Archives: Testimonials

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.