Wild Experiences

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!