We specialize in custom guided journeys to select destinations on the Iberian peninsula and Africa.

We began designing and guiding luxury safaris in Africa over 30 years ago.

Our expertise and in-depth knowledge of the vast and constantly evolving African continent has been fundamental to our success in crafting extraordinary, personalized safaris for our guests.

Our core A Step Ahead team are Justin Bell, a native of Kenya, his partner Gillian Lyons, known for her organizational skills, and renowned safari guide Dave Christensen from Zimbabwe.

In 2008 Justin and Gillian moved to the Spanish Pyrenees, expanding the service by offering custom journeys on the Iberian Peninsula as well. Dave and his family continue to live in Zimbabwe.

We like to share our passion for the African bush and the Spanish countryside. We want you to be comfortable, safe and to appreciate what we consider to be so special about our favorite places.

How do we do this?

Custom

Each of us has different needs and aspirations and enjoys distinct experiences. We begin by finding out your preferences so that we can tailor your itinerary to suit you.

Guided

Our guides are an integral element of our expertise. They are true and passionate experts in their field. They spend time guiding in our chosen areas and know them intimately.

They personally participate in the design and planning of all our journeys long before you travel with us. They design the itinerary and Gillian and our support team arrange the reservations and details.

This involvement makes the difference between a wonderful journey and an outstanding one.

Journeys

We offer two distinct journey styles – Classic and Premium, which are differentiated not by the amount of luxury, but by the amount of A Step Ahead guide involvement in your journey.

Our Classic journeys are guided by experienced locally based guides. These are often professionals that our A Step Ahead guides have accompanied on safari many times. They are trained by outfits we admire and trust and know their areas intimately.

Our Premium journeys include the same services as the Classic journey but are also led by one of our own outstanding A Step Ahead guides, usually for the whole safari. They meet you upon arrival and accompany you throughout your safari.

What may a custom safari cost?

A custom African safari in 2025 will cost a minimum of US $1,400 per person per day. This is an all inclusive estimate of costs once in country. Costs can be in excess of $2,500 per person per day with added requirements such as deluxe accommodations, hot air balloon rides or helicopter flights.

Memories

Once on a journey with us, whether on safari or hiking through ancient Iberian villages, we hope to immerse ourselves in the moment. Each encounter becomes an indelible memory and is transformed into a story we cherish and share during our lifetime. That, for us, epitomizes travel.