Archives: Testimonials

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.