Penny Hooper founded Samphire Travel Consulting in 2012, following six years of representing African properties with Travel e-Sense. She worked for Expert Africa (selling Tanzania and Mozambique) and Discover the World (selling Iceland and New Zealand) before moving to Representation, where she has promoted properties in Egypt, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe, DMCs in Morocco, Tanzania and Zimbabwe, adventure activities in Kenya and Tanzania, and small-group and overlanding tours worldwide.
From 2001- 2003 Penny led adventure tours for Explore Worldwide, working in France, Djibouti, Morocco, South Africa and Swaziland. As well as living in Germany and China, and earning an honours degree in English & European Literature at the University of Warwick, Penny has travelled widely in south-east Asia, South America and sub-Saharan Africa. More recent adventures include Madagascar, Malaysia, Myanmar and Mauritius, and taking her young family to Malawi. Penny sings in the classical London choir Coro, and has sailed all her life, most recently racing RS 800 and Laser 4000 dinghies, J 24s, J-92s and is a rescue scuba diver. She’s also learning Mandarin!
Sorcha Rodbard Hedderwick – After living and working in Tanzania as a marketing consultant for Leonotis Adventures & Summits Africa, specialising in off the beaten track adventures in Tanzania, Sorcha is now based in the UK. With a passion for African travel and promoting sustainable tourism, Sorcha loves speaking to anyone who will listen about what amazing experiences there are to offer! With adventure at her core, Sorcha is committed to showcasing the unique adventures that await in Africa and beyond! In Sorcha’s spare time she enjoys horse riding, walking, singing, snowboarding, rock climbing and spending time with her family at their smallholding in Wales. Fun fact – Sorcha summited Kilimanjaro on International Women’s Day 2024 with an all women lead crew!