Jenny Bowen

Ecologist, Mountain Leader, Expedition Leader, Tour Guide & Author

My first job after graduating as an ecologist from Leeds University was in Africa – little did I know the importance of this on my life. As the permanent ecologist for Raleigh International in Zimbabwe I set up numerous conservation projects, managed hundreds of volunteers, collated scientific data and wrote many reports. It was here that I promptly fell in love with the continent.

Since Zimbabwe, I have spent many years in Africa – worked for a game capture unit in South Africa, led gap year expeditions in southern Africa and set up conservation and community projects in Eswatini. I have a passion for conservation and in-depth knowledge about African wildlife. All this led to the birth of Sense Africa and ultimately Sense Earth.

I have also led expeditions to other far-flung places such as Vietnam, Morocco, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Iceland and Borneo. I’ve also helped set up the first terrestrial protected area in Vanuatu and completed Action Plans for tourism sites in the Commonwealth of Dominica.

And then there is India; with its vibrant colours, mouth-watering food and up-lifting feeling it makes me want to return all the time. India is a country of so many elements that it is hard to pinpoint what draws me, but it’s probably the wildlife and yummy Indian breakfasts. All of this experience has helped me gather a team of travel and safari experts to help run Sense Earth.

To compliment all of this:

• I am a certified Tour Leader for The Kingdom of Eswatini and represent Eswatini in the UK at Trade Shows
• I have an unhealthy obsession with giraffe having spent countless hours monitoring them and collecting their poo, for scientific reasons of course…
• I am a qualified mountain leader
• I am a remote first aider and very knowledgeable about African ailments (!)
• I have a wealth of fascinating African wildlife factoids (often utterly useless)
• I’ve written a book called Sense Africa Five Ways
• I love any kind of food cooked on a braai (BBQ)
• Apparently I do a very good camel impersonation

Gilly Rich

Administrator, Sports Fanatic, Charity Volunteer

Back in 2001, I took a leap of faith and moved to Toulouse, France, for two years. Learning a new language and culture from scratch was tough but incredibly fun, and that experience truly opened my eyes to the world—the amazing food, the wine, and the different ways of life. It’s a time I hold with deep affection in my heart, and it really shaped my global perspective.

I’ve always been the go-to person among my friends for organising the group holidays, whether it was the skiing trips or weekend getaways. Joining Jenny and Sense Earth was the perfect chance to turn that knack for planning into my day job! I love what I do and especially the creative side of my role; there’s nothing better than putting together bespoke itineraries that bring a guest’s dream holiday to life.

I absolutely love exploring diverse cultures and helping with community projects. I recently had the incredible opportunity to visit Eswatini this year, which was fantastic and has only deepened my connection to the beautiful destinations we work with. This has further inspired my hope to explore more of these beautiful countries soon.

Beyond my desk, I spend time each week volunteering at a local charity shop. Jenny is wonderfully supportive of this commitment, and I genuinely enjoy the chance to help display merchandise and chat with the customers.

When I’m not working, I love meeting up with friends, staying active, and keeping fit. I have a passion for watching most sports and love my daily walks in the beautiful local countryside with my lovely Golden Retriever dog ‘Dave’!