Give meaning to your travels
The way we choose to travel is important. We believe that travel can create a positive impact when done with care and consideration for the well-being of the destination and its community
About us
Trip with a Purpose is a travel company that specializes in crafting highly personalized and inspiring travel experiences reaching beyond traditional private tours. Our focus is singular – to provide exceptional, meaningful travel. We believe it’s not just where you go but how the journey shapes you and, perhaps even more importantly, how we impact the places we visit. Our bespoke itineraries allow travelers to visit destinations with the knowledge that, in doing so, they are supporting local communities and conservation projects as well as deeply immersing themselves in other cultures.
We currently focus our offerings in two locations: Costa Rica, one of the most biologically diverse and admired ecotourism destinations in the world, and South Africa, a country of immense natural beauty and cultural diversity. Our high-end itineraries are second to none and are planned so that we take all the hassle of day-to-day operations off your hands.
We believe that traveling should be much more than checking off a destination from your bucket list. Sure, the mass-market tourism industry offers convenience, especially if you are not familiar with a given country, but these trips often lack authenticity. We design our itineraries and experiences carefully to give you a balanced mix of traveling, sightseeing, cultural encounters, and free time. Most importantly, our itineraries are built around social responsibility and giving back to the communities we visit. For example, in South Africa the trip funds the wildlife procedures that you participate in, but we also support local non-profits like the Amakhala Foundation and the Isipho Charity Trust. In Costa Rica, we support the work of the Toucan Rescue Ranch, among others.
“People don’t take trips, trips take people.” – John Steinbeck
Our experiences
South Africa
costa rica
Meet the Team
Lauren Geffert
Owner
Lauren is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Geography at Texas Christian University, teaching World Regional Geography since 2013. Whilst she is a proud Texan (born in Houston, Texas), she is also an avid traveler. When completing her B.A. at TCU, she fell in love with traveling, managing to study abroad seven times. Lauren always tries to find time to kayak when traveling, with recent memorable paddles in Iceland, Hawaii, and Switzerland,
Mike Slattery
Owner
Mike is a Professor in the Department of Environmental and Sustainability Sciences and Director of the Institute for Environmental Studies at Texas Christian University. Originally from South Africa, Mike is an internationally-trained geographer and has written more than 100 scientific articles on environmental issues. He is also the author of a widely-used college textbook on the environment. He is an avid golfer.
Gustavo Abarca
Guide in Costa Rica
Gustavo Abarca was born in San Jose and has led multiple expeditions for National Geographic and Lindblad Expeditions, accompanying photographers, journalists, students, and travelers of all ages from the beach to the rainforest and beyond, and sharing his deep knowledge of the country’s flora and fauna. At the University of Costa Rica, he studied Biosciences and Modern Languages and is fluent in both English and Italian.
William Fowlds
Wildlife Veterinarian in South Africa
Dr William Fowlds is a wildlife vet who dedicates his time to championing the plight of the rhino and other keystone species through his veterinary and awareness initiatives. He is based out of the Eastern Cape and lives on Amakhala Game Reserve which he co-founded with several neighboring families 20 years ago. He believes in the power of the youth for the ultimate solution to global environmental issues. Will is always careful to note that rhinos are but one of many wildlife species being decimated due to the illicit trade in wildlife products.
Testimonials
Joe Brown, Fort Worth
“ TWP is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the beauty of South Africa and the amazing animals that call it home.”
“ Bush Lodge at Amakhhala is a first-class resort and there is no detail overlooked. Private chalets with attached plunge pools and the family-style dinners are just two of the highlights. Working hands-on with the animals is truly a life changing event. I highly recommend this trip.”
Nancy Gill, Houston
“ My first trip to Africa was with Lauren and Mike in 2017. It was such an impactful experience that I went again four years later.”
“Although both trips were quite similar, each one seemed brand new. Mike and Lauren do a great job offering different choices, adding flexibility to each day from excursions, speakers, and fabulous restaurants in the city. The bush experience by all accounts is life-changing. Their partnership with veterinarians and their teams allows the guests the first-hand thrill of working with animals in the ongoing conservation endeavor. How many people on the planet have given a B12 shot or checked the temperature of an endangered rhino? While conservation trips are offered in the travel industry, none is as unique as TWP’s!”
Kim & Mason, Fort Worth
“ In June of 2021 we were fortunate enough to be included on TWP’s Cape Town and Amakhala trip. The accommodations were absolutely fabulous.”
“ From the moment the planning started Mike and Lauren provided detailed information on every level of the trip. They were there to answer questions, help us with flight planning, and provide help with additional tours before and after.
Our trip began in Cape Town. The accommodations were absolutely fabulous. We saw everything Cape Town had to offer from Table Mountain to Cape Point, the beautiful wine region and gardens. The group was small enough that you always felt like you were on a private tour. The guides were amazing providing detailed information about the region with a local point of view. The trip was very well planned providing plenty of activity while allowing for downtime and opportunities to do things on your own. The meals were wonderful, it was so great to eat at local restaurants and learn about the region’s food and wine.
Trip with a Purpose is the perfect description of our visit to Amakhala. Mike and Lauren took great care of all of us and planned easy travel to Port Elizabeth where we were met by the Amakhala team when we arrived at the airport. Immediately we were part of the family and our adventure began. As we arrived at the reserve we were treated with great care. The food was fabulous, the rooms were amazing, and the setting was like something you see in a movie. To have meals while watching animals approach the watering hole was an experience we will never forget. We had opportunities to see every type of animal possible. The guides were absolutely fantastic and knew every inch of the area. The most amazing part of TWP’s trip was the education that came with the trip. To be able to spend time with Will and his team understanding how they work to save the rhinos and other animals was an experience of a lifetime. To be able to touch a rhino and have your ear next to an elephant as he breathes is something you never forget. The education we received about the area and all they are doing to restore the land was incredible. We plan to return in 2024. To say this experience made an imprint on our life is an understatement.
Mike and Lauren assisted us in additional travel to Victoria Falls. They made the travel on our own comfortable and helped us plan a perfect itinerary. We have another trip with TWP planned to Costa Rica in 2023. Anyone that has the opportunity to take a TWP trip will find it to be a trip of a lifetime.”
Cleve Lancaster, Fort Worth
“ Genuine comes to mind for the description of every part of my experience in South Africa with Trip with a Purpose. This was not an off the rack one size fits all trip.”
“ It began with the thoughtful planning of the trip by Mike and Lauren. Their attention to individual travelers’ interests and objectives was exceptional. At Amakahla Game Reserve our experience surpassed expectations. We were welcomed participants in hands-on conservation and medical interventions on elephants, rhinos, and lions. An experience beyond the expected game drives and beautiful scenery. The lodge staff in their care for our group displayed a sincere interest in our comfort. No other word better than genuine expresses the warmth and care we received from start to finish on our trip.”
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