Meet the Apex Founders

You could say the founding of Apex Expeditions was somewhat serendipitous. Six industry experts with mutual respect for each other and decades of expedition travel between them banded together when the stars aligned. Six individuals whose passion for exploring the world is only surpassed by the joy they feel in sharing their knowledge and expertise with other curious travelers. We think it was meant to be.

 

Together, we’ve built a company based on our shared values, reinforced by the bonds of trust and friendship between us. We believe in a world full of infinite discoveries. We further believe in honoring the wildlife and wild places of our wondrous planet. This quest for knowledge, spirit of adventure, and dedication to conservation are at the very core of our being and are driving forces in the expeditions we design. It is our distinct pleasure to explore the world’s most fascinating places with you. Join us!

Jonathan Rossouw

In his late 20s, Jonathan left a promising medical career and followed his heart into ecotourism. Today, Jonathan continues to act as an ambassador for Earth’s wilderness. Following nearly two decades of designing and leading wildlife expeditions to every corner of the world, he co-founded Apex in the firm belief that “we will only ever protect that which we love, we will only love that which we know, and we will only know that which we are taught.”

Alicia Freyman

After graduating from the University of Washington, Alicia strapped on a backpack and headed abroad. Fully hooked on travel, she spent her twenties working just long enough to save up for another year away. Prior to co-founding Apex, Alicia was Vice President of Operations at two expedition travel companies and has traveled to nearly 100 countries and all 7 continents. Today, Alicia loves plotting exciting trips to share with Apexers everywhere. 

Peter Harrison

Peter Harrison, the world’s leading seabird ornithologist, has received many professional awards and accolades over the years.  “My greatest reward, however,” reflects Peter, “is when one of our guests tells me that I have changed their life forever because they will never look at a bird in the same light again. Even more to my heart is when I see someone sitting next to an albatross with tears of joy and wonder running down their cheeks.”  

Carmin Arnot

Carmin is one of those rare people who actually studied what she does for a living. Her studies in tourism and public relations led to an exciting career in the travel industry from designing African safaris to marketing, communications and sales strategy for several niche travel brands. Above all else, Carmin enjoys people and building relationships with her reputation for integrity and her passion for wilderness destinations.

Kevin Clement

Kevin began his career as a scientific illustrator, merging his childhood passions of drawing and exploring the natural world. It wasn’t long, however, before he found his true calling as a naturalist and field leader in expedition travel. Kevin brings his love of adventure and thirst for knowledge to everything he touches. As co-founder of Apex, he enjoys enhancing travelers’ understanding and appreciation for our world.

Shirley Metz

As an Apex co-founder and field leader, Shirley brings 30 years of experience leading expeditions from Pole to Pole.  “Predicting the needs of our guests; understanding their expectations; and being one jump ahead of the next event, is all in a day’s challenge,” states Shirley.  “Travel enables us to be globally informed, allowing us to share our experiences with others, thereby contributing to conservation and our own humanity.”

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