About us
Our story
We all have a right to seek reconnection with nature and to explore the corners of the planet that call to us, but we must do so with awareness and a duty of care.
Aperture Travel was founded by two passionate South African photographers who were witnessing an increase in unethical and damaging tourism practices across Africa and beyond.
For the sake of the perfect photograph or Instagram pic, tourists were venturing too close into animals’ territory, often at the expense of their personal safety and the animals’ welfare, damaging natural habitat as they did so.
The Aperture Travel team wants to embed sustainable, eco-centric tourism practices to protect indigenous wildlife in tourist destinations so that future generations may enjoy the wonders of a safari experience for decades to come.
We deliver ethical safaris through our partnerships with like-minded guides and lodges who embrace ethical photography principles and travel practices; pay our guides fare wages; co-create unique conservation and community experiences with veterinarians, scientists and local organizations; and contribute much-needed funding to urgent conservation efforts through a small donation in every trip booked.
We are on a mission to create a brighter future for people, wildlife and planet through conservation and impact-focused travel.
Our values
We are guided by the philosophy of Ubuntu, which means “I am because we are”, and Tikkun Olam, meaning “world repair”, which have instilled within our business a desire to leave the world a better place by placing community, circularity and caring for others at the core of what we do.
Inclusivity
We all live in a vast and spectacular world. We have an equal right to enjoy it and contribute toward its welfare in a manner that is meaningful to us.
Respect
We are considerate toward one another, the environments we visit, the animals we photograph and the communities we seek to know and to benefit.
Curiosity
We believe in being actively curious. It opens doors and leads us toward new experiences, relationships and memories.
Quality
We leverage our unique partnership to create bespoke, high-quality, memorable travel experiences that also benefit local communities and conservation initiatives.
Generosity
We believe in growing together. When everyone is included, we all win.
Our team
Barry Mowszowski
Chief Executive Officer, Co-founder
Barry is a professional photographer and a passionate conservationist. For Barry, photography and conservation are deeply connected, so he founded Aperture Travel to marry the two.
Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, Barry’s first taste of safari was at Sabi Sabi (one of our partners) as an 8-year-old when his family’s game drive was made memorable by a rhino charging the vehicle.
After emigrating with his family to Australia, Barry enjoyed a successful career in senior leadership roles in communications strategy, working with some of the world’s best brands in New York, San Francisco and Sydney.
With multiple cameras in hand, Barry explored the world in pursuit of intimate wildlife and conservation experiences.
However, as he selected new destinations, he became frustrated with the process of planning his trip. “I was seeking an experience tailored to my unique needs. I wanted to take photographs, but often was in a vehicle with other tourists who didn’t share my interests, or I was paired with a tracker who didn’t have an understanding of photographic composition. As a result, I would spend hours planning a bespoke safari experience for myself, searching for the right guide or tracker to enhance my trips.”
In addition, Barry wanted the reassurance that the funds he was contributing toward conservation efforts were being put to good use. “Conservation has too many middlemen taking a cut of the pie, slowing down efforts to save wildlife and the environment.”
So Barry created his solution. “Aperture Travel allows passionate photographers or wildlife enthusiasts like myself to customize their high-end safari experience, all while knowing that their travel funds are being put toward a meaningful conservation cause.”
Tayla McCurdy
Chief Strategy Officer, Co-founder
Tayla is a dedicated wildlife conservationist and safari guide known for her deep connection to the African bush.
Born in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, Tayla’s early life was marked by frequent safari holidays with her family, sparking a lifelong passion for nature and wildlife.
Tayla’s career began as a Field Guide at Kariega Game Reserve, where she developed a special affinity for elephants, which she admires for their intelligence and unique behaviors. Her journey in ecotourism took her to Zambia, where she managed Anabezi Camp in the Lower Zambezi National Park, an area that holds a special place in her heart.
In South Africa, Tayla gained extensive experience at Earth Lodge in Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve before becoming a beloved presenter for WildEarth #safariLIVE, which aired on platforms like National Geographic. Her role on #safariLIVE involved broadcasting live, unedited footage of African wildlife, captivating audiences worldwide with her engaging storytelling and deep knowledge of the bush.
Tayla has trained guides in Sri Lanka at Leopard Trails and Ishara, a luxury lodge in Kenya’s Maasai Mara. She also co-hosted the Ranger Exchange series on YouTube, in partnership with Brave Wilderness, further showcasing her commitment to wildlife education and conservation. Tayla’s career also includes years of private guiding across Africa and Southeast Asia, bringing her expertise and passion to a global audience.
