Andrew Aveley

Apr 28, 2026 | Team

Hi, I’m Andrew or Badger

Qualified nature and photographic guide with extensive guiding experience in Kruger National Park and across Southern Africa.

I am a wildlife and photographic guide, and trainer with more than 20 years of experience in the South African bush. I love helping guests enjoy a real safari experience through wildlife, birding, photography, and the stories that make nature easier to understand and appreciate.

One of my favourite things is explaining some of nature’s more complicated ideas through simple comparisons to our own lives, which helps guests feel more connected to what they are seeing. I also enjoy using a bit of humour along the way, because a memorable safari should be meaningful, relaxed, and fun.

Experience & Strengths

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I know Kruger National Park best, from North to South and also the Makuleke Contract Park.
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I have also guided more widely across Southern Africa.
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My experience includes private safaris, photographic guiding, birding, family safaris, and overnight or multi-day experiences that allow guests to settle into the rhythm of the bush
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One of my Guiding strengths is Storytelling, with a simple and enjoyable way of explaining the bush to all ages
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My second Guiding strengths is Photographic Guiding and Teaching
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My ultimate guiding strength is Birding and Wildlife knowledge

My Guiding Style

My guiding style is Calm, knowledgeable, engaging.
I keep things relaxed and friendly, while combining storytelling, humour, and practical insight to make the safari enjoyable, memorable, and easy to connect with.

A personal guiding philosophy I live by is, a great safari is not only about finding animals, but about understanding the bush, respecting it, and feeling part of it for a little while. I believe in ethical guiding, patience, and helping guests connect more deeply with nature through knowledge, story, and shared experience.

My Specialities

Photographic Guiding
Yes. This is one of my strongest areas. I help guests with positioning, light, behaviour, camera settings, and making the most of each sighting, whether they are beginners or experienced photographers.

Day safaris
Yes. A well-planned day safari can still be incredibly rewarding when it is tailored to the conditions, the season, and the guest’s interests.

Beginners Birding
Yes. I enjoy helping guests find, identify, and better understand Kruger’s birdlife, from the obvious favourites to the species many people overlook.

Overnight / multi-day safaris
Yes. I really enjoy longer safaris where guests can slow down, settle in, and experience more of the true feel of Kruger over time.

Other:
Family safaris, private tailor-made safaris, beginner photography coaching, and guiding that helps guests feel more connected to nature through story, humour, and simple understanding.

Favourites In Kruger

Favourite animal

My personal favourite Kruger animal is the elephant — larger than life, powerful in presence, yet incredibly gentle and tender within a family unit. A special encounter with a lone bull elephant in Northern Kruger changed the way I connect with nature and light. For a fun favourite, I would choose the Dwarf Mongoose. They are small, busy, full of character, and endlessly entertaining as they dart through the grass like a tiny gang on an urgent mission.

Favourite birds

My favourite Kruger bird is the yellow-billed oxpecker. For such a small bird, it tells a big story of recovery and resilience, especially as it has made a remarkable comeback over the years and can now be seen much farther south than before. For a fun favourite, I would choose the pied kingfisher. They are brilliant little hunters, but their hovering, sudden changes of direction, and mid-air indecision make them wonderfully entertaining to watch — almost like a bird having a minor crisis over too many choices.

A Memorable Moment

After 25 years in the Kruger, it is almost impossible for me to choose just one most memorable safari moment. I have been lucky enough to experience incredible sightings, beautiful light, special landscapes, and animal behaviour that still stays with me today.

But what often means the most to me is seeing the reaction of guests when they connect with the Kruger in a real way, whether it is their first visit or their thirtieth. It could be hearing a lion roar, watching a leopard in a tree, seeing a rhino for the first time, or even noticing something smaller like a chameleon or a lilac-breasted roller. Those moments of genuine wonder are incredibly rewarding to share.

Sometimes it is not even about a major sighting at all, but a sunrise, the smell after the first rains, or simply the feeling of being there. For me, the most memorable part of safari is helping people experience the richness of the Kruger in a way that stays with them long after they leave.

 

My top 3 tips for a great safari?

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Expect nothing, enjoy everything. The bush works in its own time, and often the best sightings come when you least expect it.
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Stay curious about everything. Birds, insects, behaviour, trees, and landscapes all help tell the bigger story of the wild.
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Relax and enjoy the experience. A safari is at its best when you are fully present and open to whatever nature offers.

Ethics Matter

Ethical wildlife viewing means putting the wellbeing of the animal first, always. It is about giving wildlife space, not interfering with natural behaviour, and never putting pressure on an animal for the sake of a better view or photograph.

Good guiding should create meaningful guest experiences while treating nature with the respect it deserves.

Why choose me asYour Safari Guide ?

Guests who travel with me can expect a safari that is professional, relaxed, and genuinely personal.

I combine strong bush knowledge with photographic guidance, birding experience, storytelling, and a sense of humour that helps make the experience both enjoyable and memorable.

I especially enjoy helping guests understand nature in a simple, relatable way that makes them feel more connected to what they are seeing. Whether it is a family safari, a day trip, or a longer Kruger journey, I aim to create a real and rewarding bush experience.

Sunelda “Su” Botha

Apr 8, 2026 | Team

Meet Your GuideSunelda “Su” Botha

If you’re looking for a guide with a calm presence and a genuine love for the bush, you’ll feel right at home with Sunelda Botha, known to most guests as Su. With six years of guiding experience and a FGASA Level 1 qualification, Su is a “slow and steady” guide who believes the best safari moments happen when you don’t rush the bush. Her goal is simple: to do her best to help you fulfil your safari dreams—while keeping the experience relaxed, personal, and enjoyable.

Growing up around the Kruger, Su has always felt a deep connection to the park. Regular visits to Kruger made it feel like a second home long before she became a professional guide, and that familiarity shows in the way she reads the rhythm of the day—especially in the quiet early hours when the bush is at its best.

Guiding style &What you can expect

Su’s guests often describe her guiding style as “lekker rustig”—taking it easy, staying present, and allowing the bush to unfold naturally. She sees safari as a reset button: a break from busy schedules and city life, and a chance to breathe again. That’s exactly the atmosphere she creates on her drives—unhurried, comfortable, and grounded in the simple joy of being out in nature.

Birding & photography On safari

While Su doesn’t label herself as a single-purpose specialist, she has a strong appreciation for both the big highlights and the small details that many people miss. She enjoys birding, always keeping an ear out for calls and movement, and she has a natural eye for photo opportunities. Su loves taking photos and videos herself—her camera is always with her—so she understands what guests are hoping to capture and when the light and angle are just right.

Su’s Kruger Favourites

Favourite animal

Leopard and elephant—both for their beauty, mystery, and endlessly fascinating behaviour.

Favourite birds

Martial Eagle—one of Kruger’s most powerful raptors, and unmistakably confident in the sky.

A Memorable Safari moment

One of Su’s most special sightings happened in the early morning before sunrise: a female leopard with three tiny cubs, and her guests were the only vehicle there. Those quiet, private moments—when the bush feels untouched and time slows down—are exactly why Su loves guiding.

Su’s Top Tips for guests

Try to enjoy every part of the experience, not only the “big sightings.”

There won’t always be a chance to take the perfect photo—but the memories last forever.

Ethics Guiding

For Su, ethical wildlife viewing is non-negotiable: respect the animals, give them right of way, and remember that we are visitors in their home. That respectful approach is what keeps sightings calm, natural, and meaningful.

If you request Su as your guide, expect a safari that’s peaceful, thoughtful, and full of authentic Kruger moments—with a guide who genuinely cares about your experience and the wildlife we’re privileged to share space with.

Ockie Botha

Apr 8, 2026 | Team

Meet Your GuideOckie Botha

If you’re looking for a guide who combines serious bush experience with a fun, relaxed style on the vehicle, you’ll feel right at home with Ockie Botha. Ockie has been guiding professionally since 2011 and brings over 15 years of guiding experience, with deep roots in the Lowveld, he grew up in a conservation area on the border of the Kruger National Park, where his passion for wildlife and the natural world started early.

Ockie’s journey as a guide has taken him through some of South Africa’s most respected wilderness regions, including the Waterberg, the Hoedspruit area, and Mjejane Game Reserve, before returning to where he feels most at home—guiding in and around Kruger.

What Ockie loves Guiding most

Ockie is an all-round guide with a genuine love for “a bit of everything,” but his heart really comes alive when it comes to walking safaris and being close to nature on foot. He’s a FGASA Level 2 Lead Trails Guide, and he enjoys the intensity and respect that comes with dangerous game encounters on foot—those moments that remind you how alive the bush really is.

He also enjoys birding and has a strong appreciation for the details that many guests miss when they focus only on the Big 5.

Guiding style& Philosophy

Guests often describe Ockie as fun, full of knowledge, and excellent at explaining the bush in a way that’s easy to understand and enjoyable.

His guiding philosophy is simple and powerful: try to see the world through the animal’s eyes. When you understand how animals live and move, you naturally become a better observer—and you experience wildlife in a way that’s respectful and undisturbed. In Ockie’s words, the goal is always to leave nature as you found it.

Ockie’s favourites In Kruger

Favourite animal (from the vehicle)

Elephant—Ockie loves how something so big can move with such quiet softness, and he’s fascinated by their behaviour.

Favourite animals (on foot)

Lions and leopards—because they remind you how vulnerable you can be, and why the bush demands respect.

Favourite bird

African Fish Eagle—mainly for that iconic call. Ockie loves the confidence in it… and admits he can be louder than most too.

Most memorable Safari Moments

Ockie’s stories are the kind you don’t forget. One of his most intense moments happened while tracking lions on foot—an encounter that came down to standing your ground and reading behaviour in real time, with the lioness closing the distance far faster than expected.

From the vehicle, one of his standout memories was witnessing a giraffe giving birth—a rare and extraordinary moment that captures the raw, real rhythm of the wild.

Ockie’s top Tips for guests

Sometimes the best “photo” is taken with your eyes—if you spend the whole sighting fighting autofocus, you may miss the moment itself.

Look for more than the Big 5—Kruger’s magic is in the full story.

Relax and enjoy the ride—your guide is there to take care of the bush logistics.

Ethical Guiding

For Ockie, ethical wildlife viewing means exactly what it should: enjoying nature without disturbing it.

If you request Ockie as your guide, you can expect a safari that’s knowledgeable, fun, and deeply respectful of the bush—with a genuine effort to help you experience the animals on your wish list in the best way possible.

Willem “Will” Slieker

Apr 8, 2026 | Team

Meet Your GuideWillem “Will” Slieker

Meet Willem Slieker, known to most guests simply as Will—a thoughtful, detail-driven guide who believes the best safaris are the ones where you slow down and truly see what’s around you. Will guides in English and Afrikaans, and can also assist with animal names in French and German, which many international guests appreciate when learning species and sharing sightings.

Will has worked in the tourism industry since 2015, with nine years of professional guiding experience across coastal reserves and the iconic Kruger National Park. He returned to the Kruger region for one reason: the real wildness. For Will, Kruger has a special atmosphere—an energy that’s hard to describe until you feel it yourself—and it offers endless opportunities to keep learning.

He is a qualified Nature Guide and is currently furthering his formal studies with a focus on birding, adding even more depth to his guiding over time.

Will’s Guiding Approach

On safari with Will, you can expect a calm, well-paced drive that pays attention to both the obvious highlights and the often-overlooked details. He believes every part of the ecosystem matters—big or small—and he enjoys helping guests understand how it all fits together.

His strengths in the field include:

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Interpreting animal behaviour and explaining what you’re seeing in real time
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Reading tracks and signs, and using them to build the story of the day
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Thoughtful vehicle positioning, whether you’re photographing or simply enjoying the view
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A guest-focused approach that respects different cultures, backgrounds, and expectations

Will also believes guiding is a two-way experience: he loves sharing knowledge, but values what he learns from guests just as much.

Will’s Favourites in Kruger

Favourite animal

Hyena — Will has a soft spot for hyenas because they are widely misunderstood. He loves showing guests their true nature: attentive caregivers, intelligent social animals, and highly capable hunters—far from the unfair stereotype many people arrive with.

Favourite birds

Burchell’s Coucal — a shy but striking bird with unmistakable red eyes, rich markings, and one of the most memorable calls in the bush.

Values You’ll feel on every drive

Will’s safari philosophy is simple, but powerful:

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Everything matters — every detail in nature is relevant
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Patience is rewarded — nature unfolds in its own time
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Don’t rush — the best moments often come when you wait
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Ask questions — curiosity benefits you and the whole vehicle

Ethical Guiding

Ethics are central to Will’s approach. He sees it as his responsibility to protect both guests and wildlife, and he guides in a way that prioritises respectful encounters and natural behaviour. Off-roading or any actions that could negatively influence wildlife are not part of his safari style. With Will, you can expect guiding that is calm, considered, and deeply rooted in respect for the bush.

If you request Will as your guide, you’ll experience a safari that feels unhurried, meaningful, and quietly unforgettable—with someone who genuinely enjoys helping you connect to the full story of the Kruger.

Viljoen “VJ” Jordaan

Mar 31, 2026 | Team

Meet Your GuideViljoen “VJ” Jordaan

Viljoen Jordaan, better known as VJ, is one of the experienced guides at Wild Photo Africa. Based in Mbombela (Nelspruit), VJ guides primarily in the southern region of the Kruger National Park, and also hosts guests along the spectacular Panorama Route—a scenic journey through mountain passes, waterfalls, and some of the Lowveld’s most breathtaking viewpoints.

VJ’s journey In the bush

With over 11 years in the guiding industry, VJ’s path has taken him from the south of Kruger to Hoedspruit, where he spent much of his career guiding on a private game reserve. After a brief stint along the coast, he returned to the Kruger region—where he feels he truly belongs. Over the years, he’s built a wide base of guiding knowledge and enjoys sharing it not only with guests from around the world, but also with fellow guides as the team grows together.

Qualifications and field expertise

VJ is highly qualified and continues to push himself to learn more:

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FGASA Level 2
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Savanna Specialist
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Full Trails Guide
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Track & Signs Level 3
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Trailing Level 2

From the Big 5 To the bigger picture

Like many young guides, VJ started out fascinated by the Big 5. But his perspective evolved as his experience deepened. Today, what excites him most is the bigger ecological picture—the way birds, insects, plants, and animal behaviour all connect. For VJ, the real magic of the bush lies in the details: the colours, adaptations, calls, interactions, and the hidden stories unfolding all around you.

Safari Specialities

VJ specialises in a range of safari styles and adapts each drive to the guests on his vehicle:

Birding Safaris

From casual bird “tickers” to guests wanting deeper insight into behaviour and ecology

Photographic Safaris

Positioning for the best light and angle, helping with composition, and anticipating behaviour

Multi-day Safaris

A slower, more immersive pace that allows guests to experience Kruger properly

Day Safaris

Ideal for travellers who want a focused but unforgettable safari experience

Favourites in Kruger

Favourite Kruger animal

Elephants – VJ loves their intelligence, social dynamics, and personality, from mischievous young bulls to tightly bonded family herds.

Favourite Kruger bird

If he had to choose, hornbills rank highest—especially the Trumpeter Hornbill, admired for its impressive bill, distinctive calls, and fascinating breeding behaviour.

A memorable Kruger moment

One of VJ’s standout sightings happened at Mpondo Dam on a warm summer afternoon. Starting from Crocodile Bridge, the goal was to find wildlife seeking relief from the heat. At the dam wall they found a large herd of buffalo resting and ruminating. Soon a herd of elephants approached from behind. VJ repositioned the vehicle and waited—and for over an hour they watched pure elephant joy at the water: young bulls chasing buffalo, elephants swimming deep with only the tips of their trunks visible, and an entire herd cooling off in the summer heat. The best part was that they had the sighting to themselves. Moments like that, he says, are exactly why he loves guiding.

Guiding philosophy & Guest tips

VJ believes great guiding is about making nature understandable, meaningful, and enjoyable for everyone—regardless of age, experience, or where you’re from. His safaris are rooted in ethical wildlife viewing and a respectful approach that preserves the bush for future generations.

His advice for guests is simple:

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Arrive open-minded, without rigid expectations
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Ask questions—curiosity unlocks the best moments
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Be present and make memories, not just photographs

If you’re planning a safari in the Kruger or a scenic adventure through the Panorama Route, VJ brings a perfect mix of knowledge, enthusiasm, and relaxed guiding—helping you experience the bush in a deeper, more memorable way.

Tamaryn “Tammy” Slieker

Mar 31, 2026 | Team

Meet Your Tour Consultant & GuideTamaryn “Tammy” Slieker

If your safari feels seamless from the first message to the final drop-off, there’s a good chance Tammy Slieker has been behind the scenes making it happen. Tammy is both a tour consultant and an experienced field guide, which means she understands your safari from every angle—planning, logistics, guest comfort, and what it takes to deliver a truly memorable day in the bush.

Tammy has been guiding since 2015 and brings a strong professional foundation to Wild Photo Africa, including FGASA NQF2, First Aid Level 2, Game Lodge Management, Wildlife Management, and specialised training such as venomous snake capture and handling (including black mamba) and accredited 4×4 driver training.

What makes Tammy’s Guiding Special

Tammy is passionate about the smaller, often overlooked details that turn a safari into something deeper—medicinal plant uses, subtle behaviour clues, and the fascinating mechanics behind bush sounds and calls. She loves helping guests “step into the mind” of the animal they are watching, interpreting behaviour in a way that makes each sighting more meaningful.

Her guiding style is best described as calm, observant, and immersive. She doesn’t rush or chase sightings—she creates a relaxed atmosphere where guests can fully absorb the experience, rather than ticking off someone else’s checklist.

Experience, Strengths, & Specialities

Tammy began her career on a Big 5 private reserve in the Eastern Cape, gaining experience across a wide range of safari activities—from vehicle-based safaris to forest walks, canoe trails, and even coastal walks. Over time, photographic guiding became a strong focus, and she continuously builds her knowledge of birding, trees, and plant life to enrich every safari.

Her key guiding strengths include:

Animal behaviour interpretation

Photographic positioning and understanding light

Family-friendly safaris

(as a mother, she especially enjoys hosting families and naturally adapts to keep everyone engaged)

Beyond guiding, Tammy is also a wildlife sketch artist, often sketching from photographs and sharing that creative perspective with guests—an added layer that many find unexpectedly memorable.

Tammy’s Favourites

Favourite Kruger animal

Leopard—curious, intelligent, and unpredictable, making each sighting feel intimate and special.

Favourite Kruger bird

Burchell’s Coucal (“Rain Bird”)—a call that instantly transports her into the heart of the bush.

A safari moment She’ll never forget

One of Tammy’s most humbling moments came when a lioness on a private reserve seemed to deliberately lead her vehicle through a network of roads—stopping, calling softly, and guiding them to a hidden thicket where four tiny cubs suddenly appeared. Moments later, as other pride members approached, the lioness called again and the cubs vanished back into the vegetation as if they’d never existed. It was a rare glimpse into something private—and a reminder that in the wild, you’re sometimes being allowed into a story, not just watching it.

Ethical guiding, Always

To Tammy, ethical wildlife viewing means never compromising an animal’s well being for the sake of a sighting. She prioritises respectful distances, clear boundaries, and patient, natural encounters—because that’s what creates the most authentic safari experiences.

Why guests Request Tammy?

While Tammy now spends much of her time coordinating bookings and ensuring every detail runs smoothly for Wild Photo Africa, she remains deeply connected to the safari experience. When she guides, guests receive the same calm, detail-rich approach—backed by the rare advantage of someone who understands what makes a safari exceptional from planning to finish.