Partners

Trevor’s knowledge of photography was matched in equal measures with his love for and knowledge of the bush. And he shared both in bucketloads. Out in the field he was always helpful with everything from camera settings, composition, remembering SD cards before leaving camp to ensuring we were always well hydrated and fed. His absolute adoration and respect for and knowledge of the wildlife (the guy will go to the ends of the earth for a leopard sighting, and for that I am forever grateful!), knowing when to wait and when to move on for the next sighting made every sighting special beyond words.

We met Trevor at Nkurru in October 2019; from the moment we met him we knew we were in good hands. He was a very patient teacher, explaining settings clearly and ensuring we all captured the best possible photos at the many sightings we had. Trevor is also an excellent host, his tales as we sat at the waterhole in the evenings were very entertaining! I learnt so much during our time with him at Nkurru, but we also had great fun too, enjoying the sights and sounds of the African bush. Thanks again Trev!

As a guide, Trevor could not have been a better host. He made everyone feel welcome from the start with his warm yet humorous approach. He offered lots of photographic guidance throughout the safari, catering to the experienced photographers in our group as well as to me, the newbie. And having had previous guiding experience, he was also a wealth of knowledge about all things nature and wildlife. I truly could not have hoped for a better experience.

During the last years I participated in several safaris of Wild Eye, two of them hosted by Michael Laubscher: The “Big Cats and Tuskers” (now called Best of Kenya) in February 2018 and the “Best of Serengeti” in February/March 2020. Both trips were perfectly organized by the Wild Eye office team and really picked the best of the to fantastic locations I visited with Mike.

Concerning the hosting, I cannot think of any aspect that did not fulfill my expectations: I’ve rarely met a host like Mike, he’s just like you would visualize the perfect host for a photographic safari. I will never forget the warm welcome at Nairobi airport where we met for the very first time, and it became even better during the trips. Mike is super friendly, a very kind person, has developed high knowledge in wildlife and guiding during his early career in some renowned places in South Africa and I love his approach to wildlife photography: although I have practiced this kind of photography for years, I could get new ideas, insights and inspirations through Mike’s inconspicuous way of teaching new aspects and techniques.

I’ve taken three Wild Eye trips hosted by Mike, and have a fourth booked, which is testament to Mike’s excellent hosting skills.

He is always considerate and thoughtful, mixed with a healthy sense of humor which never oversteps the mark. He is friendly, but professional, and always manages to correctly gauge the mood of the group, and on occasions we have managed to laugh until we’ve cried, well into the night, and he is always able to switch hats the following morning, despite the lack of sleep!

His photographic and animal knowledge is extensive, and he manages to impart that knowledge to the guests in a subtle way, so you never feel as if your questions are silly or insignificant or that your own knowledge is full of gaps.

I happy to travel with Mike again in a heartbeat! Roll on the gorillas trip in 2021!

It was a privilege to travel with Mike Laubscher. He is not only very dedicated to his work but also very knowledgable and passionate about photography and teaching while keeping a very relaxed setting. He has a talent for making each adventure special and unique and for creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Mike went above and beyond on every level to insure the best photographic angle and correct camera settings at each sighting. His sense of humor, his endless energy and his patience made every game drive a joy. Wild Eye provided a trip for me but Mike turned my adventure into an amazing and unforgettable experience.
Mike’s role was instrumental in the success of my vacation and I can not wait to go on another adventure with him.

I have been on nine Wild Eye photo safaris beginning in 2017. I, along with my husband Jim, was on Michael’s first photo safari with Wild Eye.

Michael is so kind and each guest comes first over his own photography. He provides camera settings, which is important when you don’t want to miss the shot (trust me I know from experience). He also takes time out during the day helping guests process photos and learn techniques to create the best possible image and proud of the results.

Michael has so many traits – not only an amazing photographer, teacher, very funny, he’s also a friend. I can’t wait for Pantanal with Michael next year. You are the best.

have been on a couple of safaris with Mike so far and he has always gone out of his way to accommodate you. His unmatched enthusiasm for wildlife and helping his guests with photography, suggesting camera settings for different sightings, helping with composition in camera, and encourages you to get creative with your photography. Mike always has suggestions for the driver for positioning and repositioning of vehicle at sightings for optimum shots. His sense of humor is the best and makes for a very relaxed and fun trip.

From being a ranger he knows how to advise the rangers to position the vehicles in a manner so that his clients get the best shots. You get some indescribable adrenaline rush sightings and some motherly awe sightings, all of them make you come back for more! He gives advice when we’re taking pictures and assists you on composition, settings and techniques, if you want them or need them, which I appreciate.

One last thing, he has a killer sense of humor. I probably appreciate that more than anything else! I LOVE TO LAUGH!

I have only had the pleasure of taking one Wild Eye trip (so far), but if the rest of the team is half as impressive as Michael, I understand why the company sees so much repeat business (my own included). Michael has a natural warmth and an obvious passion for his work, and immediately put all my concerns to rest. Our group had a range of facility with photography and Michael made sure that we were all getting advice and instruction suitable to our level. It is difficult to quantify how much my photography skills and confidence improved in one short week. He was also, for lack of a better word, FUN!

Michael, just like the other guides of Wild Eye, is an experienced guide with years spent in different parks. He knows the wildlife very well. His photography skills are top… but for me Michael is a “smiling face”, a friend always with positive attitudes… You cannot see him with a very serious face even early in the morning. When one spends time with him, the day is always full with fun and laughter, but when your safari days are over and back at home – when you check your images, you realize that he has contributed to your photography. What else one would want?

Our experience with Mike exceeded all expectations from start to finish. We booked a privately guided trip with Wild Eye primarily to improve our photography skills, but what we got was so much more. He really provided the full package in terms of an unforgettable safari experience.

My husband and I were at completely different levels photographically, and Mike was able to teach us both seamlessly. My husband started out as a complete beginner (full auto mode), and ended the trip using aperture priority mode with a clear understanding of the fundamentals. I was more of a beginner at the start, and I went to an intermediate level by the end. Mike was able to guide me to better composition and focusing techniques that led to me being able to capture images that I’m proud to hang on my wall.

After having traveled with Michael Laubscher several times, and after interacting with him for over four years, I can summarize my thoughts about him in this single statement: I’d travel with him anywhere, any time!

All my travels with him have been a pleasure as well as educational. His attention to his client’s experience starts well before the trip at which time he initiates an exchange on the optimal equipment to carry. That’s a major help as you can imagine! Allowing enough time to gather equipment, or offering to help with the rental… he makes sure that you show up with the right equipment. While on the road, he is a professional through and through, helping his guests cheerfully, and explaining until all doubt is resolved. He does this in a pleasant way, just as one photographer helping another, although he is head and shoulders above us guests in photographic talent! I can safely say that I’ve taken many of my best pictures under his guidance!

I can’t wait to travel with him again. He is the kind of guide which keeps me coming back to Wild Eye!

Michael Laubscher has a certain something about him that’s hard to describe in words. Is he infinitely knowledgeable about Kenyan countryside and animal life? Absolutely. Can he fix your camera issues and give you a tutorial that makes you a much better photographer with one arm tied behind his back blindfolded? Undoubtedly. But are those the most memorable things I took away about our experience with him? They are not. What made our experience with Wild Eye and specifically having Michael as our tour leader were his interactions with our group on a personal level. We are an eclectic yet close knit pack from many cultural backgrounds with many large personalities. He effortlessly blended into our group from day one to the point where we did in fact offer to adopt him at the end of our trip. But in the most beautiful synchronicity it was his relationships with the Kenyan members of the Wild Eye crew in our camp and driving our vehicles that really opened up those human beings to our hearts as well.

Mike was my guide on my first Kenyan – and Wild Eye – adventure for the Big Cats & Tuskers trip. I can’t say enough about how wonderful Mike was during our time on safari – and before! I encountered many delays coming into the Kenya. While delayed in airports in Europe, Mike – and the Wild Eye team in Johannesburg – stayed in constant contact with me to stay updated on my arrival time and to adjust on-the-ground arrangements. When I finally made it to Kenya, I just missed the flight from Nairobi to Amboseli. I connected with Mike by phone upon landing in Nairobi and he was so kind, gracious, and understanding of my late arrival.

Seeing Africa through Mike’s eyes is an extraordinary experience. A natural storyteller, with a quick wit, he combines a passion for thennatural world with an encyclopedic knowledge of flora and fauna to immerse you in the wonder of the moment. In the Mara, we were particularly struck by his rapport with our local hosts and deep respect for their knowledge and culture. Sitting around the campfire, Mike is a humble and charming host. In the rare moments when issues arise, he morphs into a decisive leader who calmly deals with the (snake, flat tire, charging buffalo, leopard in the camp) without blinking. We feel fortunate to share our moments in Africa with Mike and blessed to call him a friend.

I have had the great pleasure of going on multiple safaris with Michael Laubscher as my guide and could not recommend him highly enough. I have travelled with experienced safari guides and expert photographers and Michael is the best combination of both. His love and understanding of the bush and the natural world, his ability to share his knowledge of animal behavior in such an engaging way, along with a wonderful sense of humor, make him a delight to travel with. As I am a beginner photographer he has been the most patient, kind and helpful teacher, only once giving me a hard time for not trying something new! I have learnt and continue to learn from him on every trip, from his blogs and online tutorials, and social media. Michael’s own images are exquisite and convey all the depth and beauty of the natural world we all crave and need in our lives. Cannot wait for the next trip – sadly 2020 is testing my patience.

One of my best decisions ever taken was to book my gorilla trekking experience with Wild Eye/Mike. I consider myself a lucky person, having met him, who was the perfect partner in crime on this trip. Rarely have I met someone with whom I could connect so instantly. He is consistently taking care of his guests, knows so much about animal behavior, and his excellent ability to teach photography/image processing has brought my images to the next level. Furthermore, he finds the right balance between interaction and giving the guests time for themselves. And last but not least, there is always plenty to laugh about with him. I cannot wait for our next trip (which I booked 5 days after I returned from the first one, which says probably more than all the words above).

I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to travel with Wild Eye on safari on three occasions now. And I have been very lucky to have had Mike as a guide on all of them. His laid back personality and entertaining sense of humor made each experience so much fun! I have never laughed so much and felt so comfortable on any other trips. Mike is very knowledgeable in all areas of the guiding arena. He knows the land, the history, the animals and their behavior, technical and artistic camera techniques…really any question that we threw at him, he had a brilliant answer for. He knows how to make his guests feel special and goes out of his way to make sure that all of their needs and wishes are attended to. He can juggle all of the things that are thrown his way with precision and grace. I have so many wonderful memories to look back on from our adventures together and am looking forward to creating more of them in the future.

Michael has phenomenal field knowledge and ensures that guests get the best shots possible in the given shooting scenario! His extensive experience, both as a field guide as well as a photography tutor ensures that you have the best of both worlds when out in the bush. And that is a key differentiator for getting good shots to great shots. It was very interesting to gain insights about the animal/bird behavior, information about vegetation, landscape, etc. from him, during game drives and even at camp.

I’ve been on several safari’s in different countries with Marlon and he has been professional and courteous at all times. He is knowledgeable (animal behavior, photo editing tips, photo settings, camera setting etc) and is always ready to assist and answer questions. Trip itineraries are shared prior to departure and Marlon is helpful and goes out of his way to ensure that his guests have are a great time.

I have traveled with Wild Eye numerous times in Africa, Borneo and Svalbard . All of these trips have been sensational and fascinating .
Marlon has been the guide in Zambia and in the Serengeti and these have been particularly rewarding in many respects of adventure and photographic opportunity. Marlon provides deep insight into identifying situations and unconventional framing. He explains but always leaves the space for the guest to go as he/she likes at the end. The results are stunning for the beginners and equally for the advanced. On top he is always good fun and cares for the guests around the clock.

Marlon is the gold standard in professional safari guiding; quite simply, he is the very best at what he does. Over the past few years, I have been fortunate enough to have done 8 photographic safaris with Marlon – some of them privately guided, some small group scheduled departures. With each safari, Marlon is focused on making the guest experience the best it can possibly be. He’s a kind and considerate host, anticipating and responding to his guests’ needs, making sure they are happy and well looked after. It’s the small details that show he genuinely cares about his guests and their safari experience.

I’ve travelled with a lot of photographic guides from all over the world and I can honestly say that Marlon is the best of the best. Marlon has a wealth of knowledge about animal behavior and this makes his intuition in the field really valuable. He has an incredible eye for unique compositions and is always teaching – both on and off the vehicle. I believe that this is one of the things that sets him apart from other photographic guides. Marlon is so patient, an all-round great guy and goes above and beyond to ensure that you get the most out of your trip. I can’t wait to get back out in the field with Marlon – soon!

I’ve traveled with Marlon twice with two more trips scheduled for 2021. Marlon’s wildlife knowledge and photographic skill combined with interpersonal communications skills makes him a pleasure to travel with again and again. His guidance and support in the bush coupled with incredible hospitality and sense of welcome makes Wild Eye my “go-to” tour company.

The ‘Best of Serengeti’ trip hosted by Johan van Zyl and Michael Laubscher was a really unique experience. Great sightings, outstanding photographical support and a great handling of the challenging situations due to the unexpected heavy rains made this trip as outstanding as my past tours with Wild Eye in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Kenya.

Our Wild Eye Guide Johan Van Zyl was fantastic. He advised us about our camera settings to get the maximum from our photos while at the same time not encroaching on our personal creativity. We had time during the day when Johan helped us process our photos with Lightroom.

The guide, Johan van Zyl was truly amazing. He helped me so much with understanding my camera better, helping me compose and giving me tips and help with Lightroom! I’ve noticed such a huge improvement in my photos after this trip and I can honestly say it’s all thanks to Johan, without him I definitely wouldn’t have gotten those shots or improved the way I have.

In 2019, Andrew Beck and Johan had me to try new photographic techniques that pushed me out of my comfort zone. While I wasn’t thrilled with the results, I know that practice will only improve my images. All three were so kind and patient. They were fantastic guides and teachers and I’m so honored to now be able to count them among some of my greatest friends.

Johan and the Wild Eye team made my trip to the Mara amazing! We had many great sightings everyday and we were immersed in the action which lead to many opportunities for photographs. Sammy did a great job getting the vehicle in the right position and Johan taught me a great deal, which enabled me to advance my level of photography! This was my main goal for this trip, so I am very pleased.

Another amazing trip with Marlon and Johan who are such good company, and fantastic hosts. Their enthusiasm and knowledge are second to none.

“I LOVE Johan!!! He’s a down to earth guy which I really like, no airs and graces and will do anything to help, always cheerful, and always professional!”

I wanted to start by telling you again what a great experience we had. I’m so impressed by the Wild Eye operation and I also want to tell you (and I know I’m speaking for Gina too) how much we appreciated your guiding. You were just such a pleasure to work with, Johan, and I’d be glad to find some opportunity to do it again.

I thoroughly enjoyed Johan as a host. He went out of his way to assist, without ever making me feel like I’d asked a daft question!! He also made the trip a lot of fun and had us relaxed and laughing every 2 minutes.
I had never been on a photography course before, and he was really great at starting us all off, regardless of how much or how little we knew. He painstakingly made sure we could use the facilities of our cameras for what we needed….and repeated himself over and over again without turning a hair.

Gerry, you are the quintessential guide: professional, energetic, dedicated to your client’s welfare, delightful company.

I have been privileged and blessed to have been on 4 trips with Gerry in Africa. His wealth of knowledge on not only the African landscape and bush, but on the technical and artistic/creative perspective side on photography is unparalleled.
Gerry truly does have a passion and a calling for what he does and this shows in his hosting skills and his patience with all his clients. Gerry has played a huge roll in assuring my success as a photographer and I highly recommend you spend some time with him, you won’t be disappointed and one trip won’t be enough with this amazing talented guy.

He has a very outgoing, fun personality and help does not stop in the field, he’ll spend hours working on Lightroom with you when you get back to camp or on the phone from South Africa to Oregon, USA!

Wild Eye’s theme is “We’ll change the way you See The World”, Gerry changed my world. I have left a part of my heart in Africa and it tightens its grip on me every time I visit.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you Gerry, you are the greatest and a special friend.

A mutual acquaintance told me before I met Gerry on a 2013 Great Migration photographic safari, that he would have more energy than everyone on the trip put together, and he was right.

I’ve never met anyone with as much palpable enthusiasm for wildlife, photography and the communication of the two to those who shoot with him, than Gerry.

There are a lot of good wildlife photographers and many good teachers, but Gerry is a rare mix of the two.

Gerry is part of a rare breed of photographic hosts who will not pick up his own camera till his guests are happy and comfortable with what they are trying to achieve photographically. For him, the guest experience is the top priority. His knowledge of animal behavior is invaluable in trying to get that shot.

A modern day Indiana Jones who always puts the guest first. His knowledge of wildlife and photography is exceptional and his enthusiasm is infectious ensuring you go home with a different perspective on the world.

Gerry will change you, will push you, will drive you to unearth the inner artist you had forgotten. His energy is infectious, his wisdom freely shared and his spirit will challenge yours to awaken!!!

I’ve been on two safaris with Gerry. Simply put, he’s the best guide in Africa. Incredibly smart, superb attention to detail, deeply committed to nature, and lots of fun. He’s also one of the best wildlife photographers in the business – and loves to teach. I’m hoping to go on many more adventures led by the amazing Gerry!

Can’t think of anything really to improve upon. Gerry has the full respect of myself and all the group, with his knowledge of photography and wildlife.
The classroom teaching is outstanding, as are his skills in the field.
Gerry is the character that makes the group click and brings the Wild Eye family together.

Andrew Danckwerts is the best guide one could ask for. His passion, knowledge, enthusiasm, and concern for the well-being of his guests is what made me return to Africa three more times after meeting him. You won’t be disappointed—he’s a good egg”

I met Andrew at the airport and immediately knew I was in for a fun and informative week as he has that ability to be fun and professional at the same time. Throughout our week in the Mara I learnt so much and had so many laughs. From a photography point of view, everyday was an enjoyable new lesson and I went from knowing absolutely nothing to understanding more than just the basics about exposure, composition and ISO. He explained everything so simply and was always there to answer questions and get the group into some amazing positions at sightings. He is also extremely knowledgeable about the Mara and all the animals, birds and plants within. Aside from the knowledge and technical stuff, every single day was a laugh. Every game drive, every meal, his stories and laughter made this trip so special. So special that as soon as I was back home I rebooked again.

I just wanted to say a few words about Wild Eye Guide Andrew Danckwerts who I joined on a fantastic trip to the Masai Mara last November. My initial dealings with Wild Eye were through Michael who was very helpful in getting my booking sorted and reassuring me that I didn’t need to have a vast knowledge of photography in order to go on a trip with Wild Eye. Once booked I found out that the guide on my trip would be Andrew which was great, I had recently followed Andrew on Instagram and was a fan of his photography as well as viewing his stories and seeing how much fun he and his guests were having. This was a big plus and eased my concerns about not being an experienced photographer.

I am not a serious photographer but have been fortunate enough to take a couple of Wild Eye trips. I’m a Wild Eye client because of the humans behind the operation, the way I have been cared for, and their sincere dedication to conservation. But along the way I’ve snapped some photos too. I admit they mostly sat untouched because I had little enthusiasm for the editing piece of photography.

I’ve since spent 7 hours with Andrew doing a Lightroom tutorial. Having his eyes on my photos was invaluable. Beyond the technicalities of the program, he has helped me see the potential in my shots – even many I might have trashed if I didn’t know better.

The hours flew by and honestly I’m left with a lot of pride in my photos, which is worth much more than the money paid for the course. Absolutely no regrets here.

If you are thinking about traveling with Andrew, my advice is to stop thinking and start doing. He is the most knowledgeable, kind, considerate and generous photo/tour guide I have ever had the pleasure to spend time with.

He did everything in his power throughout our trip to ensure not only that we came away with some stunning photographs but were immersed in the experience of being out there actually taking them.

I will never forget my time on the Amboseli lakebed lying on the ground next to our vehicle as elephants ambled past. Special moment in a special place shared with some very special people.

“Change the way you see the world”. A phase that became reality for me from the time I met Wild Eye cofounder and wildlife guide Andrew Beck. Three and a half years ago I signed up for my first Wild Eye photographic safari. Eight safaris later, Andrew is still my “go-to guy”.

Whether, while on safari or from his office post-safari, I have benefited from his extremely patient professional approach, extensive knowledge of photography and wildlife, kindness and willingness to help.

There’s never dull moment on safari with Andrew, even when nature is not cooperating he will find opportunities in the field for you to practice various photographic techniques, and today I find myself taking better and better photos, photos I never thought I’d be able to take and building a diverse portfolio.
Who knew learning would be so much fun.

I first met Andrew Beck at the Wild-Eye seminar in June 2015. That was the start of a fantastic friendship for myself and I’m sure the source of much frustration for Andrew!!
I have been on a very steep learning curve with wildlife photography ever since. What separates Andrew for me, is his patience and way of passing on the immense knowledge, ethical respect of the bush and photographic techniques. His teaching skills are second to none and many of my fellow travelers with Wild Eye all feel the same way.

One of Andrew’s favorite sayings during safari is “This place never fails to deliver.” Whenever and wherever he says this, I’m thinking: “Andrew never fails to deliver, either.”
Since 2014, I’ve enlisted him as my photographic guide to Sabi Sabi, Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Botswana. With each safari, he has brought something new and creative to my photographic store of knowledge. It could be a new way of seeing wildlife and landscapes, a new way of using the camera, a new way of editing images.
But above and beyond all this, safaris with Andrew always deliver what for me is the most important message: that we go on safari to experience, as fully and as deeply as possible, the richness and diversity of the place that once only lived in our imaginations.

Enthusiastic, experienced, expert and empathetic. Those are the words which best describe Marlon. His enthusiasm never wanes and he will make every effort possible to get the image, encouraging everyone else to do the same. His experience and expertise means that the end results always surpass expectations. His empathy ensures that every guest is valued, looked after and supported no matter their levels of expertise. I have traveled to some ‘difficult’ locations with Marlon and felt looked after and supported every step of the way. I have no hesitation in recommending him both as a travel and photographic guide.

Having his eyes on my photos was invaluable. Beyond the technicalities of the program, he has helped me see the potential in my shots – even many I might have trashed if I didn’t know better.

The hours flew by and honestly I’m left with a lot of pride in my photos, which is worth much more than the money paid for the course.
Absolutely no regrets here.

Michael has phenomenal field knowledge and ensures that guests get the best shots possible in the given shooting scenario! His extensive experience, both as a field guide as well as a photography tutor ensures that you have the best of both worlds when out in the bush. And that is a key differentiator for getting good shots to great shots. It was very interesting to gain insights about the animal/bird behavior, information about vegetation, landscape, etc. from him, during game drives and even at camp.

As a keen photographer I wanted a wildlife Safari that was focused around photography with a guide who was a wildlife photographer that could teach me some new tricks. Trevor McCall-Peat our wild eye guide delivered 10 fold on our expectations.

Johan is one of those guides where you don’t really want to travel with anyone other than him afterwards. His passion for both nature and people shines through his work, and spending time on safari with him is an absolute treat. We met on his Mana Pools safari and I subsequently booked his South Luangwa tour for the following year. Numerous great laughs guaranteed, wonderful photographic advice, and very importantly, Johan has a huge respect for the local drivers and guides we had on our trips. Couldn’t recommend traveling with him more! We left as friends and I look forward to the next adventures.

Special thanks to you for your patience and ego-boosting talks throughout the trip. You have such a special gift to connect, entertain, and teach, all in one package.  Your energy and love for travel and photography is contagious. I can’t say I will or won’t be on another trip at this point of time, but know that I will be thinking about it all the time.