Our Mission
Our mission is to create life-changing safari experiences using our rallying cry of "Experience, Learn, Protect."
Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris
About Us
A Passion for
Nature & Wildlife
For over 40 years, Cheesemans’ Ecology Safaris has been a leader in organizing immersive wildlife expeditions that bring travelers closer to the wonders of the natural world. Founded by educators and ecologists Doug and Gail Cheeseman, the company thrives under the stewardship of Krista Hanni and Scott Davis. With a dedicated team of expert naturalists, wildlife photographers, and conservationists, we design meaningful adventures to wildlife-rich destinations such as Antarctica, Africa, the Galápagos, and more. These safaris prioritize maximum time in the field, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in breathtaking ecosystems.
At the heart of Cheesemans’ Ecology Safaris lies a deep commitment to sustainability and conservation. Our philosophy, “Experience, Learn, Protect,” drives everything we do. Since 2022, we’ve operated as a carbon-neutral company by partnering with verified carbon offset initiatives that combat climate change through reforestation and renewable energy projects. If you’d like to explore the importance of carbon offsetting, visit The Nature Conservancy’s Carbon Offsets Guide.
In addition to minimizing our environmental footprint, we support local conservation programs and communities in the destinations we visit. For example, our trips to Namibia align with efforts to protect endangered wildlife, while our journeys to the Galápagos Islands emphasize preserving its fragile marine ecosystems. Our commitment mirrors global conservation goals, such as those outlined by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).
When you travel with us, you are not only embarking on an unforgettable wildlife journey but also contributing to the preservation of the planet’s most vital ecosystems. Explore our Conservation page to learn how our trips support sustainability. Together, we can make a positive impact while creating meaningful connections with nature and its wildlife. Start planning your next transformative journey with Cheesemans’ Ecology Safaris today.
Safari Coordinator Staff
Our safari coordinators are ready to help you sign up and answer questions. Read more about our safari trip leaders.
Krista Hanni MS, PhDOwner & co-CEO
Krista’s always been interested in ecology and she holds advanced degrees in Zoology and Wildlife Epidemiology. Her 30-year career has focused on wildlife and human well-being projects. She’s also an avid traveler and has contributed to studies worldwide, from Papua New Guinea to Alaska. She’s joining Cheesemans’ Ecology Safaris, eager to share her adventure and conservation insights, and is committed to preserving nature’s majesty. Together with Scott, Krista is excited to enhance CES’s eco-friendly tourism legacy.
Scott Davis Owner & co-CEO
Scott Davis, with 30+ years in expedition leadership and wildlife photography, started as a biologist where he's worked on global projects with grizzly bears and great white sharks. A National Geographic Explorer, Scott has collaborated with organizations like BBC and WWF. His photography and scientific work are renowned; he co-authored "Science of Hope," a book on wildlife conservation. Leading expeditions across six continents, Scott is dedicated to ethical, sustainable travel, ensuring CES's trips positively impact ecosystems and clients.
Adam Walter Marketing Director
Adam has been an avid outdoorsman since birth, growing up on the Chesapeake Bay and in the woods of Maryland and Pennsylvania. With conservation in mind, his love for the wilderness has taken him to the trails of Kalalau, Hawaii, Uganda, the Galapagos, SCUBA diving, and on a globe-circumnavigating backpacking trip. He is thrilled to merge his 20+ years of marketing experience with his love of nature by being a part of the Cheesemans’ team.
Elizabeth Coler Wildlife Safari Coordinator
Elizabeth’s interest in wildlife and traveling stemmed from attending various science camps and traveling often with her family throughout her childhood. She studied abroad in Costa Rica with the Monteverde Biological Institute, focusing on tropical biology and conservation. Shortly afterwards she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Ecology and Evolution. She loves to be outdoors and believes the best way to promote conservation is through experiencing the amazing environments you are helping to conserve.
Lauren Kleppin Wildlife Safari Coordinator
Lauren brings a lifelong love of adventure, travel, wildlife and nature to Cheesemans’. With over 13 years in the Outdoor Adventure and Tourism industry, a B.A. in Studio Art and Outdoor Education, and specialized experience as a Raft Guide, Ultra Runner, Yoga Teacher, Lake Ranger, and Water Conservation Specialist to name a few, she is passionate about facilitating transformative experiences that inspire connection, curiosity, awareness and admiration for the wild and wonderful world we share.
Why Choose Cheesemans'?
Maximum Time in Nature
With every trip we provide as much time out in nature as possible to take home in-depth experiences and cherished memories of far-flung wildlife and nature. We often start before breakfast (with picnic meals) and return in the early evening allowing us to travel farther to find special wildlife each day.
Why Choose Cheesemans'?
Knowledgeable Leaders
Our leaders are our most important asset. We scour each destination to find leaders who are experts on the local wildlife and ecology, and who will provide you with maximum time out in nature. On average, we provide one leader per six clients to enhance your experience and quickly address any issues.
Why Choose Cheesemans'?
Small Groups
Most tour groups number only 6 to 12. When feasible, we use over-sized buses to comfortably fit camera and daytime pack within easy reach. In Tanzania and Kenya, four people riding in each seven-passenger safari vehicle provides more space for your gear and to watch wildlife. In the Polar Regions, our small expedition group allows everyone to go ashore at once without timed shifts.
Why Choose Cheesemans'?
Cohesive Groups
Our travelers are nature lovers whose main objective is in-depth experiences with wildlife and nature. This like-mindedness results in camaraderie and long-lasting friendships.
Why Choose Cheesemans'?
Breathtaking Photography
Providing maximum field time also means we experience nature under soft morning and evening light – popularly known as the "golden hours" for photography. Our leaders are experienced in positioning vehicles at the most advantageous vantage points for watching and photographing.
Why Choose Cheesemans'?
Small Company, Dedicated Staff
We intentionally keep Cheesemans’ Ecology Safaris small to provide personalized attention to the needs of all our travelmates. Our Safari Coordinator Staff is always ready to help with the smallest details. After each safari, feedback we receive will be considered on future safaris.
Privacy Policy
Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris values and respects our travelers above all and takes their privacy very seriously. Read our Privacy Policy.
Reserve Early
Early reservation is important so you can have plenty of time to prepare for our in-depth tours. Our small groups have limited space and interest is high often causing our tours to fill over a year in advance. To register, follow the instructions in each itinerary or simply contact us.
View Our Upcoming Trips
Come watch wildlife with us! Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris' distinctive worldwide tours travel to destinations unique for abundant and photogenic mammals, birds and nature. We emphasize maximum field time and action-packed wildlife photography during the best season at each destination.
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