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 MoreTravelling is a Way of Life
Travel Blog
ABOUT
To travel is not to escape life but for life not escaping us!
Welcome to VivienneGunning.com
Expedition leader. Story-seeker. Photographer of the quiet and the wild.
I’ve never been one for the easy route.
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.
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: @VNGwild | @Viviegunning
Expedition leader. Story-seeker. Photographer of the quiet and the wild.
I’ve never been one for the easy route.
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.
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: @VNGwild | @Viviegunning
BLOG
SHARE THE THRILLS! My content is based on authentic experiences and genuine observations. While I strive to provide you with the most enjoyable and informative travel experiences, it's important to remember that my content is based on personal experiences, anecdotes, and research. I aim to offer inspiration and insight, to share the wonders of the world and the joy of exploration.
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 MoreAn 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 MoreFrom 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 MoreWritten 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 MoreIn 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 MoreCONTACT
TALK TO ME! Please do not to use any content without your permission.
- Gordons Bay, Cape Town, South Africa
I’m available 24/7 via WhatsApp at +27 82 795 0411. If I don’t respond right away, I’m likely travelling through a remote area with limited Wi-Fi. Your message is important to me, and I promise to get back to you as soon as I can. Warm regards, Vivienne
TESTIMONIALS
TRAVEL EXPERT!
David TettPresident, 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 NieuwoudtFormer 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!
Framed by Vivienne - a curated collection of my most meaningful photographs
PIANTINGS “Creativity takes courage.” – Henri Matisse.
See the world through my eyes
EXPLORE SICILY
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 MoreJoin 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 MoreFUNDING - KERALA INDIA WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT PROJECT
"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/
