A boy-king, not a legend in gold. Travel writer Vivie unpacks Tutankhamun’s real story – inbreeding, pain, politics and power – from GEM to the Valley of the Kings.
Read MoreExploring Africa—
expertly, accessibly, and beyond
Expedition leadership • Accessible travel planning & companioning • Travel photography • Talks & workshops
30+ Years of experience
Read my stories
SHARE THE THRILLS! Tales of travel, light, and humanity — shared from a lifetime on the road.
Travelling light is more than a packing list – it’s a mindset. Somewhere between Africa, India and Europe I traded bulky suitcases for one 42L backpack that carries everything I need for two months on the road. In this blog I share exactly what I pack, how I stay comfortable and presentable, and why “less” has quietly become “more than enough”.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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?
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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.
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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.
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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 MoreAbout
I’ve never been one for the easy route.
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.
“Photography” 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. Please do not download these without contacting me for permission.
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
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.
“Photography” 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. Please do not download these without contacting me for permission.
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
Services
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
Private, realistic itineraries — and optional personal accompaniment — for travellers who need more time, assistance, or reassurance. Travel at your pace, with calm support and on-the-ground experience. Message me on WhatsApp to start.
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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.
Contact
Let’s Connect. I’d love to hear from you.
Photography
Photography Portfolio. 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.
Paintings & Drawings “Creativity takes courage.” – Henri Matisse.
Through paint, I translate the emotions that travel leaves behind.
Testimonials
TRAVEL EXPERT!
David Tett
President, Bushtracks Expeditions2 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-SADCVivienne 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!
Women Empowerment
Women Empowerment (Fort Kochi, Kerala – 2019) In 2019 I volunteered with a Women’s Empowerment Programme in Fort Kochi, Kerala. I supported skills development, confidence-building, and practical entrepreneurship basics. That experience shaped how I approach travel today: with respect, cultural sensitivity, and a commitment to people-first journeys.
