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I have led or been involved in expeditions all my professional life, first as a professional expedition leader.  I have led or been involved with endeavours to all of the world’s continents.  I led Across the Divide Expeditions, an organiser global charity expeditions, which I am proud to say helped to raise over £106M / AED498M for charities and, latterly, for the past two decades, World Extreme Medicine (WEM) which trains medical professionals to work in the world's most inhospitable conditions both on, and off the planet. One of my faculty, Dr Mike Barratt is currently aboard the International Space Station.  If you're an avid fan of the Survivor TV show, the longest reality show in the world, you will have seen WEM medics action in our 10th year of providing medical backup.

Our enduring 12-year partnership with NASA was born from a single email.  During a three-day break in mid-winter, when I ventured to Cornwall, away from the distractions of phone signals, I allowed my mind to wander freely - this period of introspection often led to intuitive leaps, enabling me to forge connections that might have eluded me in a busier setting.

Our annual WEM Conference in Edinburgh is opened by a message from aboard the ISS, including one from our own Tim Peake.  If you're a fan of Tom Cruise, this led me to organise this fantastic conversation between Tom and NASA astronaut Victor Glover.   Tom's team gave us 20 minutes, but an hour later, we had to call a halt after an hour as an evident bromance developed. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5R9XUGMnxw

All this came about as a result from coffee, a Cornish seawall and the time to imagine uninterrupted by the constant barrage of messages and calls.

Unexpectedly, the Department of Trade invited me to reside in the UAE on a Golden Visa in 2023 after I delivered a speech about my humanitarian work whilst transiting in Dubai after an expedition to Bhutan.  This development necessitated finding a Cornwall equivalent, a task I'm pleased to report has been fruitful.

A step back in time to when nature ruled supreme

My journey led me to Mwagusi Camp, a true haven nestled in the heart of the Ruaha National Park in southern Tanzania.  This vast reserve, the largest in the country, is home to the camp, situated right on the sandy banks of the Mwagusi River.  The camp's exceptional location offers a front-row seat to the mesmerising wildlife that graces the area, including majestic elephants, awe-inspiring lions, and a diverse array of bird species.

It was a truly fantastic experience.

Under the guidance of the famous Chris Fox, a true son of Tanzania and quite possibly Africa's most seasoned wildlife expert, my journey was enriched by his profound knowledge and unwavering passion for wildlife.  His understanding of Africa's intricate web of life is unparalleled, making him a true national treasure.

The camp, overseen by a team that has been an integral part of Chris' journey for generations, promises a delightful and personalised experience.  More importantly, it provides a sanctuary of tranquillity where your mind can unwind, explore, and develop the leaps you need to take forward on your journey.

Are you looking for a place where inspiration rules supreme? - look no further, if you're seeking an exceptional experience, than Mwagusi Camp.

Mwagusi Camp is happy to offer BBCD Members a healthy discount.  Please feel free to message me to access it via my LinkedIn profile.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/markhannaford/ 

Mwagusi Camp https://www.mwagusicamp.com 

World Extreme Medicine https://worldextrememedicine.com