About us 2.0

Our mission is to preserve traditional knowledge, protect Guyana’s wilderness, and connect guests with the people, cultures, and landscapes that define the rainforest.

our story

The Wild Tales was born from a deep respect for the rainforest and the people who call it home. What began as a jungle survival training initiative has grown into one of South America’s most authentic expedition and adventure companies.

Our roots trace back to Bushmasters UK, founded and led by the late Ian Craddock, where both Anders, Lionel and the team worked as survival instructors and expedition leaders. Following Ian’s untimely passing, a gap was left in the world of jungle expeditions and survival training in Guyana. The Wild Tales was created to carry that legacy forward, continuing to share the art of survival and exploration in the most untouched corners of the rainforest.

For more than a decade, we have guided explorers through the vast rainforests of Guyana, a land where wildlife, culture, and nature remain truly wild. Our survival courses and expeditions blend traditional indigenous knowledge with modern expedition skills, offering experiences that challenge, inspire, and transform.

Every journey we lead is built on collaboration with Guyana’s indigenous communities. Together, we create opportunities that preserve traditional knowledge, support local livelihoods, and allow guests to experience the jungle through the eyes of those who have lived in harmony with it for generations.

Our Home

For some of us at The Wild Tales, this forest is where our ancestors walked. For others, it’s where we found something we couldn’t walk away from.

Guyana doesn’t just exist on maps; it lives, breathes, and demands your respect. The rainforest here is older than memory, untouched by a world that’s forgotten what ‘wild’ really means.

We came to this place through different paths. Some were born to it, carrying knowledge passed down through generations. Others traveled across continents before finding their way here. But we all arrived at the same truth: there’s nowhere else like this.

There’s no pretense here. No shortcuts. The jungle teaches on its own terms, and we share what we know not because we have to, but because we believe these traditions, this connection to the forest, deserve to survive.

This is home. And we can’t imagine calling anywhere else by that name.

Meet the team

Experienced expedition leaders united by purpose and passion for the wilderness

Anders Andersen

Lead Instructor & Owner

Our lead instructor and owner, Anders Andersen, brings a wealth of knowledge earned through a lifetime of adventure and years of experience in the field.

Having lived for nearly six years in the Rupununi region of Guyana and previously worked as a survival instructor for the renowned Bushmasters UK, Anders has led countless expeditions, survival courses, and TV productions across the Guyanese rainforest.

His experience extends far beyond South America, including fieldwork and expeditions in the Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Iceland. This diverse background shapes the foundation of The Wild Tales Inc., blending modern expedition standards with deep respect for the rainforest and its people.

Lionel James

Survival Instructor and Expedition Leader

Our senior instructor from Surama Village, Lionel James, brings more than 25 years of experience in expeditions and survival training.

As a child, he followed in the footsteps of his ancestors, traveling deep into the Guyanese jungle in search of Balata (natural rubber).

His lifelong connection to the forest led him to collaborate with Bushmasters UK and play key roles in numerous major expeditions, including those with explorer Lucy Shepherd and the unforgettable abseil down Kaieteur Falls.

Lionel is also a skilled craftsman, handcrafting traditional bows, arrows, and tools for our jungle survival courses, preserving and teaching the ancient techniques of his heritage.

Joe Trevorrow

Expedition Leader

Joe joined The Wild Tales in 2025, first as a guest before his passion, curiosity, and dedication quickly led him to become one of our expedition leaders.

Originally from the UK and with a background in the Royal Navy, Joe is a true rainforest enthusiast, fascinated by archaeology, geology, biology, and everything that makes Guyana’s wilderness so unique.

With his calm presence, strong leadership, and ability to connect both with guests and local communities, Joe has become an integral part of our expeditions and community projects, embodying the spirit of exploration that defines The Wild Tales.

Vivian Smith

Expedition Leader & Fishing Guide

From Rewa Village, Vivian is a testament to resilience and unwavering dedication. As a survival instructor and expedition leader, he has built an admirable profile through TV productions and extensive fieldwork.

With a character shaped by strength, endurance, and perpetual optimism, Vivian proved his skill and spirit during Lucy Shepherd’s 2021 expedition, rejoining the team after recovery to complete a demanding 420 km journey through the rainforest.

Vivian’s deep understanding of Guyana’s waterways and wildlife makes him one of the most skilled fishing guides in the region — combining traditional knowledge with years of hands-on expedition experience.

Ray Chin

Bushcraft Instructor

A genuine wilderness aficionado and bushcraft instructor, Ray thrives on adventure and diversity.

Over the past decade, he has built a strong reputation as a respected Bushcraft Instructor and Mentor, collaborating with the prestigious Survival School and founding Back to Wilderness.

Ray’s achievements include trekking the formidable Annapurna Circuit, paddling the Great Glen and River Spey, and venturing deep into the Amazon Jungle on two survival courses and instructing on our Jungle Bushcraft course. His expertise and passion for teaching make him a valued partner and yearly instructor on our bushcraft related training courses.

Our Extended

Indigenous Team

Our extended team includes guides and instructors from nine indigenous nations of Guyana. Their knowledge, hospitality, and connection to the forest form the heart of every journey we lead.

They are not just guides, they are mentors, teachers, and lifelong friends.

Together, we form The Wild Tales, a team united by purpose, passion, and respect for the wilderness. Each of us brings something unique, but our shared goal remains the same: to create transformative adventures that connect people, culture, and the natural world.

Our Values

Five principles guide every expedition we lead.

Authenticity

Real expeditions, real challenges, and genuine cultural exchange.

Collaboration

Working hand in hand with indigenous guides and instructors.

Respect

Protecting traditions, wildlife, and the rainforest that sustains them.

Safety

Led by trained professionals with a focus on preparation and care.

Sustainability

Leaving a positive impact in every community we work with.

Community Collaboration

At the heart of everything we do lies collaboration.

The Wild Tales works hand in hand with communities across Guyana, from the rainforest villages of the Rupununi and the savannahs of the south to riverine and mountain communities in the interior and beyond.

Through these partnerships, we create meaningful opportunities for indigenous guides, instructors, and local entrepreneurs to participate in and benefit directly from tourism. Our expeditions support traditional livelihoods, encourage youth training, and help preserve ancestral knowledge through hands-on participation.

We welcome collaboration with all communities across Guyana that share our vision of responsible, authentic, and community-led tourism.

When you travel with us, you’re not just joining a trip, you’re becoming part of a shared effort to keep these traditions, stories, and environments alive.

What Makes Us Different

More than a decade of expertise, one commitment

NCFE-Accredited Training

Professional jungle bushcraft certification in partnership with local masters

Direct Community Benefit

Tourism revenue stays local, supporting traditional livelihoods

Top Rated Excellence

Consistently praised for authenticity and professionalism

Cultural Exchange

Expeditions designed for authentic learning and genuine connection.

Expert Leadership

Exceptional safety record with decades of combined experience

Indigenous Partnership

Guided by those who know the rainforest best

Need Help Choosing the Right Experience?

Our team knows these jungles inside and out. We’re happy to help you find the perfect adventure based on your interests, fitness level, and timeframe. Every journey is unique, let’s craft yours together.

We typically respond within 2-4 hours (Georgetown time: GMT-4)