Travel Far, Tread Softly... Listen to your heart beat.

BHE …We are a bespoke travel agency that creates once in a lifetime trips built on trust!

Meet Lesley

Senior Travel Designer

“As a world traveler and adventurer, I have explored all seven continents, but it was Africa that stole my heart! The moment I set foot on this continent, I was entranced by its magnificent wildlife, its people, and the sheer diversity of adventures it offers. Over the last two decades, I’ve had the privilege of being hosted by more than 40 safari camps across 7 countries, and have nurtured an extensive network of local partners, guides, and lodges that I am able to share. From climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, gorilla trekking in Rwanda, and up-close wildlife viewing in the Okavango Delta, this continent has given me many once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Sitting on top of the volcano surrounded by the ‘Kwitonda’ Family of Mountain Gorillas, I literally heard my own ‘heart beating’. This life-changing experience was the birth of Beating Hearts Encounters - BHE.”

Make it stand out.

"We started planning our 4 week “trip of a lifetime” with Lesley and Wilderness 22 months prior to departure. Lesley’s expertise through her own experience and attention to detail was invaluable. There were 6 in our party, all with some of their own wishes and wants and Lesley found a plan that suited us all. We travelled to Cape Town, Namibia, Botswana, Victoria Falls and finally Rwanda. Every detail both before and during the adventure was taken care of by Lesley and she made sure we wanted for nothing and all our travels between the 9 different and distinct destinations ran like clockwork."

Glen F - Dallas
"Our last minute decision to take a trip to Africa trekking with the gorillas was made possible by Lesley's knowledge and connections. Our magical, once-in-a-lifetime trip could not have been more seamless and stress free. Thinking of taking a trip? Do yourself a favor and let Lesley take care of the details, she gets an A++++ from both of us!"

Kelly McClure - Dallas
"When planning a surprise for my sister's honeymoon safari, Lesley provided me with various options and recommendations keeping in mind my budget and preferences along the way. Everything worked out perfectly thanks to Lesley!"

Lindsay Rosenblum
"Lesley met ALL our goals plus more, she is very knowledgeable and the fact that she had been there really made a difference. There were no stones unturned! All the game trips and unexpected sundowner places were exceptional! I have recommended Beating Hearts Encounters to everyone I know!"

Barbara Franklin - Dallas
"The camps were all great--service fantastic--I can't say enough great things about the logistics, guides, food, accommodations etc etc etc. The work put in to arrange the trip showed through and through--and truly appreciated. Lesley put her “heart and soul” into our trip, Thank you."

Atlanta
"Exceeded our wildest dreams. Trip of a lifetime, Lesley knew it all, inside and out! She nailed it! We were fully prepared for anything which came our way. Best camp - Mombo Mombo Mombo. Beautiful, romantic and secluded. Made us feel so comfortable and catered to our every need. Moses went above and beyond as a guide and Monty stole our hearts. And the wildlife was amazing too."

Craig Fass - Portugal
"It was an extremely well designed trip. Honestly, every day was extremely intense for me. I woke up every day before my alarm with such a level of excitement as to what could happen today. I don't think my heart rate slowed for the entire time we were in Africa. Every experience from the level of service, to the animals, to the terrain, to the lodges, to the food and to especially the interactions with the local people was absolutely outstanding. My life has changed forever :)"

Portugal
"Every moment was meticulously planned and thoughtfully arranged thanks to the exceptional expertise of Lesley, who's attention to detail and deep understanding of our preferences ensured that every aspect was seamless and tailored to perfection."

L & A - New York
"Miss Armstrong helped me create the perfect plan to complete my Senior Project! A trip to Rwanda to photograph wildlife and trek with the Mountain Gorillas. I planted my tree with my Mom to help Wilderness Safaris reforestation project and tracked lions and saw rhinos that were brought over from Europe in 2019. Thanks Miss Armstrong, It was all you said it would be, and more."

Grant M - Alaska
The memories I made on this once in a lifetime trip are priceless! I could not have asked for a better travel agent than Lesley Armstrong. With Lesley’s help we saw everything there is to see, from the mighty’ Mountain Gorillas’ to ‘Kings of the jungle, lions!’. We loved DumaTau, Chitabe Lediba and Little Vumbura camps, we saw it all. Lesley has extensive knowledge and experience and designed our perfect trip to Africa. Lesley Armstrong is a travel agent like no other and that is why I will go to her when I am ready to book my next trip!

Collier Day - Dallas, Texas

Why Choose Beating Hearts Encounters for Your Ecotourism Safari?

Preservation of Wilderness
BHE believes in the delicate harmony between responsible tourism and the preservation of the African wilderness. Our extensive experience has taught us the importance of sustainable practices, and we are committed to offering trips that are not just immersive but also eco-friendly.

Exclusive Insights
Our unique access to some of the most remote and pristine ecotourism camps in Africa enables us to craft journeys that take you off the beaten path. You'll have the opportunity to witness wildlife in their natural habitats, away from the crowds.

Tailored Experiences
Your safari should reflect your individual preferences and desires. Our in-depth understanding of diverse camps allows us to create bespoke itineraries that cater to your specific interests, whether it's birdwatching, photography, or simply reconnecting with nature.

Local Engagement
Book with us and help support the local communities. This ensures that your journey contributes positively to the livelihoods and well-being of the people who call these wilderness areas home.

Safety and Comfort
Your safety, comfort, and peace of mind are paramount. We collaborate with reputable camps and lodges that prioritize the safety and well-being of guests. The safari guides we use are experts in navigating the African wilderness.

Passion and Dedication
At Beating Hearts Encounters, we are driven by a relentless passion for Africa's wilderness. Our dedication to sharing its wonders with you goes beyond business; it's a calling.

As you plan your journey with us, rest assured that our extensive experience and knowledge of ecotourism camps will transform your safari into an adventure of a lifetime. We invite you to explore the untamed beauty of Africa's wilderness and to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Video Itinerary through Africa

This sample itinerary trip takes guests from the magnificent Sossusvlei, through the best of Botswana, Zimbabwe and onto unmatchable Volcanoes National Park. At each destination guests are welcomed into stunning accommodations and treated to exceptional service and exclusive experiences.

BHE in Partnership with

Experience Wilderness camps and Wilderness Air and feel their impact for yourself!

Beating Hearts is honored to partner with like-minded, award-winning Wilderness. Offering luxurious accommodations in prime wildlife viewing locations throughout Southern and Eastern Africa.

Learn More About Wilderness

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Beating Hearts Encounters on the Road

Wilderness has 60+camps across Africa…and counting!

Take a look at some personal photos from Lesley’s travels through Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zanzibar.

Damaraland, cultural experience, Namibia

Sossusvlei Kulala Wilderness Reserve, Namibia

What Our Clients are Saying

“Our last minute decision to take a trip to Africa was made possible by Lesley’s knowledge and connections and our magical, once in a lifetime trip could not have been more seamless and stress free.
Lesley’s suggestions and advice were crucial in our planning phase, and her personal experiences of the camps and the logistics of traveling through Rwanda were invaluable. We wanted to fit as much into our time as humanly possible and Lesley’s knowledge of all the activities available made that possible. We were treated like family in the camps as Lesley personally knows the staff and they were expecting us as “friends of Lesley”. Trust me when I say - Trust Lesley! She has what it takes to create YOUR perfect trip!! She gets a A++++ from me!”
Kelly McClure
“Our safari honeymoon was an extraordinary adventure that surpassed all expectations. We marveled at the beauty of the Zambezi valley, witnessing majestic lions, elephants, giraffes and more in their natural habitat. 🦏🦛🦓🦒🐆🐘 The knowledgeable guides from Wilderness enlightened us with fascinating insights about the animals and their conservation efforts. The serenity of the starlit nights, coupled with the sounds of the wilderness, created a romantic atmosphere beyond compare. Ending our trip amid the natural splendor of Cape Town and the understated luxury of wine country further added to our delights. We couldn't have asked for a more magical way to begin our journey together as a married couple. Every moment was meticulously planned and thoughtfully arranged, thanks to the exceptional expertise of our travel agent, Lesley who’s attention to detail and deep understanding of our preferences ensured that every aspect of our journey was seamless and tailored to perfection.”
- L&A
“Miss Armstrong helped me create the perfect plan to complete my Senior Project! A trip to Rwanda to photograph wildlife, trek with the Mountain Gorillas and also the thrilling helicopter ride from Bisate Camp to Magashi Camp. I planted my tree with my Mom to help Wilderness Safaris reforestation project, tracked lions and saw rhinos that were brought over from Europe in 2019. Thanks Miss Armstrong, It was all you said it would be, and more.”
- Grant M
Lesley was a complete joy to work with! I wanted to coordinate a few surprises for my sister and brother-in-law during their honeymoon, and she made the experience seamless. She provided me with various options and recommendations, keeping in mind my budget and their preferences along the way. Everything worked out perfectly, all thanks to Lesley!
Lindsay Rosenblum

Travel Far, Tread Softly... Listen to your heart beat.

Meet Lesley

"When planning a surprise for my sister's honeymoon safari, Lesley provided me with various options and recommendations keeping in mind my budget and preferences along the way. Everything worked out perfectly thanks to Lesley!"

"Lesley met ALL our goals plus more, she is very knowledgeable and the fact that she had been there really made a difference. There were no stones unturned! All the game trips and unexpected sundowner places were exceptional! I have recommended Beating Hearts Encounters to everyone I know!"

"The camps were all great--service fantastic--I can't say enough great things about the logistics, guides, food, accommodations etc etc etc. The work put in to arrange the trip showed through and through--and truly appreciated. Lesley put her “heart and soul” into our trip, Thank you."

"Every moment was meticulously planned and thoughtfully arranged thanks to the exceptional expertise of Lesley, who's attention to detail and deep understanding of our preferences ensured that every aspect was seamless and tailored to perfection."

Why Choose Beating Hearts Encounters for Your Ecotourism Safari?

Exclusive InsightsOur unique access to some of the most remote and pristine ecotourism camps in Africa enables us to craft journeys that take you off the beaten path. You'll have the opportunity to witness wildlife in their natural habitats, away from the crowds.

Tailored ExperiencesYour safari should reflect your individual preferences and desires. Our in-depth understanding of diverse camps allows us to create bespoke itineraries that cater to your specific interests, whether it's birdwatching, photography, or simply reconnecting with nature.

Local EngagementBook with us and help support the local communities. This ensures that your journey contributes positively to the livelihoods and well-being of the people who call these wilderness areas home.

Safety and ComfortYour safety, comfort, and peace of mind are paramount. We collaborate with reputable camps and lodges that prioritize the safety and well-being of guests. The safari guides we use are experts in navigating the African wilderness.

Passion and DedicationAt Beating Hearts Encounters, we are driven by a relentless passion for Africa's wilderness. Our dedication to sharing its wonders with you goes beyond business; it's a calling.