Lee was born in Zimbabwe and from an early age, spent as much time as he could in the bush. His guiding career began as soon as he left school, and from the outset he’s been privileged to live and work in a number of southern Africa’s most spectacular wildlife regions. After more than a decade and a half of managing and guiding at some of the best lodges in South Africa and Botswana, he realised his dream of having his own safari company, and co-founded Essential Africa back in 2009.
Between safaris, Lee is based at home in South Africa’s Western Cape with his daughter Amy, giving him the perfect balance of life in the bush and time at home. He’s a keen fly fisherman and wildlife photographer, with award-winning material published worldwide in magazines, newspapers and electronic media.
Lee personally guides all his trips where possible, and shares a wealth of experience and knowledge generously in his characteristically understated way. His photographic skills add another dimension to his safaris, and sharing this with his guests is one of the most rewarding aspects of life as a private guide. Lee’s total involvement in every safari from the outset ensures that each one truly is a trip of a lifetime.
Lee’s Gallery
What our clients had to say
“Thank you Eva and Lee for helping us to relive the magic of our African adventure. The photos are incredibly beautiful and evocative and recapture the awe and the fun of time shared together. Just last night, we shared these photos with friends…our storytelling and their amazement brought it all back, the joy, the laughter and the wonder, and the gift of being disconnected from the world.”
“Lee, I can’t thank you enough for helping to make our family trip a rousing success. Your intuition, both on the game drives, and around the hospitality, was priceless! We made memories for a lifetime.”
…”Your photos are wonderful though I must tell you I do not think any photo can really do what we saw justice to what we saw. It was all beyond my wildest dreams. My favourite moments are too many to list… I am hooked and can’t wait to go back.”