Richard’s passion for wildlife and natural areas developed from early childhood. Growing up in South Africa’s Kwazulu Natal, it became his dream to transform this interest into a life long career.
His first guiding opportunity presented itself in the late 1990’s. Whilst managing a backpackers in the Drakensberg he was able to conduct guided walks through the mountains to view historic Bushman paintings. It was this initial experience that kindled his desire to share Africa’s wilderness areas and his studied knowledge and passion with people from around the world.
Moving to Namibia in 1999, Richard embarked upon his first official guided safaris, exploring with his guests one of the world’s oldest deserts, The Namib, and the ancient linear oases of the Kaokaveld and Kaokaland. It was here that Richard developed his fondness of elephant, seeking this small, desert-adapted population of +/- 500. Through time spent in behavioural observation he acquired a deep love and understanding of these large yet gentle and caring creatures, which roam in this vast area of isolated wilderness.
In 2001 Richard left Namibia to discover a remote and pristine area that had fascinated him even as a young boy – The Okavango Delta and The Savuti. He spent the next seven years exploring and guiding guests through this intricate network of channels and floodplains, using varying modes of transport including, mokoro, boat, 4 x 4 and on foot. Whilst in Botswana, Richard was able to familiarise himself with areas surrounding the Delta, such as the Linyanti to the North and the Maghadighadi and Central Kalahari in the central regions. Along with Namibia and Botswana, he has also ventured further a-field into Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi and South Africa, leading guests on safaris and undertaking various adventures of his own.
This diverse wealth of experience allows Richard to seamlessly lead his guests from one habitat to the next, sharing not only the knowledge he has acquired over 10 years of first hand exposure but also his unsurpassed enthusiasm and genuine passion.
Amongst Richard’s special guiding interests are elephants, birds, the seeking and tracking of predators, the interpretation of animal behaviour and ecology. Richard is a keen photographer and as such prefers to take time to really watch wildlife, share his insights and effectively capture moments. He is also a qualified walking guide and enjoys time spent on foot in the heart of the wilderness, viewing from the perspective of the wildlife.
When not exploring ecosystems Richards interests include: Hiking, fly fishing, sea kayaking, horse trekking, mountain biking, surfing and scuba diving. This wide range of activities has encouraged extensive travel in Africa, Asia, the Americas, New Zealand and Europe. Through this global contact Richard acquired a curiosity for culture and an interest in people and their origins. His authentic interest makes him not only a knowledgeable guide but a genuine host.
