We’re turning ten this year! We’re celebrating our double digits with great trips (obviously!), the launch of new photographic adventures, and some welcome reflection. It’s been a great ride and we’re only getting started. Here are some thoughts on the Penda journey, on being out in the field with our cameras, and on the future of photography trips by team members and photographers.
Penda got its start in 2016 in Cape Town, where Marleen Lammers and Greg Bows decided to combine their love for photography with their experience in the travel and nonprofit sectors to create a niche photo travel company. “Penda really began with the vision of my partner, Marleen,” Greg explains. “Living in Africa, we both shared a deep love of wildlife and photography, while I came from a background in travel and tourism. Bringing those passions together felt like a natural step. We saw an opportunity to create something that combined exceptional travel experiences with meaningful photographic opportunities, and that became the foundation of Penda.”
At Penda, we’re proud to offer something for everyone; our trips now span five continents and their photographic focus ranges from wildlife and landscapes to culture and humanitarian. But the start was a bit more humble. “We launched Penda with just two trips,” Greg explains. “Those first few years were all about learning; understanding what worked, what didn’t, and refining the experience with every departure. We focused on building strong relationships with photographers and lodges that aligned with our standards and values, and slowly expanded. We’ve gone from testing an idea to becoming a leading experience-driven photography tour company – and that’s exciting.”
The highlight, of course, of the Penda journey is being out there, traveling to incredible places with small groups of passionate photographers, all at different stages of their photography journey, but all with a passion for it. “Leading our tours is always a standout highlight for me,” says Sam Turley, wildlife photographer and Penda’s General Manager. “Not only because of the incredible destinations we operate in, but also because of the time spent in the field with our guests. Being part of those shared experiences and helping to deliver something that can genuinely be life-changing is hugely fulfilling. Seeing people grow in confidence, refine their skills, and leave with both stronger images and lasting memories is what makes it all worthwhile.”
And while wildlife photography trips have been on our schedule from the very start, so have humanitarian photography workshops, guided by Anna Lusty. “Working with Penda has been an incredibly rewarding experience. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to mentor photographers in a way that goes beyond technique – helping them build the confidence to tell stories ethically and responsibly for non-profits and organisations.”
“There have been two standout highlights for me over the years,” Anna continues. “The first is the privilege of creating and gifting images to our partner non-profits, visuals that they’ve gone on to use to raise awareness for their vital and often underrepresented work. The second is seeing participants take what they’ve learned and carry it forward, going on to do meaningful work for non-profits within their own communities.”
One of the most rewarding elements of running these trips is, of course, being able to give people an incredible experience. “Reading our client feedback is a real highlight,” says Sam. “Hearing first-hand how much people have enjoyed their experience, and the impact it’s had on them, really reinforces why we do what we do. It’s not just about the images they come away with, but also the confidence they’ve built, and the connection they’ve developed with the places we visit.”
“We invest significant time, thought, and energy into designing our tours,” Sam continues. “That includes refining itineraries, choosing the right locations, and working closely with our partners on the ground to get every detail right. So when a tour really resonates with our audience and delivers on those expectations, it’s incredibly rewarding.”
Needless to say, we won’t stop evolving. “There is always room to go deeper, be more creative, and offer access to places and moments others don’t,” says Greg. Plus, we’ll continue to explore ways to make our photography meaningful. “Over the past decade, I’ve noticed a shift in the photography travel space,” Anna explains. “More and more, people are seeking experiences that feel purposeful – where travel intersects with conservation, community, and contribution.”
“Penda was built on the goal of having a positive impact, and that remains at the core of everything we do,” Sam confirms. “Looking ahead, we’ll continue to build on that foundation while constantly striving to improve the overall client experience, from the initial enquiry right through to post-tour follow-up. Ultimately, the goal is to keep delivering meaningful, impactful and high-quality experiences that resonate with our audience and continue to set us apart.”
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