Where We’ve Been, Where We’re Going: Whitney Kent
Jul 14th, 2011 by wwftravel
"These meerkats were so used to humans that they had no problem approaching us. Our guide had each of us sit very still, and eventually a bunch of the meerkats came over and hopped and climbed all over us.” © Whitney Kent
The second in our summer series introducing you to WWF employees as passionate about seeing the world’s wild places as they are about protecting them.
Whitney Kent, Marketing Coordinator for WWF’s Corporate Partner Marketing Team, talks about her love of travel, books and meerkats.
How did you catch the travel bug?
My parents have always loved to travel, and I have been lucky enough to be included on most of these trips. They enjoy photography, so they are always wanting to travel to new and unique places. My mom always puts together great trips with something for everyone, so none of us ever gets bored.
What’s been your top natural spot to visit?
Africa. I felt like I was watching National Geographic, but in person! Nothing beats looking out of your tent and seeing elephants and giraffes grazing right outside, or seeing a mother lion and her cubs playing only a few meters away.
What’s the most remote place you’ve visited?
Our camp in the Kalahari Desert. The camp was a small 1940’s style camp that was just big enough for my family and our family friends. There were no other people in sight but us and the camp staff.
What are your top three dream nature destinations?
Tahiti, Bali, Thailand. I have a thing for clear blue water. I also think Bangkok looks like such a cool and eclectic city.
"Here I am at Victoria Falls on the bridge between Zambia and Zimbabwe. I don't know what was scarier, standing on the edge of the bridge looking down or the actual jump. Regardless it was the biggest rush I've ever had in my life." © Whitney Kent
Thinking back over your trips, tell us about one of your best observations of an animal?
Where do I begin! We were so lucky to see all sorts of animals close up. We saw a month old baby elephant and his parents come right next to our Land Rover. We also saw three lionesses and their nine cubs playing in front of us. We watched two cheetahs stalk and kill an impala which was sad yet incredible at the same time. The closest I got to an animal was definitely when we visited the meerkats in the Kalahari Desert. They were used to humans visiting them and were so comfortable around us that they would jump on us and stand.
What’s one item you never leave home without?
A good book (preferably paperback since it’s lighter). You never know when you will be waiting around in an airport or have a few spare hours to do nothing.
What’s your best or most frequently used eco-friendly travel tip
Depending on where I’m going, I try to pack light and clothes that I can re-wear or mix with other pieces. When I was in Africa, I only packed a duffle since we were traveling around so much. I re-wore most of my clothes since we were getting dirty every day and it was pointless to wash clothes that we would be dirtying the next day. If I’m traveling to a tropical area, I definitely pack minimally since I practically live in my bathing suit the whole time.
