Bio

Thomas Andy Branson is a tour guide, travel writer, and photographer with a decade of professional travel and photographic experience spanning more than one hundred countries. He is the recipient of numerous international scientific awards in the field of nature conservation, with a particular focus on wildlife, as well as international recognitions for his professional photographic work. He works as a tour guide across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and Central and South America. His guiding career places special emphasis on African destinations, and after completing his training, he obtained the qualifications required for independently leading safaris in all national parks of East Africa. He is a member of numerous international organizations, including The East African Wild Life Society, The Royal African Society, The Royal Society of Biology, The Royal Photographic Society, The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, The British Institute of Professional Photography, The Society of International Travel and Tourism Photographers, and The Society of International Nature and Wildlife Photographers. He has supported the development of The Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund in Rwanda, a purpose-built research and education centre dedicated to mountain gorilla conservation, scientific advancement, and community engagement. The establishment of the campus has significantly strengthened the long-term sustainability of conservation and research programmes focused on protecting mountain gorillas and broader biodiversity. In the first half of 2023, Branson launched an extensive aerial photography project documenting Scottish landscapes from above, with the aim of publishing a photography book titled "Scotland From the Sky" and presenting a series of solo exhibitions around the world. Even in the early stages of the project, he produced a number of notable works, several of which have entered competitions for internationally recognised photography awards. In addition to his wider photographic portfolio, Branson has presented a number of exhibitions, including a solo exhibition dedicated to the Falkland Islands. Developed from an extended field project on the remote South Atlantic archipelago, the exhibition “Falkland Islands: Kingdom of the Wild” showcased a curated collection of images portraying the region’s distinctive landscapes and characteristic wildlife, including several species of penguins and marine mammals inhabiting its rugged shores. The exhibition was accompanied by a public travel lecture that further contextualised the photographic narrative and highlighted the ecological and cultural significance of this isolated island environment. Beyond his professional engagements, Branson has twice reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak. His repeated ascents of the iconic East African stratovolcano reflect his long-standing connection with the region and his deep familiarity with its landscapes and natural heritage.