Journey deep into central Asia and discover the thrilling exploits of the Nomad Games or walk on the wild side and track rhinos in Namibia - the tours offered by YellowWood Adventures are enough to make even the most seasoned traveller’s heart skip a beat. As more fascinating places become off limits because of wars and other geopolitical risks, the UK company is expanding its portfolio of tailor-made and small group adventures to little known destinations beyond the crowds where visitors are promised a warm welcome.
It’s proving a win-win proposition, creating enriching experiences for customers and for host communities sustainable support that includes employment for local guides, charity partnerships and tree planting schemes. A £1.3million turnover is forecast for 2027 with 47% growth.Founded eight years ago by former energy consultant Sam McManus, following inspirational wanderings around Ethiopia, YellowWood is part of a UK independent travel sector drawing international customers thanks to its variety and reliability.
“We look for less explored gaps with safety our priority and have adapted to operating in many different environments and cultures. We’ve also moved from a purely small group tour basis to offering bigger ticket, tailor-made adventures,” explains McManus. “Often clients will combine elements of both in trips where they join a group tour but then continue on alone or with family. To do all this properly means trips are more complex and remote. A diversified portfolio is essential for growth.”
After surviving the pandemic shutdown, crowdfunding helped build a new website and range of destinations and the company has a white label offering with the Responsible Travel platform. “Clients came back after Covid because they trust us to do what we say, we speak to them directly,” adds McManus who also pays tribute to contacts and support he received when launching from events organiser and pillar of the travel trade Pru Goudie, founder Adventure Travel Networking. YellowWood’s most successful products reflect what’s going on in the world, this year Bhutan is big having reduced its sustainable development fee making it more affordable. Other exhilarating prospects include a Christmas trek taking in Argentinian and Chilean Patagonia, an expedition across remote northern Mongolia on the trail of snow leopards and surprising cultural immersion in Sardinia.
Malawi safaris are great value too because conservation body African Parks has built two areas, Majete and Liwonde, to international standards full of repopulated game. “It’s a hidden gem and lower cost than traditional counterparts,” McManus observes.
Small group tours in places tougher to reach alone attract the growing solos market. “These are a great way to share experiences with like-minded people,” explains McManus. “Some clients start as solos because their partner does not want to go. Then we find they return as a couple when the travellers’ tales have worked their magic.”
As for YellowWood’s own journey this is taking a new turn with McManus considering a new investment raise – from £250,000 to £500,000, ideally from a backer with industry experience sympathetic “enjoys the ride,” he adds. Forever smitten by yonderlands, latest bookings are “through the roof” for the 2026 World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan (from £2,499), and like those feisty athletes YellowWood has everything to play for. Yellowwoodadventures.com
