Julie Anne Edwards’ longstanding portfolio on the spectacular plains of Africa offers a refined experience. With over 25 years building remarkable African adventures, Julie Anne’s unique style blends together Africa’s wildness, beauty and history. Allow Julie Anne to create your perfect journey and explore Africa through low impact tourism and classically styled elegance
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Scroll down for a little background to Julie Anne!
“I was born and raised in Rhodesia now known as Zimbabwe, decending from “9 generations” pinoeering settler stock. Throughout my life I have always had a passion for wildlife and the African bush. Growing up in my beloved country, as a young girl, living out in the remote areas, my parents instilled in me an understanding and appreciation for the bushvelt. We lived in remote areas of Mashonaland and Matabeleland. ”These were all outlying districts of Southern Rhodesia. Being the eldest of four siblings and living in the bush, my brothers and sister, and our pet animals were my friends. The surrounding veldt and animal life became our interest. With my eyes constantly on the horizon I looked for the patterns in the grass and listened for the call of the wild, but were always kept in check by a distant lions roar. In those formative moments even a hyena whooping in the dark of night, or the silence in the heat of the day, whilst sitting in the shade of a large Natal Mahogany tree, shaped my soul.” Excerpts: “Hokoyo, Silent Spoors & Parting Blades” Published 2009!
I realize, how very fortunate and unconventional my upbringing was, which were all impressionable years. Importantly, we were taught to have respect and compassion towards animals, wildlife, rural communities and cultures different from ourselves. My father’s work introduced me to interesting areas, such as, farms, villages, game reserves, forests, tribal lands and meeting with chiefs.
I know now, without a shadow of doubt, that my career path was influenced by my childhood. I had an overwhelming urge to continue to explore the real Africa and other wild places around the world, developing an unswerving passion in conservation, particularly for the Black Rhino and African Elephant. However, what became apparent to me from this early age was how the wild lands were being invaded at such an alarming rate and today, the conservation of these reserves has now become a very urgent issue. I worry about the future state of wildlife reserves and how rapidly communities are becoming impoverished. Our African heritage is threatened by many elements impacting negatively on the environment. Constant pressure for land, human greed, increased human populations, political instability, over hunting of safari areas, tourism over development in the wildlife reserves, domestic livestock invasion and poaching threatening National Parks boundaries.
The future lies in the hands of responsible people who care enough to save the planets biodiversity. Of paramount importance is sustainable development at a grassroots level in Africa. Active and meaningful participation at all levels in Eco Tourism development.
Julie Anne invites you on safari in Africa, Contact Info! Click Here
Scroll down to read a bit about Julie Anne’s life adventures and how they all began… too numerous to mention all, but a few are listed here!
Cycling out of the Rift Valley, Southern Tanzania 1988,Photo Copyright Rhino Girls Photo Collection 2012
1987/88… Riding a bicycle from the UK to Zimbabwe raising a million dollars for Save the Rhino Campaign.
- George Adamson and Julie Anne Edwards – Kora National Reserve, 1988 Photo Copyright – Rhino Girls Photo Collection, 2012
Accolades:
Natural Rescources Board “Gold Medalon” – the highest award for Conservation in Zimbabwe – 1988
Freedom of the City of Victoria Falls & Harare, “Ride for the Rhino”, Zimbabwe – 1988
Rothmans International “Zimbabwe Communicator of the Year Award” – 1989
Rolex International “Role of Honour List” For Conservation, “Ride for the Rhino Campaign” – 1989
- His Holiness Pope John Paul II , 2 Photo Copyright Rhino Girls Photo Collection 2012
Hon Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher @ # 10 1987 - Photo Copyright Rhino Girls Photo Collection 2012
1990… Launched the release first book, “Exitinction is Forever, The Inspiration Behind The Rhino Girls Story”, with Allan Munn & Charlene Hewat, published by Munn Publishing in Zimbabwe.
At the Victoria Falls, with my friend Grey, (an Arab cross originally came from Ghanzi, retired in Kenya)
1991… Journeyed over 1000km for 7 weeks on horse back through the remote rugged Zambezi Valley from Kasane in Botswana to Kariba in Zimbabwe, following the course of the Zambezi River, on the Ride For Sudan expedition.
2000… 10th Anniversary of Environment 2000/Africa and Ride For Rhino’s “Bambanani Tose”, (Altogether Now for the Environment)! - 1200km bicycle ride from Victoria Falls to Harare, Zimbabwe, rasing funds for community conservation projects for Environment Africa!
Elephant Bull - The Hide
2000 to 2005… In Zimbabwe, operated privately guided ‘Rhino Girl’ safaris into wildlife areas of the country.
2005… Relocated to South Africa, establishing Plains of Africa Safaris, offering more destinations to an ever increasing client base.
To read what Julie Anne’s safari guests have to say go to “Testimonials“!
2009… Julie Anne second book, “Hokoyo, Silent Spoors & Parting Blades“, named “Book of the month” in “Country Life”, a prestigious magazine in South Africa.
Julie Anne on Trans Kalahari Trek with a Kalahari Boerperd friend, Photo copyright Dale Morris 2011
2010… Traversed the Central Kalahari on horseback with the San Bushmen, bringing attention to the diminishing Black Rhino population. All monies raised go towards supporting Black Rhino sanctuary’s/expansion ranges through Hokoyo Wildlife Foundation based in Botswana.
“Rhinos Have Rights Too!” “The Hokoyo Wildlife Foundation”, to assist in the ethical conservation of Black Rhino.
