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:
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:
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.
