Steve was born and raised in the concrete jungle of Johannesburg. He didn’t have the opportunity to spend much time in nature, but his mother’s stories of her childhood outside the Kruger created an attachment to the place. On top of that the compulsory career aptitude test he took in school suggested that a job as a game ranger might suit his personality. Thus began a circuitous path toward the bush.

Steve began a diploma in nature conversation, but abandoned it in favour of a life of travel. For four and a half years he meandered through Europe, Australia and New Zealand and found himself taking jobs that enabled him to spend more and more time in the outdoors. He spent two weeks with a group of environmental protesters in Tasmania and their commitment and passion had a profound impact on Steve. It was at this juncture that his life began to steer back towards conservation. For the next six months he picked apples in New Zealand, saving money to go home and resume his studies.

As a student Steve did research in the Kruger National Park and the Timbavati Game Reserve. He completed his guiding credentials here and  obtained an honours degree in conservation. Steve wasn’t quite ready to put his books back on the shelf and elected to immediately begin a Masters in Technology. His research, which later spawned a business, included experimental composting and the use of earthworms in the organic propagation of medicinal plants.  

After his studies he worked with Wilderness Safaris in the Makuleke (also called the Pafuri Triangle), running wilderness trails. His daily exploration of the area inspired in him a love of birding and an appreciation of the wildness of nature. From here he spent three years as an Eco Training instructor specialising in field and trails training.

Steve is excited to have the opportunity to share with people from all over the world his fascination and knowledge of the African bush and WE could not be happier to welcome Steve to the safariLIVE crew.