Judy Bailey needs little introduction. We all know her as the broadcaster who fronted our primetime television news for 26 years. Over that time she became one of the most recognised faces in New Zealand.
When she is not involved in this rewarding work, Judy likes to indulge in another of her long-standing passions - travel. When they were young, Judy and her husband Chris travelled Europe on the smell of an oily rag. “We even used to reuse tea bags - we’d make a cuppa and then hang them out to dry!” she admits.
Now she enjoys her travel with a little more style, but still loves the spirit of discovery and intrepid travel. A few years ago Judy teamed up with Jill Gothard at Bon Voyage Cruises & Travel to design her own discovery adventures, with the aim of sharing her personal holidays with very small groups of likeminded wanderers. “Some have travelled with us multiple times and are now very good friends,” says Jill.
Together Judy and Jill have led tours to Sri Lanka and Rajasthan, Cuba and Peru, and Namibia and Botswana, Morocco and Portugal with parties of up to 14 people. “With the small group size we are able to stay at very special lodges, even palaces, and travel in comfortable minibuses," says Jill. “Many of these special places are not available to large tour parties.” At each destination they work with local experts and English-speaking guides. “One in particular, in India, was very easy on the eye!” quips Judy.
This year they embark on a real adventure to Africa with the highlight a visit to the mountain gorillas in Rwanda, made famous by naturalist Dian Fossey. Both passionate wildlife lovers, this trip has been a dream of both Judy and Jill for a long time. With the whole world effectively competing to book time with the gorillas and for accommodation in the top game park lodges, the stars finally aligned for a September-October itinerary.
The trip combines Rwanda with the famous Ngorongoro Crater in the Great Rift Valley, with the largest permanent collection of African game on display, and the famous Serengeti National Park and Maasai Mara. Most days the group will take in two game activities
- morning and evening - with expert guides. In between there will be plenty of time to relax and enjoy the lodge atmosphere, with Judy as social secretary!
Accommodation is truly ‘five star safari’ with the famous ‘&Beyond’ lodges at each stop. These lodges are fully inclusive of all meals and beverages. The tour includes all transport, accommodation, expert local guides and wildlife activities. It is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
For more information call Jill Gothard at Bon Voyage Cruises & Travel, DDI 09 368 6808 or see www.bonvoyage.co.nz