In 1958, my parents, together with my younger brother and myself, undertook a journey to the Kruger National Park. I was 8 years old.

At that age I had no idea what we were to experience and little did I know that it would make an indelible impression, which, only years later, formed a great passion in me.

At that time, facilities within the Park were basic. We stayed in “rest camps” in primitive rondavels, round mud walled huts roofed in thatch. They were so basic, furnished with only simple beds, an old fashioned wash stand with a basin of water and hurricane lamps for lighting. Each group of rondavels had showers and “outhouses”.

Only a few “rest camps” had electricity, limited to 2 hours each evening. A small shop was available for bare necessities – we really had to rough it.

All this was forgotten when we got into the car and went on safari to find animals!

We were not very successful in our search. None of us even knew the names of half the animals, but with the help of local guide books we soon learned about the native wildlife.

The hardships of our first trip did not deter us and over many years we undertook a number of short safaris and became more educated on how to find and better understand animal behavior.

Over the years we saw remarkable changes. The camps constantly improved to the extent that in the mid 1960s, accommodations became more luxurious but still retaining the sense of being at one with nature in the African wilderness.

Today most “rest camps” have more modern, but rustic rondavels and multi-room chalets under thatch roofs with bathrooms and kitchenettes with full time electricity, air-conditioning and hot and cold running water. Most “rest camps” have fully stocked shops and even swimming pools.

My father’s hobby was photography, and I followed his lead from about 10 years old.

Only when I had completed my college degree did I start spending more time “on safari”. I became an avid wildlife photographer winning a number of awards.

It is my sincere desire that through my eyes and first hand experiences you will feel as though you are personally on your own African wildlife adventure!