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"Where passion
takes the spotlight."
Star Segments
From time to time, we host professionals and inspiring individuals from the wildlife, conservation, and photography industries for exclusive live chats with our members.
These guests generously share their journeys, expertise, and behind-the-scenes insights — teaching, inspiring, and opening new doors for our young community.
We’re proud to have welcomed a diverse lineup of passionate voices who are helping shape the future of conservation and storytelling.
Rodney Nombekana
Rodney is a private registered South African safari guide and wildlife photographer. Rodneys work has been featured all over the world in different publications such as, Kruger magazine, Daily Mail, National Geographic Channel and recently CNN, to mention a few. Through his photography Rodeny seeks to inspire people to fall in love with our natural world and eventually play a part in conservation of our natural world for current and future generations.
Zaheer Ali
In 2017, Zaheer sought to pursue his passion for wildlife photography. He soon began freelancing and hosting photographic safaris. Zaheer's knowledge and insight of business and a passion for wildlife, has allowed him to be successful in this highly competative industry. As a prominent figure on social media, Zaheer has managed to capture the world with many of his images going viral.
Skye Meaker
Skye is no stranger to us, as he is a member of our group. Skye contunes to inspire so many after having won the Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year award, hosted by the Natural History Museum in London in 2018. Skye began photographing wildlife at the age of seven on frequent family trips to local game reserves and nature parks. Skye is quoted to have said "I would like to give my children an opportunity to understand and see for themselves, the beautiful nature that I love and appreciate."
Villiers Steyn
Villiers Steyn, widely known as The Safari Expert, is a South African wildlife photographer, travel writer, and photographic safari guide with over 20 years of experience in the African bush. He holds a Master’s degree in Nature Conservation, with a focus on leopard research in Botswana’s Tuli Game Reserve. Villiers began his career as a researcher but soon transitioned into writing and photography, contributing to top travel publications like Getaway and Country Life. He now leads photographic safaris across Africa, helping guests capture unforgettable wildlife moments in places like Mana Pools and the Kruger region. Through his YouTube channel, Instagram, and speaking engagements, he shares insights on conservation and wildlife photography with a global audience. His deep knowledge, storytelling ability, and passion for guiding make him one of Africa’s most respected and engaging voices in conservation travel.
James Hendry
James is a wildife presenter, writer (his new book is coming in Oct 2022), a wildlife TV presenter, a musician and a speaker. James training was in Biology, conservation and human development (Masters Degree). James has hosted in excess of 50 TV shows from Nat Geo Wild, SABC (South Africa) and CGTN (China) as is likely known to most of you through his presence on the popular Wildearth. James is inspired by the wilderness and fascinated by WHY we are, WHO we are and HOW we are. James's greatest joy is giving people laughter and pleasure through performance.
Dereck & Beverly Joubert
Are award winning filmmakers. National Geographic Explorers-at-large and wildlife conservationists, who have been filming, researching and exploring in Africa for over 30 years. Their mission is the conservation and understanding of the large predators and other key wildlife species that determine the course of all conservation in Africa. The Jouberts are founders of Rhinos without Borders, they also founded the Big Cats Initiative with National Geographic, which currenlty funds 150 projects in 29 countries. This program has now transitioned to the Great Plains Big Cats Initiative, the the Joubert's leadership and Great Plains Foundation Management. The Jouberts have made over 30 films for National Geographic, published 14 books, half a dozen scientific pater and written many articles for National Geographic Magazine. Beverly Joubert is also an acclaimed photographer and her international exhibitions have further helped to raise awareness for the plight of big cats across the world.
Gerry Van Der Walt
Gerry believes that his passion and photography speaks for itself and his goal is to keep on creating images that will keep the awareness of our planet's natural heritage in people's minds. At the same time, through the various Wild Eye safaris that he helps conceptualize and host, he shares the privilege of traveling around the world and spending time with people in unspoiled wilderness.around the globe while assisting them to document their journey. Through Wild Eye, Gerry has helped create a vehicle which merges the raw beauty of traveling around the world with the ability to not only capture these moments on camera, but also by teaching and inspiring people along the way.
Michelle Du Plessis - FGASA
The Field Guides Association of Southern Africa's philosophy is one of representing and promoting a high standard of guiding and skills development within the tourism industry for it's members. FGASA is a well known, highly regarded and respected brand across the world for all guiding and non guiding members. One thing I remember Michelle clearly sharing with our members was simply, Many people who want to be nature guides, make the mistake of thinking it is all about the animals. It's not. Guiding is all about people. The animals, the landscapes, the history and the buildings all combine to act as tools to enhance a guiding experience. Look up FGASA on the net, if you are passionate about following a career path in tourism.
Heinrich Neuymeyer
Well known to many as the Leopard Guru of Pilanesberg National Park, Heinrich shares his story of how the Pilanesberg Leopard Identification Project came to be. He tells us some stories and shares his experiences that he has had with these incredible animals. There is so much to learn about Leopards and it is truly an honour to have seen and photographed a good many of the known and named Leopards of the Pilanesberg. With the leopards being the star of this show, be sure to pop onto YWP Instagram to catch this Star Segment.
Tayla McCurdy
For many years, Tayla has worked as a safari guide, wildlife presenter, and guide trainer throughout Africa and Shr-Lanka. Tayla's extensive experience and passion for the natural world have allowed her to develop a deep understanding of wildlife, which she takes great pleasure in sharing with others. With her ability to spot and identify wildlife, she has earned a reputation as a highly proficient guide. Additionally, her work as a presenter on wildlife television shows had allowed her to share her knowledge and experiences with audiances worldwide. Tayla is the founder of the Tayla Jane Collection of sophisticated safari wear for women, created by women for women. Tayla embraces the spirit of the collection through a delicate mixture of comfort, style and practicality. Gabby chats to Tayla about all of the above in a Insta Live which can be found on the YWP Instagram page.
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Shaskia John
Shaskia John
Shaskia John is a multifaceted South African conservationist, academic, and creative professional based in Pretoria. She holds a Master’s degree in Applied Sciences (Nature Conservation) and serves as a lecturer at the Tshwane University of Technology, focusing on aquatic ecology.
As a wildlife photographer and illustrator, Shaskia's work has been featured in poetry collections and is available as wall art. She also engages with a global audience as a social media influencer, collaborating with brands to promote conservation awareness.
Lauren Arthur
Lauren Arthur
Lauren Arthur is a Scottish-born wildlife biologist, marine conservationist, and natural history storyteller based in South Africa. With over 14 years of experience in wildlife conservation both on land and underwater, she has dedicated her career to sharing nature’s beauty and importance with a global audience. Lauren holds a BSc in Zoology from the University of Glasgow and an MSc in Tropical Coastal Management from Newcastle University. Her early career involved marine conservation work in Fiji and the Maldives, where she focused on manta rays, turtles, and coral regeneration. She also served as a regional representative for MantaMatcher in Baa Atoll, Maldives.
In 2020, Lauren co-founded Too Wild Productions, South Africa's first immersive wildlife film course based in the Greater Kruger Park. As Director of Operations, she focuses on training and mentoring aspiring wildlife filmmakers, emphasizing ethics, storytelling, and technical skills. Lauren continues to inspire through her work as a conservationist and educator, aiming to foster a deeper understanding of the natural world and promote environmental awareness.
Byron Grobler
Byron Grobler
Byron Grobler is a South African wildlife photographer, filmmaker, and conservation storyteller known for his immersive approach to capturing Africa’s wild spaces. Based in Johannesburg, he is the founder of WildWild Journeys, a platform that combines visual storytelling with ethical wildlife exploration.
With a background as a freelance field guide, Byron brings firsthand ecological knowledge to his work. His photography often anthropomorphizes animals, helping viewers emotionally connect with wildlife. His images are available as fine art prints through WildWild Journeys, including striking black-and-white portraits like A Fallen King.
Byron shares his experiences and insights through various platforms, including his YouTube channel, where he navigates the African wilderness in search of unique wildlife encounters. He also engages with audiences on social media, offering glimpses into his fieldwork and creative process.
Karolina Noree
Karolina Noree
Karolina Norée is a Swedish-born wildlife photographer, conservationist, and certified safari guide based in South Africa. Since moving in 2018, she has dedicated her work to capturing Africa’s wild beauty through ethical photography that inspires conservation. Her fine art collections — including Colours of the Wild and Dark Wild — celebrate biodiversity and are available through her online store.
Karolina also leads photographic safaris across Africa and India, offering guests meaningful, guided wildlife experiences. Passionate about education, she shares resources like a wildlife photography e-book and Lightroom presets to support beginners and enthusiasts.
hrough her social media platforms and YouTube channel, she offers insights into the natural world while promoting a deeper appreciation for wildlife. With a strong focus on storytelling, Karolina continues to connect people to nature, combining creativity, education, and conservation in everything she does.
Sam Henning
Sam Henning - AKA Bushbaby sam
Sam Henning, known as Bushbaby Sam, is a South African wildlife photographer and safari guide based in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve. With over seven years of experience living in the bush, she has developed a deep connection to the natural world, which she shares through her photography and storytelling. Her work captures intimate moments with wildlife, aiming to foster a greater appreciation for nature.
Sam actively shares her experiences and insights on platforms like Instagram, engaging a growing audience interested in wildlife and conservation. Her passion for the bush and its inhabitants is evident in her content, where she combines visual storytelling with educational narratives to inspire others to value and protect the natural environment.
ToP Image Credits: matty muller
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