The name of "Autonomy Travel" was decided upon whilst on a drive back from a lovely weekend away in the sea-side town of Hermanus with my daughter, Amélie. We were chatting about all sorts as we tend to do and this particular conversation turned to the concept of "autonomy." We began turning the word over and over as the drive took us past some gorgeous vineyards and a placid lagoon to our left and vast open fields on our right, a range of mountains looming large in front of us. Amélie had recently learned about autonomy in her biology class as being a patient's right to determine their own care. That concept landed with me like a thunderbolt in that very moment and has stayed with me ever since. I love the notion that autonomy is not the absence of guidance, but rather the presence of choice. In the context of Autonomy Travel, this speaks to me as our guest's right and ability to shape their own journey, whilst never losing the expert guidance every step of the way.
Every chapter of my career journey leading up to the establishment of Autonomy Travel — from safari guiding, through farming and conservation, on to winemaking and in high end hospitality, and back again to safari planning, guiding and curating — was a thread. Autonomy Travel is the tapestry.
Gareth Hardres-Williams — Founder, Autonomy Travel & The Quiet Guide
