We are proud of the many wonderful journeys and incredible experiences that have been shared; from businessmen to the homeless, from doctors to geologists, from students to pensioners, from church groups to those seeking the holiday of a lifetime. The trips have combined desert adventures, mountain treks, camel safaris, field trips, school journeys, silent retreats, pilgrimages to historical religious sites, charity projects and much, much more.
Wind Sand & Stars has opened up the mysteries of these remote areas to visitors, whilst at the same time minimising the negative impact of mass tourism by exercising our belief in sustainable tourism. We offer adventure within a safe framework and a window into another corner of our unique world. We are as sensitive to the needs of our clients as we are to the needs of the local communities with whom we work. We respect both equally, and act as a bridge between two cultures. Whether travelling through the deserts of Arabia or highlands of Ethiopia, we have built strong working relationships with the local people who offer us their warm hospitality and an insight into their traditional ways of life.
Rabia has worked with Wind Sand & Stars since its inception and has been key to the long term and stable relationships which ensure safety as well as the capacity to journey in areas little known to the western world. He originally trained as a doctor, working in hospitals in Cairo, but fell in love with the desert and the Bedu way of life while working in the area one summer nearly 30 years ago. He lives in the Sinai as a director of his own specialist company, and agent for Wind Sand & Stars. Rabia, with his knowledge of different ways of life, is able to give key insights into the desert world and his support team are always generous natured and high quality.
Chris joined Provident Life in 1973 for what she believed to be a stopgap.
Little was she to know that she was going to spend the next 27 years helping the business evolve and progress. Eventually the time came to make a break and Chris joined the team in 2000 to become the finance manager. Be nice to her – she pays all our bills!
Emma is the founder of Wind Sand & Stars. She set up the company to bring trade to the Bedu tribes of the Sinai where resources are scarce. The relationship with the tribal sheikhs and families now span three generations, giving Wind Sand & Stars an in-depth understanding of the land and its peoples. Emma has a PhD in early Byzantine art and manuscripts, many of which are found at the Monastery of St Catherine in Sinai. She has been ordained in the Anglican Church for the last 10 years, working locally and for the Archbishops. Her specialist knowledge of Sinai and her work with people in remote areas is still her great love.
Wind Sand & Stars is proud to be part of Wilderness Expertise. Wilderness Expertise Ltd incorporates two other brands that offer high quality experiences for school groups that develop an awareness of our world, its people and cultures, and ourselves;
Wilderness Expertise specialises in providing overseas personal development expeditions for students aged 12 to 18. The expeditions help those involved realise their potential in a safe, supportive and exhilarating environment. They have an excellent reputation and are committed to staying small – only working with a maximum of 30 teams per year, allowing them to retain strong links with all the schools they work with and provide the highest quality experience from start to finish. Above all, the WE team are passionate about what they do and this enthusiasm is catching!
We are proud to be part of the Expertise Consultancy Group
Using experienced and professional staff, these teams provide unique and tailored services to support ventures in diverse operating environments. What makes them special is the commitment to quality and deep expertise in their fields.
Wilderness Expertise, Inspire Worldwide and Wind Sand & Stars are also supported by and work alongside colleagues who deliver excellence in safe operations in the outdoors:
Sentinel Consulting provides a wide variety of services to their clients. The common thread is that all of their clients operate in remote or wilderness environments – desert, jungle, arctic, mountain, steppe or ocean.
