Wild Hope with Ami Vitale
Wild Hope with Ami Vitale
Bushtracks, in collaboration with Six Senses, presents Wild Hope – an intimate, purpose-led expedition through Kenya and the Seychelles. This journey is hosted by National Geographic Explorer at Large, photojournalist, and documentary filmmaker Ami Vitale, who for nearly three decades has documented some of the world’s most powerful conservation stories, inspiring empathy, awareness, and action. She will be joined by Bushtracks Founder & CEO David Tett.
Designed for just six guests, Wild Hope brings travelers into the front lines of wildlife conservation – offering rare access to the people, places, and landscapes that have shaped Ami’s life’s work. It is grounded in real, ongoing work – alongside the rangers, researchers, and community leaders responsible for protecting wild places and wildlife.
Every element of the journey has been thoughtfully considered, including how we move through these environments. Travel within Kenya and onward to the Seychelles is by private air with carbon-neutral charter operators – allowing for efficient access to remote regions while minimizing environmental impact.
The expedition begins in Kenya, where guests will stand face-to-face with the last two northern white rhinos on Earth at Ol Pejeta Conservancy and meet the legendary former rhino keeper James Mwenda, whose lifelong connection to the species remains one of conservation’s most moving stories. Guests will also meet the current keepers, including the celebrated head keeper Zacharia Mutai. From there, the journey continues deep into northern Kenya’s wild frontier at Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy, where the Samburu community protects vast wilderness and established the first community-owned and run Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, rescuing, rehabilitating, and returning orphaned elephants to the wild. Each of these extraordinary stories is one that Ami Vitale has helped bring to an international audience, shining a light on the people and communities who dedicate their lives to protecting wildlife.
Guests will explore northern Kenya by helicopter – flying across the surreal landscapes of the Suguta region and landing in remote locations rarely reached by travelers – before continuing to Loisaba Conservancy, where behind-the-scenes conservation programs protect one of East Africa’s most important wildlife corridors.
The journey concludes on the granite-rimmed island of Félicité in the Seychelles, where the secluded sanctuary of Six Senses Zil Pasyon offers a spectacular final chapter beside the Indian Ocean. Here the expedition shifts from savanna to sea – with island exploration, snorkeling alongside marine life, and conversations that extend the journey’s conservation story from Africa’s wildlife landscapes to the fragile ecosystems of the ocean.
A meaningful portion of proceeds supports conservation partners including Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, and Vital Impacts, the nonprofit founded by Ami Vitale.
More than a safari, Wild Hope is a rare opportunity to travel alongside one of the world’s most respected conservation storytellers – experiencing firsthand the places and people working to protect our planet’s wild future.
Each guest will receive a selected work by Ami Vitale prior to departure, and a signed photographic print created during the expedition – a lasting expression of the places, people, and stories encountered along the way.
Hero Photo credit: Ami Vitale
Highlights
• Travel with Ami Vitale, National Geographic photographer, filmmaker, and founder of Vital Impacts, as she shares the conservation stories and relationships that have shaped her work across the globe.
• Meet the last two living northern white rhinos at Ol Pejeta Conservancy during a rare behind-the-scenes visit with legendary rhino keeper James Mwenda, who cared for Sudan, the last male northern white rhino, who died in 2018.
• Explore the vast wilderness of Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy, a remarkable community-led conservation landscape protected by the Samburu people.
• Experience a private visit to the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, the world’s first community-owned and operated elephant orphanage, and the subject of Ami Vitale’s documentary Shaba.
• Take a full-day helicopter expedition across northern Kenya’s most dramatic landscapes – flying above the Suguta Valley, Hoodoo Valley, Painted Valley, and the remote sand dunes near Lake Turkana, with landings in spectacular locations.
• Stay at Loisaba Conservancy, gaining insight into rhino protection initiatives and one of East Africa’s most important wildlife movement corridors.
• Conclude the expedition on Félicité Island in the Seychelles, where the secluded sanctuary of Six Senses Zil Pasyon offers ocean exploration, island adventures, and time to reflect.
• All flying within Kenya and to the Seychelles is by private charter, allowing access to remote landscapes while flying with Africa’s first carbon-neutral executive charter airline.
• A portion of expedition proceeds directly supports Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, and Vital Impacts, connecting travelers to the conservation impact behind the journey.
Itinerary at a Glance
Wild Hope with Ami Vitale
Nairobi, Kenya
Your expedition begins in Nairobi, East Africa’s dynamic gateway where modern Africa and deep natural heritage intersect. Upon arrival, settle into your elegant boutique hotel before gathering the following morning for a welcome breakfast with your fellow travelers and expedition leaders, Bushtracks founder David Tett and National Geographic photographer Ami Vitale. It’s an opportunity to connect as a group and hear from Ami about the conservation stories that have shaped her work across the globe as you prepare to venture north into Kenya’s wild frontier.
Set within leafy gardens in the quiet Karen district, House of Waine offers a refined and intimate retreat from the city’s energy. With just eleven individually styled rooms on two-and-a-half acres of lush grounds, the property blends classic elegance with the warmth and hospitality of a private residence – a peaceful place to rest before the expedition begins.
House of Waine 
Ol Pejeta Conservancy and Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy, Kenya
Depart Nairobi by private charter and land at Ol Pejeta Conservancy, one of Africa’s most important strongholds for rhino conservation. Here you will experience an extraordinary and deeply moving moment – standing face to face with the last two northern white rhinos on Earth. During a private behind-the-scenes visit, meet legendary rhino keeper James Mwenda, who cared for Sudan, the last male northern white rhino who died in 2018. Together with Ami Vitale, whose powerful imagery has helped bring global attention to the species’ story, you’ll gain rare insight into the urgent work underway to preserve its legacy.
Continue north to the remote and breathtaking landscapes of Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy, a vast protected wilderness of nearly 850,000 acres in the Mathews Mountain range. Here the Samburu people safeguard wildlife alongside their traditional pastoral way of life, creating one of Kenya’s most inspiring community-led conservation landscapes. Walk through montane forest with expert guides, visit Samburu villages to learn about age-old crafts and traditions, and witness the region’s innovative “milk-to-market” initiative supporting local livelihoods.
A highlight of your stay is a private visit to the pioneering Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, the first community-owned elephant rescue program in Africa and the subject of Ami Vitale’s acclaimed documentary Shaba. Watch orphaned calves jostle playfully for bottles and mud baths while learning how this groundbreaking sanctuary is redefining conservation leadership.
One day is devoted to a remarkable helicopter expedition across northern Kenya’s most dramatic terrain. Fly over the surreal landscapes of the Suguta Valley, Hoodoo Valley, and Painted Valley, across vast desert plains and the shimmering dunes near Lake Turkana. Touch down at remote sites such as Nabyutum Crater and within cloud forests rarely reached by travelers – a perspective on Kenya’s wild north that few ever experience.
Perched above a wildlife-rich valley in the shadow of the Mathews Mountains, Sarara Camp is one of Kenya’s most remarkable conservation lodges. Six spacious open-air tents overlook a permanent waterhole frequented by elephants and other wildlife, while the infinity pool frames sweeping views of Namunyak’s immense wilderness. Owned and operated by the Samburu community, Sarara offers a rare opportunity to experience authentic conservation tourism rooted in local stewardship.
Sarara Camp 
Loisaba Conservancy, Kenya
Fly south by private charter to Loisaba Conservancy, a spectacular 57,000-acre protected landscape on the Laikipia Plateau and one of Kenya’s most important wildlife corridors. Managed by the Loisaba Community Trust, the conservancy plays a vital role in protecting elephant migration routes while supporting neighboring communities and sustainable livestock programs.
Explore the conservancy alongside expert guides on game drives and guided bush walks, encountering elephants, lions, Grevy’s zebra, wild dogs, and other iconic species that thrive in this diverse ecosystem. Gain insight into the complex realities of modern conservation with behind-the-scenes access to anti-poaching efforts and the remarkable work of the conservancy’s trained sniffer dogs. Time here offers a deeper understanding of how conservation, community partnerships, and responsible tourism come together to protect wildlife across northern Kenya.
Set high on an escarpment with sweeping views toward Mount Kenya, Loisaba Lodo Springs offers an exceptional sense of privacy and immersion in the landscape. Eight expansive tented suites blend natural materials with contemporary design, each positioned to capture dramatic sunrise and sunset views across the savanna. Dedicated Guest Ambassadors ensure thoughtful, personalized service, while evenings unfold beneath vast African skies.
Loisaba Lodo Springs 
Félicité Island, Seychelles
From the savannas of Kenya, your expedition transitions to the turquoise waters of the Seychelles. Fly to Mahé before boarding a scenic helicopter transfer to Félicité Island, a dramatic granite island surrounded by coral reefs and some of the Indian Ocean’s most pristine marine environments.
Here the rhythm of the journey shifts toward reflection and exploration at sea. Snorkel vibrant coral reefs alongside a marine biologist, kayak or paddleboard through crystalline waters, or venture to nearby islands such as La Digue to experience the culture and landscapes of the Seychelles. A sunset cruise and island excursions offer moments to celebrate the journey and reflect on the conservation stories encountered along the way.
Occupying less than one-third of the island, Six Senses Zil Pasyon is a sanctuary of seclusion and barefoot luxury immersed in the island’s raw natural beauty. Villas are carefully positioned among towering granite boulders and tropical forest, each offering sweeping views across the Indian Ocean. White-sand coves, turquoise water, and lush vegetation create an extraordinary setting where land and sea meet – a fitting finale to an expedition devoted to wild places and the people working to protect them.
Six Senses Zil Pasyon 
Expedition Leaders
Ami Vitale
Ami Vitale will co-host the Wild Hope expedition alongside Bushtracks founder David Tett, sharing the conservation stories, relationships, and experiences that have shaped her work documenting wildlife and communities around the world.
Ami Vitale is a National Geographic Explorer at Large, award-winning photographer, writer, and documentary filmmaker whose work explores the vital connections between people, wildlife, and the planet. With nearly three decades of experience working in over 100 countries, Ami uses storytelling as a tool for conservation, empathy, and action.
Her career began in conflict zones, where she witnessed firsthand how environmental degradation, including resource scarcity, displacement, and climate instability, profoundly affects human lives. These early experiences shaped her conviction that environmental and social issues are inseparable, guiding her toward long-term, solutions-focused work that highlights resilience, collaboration, and possibility.
Her work has received numerous honors, including Conservation International’s Lui-Walton Innovators Fellowship, the Lucie Humanitarian Award, the Missouri Honor Medal for Distinguished Service, the Daniel Pearl Award for Outstanding Reporting, and six World Press Photo awards. She is an honorary fellow of the Royal Photographic Society and an inductee into the North Carolina Media and Journalism Hall of Fame.
Through Vital Impacts and her own work, Ami remains committed to empowering the next generation of storytellers and building a more hopeful, solutions-driven future for our planet.
David Tett
David Tett is the founder and CEO of Bushtracks Expeditions and a sixth-generation African whose family heritage is deeply rooted in Zimbabwe and the landscapes of southern Africa. Growing up surrounded by wildlife and wild places instilled in him a lifelong passion for conservation and exploration, shaping the philosophy that continues to guide Bushtracks today.
For more than three decades, David has led the company in designing thoughtful, highly curated journeys across Africa and beyond, combining deep regional knowledge with the logistical expertise required to reach extraordinary places comfortably and responsibly. His experience spans decades of expedition planning, private air logistics, and building long-standing partnerships with conservation organizations, community initiatives, and some of the continent’s most respected lodges and guides.
David remains closely involved in the design and hosting of select Bushtracks expeditions, particularly those centered around conservation and rare access. On the Wild Hope journey, he joins Ami Vitale to guide guests through the landscapes and conservation initiatives that define this extraordinary expedition, sharing both his deep knowledge of Africa and the relationships Bushtracks has cultivated across the continent.
James Mwenda
James Mwenda is a Kenyan conservationist, wildlife guide, and former ranger at Ol Pejeta Conservancy, where he served as one of the primary caretakers of the world’s last remaining northern white rhinos (pictured to the left). During his years at Ol Pejeta, Mwenda formed a profound bond with Sudan, the last male northern white rhino, whose story captured global attention and became one of the most powerful symbols of the fight against wildlife extinction.
As part of the team responsible for protecting and caring for the northern white rhinos, Mwenda became an important voice for conservation, sharing firsthand insight into the realities of wildlife protection and the devastating impact of poaching. His work and dedication earned him international recognition, including being named Paradise African Ranger of the Year in 2018 by the Alibaba Foundation.
Beyond his work in the field, Mwenda has become a passionate advocate for environmental awareness, traveling internationally to speak about conservation and the urgent need to protect endangered species. He has worked with organizations and conservation leaders around the world to raise awareness about wildlife crime and the importance of safeguarding Africa’s natural heritage.
Today, Mwenda continues his work as a guide, conservation speaker, photographer, and founder of Jemu Expeditions, sharing his deep knowledge of Kenya’s wildlife and landscapes while inspiring others to take part in protecting the planet we all share.
Photo Credit: Ami Vitale
Ami Vitale
Ami Vitale will co-host the Wild Hope expedition alongside Bushtracks founder David Tett, sharing the conservation stories, relationships, and experiences that have shaped her work documenting wildlife and communities around the world.
Ami Vitale is a National Geographic Explorer at Large, award-winning photographer, writer, and documentary filmmaker whose work explores the vital connections between people, wildlife, and the planet. With nearly three decades of experience working in over 100 countries, Ami uses storytelling as a tool for conservation, empathy, and action.
Her career began in conflict zones, where she witnessed firsthand how environmental degradation, including resource scarcity, displacement, and climate instability, profoundly affects human lives. These early experiences shaped her conviction that environmental and social issues are inseparable, guiding her toward long-term, solutions-focused work that highlights resilience, collaboration, and possibility.
Her work has received numerous honors, including Conservation International’s Lui-Walton Innovators Fellowship, the Lucie Humanitarian Award, the Missouri Honor Medal for Distinguished Service, the Daniel Pearl Award for Outstanding Reporting, and six World Press Photo awards. She is an honorary fellow of the Royal Photographic Society and an inductee into the North Carolina Media and Journalism Hall of Fame.
Through Vital Impacts and her own work, Ami remains committed to empowering the next generation of storytellers and building a more hopeful, solutions-driven future for our planet.
David Tett
David Tett is the founder and CEO of Bushtracks Expeditions and a sixth-generation African whose family heritage is deeply rooted in Zimbabwe and the landscapes of southern Africa. Growing up surrounded by wildlife and wild places instilled in him a lifelong passion for conservation and exploration, shaping the philosophy that continues to guide Bushtracks today.
For more than three decades, David has led the company in designing thoughtful, highly curated journeys across Africa and beyond, combining deep regional knowledge with the logistical expertise required to reach extraordinary places comfortably and responsibly. His experience spans decades of expedition planning, private air logistics, and building long-standing partnerships with conservation organizations, community initiatives, and some of the continent’s most respected lodges and guides.
David remains closely involved in the design and hosting of select Bushtracks expeditions, particularly those centered around conservation and rare access. On the Wild Hope journey, he joins Ami Vitale to guide guests through the landscapes and conservation initiatives that define this extraordinary expedition, sharing both his deep knowledge of Africa and the relationships Bushtracks has cultivated across the continent.
James Mwenda
James Mwenda is a Kenyan conservationist, wildlife guide, and former ranger at Ol Pejeta Conservancy, where he served as one of the primary caretakers of the world’s last remaining northern white rhinos (pictured to the left). During his years at Ol Pejeta, Mwenda formed a profound bond with Sudan, the last male northern white rhino, whose story captured global attention and became one of the most powerful symbols of the fight against wildlife extinction.
As part of the team responsible for protecting and caring for the northern white rhinos, Mwenda became an important voice for conservation, sharing firsthand insight into the realities of wildlife protection and the devastating impact of poaching. His work and dedication earned him international recognition, including being named Paradise African Ranger of the Year in 2018 by the Alibaba Foundation.
Beyond his work in the field, Mwenda has become a passionate advocate for environmental awareness, traveling internationally to speak about conservation and the urgent need to protect endangered species. He has worked with organizations and conservation leaders around the world to raise awareness about wildlife crime and the importance of safeguarding Africa’s natural heritage.
Today, Mwenda continues his work as a guide, conservation speaker, photographer, and founder of Jemu Expeditions, sharing his deep knowledge of Kenya’s wildlife and landscapes while inspiring others to take part in protecting the planet we all share.
Photo Credit: Ami Vitale
Journey Experts
Daniela Powers
Daniela Powers is the Director of Group Expeditions at Bushtracks, where she designs and leads some of the company’s most distinctive small-group journeys. With a professional background spanning travel, tourism, and aviation, Daniela brings both operational expertise and creative vision to the art of expedition planning. Her work centers on crafting immersive itineraries that allow travelers to move beyond traditional sightseeing and engage deeply with the landscapes, wildlife, and cultures that define a destination.
Daniela is the architect behind Bushtracks’ Into the WildLIFE expedition series, a collection of journeys built around hands-on conservation experiences and meaningful access to the people and projects shaping the future of wildlife protection. Her thoughtful approach to travel design blends logistical precision with a strong commitment to conservation and responsible tourism.
In recognition of her expertise, Daniela was named to the 2026 Travel + Leisure A-List of Top Travel Specialists and the 2026 Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialists list. For the Wild Hope expedition, Daniela worked closely with Ami Vitale and the Bushtracks team to shape the journey’s unique conservation programming and rare access experiences.
Daniela Powers
Daniela Powers is the Director of Group Expeditions at Bushtracks, where she designs and leads some of the company’s most distinctive small-group journeys. With a professional background spanning travel, tourism, and aviation, Daniela brings both operational expertise and creative vision to the art of expedition planning. Her work centers on crafting immersive itineraries that allow travelers to move beyond traditional sightseeing and engage deeply with the landscapes, wildlife, and cultures that define a destination.
Daniela is the architect behind Bushtracks’ Into the WildLIFE expedition series, a collection of journeys built around hands-on conservation experiences and meaningful access to the people and projects shaping the future of wildlife protection. Her thoughtful approach to travel design blends logistical precision with a strong commitment to conservation and responsible tourism.
In recognition of her expertise, Daniela was named to the 2026 Travel + Leisure A-List of Top Travel Specialists and the 2026 Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialists list. For the Wild Hope expedition, Daniela worked closely with Ami Vitale and the Bushtracks team to shape the journey’s unique conservation programming and rare access experiences.
Wild Hope with Ami Vitale
Wild Hope offers an all-inclusive journey where every aspect of your trip is thoughtfully planned to ensure a seamless and immersive experience. From the moment you arrive in Nairobi, all essential services are covered, allowing you to focus on the experiences, and connecting deeply with the local environment, wildlife, and communities. This expertly curated expedition includes everything from private air travel, accommodations and meals to guided tours, group activities and gratuities, making it a truly worry-free travel experience. You’ll be accompanied by seasoned Bushtracks expedition staff and local guides, who will handle every detail so you can focus on the adventure ahead. With all logistics, transfers, and even tipping taken care of, you’ll enjoy comfort, convenience, and unforgettable moments.
Included in your scheduled tour
• All accommodations, meals, guide fees, park fees, tour transfers, and private air travel as indicated in the detailed itinerary.
• The services of Bushtracks expedition staff, co-host Ami Vitale, and local guides.
• All group activities and excursions.
• Drinking water (bottled water not always available), coffee and tea throughout the journey.
• Local brand alcoholic beverages at group meals.
• Laundry, where available, at two-night stays or more.
• All airport departure taxes.
• All gratuities during group activities.
• Porterage of one soft-sided checked bag.
• Medical evacuation insurance ($100,000) and Medical/Sickness ($25,000 per incident) for covered reasons.
Price
February 15-24, 2027
Wild Hope with Ami Vitale
Participants must be able to climb into and out of private aircraft, helicopters, boats, and safari vehicles un-aided. Also, they must be able to climb up and down stairs without a railing. They should be fully mobile and capable of walking moderate distances at an easy pace, at times over rough terrain, and be able to withstand hard riding four wheel-drive vehicles that travel over dirt roads and sometimes rough, bumpy ground.
Our chartered flights utilize light aircraft in executive configuration. The flight schedule may include unscheduled stops due to factors such as weather or fuel availability beyond the crew’s control. Flight schedules can also change at any time should security or other issues arise. The type, model, and registration of the aircraft is subject to change.
Kenya in February experiences warm, mostly dry conditions, making it a pleasant time to visit. February falls within the short dry season, between the short rains and the long rains. Though brief, localized showers can occur, typically in the afternoons or overnight.
Félicité Island in February experiences classic tropical island conditions – warm, lush and humid. February falls in the northwest monsoon season, which brings warmer temperatures, higher humidity and increased rainfall compared to the drier months. Rain typically comes in short, heavy showers, often in the afternoon or overnight. February remains a good time to visit. The landscape is vividly green, waterfalls are active and the seas are generally calm, making conditions good for boating, snorkeling and diving.
International air to Nairobi, Kenya and from Mahé, Seychelles and any other commercial flights that are not part of the program; excess baggage fees; travel and personal insurance; porterage of carry-on luggage; items of a personal nature such as curios, spa and room service expenses, minibar charges, and express laundry services; premium brand drinks; communication costs; costs of obtaining visa, passports, or other travel documents; inoculation fees; extra beverages, meals, or gratuities when not with the group; extra tours and activities.
Wild Hope with Ami Vitale
For those traveling as a group, Wild Hope may be reserved in its entirety, offering a rare opportunity to experience this extraordinary expedition together.
Unlike traditional custom safaris, Wild Hope is a carefully designed, conservation-led journey shaped around specific access, partnerships, and experiences. While the core itinerary remains intact, reserving the expedition privately allows your group to travel together with the benefit of dedicated hosting, thoughtfully coordinated logistics, and a shared, immersive experience.
Traveling as a private group also enhances the experience of flying by private air – allowing for efficient, direct access between destinations while maintaining a sense of ease and continuity throughout the journey.
Whether marking a milestone, gathering a small circle of friends, or bringing together a group united by a shared interest in conservation and exploration, a private departure of Wild Hope offers a deeply meaningful way to experience one of Bushtracks’ most distinctive expeditions.
Availability is limited and subject to the confirmed expedition schedule.
WHY GO PRIVATE?
Reserve the Entire Expedition
Enjoy exclusive access to Wild Hope for your group of up to six guests, creating a more personal and connected shared experience.
Travel with Ami Vitale & David Tett
Spend meaningful time alongside Ami Vitale and Bushtracks founder David Tett, with space for deeper conversation, insight, and connection throughout the journey.
Private Air, Direct Access
Travel by private charter aircraft between destinations, maximizing time in each location and allowing access to remote landscapes with ease.
A Shared Purpose-Led Journey
Ideal for a small group of friends, milestone celebrations, or those brought together by a shared passion for wildlife, conservation, and meaningful travel experiences.
A JOURNEY WITH AMI VITALE
CONSERVATION ON THE FRONT LINES
MEET THE LAST NORTHERN WHITE RHINOS
Helicopter across northern kenya
A JOURNEY WITH AMI VITALE
CONSERVATION ON THE FRONT LINES
MEET THE LAST NORTHERN WHITE RHINOS
Helicopter across northern kenya
GO PRIVATE
Exclusive Private Safaris
All of our scheduled safaris can be transformed into exclusive private experiences. This allows your group to enjoy the adventure together, with personalized service and a customized itinerary tailored specifically for your party.
PRIVATE AIR EXPERIENCE
Maximize Your Time in Africa
Private air travel is essential to our scheduled safaris at Bushtracks, seamlessly connecting you to Africa’s most remote and iconic destinations, maximizing your time in the wilderness while offering unmatched convenience, luxury, and safety.
