Villiers Steyn, widely known as The Safari Expert, has had a lifelong passion for photography. Born and raised in Pretoria, Villiers began his photographic journey as his high school’s go-to photographer, capturing everything from sports events and socials to class photos and stage performances. His camera has been a constant companion ever since.
After high school, Villiers pursued a Master’s Degree in Nature Conservation, with a focus on leopard movement patterns and population densities in Botswana’s breathtaking Northern Tuli Game Reserve. It was during his seven years at Mashatu Game Reserve that his love for wildlife photography truly blossomed, as he found himself surrounded by nature’s beauty on a daily basis.
Upon completing his studies in 2008, Villiers launched his own photography business, Vision Photography, and began a thrilling new chapter as a freelance travel writer. Over the next seven years, he published over 100 feature articles on Africa’s most beautiful and remote game reserves and national parks, focusing on South Africa and its neighboring countries. His work was showcased in renowned travel publications such as Getaway, go!, DriveOut, and Country Life. These experiences allowed him to explore and document the wildest corners of Africa, fueling his passion for both travel and wildlife photography.
In 2010, Villiers expanded his expertise by becoming a photographic safari guide, a natural evolution given his love for photography and his desire to share that passion with others. He now guides guests on unforgettable wildlife safaris, teaching them how to capture the beauty of the African wilderness through their camera lenses. For Villiers, there’s nothing more rewarding than helping someone photograph an incredible sighting and seeing the joy on their face when they capture that perfect shot.
In addition to his work as a safari guide, Villiers also specializes in marketing photography, particularly for lodges and guesthouses in the Lowveld. He takes great pride in creating stunning imagery that showcases the charm and luxury of these destinations, helping them stand out in a competitive market.
Contributor @Khaki Bush Magazine
Images Credit Villiers Steyn