JENNIFER FOX

I first met Jennifer in Hong Kong in the mid 80s when she was an investment banker. We lost contact until the early 2000s when I was attending the African travel show, Indaba, in Durban.  I couldn't quite figure out why this erstwhile investment banker was attending a travel show but it transpired that Jennifer had created and invested in Thornybush Game Lodges in the Kruger National Park. I was working on our 3rd book in the Chic Collection, southafricachic. Jennifer was living in Johannesburg and I was a frequent visitor so our friendship re-ignited and we see each other as regularly as distance permits now that she is back in Sussex in the UK. 

Jennifer's passion has always been wildlife conservation and especially saving the African rhino population from continued poaching. This is her main passion and commitment and being involved with Thorneybush allows her to get to do something positive on the front line of this awful fight whilst building a special place to stay at Thorneybush. I was lucky enough to visit 2 years ago and can't wait to get back; as Jennifer points out there is nothing better or indeed more appropriate in these pandemic times than being able to go on safari - be in one's own private bubble if required - and most importantly to enjoy the habitat and environment of some very special and endangered animals.

We caught up recently for a long overdue chat about the challenges Thornybush is facing in the current environment with barely any international travel; how they are able to stay open and keep their loyal staff employed and what these strange times have meant for the ongoing struggle against the poachers. Enjoy this 50 minute chat and book a trip to Thorneybush as soon as we can travel long haul again!