It all began as an excuse to return to Africa ...

BJ Adventures was founded in 1989 after two longtime friends decided to transform their shared love of travel into a company.

Betsy Younkins and Jean Zunkel (the “B” and the “J” of the business) met for the first time in the 70s in Johannesburg, South Africa while completing foreign assignments for work. It wasn’t long before they became close friends and their families were traveling throughout Southern Africa, falling in love with the beauty and culture of the area. When Jean was called to a new foreign assignment, this time in Luxembourg, Betsy came to visit. Always interested in learning and trying new things, they ended up attending Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, earning degrees in Cordon Bleu Cuisine.

After a few more international moves, the two eventually returned to the US to attend to their careers: Betsy was a lobbyist in Washington, DC, and Jean had her own design-marketing company in New York City. A turning point happened in the mid-80s, however, after both had gone back to Africa for safaris (Jean with her daughter, Ahdina, and a year later Betsy with her family). After talking, both knew they had to find a way to visit the continent more often. And, after some plotting, they did. BJ Adventures was born and soon providing authentic mobile safaris throughout Southern Africa.

As the client list grew, so did the company’s scope. Travelers wanted to know where else Betsy and Jean’s expertise could take them and before they knew it, the two were designing amazing adventures to all of the continents – yes, even Antarctica!– around the world.

Ahdina Zunkel, Jean’s daughter, joined BJ Adventures in 2015, and became a full partner in 2017. No stranger to planning, her prior work included producing events for high-profile arts and culture organizations in New Mexico. She oversaw all of the logistics for the grand opening of the Museum of Spanish Colonial Art and the inaugural International Folk Art Market, just to name a couple. A seasoned traveler in her own right, Ahdina has lived abroad several times throughout her life, granting her a deep love and respect for other cultures.

With three decades of designing travel experiences to more than 100 countries behind them, the team’s know-how, worldwide connections, and enthusiasm are hard to match. Their highly personalized approach makes for splendid, seamless adventures, and they can’t wait to see where their fabulous clients take them next!