Alex Malcolm
Founder
I was born and raised in England, and founded Jacada Travel back in 2008. Around that time, I was working in the travel industry in Rio de Janeiro when I realised that there was a market for a company that showed travellers the true insider track and under-the-radar treasures that only locals know. So, I moved back to the UK to put my plan into action. Having lived in Brazil for several years and having travelled extensively around South America, learning Spanish and Portuguese along the way, Latin America is my region of speciality. Argentina remains my favourite destination – I could visit every year.
One of the biggest gifts that travel can give is the possibility of making new connections with people and the places they call home. It’s so deeply rewarding and it encourages us to think about what we can do to both protect these places and give back to the people. As Jacada has grown, I’ve been encouraged to discover that this is a sentiment shared by many of the lodges, hotels and guides that we work with around the world. It’s a community that I’m extremely proud to be a part of. I have since returned to Brazil many times, to experience it through the eyes of the local guides we partner with. It was a powerful reminder that travel can take us beyond the surface and connect us to something deeper. That spirit of connection runs through everything we do.
My best safari: Okavango Delta
Taking my mum on safari for the first time into the Okavango Delta. It’s one of the most beautiful places to experience the wildlife in Africa. A place where you can feel that time has stood still and nature continues as it always has.
My favourite hotel: Dar Ahlam
A combination of history, theatre and hospitality weave together to make arriving here a magical experience. Where you can recognise the threads of history converging on this special place and are taken care of in such a disarmingly thoughtful way.
My most memorable adventure: India
My first trip to India has to be my most memorable. I spent most of my time there in a less-visited part – the Himalayan region of Ladakh. It was a truly unique experience – spending time hiking through such spectacular scenery, beneath impressive peaks, through sleepy villages and past historic monasteries. I then headed down to Jaipur to immerse myself in the abundant richness and whirl of humanity that Indian cities have to offer.
My favourite trip: Complete Safari and Gorilla Adventure in Rwanda
It was a lifetime dream of mine to get up close with the gorillas, and this trip didn't disappoint. Not only that, but the lush rolling hills of Rwanda are so beautiful and the people so welcoming and hospitable.
My top tips
- If you’re prepared to get up early, you can often have the most magical experience, even in busier destinations. Experiencing them as the world wakes up often means you have them all to yourself
- Give yourself time to relax and ‘land’ in a destination. That space will allow you to leave work behind you and be fully immersed in your surroundings
- Find a good book based on the place you're visiting. Sometimes some historical fiction can be a great way to explore part of the spirit of a destination before you’ve even arrived
- Don't underestimate the power of a great guide when it comes to truly bringing a trip to life. There's a wealth of knowledge to discover everyday and so many lasting memories to be made