Travel advisor
Arnie Hydamaka
Africa Specialist | Safari Tour Leader
Known around the office as "Dr. Africa" — 40-plus trips across 26 African countries, and group leader of our annual Southern Africa tour for the past 20 years.
About Arnie
Arnie, affectionately known as "Dr. Africa" at Great Canadian Travel, has an enduring passion for the African continent. With over 40 trips to Africa, he has immersed himself in its diverse landscapes and cultures, from sleeping under the stars to staying in luxurious safari camps.
Originally from Flin Flon, Manitoba, Arnie holds a PhD in Food Science, but his true calling has been introducing travellers to the wonders of Africa. A childhood curiosity sparked by tales of Timbuktu led him to explore the real place — not once, but two and a half times.
Arnie's extensive experience and deep connections make him an invaluable resource for anyone looking to embark on an African adventure. Arnie has been group leader of Great Canadian's annual Southern Africa (Vic Falls, Botswana, Cape Town) tour for the past 20 years.
How I travel
From rustic bush camps to luxurious safari lodges — Arnie has experienced the full range, and knows exactly which one suits which traveller.
Specialties
What I love most
"I've lugged over 50 wooden elephants back from Africa. When people ask about the dusting, I just say, 'Who dusts elephants?'"
Arnie believes that travel is about collecting stories and experiences that last a lifetime.
Top travel moments
- 1.Trailblazing journey to Lake Turkana, Northern Kenya
- 2.Lunch overlooking the dunes at Timbuktu
- 3.Witnessing the wildebeest migration across the Mara River
- 4.Botswana, Botswana, Botswana
- 5.Pyramids of Egypt
Places I've been
Firsthand experience
Where Arnie has travelled
Advisor visitedDrag to pan, scroll or use the buttons to zoom.
Serengeti National Park, TanzaniaVisited 2025
“The migration is a year-round circuit, not a single event. Tell me your travel month and I'll tell you which corner of the park to be in.”
— Arnie Hydamaka, Africa Specialist | Safari Tour Leader
Explore this destination →Destinations
Places Arnie plans
Africa
Africa
Safari itineraries designed by travellers who have been there.
Africa
Kenya
The birthplace of safari travel, and still one of the easiest to reach.
Africa
Tanzania
The Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater and a wilder southern circuit.
Africa
Rwanda
Mountain gorilla trekking, rainforest chimps and a modern capital.
Africa
Zimbabwe
Victoria Falls, the elephant herds of Hwange and remote Mana Pools.
Africa
Zambia
The home of the walking safari — South Luangwa, Kafue and the Lower Zambezi.
Africa
Namibia
Africa's hidden gem — dunes, salt pans, desert wildlife and empty roads.
Africa
South Africa
A world in one country — Big Five reserves, Cape Town and the Garden Route.
Africa
Botswana
Best Safari Country in Africa four years running — and the Okavango Delta.
Group travel
Departures hosted by Arnie
Work with Arnie
Tell us where you're headed — or just what you're dreaming about — and we'll pair you with the advisor who knows it best.