Exploring Africa—
expertly, accessibly, and beyond

Expedition leadership • Accessible travel planning & companioning • Travel photography • Talks & workshops
30+ Years of experience

SHARE THE THRILLS! Tales of travel, light, and humanity — shared from a lifetime on the road.

Alexandria, Egypt— A City Written in Layers of Light, Dust, and Memory

Explore with me, the history of Alexandria, Egypt — from its founding by Alexander the Great to Cleopatra’s reign, Roman rule, and the city’s layered rebirth through time.

Read More  
Arriving in Cairo — First Impressions, Visas & Vital Tips

Arriving in Cairo can feel overwhelming yet magical — here’s everything you need to know about visas, first impressions, airport tips, and navigating Egypt with confidence.

Read More  
48 Hours to Cairo - Behind the Journey

Egypt — the anticipation of a new journey. A journey through Egypt — from Cairo’s streets to the White Desert and Alexandria’s coast — capturing light, shadow, and stories through my lens. A photographer’s search for light, texture, and the chaos of human presence.

Read More  
The World’s on Fire. I’m Heading to Egypt

In a world full of chaos, I choose awe. This October I travel to Egypt — not for instant vlogs, but for stories that linger. From the Pyramids to the silence of Siwa Oasis, join me as my words and camera capture moments that amaze

Read More  
Mala-Mala – My lens: Where Africa’s Wild Heart Still Beats

MalaMala is where Africa’s wild heart still beats — a reserve where the Sand River draws life in abundance, where the Rattray family pioneered the shift from hunting to photographic safaris, and where community, conservation, and unforgettable wildlife encounters come together in timeless harmony.

Read More  
Lions on the Brink: What the Next 10 Years Could Bring

A personal reflection into Africa’s lion strongholds and silent spaces, exploring what the next 10 years could mean for the king of beasts. The roar still echoes… but for how long?

Read More  
Sleeping Giants of the Sahara

An unexpected engine failure in Agadez led to a rare journey into deep time. In the forgotten fossil fields near Marendet, Sleeping Giants of the Sahara takes you deep into the heart of Niger’s desert, where a grounded aircraft led to an unexpected journey into prehistory. Near the quiet village of Marendet, ancient dinosaur bones emerge from the sand — untouched, unsignposted, and astonishing. Blending travel memoir with deep-time reflection, Vivienne Gunning shares a rare encounter with one of West Africa’s most overlooked fossil sites. This blog isn’t just about dinosaurs — it’s about the stillness of the Sahara, the silence of stone, and the stories the earth still holds beneath our feet.

Read More  
India: Udaipur – The City of Dreams, Lakes and Legends

From floating palaces to sunset Kingfisher beers on a rooftop — here’s my love affaire with Udaipur, a city like no other — one with an artistic soul, that blends royal charm, and modern magic in every moment.

Read More  
India: Jaipur: The Pink City That Stole My Heart

Written by Vivienne Gunning—Jaipur’s all pink walls, spicy street food, and royal vibes—this city’s got stories in every corner and color in every frame.

Read More  
India: At the Edge of the Sacred, Aghori Sadhus

In the smoke and silence of Varanasi’s cremation ghats, I came face to face with the Aghori Sadhus—Hinduism’s most feared and misunderstood ascetics. What I saw shocked me, challenged me, and shifted my view of life, death, and everything in between. This is not your average travel story. #AghoriSadhus #Varanasi #IndiaUnfiltered #SpiritualTravel #CremationGhats #CultureShock #TravelWriter #SacredIndia #LifeAndDeath

Read More  
India: The Mysteries Behind Hinduism

Explore the rich tapestry of Hinduism through the eyes of a curious traveler. Delve into its origins, beliefs, and practices, and ponder the challenges it faces in modern society.

Read More  

African Expert

With over 30 years of experience across 33 African countries, I bring unmatched depth of knowledge, cultural understanding, and on-the-ground expertise to every journey.

Accessible Private Travel

As an accessible travel planner and companion, I help travellers explore the world with confidence — regardless of age, mobility, or ability. Together, we turn challenges into possibilities, creating journeys that inspire freedom and connection. Let’s plan your accessible adventure together!

Bespoke Journeys

Every journey should tell a story — yours. Whether you seek stillness or thrill, solitude or celebration, I design journeys that mirror your rhythm — handcrafted, considered, and deeply personal. Each itinerary blends discovery with detail, art with logistics, and authenticity with comfort — because travel should feel like it was made for you.

Adventure of a Lifetime

Some journeys can’t be booked from a brochure. They’re born from imagination, courage, and a lifetime spent leading expeditions into the wild and the unknown. With deep logistical knowledge and fearless creativity, I design out-of-the-box itineraries for travellers who crave something extraordinary — experiences that challenge, surprise, and stir the soul. From desert crossings to private air charters and remote expeditions, every adventure is planned with precision and heart. Because true adventure doesn’t follow a map. It writes its own.

Exclusive Luxury Expeditions

Exclusive Luxury Expeditions by Vivie Gunning For the discerning traveller who seeks the extraordinary, I design and personally lead luxury expeditions that go far beyond expectation. These journeys balance elegance with authenticity — where comfort meets curiosity, and every detail is considered with precision and heart. From private charters to remote camps and immersive cultural moments, each experience is hand-crafted through a lifetime of expertise and connection across Africa and beyond. Because true luxury isn’t found in excess — it’s found in access: to meaning, to beauty, and to moments that can never be repeated

Expedition Leadership and Photography

Wildlife photography isn’t just about capturing a moment — it’s about understanding rhythm, patience, and connection. I lead immersive photography journeys that go beyond the lens, teaching travellers how to see, feel, and frame the wild in its truest form. From golden dawns in the Okavango to the soft twilight of the Kruger, every day offers new light, new behaviour, and new stories. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned photographer, I’ll help you refine your craft and return home with more than images — with emotion, memory, and mastery

Family-Friendly Adventures

Some of the best memories are made when generations travel together. From multi-generational safaris to cultural explorations that inspire curiosity, I design journeys that engage everyone — from the wide-eyed wonder of children to the quiet appreciation of adults. Each itinerary balances safety, excitement, and education, turning every day into an experience to share and remember. Because adventure, at its heart, is even better when it’s shared.

Personalized Safari Expeditions

A safari should never feel generic. I design personally guided experiences that bring Africa’s wilderness to life — tailored to your pace, interests, and sense of adventure. From intimate tented camps to luxury lodges and remote fly-ins, every detail is arranged with care and insider knowledge gained from decades in the field. Whether it’s tracking big cats at dawn, gliding across the Okavango Delta, or sharing stories by the fire under a velvet sky — your safari becomes more than a trip. It becomes a memory stitched into the rhythm of Africa itself.

Let’s Connect. I’d love to hear from you.

*
*
  • Cape Town, South Africa

Whether you’d like to collaborate, plan a journey, or simply connect — I’d love to hear from you. You can reach me via WhatsApp at +27 (0)82 795 0411 or email gunningvivienne@gmail.com. If I’m travelling in a remote area with limited Wi-Fi, I’ll respond as soon as I can. Warm regards, Vivienne

I’ve never been one for the easy route.

About imageAbout imageAbout image
Welcome to VivienneGunning.com

Expedition leader. Story-seeker. Photographer of the quiet and the wild.

To  travel is not to escape life but for life not escaping us!

For over three decades, I’ve crossed continents, led expeditions through 33 African countries, cooked under desert stars, and listened to stories by firelight in places not found on maps.
I am Vivienne Gunning — artist, adventurer, and restless observer of the human spirit.

As an accessible travel planner, I specialise in helping solo, senior, and mobility-challenged travellers experience the world with ease, empathy, and authenticity.

This is my digital campfire.If you’re looking for glossy perfection, you won’t find it here.
But if you’re looking for the real, the raw, and the unexpectedly beautiful — welcome.
Come walk with me. I’ll take you there.

Through photography and words, I share what I’ve seen and felt: the quiet dignity of a market vendor in Ethiopia… the wild heartbeat of a leopard in the Thuli Block… the stillness of a broken-down DC-4 on a remote airstrip.Life, unscripted — but deeply felt.

This space isn’t about travel tips. It’s about what travel does to you.
It’s for those drawn to dust and silence, colour and chaos. For the wanderers and the rooted. The curious and the courageous.

Every photo I post, every story I tell — they’re stitched together from years in the field, from heartbreak and wonder, from moments I never saw coming.

A Note on the Galleries
“Gallery” is where I showcase random visual experiences that once lived only in my memory bank — now captured, saved, and shared with you.

“Framed by Vivienne” is more than just a portfolio.
It brings together the photographs I’m most proud of — technically, emotionally, and artistically.
They reflect what I’ve learned through two professional photography courses, but also how I’ve always seen the world: through instinct, light, and emotion.

A Note on Painting
Long before the lens, there was the brush.
Painting is where I first learned to see — not just with my eyes, but with breath, skin, and instinct. It’s how I process what lingers after I leave a place: the wind brushing the savanna grass, a dark cloud hanging over the plains, the striking structure of a weathered face. The rich, grounded palette of nature.
This is not photorealism. These works are interpretations — emotional translations of places, people, and moments that marked me. Some are inspired by my own photography. Others come from memory, dreams, or something I couldn’t quite explain — until I painted it.
Because these works are deeply personal and entirely my own creation, sharing them is an act of vulnerability. Every brushstroke says: this is how it felt.
Some are layered and bold. Others are spare and still. But all reflect years in the field, a life lived on the move, and a commitment to honouring both beauty and truth.
Originals and prints are available on request.
If something speaks to you — or if you’d like to commission a piece — I’d be honoured to create with you. Please reach out via the contact page.

Thank you for stepping into this curated visual journey.
📷 To see what I’m currently working on, follow me on Instagram: @VivieGunning | @VNGwild and FB: Vivienne Gunning | Vivie Gunning Explorer


This is my heart in frames — a handpicked collection of photographs that moved me deeply. Each image carries a story, a silence, or a spark that made me pause. They are not just pictures — they are moments I couldn’t walk away from.  © Vivienne Gunning. All rights reserved. Images may not be reproduced or used without permission.

TRAVEL EXPERT!

David Tett
President, Bushtracks Expeditions

2 February, 2014 Dear Sir, Madam, This reference letter outlines the loyal and exceptional performance Vivienne Gunning has delivered to Bushtracks Expeditions and our international travelers for over 15 years. Vivienne has demonstrated an ability to learn and develop management skills for a variety of functions and projects required by Bushtracks. Initially she assisted us with significant, complex, ACMI, long haul, multi-stop airliner charters across Africa, from Johannesburg to Addis, from Cape Town to Casablanca, and on our circumnavigation of North Africa and the Sahara by private 737 jet. Her role included planning flight routes, arranging overflight and landing permissions, negotiating and contracting with airport ground handlers, supplying and managing the on board catering and cabin crew, monitoring passenger service quality, setting up of fueling stops and logistics, and more. From her successful management of our aviation charter function, she grew into our most experienced Expedition Leader with more trips, guests, and destinations to her name than any of our other leaders. Alongside this role she also developed project management skills that helped us set up and deliver a 50 bed Caidel tented camp in the Sahara desert in Niger, where she also set up and managed a very successful and remote field kitchen that delivered high quality meals to our private jet guests. A second project she managed for us was our contract with Doli Lodge in the CAR, and again she proved her project management skills. Here she was tasked with planning and sourcing fittings and soft furnishings in South Africa and the CAR, shipping them to a remote part of the CAR rainforest where she was required to install and creatively refurbish the lodge and its landscaping on a very tight budget, to train the staff and get them into uniform, and to train the chef and his kitchen staff and install a weekly menu system. In short I can recommend Vivienne for a position in the tourism industry and vouch for her dedication to hard work and delivering results in an accountable fashion. President Bushtracks Expeditions

Suzette Nieuwoudt
Former Interim Executive Director, SADC Aviation Safety Oversight Organisation / Project Coordinator ICAO COSCAP-SADC

Vivienne is a specialist in her field with decades of experience in aviation ranging from finding the best-suited aircraft for “flying safaris”, leading expeditions and managing logistics. Tending to every detail of the tour group’s needs in an artistic manner comes naturally, whilst topping it by sharing her positive energy to round off every expedition and every adventure as a “once in a lifetime experience”! Bravo Vivienne, you lead by example!

Embark on a virtual odyssey with Vivienne Gunning at www.viviennegunning.com, a digital chronicle of a seasoned world traveler and safari expedition leader. Dive into captivating narratives, stunning photography, and rich tales that unfold the untamed beauty of the natural world. Join Vivienne, a passionate 60+ explorer fearlessly navigating solo adventures, as she shares the wisdom gained from a lifetime of globe-trotting. Subscribe now to witness the beauty of solo travel, cultural exchanges, and the wonders of the world, meticulously woven into a rich tapestry of words, art, and photography.

Read More  

Join Vivienne Gunning on a captivating journey to Sicily, while she embrace the unknown, exploring unexpected twists, cultural festivals, and the enchanting cities and villages of Sicily. Follow her quest for new beginnings in this immersive travel blog

Read More  

You can also change the title listed above and add new blog articles as well.

Read More  

Edit your Blog articles from the Pages tab by clicking the edit button.

Read More  

"Be the change you want to see in the world! Your donation to the Women's Empowerment Project in Kerala, India, will help empower women and girls to achieve their full potential." HELP ME TO HELP THEM! PLEASE DONATE, EVEN A SMALL CONTRIBUTION ADDS UP.

https://www.fundmytravel.com/campaign/NW05cx5Nwy

Greetings! I am thrilled to share my current mission with you - I have embarked on a journey to Fort Kochi, Kerala, India, where I am contributing my time and efforts to a Women's Empowerment Program as a volunteer. My aim is to help these women discover their potential, equip them with vital life skills and entrepreneurship knowledge, and empower them to identify and pursue business opportunities, no matter how small. I believe that this project will not only add value to the challenged communities but also allow me to grow, learn, and be challenged in new ways. Kochi is a bustling and thriving market with tremendous potential for growth and success. Through this program, I hope to gain valuable experience that will help me connect with communities in Africa. However, I cannot achieve this goal alone. That is why I am reaching out to you for support. There are many ways you can contribute to my mission, including pledging your support on my fundraising page at https://www.fundmytravel.com/campaign/NW05cx5Nwy. Your support can come in the form of thoughts, social media shares, or financial donations. As a token of my appreciation, I will share my journey with you through updates on my blog at viviennegunning.com/blog/ and send special video updates to donors. I strongly believe that the best way to make a positive impact is by working together. As Helen Keller once said, "Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." With your help, we can create a lasting impact and make a difference in the lives of these women. Thank you for considering supporting my mission. 

Please visit my fundraising page at: https://www.fundmytravel.com/campaign/NW05cx5Nwy