About Us and Our Website

Personal reflections in the form of photographs and blogs, this is partially an account of our journey as a specialist wildlife and birding Tour Operator over two decades under the banner of ‘Avian Leisure’, and partially our own journey of a lifetime of wildlife appreciation in Africa and elsewhere in the world.

Although ‘Avian Leisure’ is no longer offering tours, our website as it stands today will remain active into our retirement years. It aims to serve as a record of our passion for the natural world, now sadly fast receding, as population growth, attendant socio-economic demands and climate change take their toll on the environment and the many life forms within it.

We therefore trust that our educational and travel blogs and our images of unspoilt landscapes and varied forms of wildlife and birds, will provide a colourful and enjoyable account and that sense of delight which only the natural world, free of hypocrisy and deceit, can provide!
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Who are we ?

Marie Louise Cardwell

My interest in birding led me to a very satisfying second career in the world of Birding and Wildlife Safaris. Over those two decades of Avian Leisure, I took great pleasure in providing our clients with highly enjoyable safari experiences.

Now, I’m happy to plan our own trips – a passion for adventure in natural and unique environments is what drives me, going wherever there is good birding, botanical interest, and an opportunity to indulge in my new hobby of photography!