Alastair says…

I have been out in the nature since I was born. It started with an encounter with a Puff Adder when I was still in my cot and has not slowed since. My early days were spent in the mountains and rivers of the Cape. I was blessed to grow up on a farm and explore most of South Africa before I started guiding at the incomparable Phinda Game Reserve in 1998. It is one of the most superb reserves to be found anywhere and here I honed my skills in tracking big game, birding, botanizing, photography and and a range of other life forms…including people!

Some of my most exciting encounters have been whilst out training guides in South & East Africa. My wife and I started a family in the Serengeti whilst managing the Kleins community concession in Tanzania. In between I have been privileged to explore Costa Rica, Peru, Brazil, India, parts of North America and Europe. I am now based back in my home Elgin Valley, managing Mammoth Safaris and guiding short trips in the spectacular Cape mountains in and around Cape Town. As a professional guide I am also still leading longer trips further afield in Africa and Madagascar as well as assisting other guides to develop with passion through our Essential Guiding courses.

With my binoculars and camera at hand in my office and my children who drag in all sorts of weird and wonderful creatures (dead or alive!) for me to comment on, life is always interesting at the southern tip of Africa!