A woman in a light green dress sits on a large rock, gazing at distant mountains during sunset. The landscape features a vast, arid terrain with soft, golden light illuminating the scene.

Bella Straker

Travel Designer

Growing up in rural Scotland, Bella adopted a keen interest in the natural world and all things outdoors. From backpacking in Europe and South America, to family adventures in Sri Lanka and Ethiopia, her love for travel has been instilled from a young age. After graduating from Newcastle University with a degree in Geography, Bella moved to Auckland where she worked for a beverage company, Lion, before traveling extensively through New Zealand. Addressing the itch to explore more of Africa, she swapped kiwi life for the bush, where she hosted at a high-end safari lodge in Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park. On returning to the UK to pursue a career in travel, Bella discovered Pelorus, joining us in 2020.

A woman stands in a grassy area with a backdrop of baboons foraging in the vegetation. She has short blonde hair and wears a white blouse and light-colored trousers, carrying a backpack.

Number one unforgettable travel experience?

Waking up to the sound of grumbling hippos and baboons on my roof, before daily encounters with majestic elephants – my time in the Zambian bush was a life out of the ordinary, filled with wild experiences and the most welcoming culture.

A woman walking down a sand dune, surrounded by vast red and beige desert landscapes under a clear blue sky.

Top of your travel bucket list?

High up there is Mongolia and trekking in the Nepalese Himalayas, whilst a once-in-a lifetime encounter with Rwanda’s mountain gorillas is something I dream of often.

A person stands on rocky terrain overlooking a city at sunset, with Table Mountain in the background and sunlight creating a halo effect.

Who is your ultimate travel partner?

Sebastião Salgado would be a brilliant travel partner. An incredible photojournalist and celebrated explorer, it would be fascinating to discover the world through his eyes.

Want to get in touch?

To contact Bella please email or give her a call