Explore incredible places with a National Geographic Expert

Click here to see images. October 2010   Imagine exploring some of Africa's most important early human sites with Donald Johanson, the paleoanthropologist who discovered a 3.2-million-year-old girl named Lucy. Or shooting photos of the Galápagos Islands' unique wildlife alongside National Geographic photographer Catherine Karnow. Or venturing into Yellowstone in winter with a true insider: wildlife biologist Jeremy Schmidt, who has called the region home for some 20 years. Our travelers often tell us that being on expedition with a National Geographic expert was what made their experience unique and unforgettable. The National Geographic experts who join our expeditions do not make brief cameos. They aren't shuttled in and out for an occasional lecture. They explore with us every day, lending their insights on history or wildlife behavior or cultures, sharing their passion for discovery. They regale us with tales from the field, and inspire within us a deeper appreciation for the places and people we encounter. Take a look below at some of the experts accompanying our upcoming expeditions. Read a Q&A with Malcolm Campbell, our New Zealand expert, and watch a video of National Geographic photographer Cotton Coulson on our Alaska expedition. Naturalist Malcolm Campbell has been introducing our travelers to his native country ever since we launched our popular New Zealand Adventure. He is a natural storyteller, a friendly and enthusiastic travel companion, and a virtual encyclopedia of all things New Zealand. We asked him a few questions about leading our expedition. Click here to read our interview with Malcolm Join Malcolm on our New Year’s departure of New Zealand Adventure, December 27, 2010–January 8, 2011. Cruise the Milford Sound, hike Fox Glacier, and skim a jet boat along the Dart River! National Geographic photographer Cotton Coulson joined a recent voyage to Alaska to help travelers improve their photography skills. Check out a short video of our travelers “on assignment” with Cotton.   Click below to see photos, field notes, and interviews with some of our top experts. Jeremy Schmidt Winter Wildlife in Yellowstone Christopher Baker Costa Rica and the Panama Canal Chris Rainier Morocco Photography Expedition Fiona Dunlop Spain's Northern Coast by Private Rail Kim Heacox Alaska's Inside Passage   Jill Pruetz leads the December 26, 2010 departure of On Safari in Tanzania. Observe mischievous baboons, elephant clans, and wildebeest herds with National Geographic Emerging Explorer Jill Pruetz, a biological anthropologist who has conducted extensive research in East Africa. A specialist in primatology, Jill received National Geographic funding for her groundbreaking work with chimpanzees. Michael Melford joins the December 3 and 10, 2010 Galápagos Photography Expeditions, as well as the February 5 and 12, 2011 Costa Rica and the Panama Canal Photography Expeditions. Grab your camera and head out with National Geographic photographer Michael Melford to capture images of incredible wildlife in the Galápagos or Costa Rica. Michael has produced 12 feature stories for National Geographic magazine and more than 30 for National Geographic Traveler magazine, including eight covers. Jeremy Schmidt leads the December 21 and 28, 2010 and January 16 and 23, 2011 departures of Winter Wildlife in Yellowstone. Few people know Yellowstone country better than wildlife biologist Jeremy Schmidt, who has spent more than 20 years in the area working as a winter keeper, park ranger, naturalist, photographer, and author. His books and articles have been published by National Geographic.   David Scott Silverberg accompanies the January 10, 2011 departure of Journey Through India. Delve into India’s vibrant culture with geographer and National Geographic grantee David Scott Silverberg. David has worked 24 years on the Indian subcontinent, designing and teaching regional studies programs for American universities with a focus on cultural and environmental sustainability.   David Bygott leads the January 21 and February 14, 2011 departures of On Safari in Tanzania. Spot wildlife with biologist David Bygott, who has worked for the Serengeti Lion Project and studied chimpanzees as part of Jane Goodall’s National Geographic–funded research team. See photos of David in the field from this month’s National Geographic magazine article “Being Jane Goodall.” Donald Johanson helped develop our new Human Origins: South Africa to Tanzania expedition and will accompany the January 30, 2011 departure. Best known for his discovery of "Lucy" in Ethiopia, paleoanthropologist Donald Johanson is an accomplished scientist, scholar, and National Geographic grantee who has helped piece together the puzzle of human evolution. He is the founder of the Institute of Human Origins at Arizona State University and the author of the book Lucy's Legacy: The Quest for Human Origins. Aki Allam leads all departures in 2011 of Mysteries of Ancient Egypt. Born in Cairo, Aki Allam is recognized as a leading scholar of ancient Egyptian history, and is a great hit among our travelers. Said one recent guest, "Aki is so much more than a guide: not only did he share his deep love for Egypt, he shared Egypt's stories with the talent of a seasoned actor."   Catherine Karnow leads the January 28 and February 4, 2011 Galápagos Photography Expeditions, as well as the February 24, 2011 Weekend Photography Workshop in Tucson. Go “on assignment” with photographer Catherine Karnow during a weekend photo workshop in Arizona’s Santa Catalina Mountains or during a week in the incredible Galápagos Islands. Catherine has captured everything from rare images of Prince Charles to Bombay film stars, and her work has appeared in numerous National Geographic publications. If you received this email from a friend and would like to subscribe to this or other National Geographic emails, click here. Unsubscribe | Change Email Address | Update Email Preferences | Privacy Policy | Mission Statement Click the unsubscribe link above to be removed from our email program, or send your request to… National Geographic; Attn: E-newsletter Program; 1145 17th Street N.W.; Washington, D.C. 20036 Copyright © 2010 National Geographic Society. All rights reserved. To ensure that you receive your National Geographic emails, please add ngs@newsletters.nationalgeographic.com to your address book now.