In 1998, Jody Cole had a life-changing phone call. “I was whining to a friend about how hard my life was and how everything was wrong because I was wrong, and well you get the picture. But in my self-involved haze, I hadn’t taken the time to remember who the friend was on the end of the line. He was in a battle for his life, a battle he would soon lose. My friend patiently let me vent, then asked me a simple question, ‘If you knew you would die tomorrow, what would you regret having not done?’ The first thing that popped into my mind was I hadn’t yet gone to Africa.”
Since then Jody has never stayed away from Africa for long. She returned again and again to her love, becoming a specialist at life in the bush. She earned a Field Guide and Trails Guide certification, with advanced rifle handling and trained in Kenya with the Kenyan Professional Guides Association. She is an Adventure Travel Specialist and a Master Kenya Travel Specialists (KATS). A former debutant, stock broker, and philanthropist, she is the only (lesbian) American woman who has achieved Level 2, Trailsguide status and is qualified to train other guides.
There is no better way for Lesbian and Gay adventurers to travel to Africa than with Jody Cole. My personal experience in Africa with Jody was one of the highlights of my life. We saw so many astonishing sights that it defies description. Close up and personal with elephants, baboons, zebras and African buffalo to name a few. Jody’s passion is contagious as she explains all about tracking animals, birds, plants and insects. A world-class storyteller, she explains about the habits and intricacies of these plants and creatures in her subtle southern accent. Her knowledge is astounding and she held us in rapt attention. She also explains about the people, the land, the poaching problem, and answered all our questions patiently. My favorite topics are dung, feathers, quills, bones and skulls, (I know! I’m a freak!) and to my delight, Jody indulged my curiosity with her extensive descriptions of texture, smell and shape of the animal poop, what they eat and all about their digestive systems. And Africa changed me. It cracked open my heart in a way that I had not expected. I experienced a beautiful, vibrant place on the other side of the world, and learned important lessons about myself, too.
Lin Holmquist and Kathy Arenden had this to say about their recent experience with Wild Rainbow. “Wild Rainbow African Safaris provided us the trip of a lifetime! Jody listened to what we wanted, considered our budget and created options that fit. We combined adventure, viewing of incredible animals and even time to relax for an incredible experience. The camps we stayed at were amazing, the guides and staff were knowledgeable and friendly, the food was better than we ever dreamed and we always felt safe and secure. Jody accompanied us throughout our trip, providing additional information on animals, flora, fauna as well as the history and culture of the areas we visited. She is knowledgeable, professional and personable. We highly recommend Wild Rainbow African Safaris and Jody Cole to anyone considering a trip to Africa.” Check out Lin’s awesome photos shown here.
There is still time to book these upcoming trips with Jody Cole and Wild Rainbow Safaris!
Tanzania Cool Cats
Tanzania
July 12 – 21, 2016
10 days 9 nights
SAFARI OVERVIEW
July 12 – Arrive, Arusha, Rivertrees Country Inn
July 13-14 – Tarangire National Park, Tarangire Safari Lodge
July 15-16 – Center of Serengeti National Park, Serengeti Kati Kati
July 17-19 – Northern Serengeti National Park, Bologonja Under Canvas
July 20 – Ngorongoro Crater Rim, Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge
July 21 – Olmoti Crater hike and Maasai visit, Rivertrees Country Lodge Depart
See the Africa you’ve always dreamed of! Don’t just watch Wild Kingdom or Animal Planet to view the Big Five, grab your camera and step into the coffee table book world and experience it all first hand. Experience life in a Maasai Village, game drives in the shadow of Mt. Kilimanjaro, track lion in the Ngorongoro Crater and race across the Serengeti plains.
Sober, Wild & Free
South Africa
July 26-August 5, 2016
10 nights, 11 days
SAFARI OVERVIEW:
Day 1: Outlook Lodge, Johannesburg
Days 2 – 3: Hippo Hollow Country Estate, Hazyview,
Day 4: Satara Rest Camp, Kruger National Park
Day 5: Letaba Rest Camp, Kruger National Park
Days 6 – 9: Baobab Hill Bush House, Pafuri Camp, Makuleke-Northern Kruger National Park
Day 10: Outlook Lodge, Johannesburg
Day 11: Depart
Visiting Africa is described as a profound, spiritual experience made even more so with your fellow recovering friends. Open to anyone practicing a 12-step program, this safari celebrates your journey in recovery. We’ll enjoy morning meditations and evening meetings (optional, of course) all set against the stunning natural beauty of South Africa. Join our group of sober adventurers as we explore the diversity and wonder of Soweto, Johannesburg and Kruger National Park. From a Shangaan dance to an elephant-back ride, It’s an unforgettable journey into the heart of South Africa. Yes, you will ride an elephant (once you get her hair just right). Don’t worry, your new friends will take lots of pictures. Prizes for best elephant hair-do. Our trip is bookended by visits to the historic and bustling metropolis of Johannesburg, where we’ll explore Soweto and walk in Nelson Mandela’s footsteps. Our 11-day safari features tons of time exploring the flora and fauna in the bush as well as ample time to relax or enjoy a daily 12 step meeting with your new friends. It’s a perfect balance of nature’s wonders, history, culture and well being.
