southern Africa in the last few years. Whether you would like to spend some time in a city, going overland on sand dunes, experiencing some local culture or watching elephants at the watering hole just outside your bedroom, Gemma will curate an amazing vacation. Gemma’s enthusiasm and love for Africa, along with her flawless organization and communication is what makes every trips seamless. I would highly recommend Gemma and TAP Expedition to anybody thinking of a trip to Africa!!”
– Colby (U.S.A)
TAP Founder – Gemma Heyns
Gemma grew up in South Africa’s beautifully rural KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, where her loving relationship with nature was born. She spent her childhood, following in the footsteps of her veterinarian father and farming mother, learning to respect and nurture the land and its animals. After completing her tertiary education in business and design she felt a strong desire to see the world.
Her first step towards fulfilling this need was taking up employment as a stewardess on board a luxury mega yacht. This platform provided her with the means and opportunities to fulfil her hunger to explore the world, its cultures and experience the physical and emotional journeys that travelling would set out for her. She worked for six years with great determination, perfecting the intricacies of presenting flawless travel experiences. She managed and directed the functioning of the interior of the yacht, combining five-star silver service with extraordinary cuisine. Her passion lies in creating unique once in a lifetime adventures, orchestrating unforgettable celebrations and romantic forevers, with an overarching focus on the complete bliss of her guests.
Having backpacked through South America, hiked to the depths of the Grand Canyon, scuba dived in the turquoise waters of the Caribbean ocean, eaten at the finest Mediterranean restaurants, enjoyed the freshest Ceylon tea in Sri Lanka, warmed her soul with a shot of whiskey in an Icelandic glacier and over-landed up stretches of both African coast lines. Gemma has succeeded in her quest to experience and learn from the world.
After travelling to the far reaches of the globe Gemma’s ever changing inspiration and ongoing journey kept calling her back to Africa. She believes that Africa is a world apart from it all, and special beyond words. Allow her to use her expertise and love of Africa to make your dreams of an idyllic African adventure a reality.
Suggested African read: Cry The Beloved Country, Alan Paton
Favourite Destination: The Wild Coast
TAP Guide – David Snow
Dave has built his career and existence through nature’s wonders. He is a zealous field guide whose love of the outdoors is forever growing stronger. He grew up in the Gauteng province of South Africa, but surrounded by the African wilderness is where he is truly at peace.
Driven by his passion for nature Dave has travelled extensively throughout Southern Africa, guiding and enthralling travellers from all around the globe. In addition to his brilliant knowledge and guiding expertise, he is also first aid trained and medically capable. He has the perfect balance of charismatic personality combined with skill, dedication and conservation know-how to provide you with the trip of a lifetime.
He is an avid bird watcher, an elegant photographer, and a natural mixologist who is passionate about providing the full experience in the most unforgettable ways. Whether he is uncorking a bottle of champagne and raising a toast to loved ones as the last rays of a stunning African sunset bid farewell to another beautiful day, or patiently stalking into the bushveld, devoted to making a guest’s dream of spotting the Sharp-tailed Sandpiper into a reality, he is up to the task. Plus, he is handy around the kitchen too.
Dave’s magnetism and responsiveness, combined with his wisdom is everything needed to present a perfect, privately guided experience.
Suggested African read: Roberts Bird Book
Favourite Destination: Kruger National Park
“David is so passionate and enthusiastic on his drives sharing his unlimited knowledge of birds, animals both big and small. His knowledge of the bush is phenomenal incorporating fauna, flora, amphibians and reptiles. He relates well to people and is eager to please. My growing knowledge of birds has come about from what I have learnt from David. He is a birding guide of note!”
– Rose Finezzi (RSA)