Combining Conservation with High‑End Outdoor Experiences
When passion and purpose converge, extraordinary journeys follow. Meet John Burrell, President and CEO of High Adventure Company and High Adventure Safaris—a Certified Wildlife Biologist, award‑winning outfitter, and one of the outdoor world’s most respected conservation and safari professionals. Over more than 25 years, John has built and guided some of the most prestigious sporting and wildlife lodges across three continents, blending an environmental ethic with unmatched luxury.
Born and raised in Anderson County, Tennessee, John’s early connection with the outdoors was the bedrock of a lifelong commitment to conservation, wildlife, and enriching travel. Today, he is personally responsible for the development, operations, and marketing of high‑end lodges in Africa, South America, Patagonia, and beyond. High Adventure has earned recognition from leading media including Conde Nast Traveler, Garden & Gun, Men’s Journal, The New York Times, and more, as well as numerous outdoor‑industry television shows. High Adventure is also the only company to be a four-time recipient of the Sporting Classics Magazine Award of Excellence.
Before organizing luxury safari experiences, John Burrell’s foundation was conservation. As a Certified Wildlife Biologist, he has a deep scientific appreciation of ecosystems and biodiversity that informs everything from reserve selection to wildlife management.
High Adventure Company manages properties in fragile and unique environments—whether Patagonian rivers, Hawaiian island reserves, or the African bush. Under John’s guidance, these lands are stewarded responsibly, often working with local communities and conservation partners to safeguard natural habitats while offering guests unforgettable firsthand encounters with wildlife.
In developing and managing lodges, John emphasizes sustainability: keeping guest numbers small, minimizing impact, and focusing on private concessions or reserves—so wildlife thrives undisturbed, and you enjoy intimate access to sightings without crowds.
High Adventure is widely celebrated as a pioneer in specialty African safaris, particularly for photography and small-group experiences. Their hallmark? Seamless customization, expertise, and high-touch luxury from planning to return home.
Rather than large vehicles packed with dozens, clients are treated to intimate groups of four to six per vehicle. Properties are located on private concessions or reserves, meaning fewer visitors, more exclusive wildlife encounters, and superior photographic opportunities—pulling up close to a pride of lions, or a leopard kill, without competing crowds. These conditions are ideal for photographers striving for crisp, uninterrupted frames.
Our safari destinations employ local guides and trackers with intimate knowledge of the wildlife and terrain. Their expertise goes beyond locating the Big Five: they help guests spot elusive smaller species, rare birds, reptiles, and flora for a truly immersive nature experience.
Whether choosing a lodge or a tented camp, expect accommodations that harmonize comfortable luxury with the natural world. Many properties offer plunge pools, private patios, spa services, exquisite meals, high‑tea, sundowner cocktails—all included. From the Okavango Delta to the Serengeti or Sabi Sands, every stay is crafted for serenity and indulgence.
No two photographers—or small group travelers—are the same. High Adventure works closely with each client to understand their interests, timing, and style: seeking big cats, birding booms, migration seasons, luxury lodge aesthetics, or cultural interludes. Whether desiring balloon safaris over the Serengeti, cultural visits in Tanzania, wine tasting in Cape Town, or combining South Africa with Botswana’s waterways, every itinerary is highly personalized.
High Adventure’s portfolio spans some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations, along with remote and off‑grid sanctuaries:
The epicenter of South African history, and culture, combined with breathtaking scenery, inspired art, and gourmet, local food and wine provides a luscious, relaxing, beauty-filled adventure like no other.
Riverine labyrinths, mokoro (dugout canoe) rides, lush floodplains and high abundance of wildlife including red lechwe, hippos, elephants and birdlife—all set in a serenely wild landscape. Ideal for photographers who love water, color, and reflections.
World-famous for leopard sighting and excellent wildlife densities. Exclusive reserves mean fewer vehicles and greater photographic access to predator behavior and diverse ecosystems.
Dense wildlife concentrations, dramatic landscapes, and great migration spectacle. Carefully chosen camps allow you to explore exclusive zones and photograph key moments—sunrise in the plains, wildebeest crossings, lion kills.
High Adventure can also schedule safaris in Rwanda, India’s snow‑leopard terrain, or even bespoke island retreats like Seychelles’ North Island, which blends barefoot luxury with rehabilitative conservation efforts.
Behind the luxury and wildlife, what truly stands out is the company’s customer‑first culture. John and his team believe every trip should begin with a conversation: understanding your personal goals, photographic interests, and travel priorities. From there, they build itineraries with care—booking flights, lodges, game drives, ancillary experiences like spa days or wine tours, and local guides who share John’s devotion to wildlife and service.
With personal relationships with lodge owners and regular visits to our destinations, John and team bring fresh, firsthand insights to each planning phase—ensuring that destination knowledge is always current. Whether planning well in advance or asking for last‑minute suggestions, clients benefit from up‑to‑date expertise and genuine local relationships.
John Burrell and High Adventure Safaris offer more than a luxury holiday. Their safaris unfold at the intersection of wildlife conservation, local stewardship, and bespoke travel for photographers and small groups. Whether you’re seeking the serene waterways of the Delta, the predator-rich landscapes of Sabi Sands, or a custom journey across multiple countries, their experience, reputation, and personal care ensure an unforgettable—and environmentally responsible—adventure.
Begin your journey by connecting with High Adventure Safaris to explore destinations and design your tailor‑made experience. With expertise, impeccable service, and conservation-minded ethos, you’ll not only capture incredible memories—you’ll help preserve the wild world you explore.
Where to Start and What to Consider when Planning your First Safari.
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