Kruger2Canyons.com

A walking safari specialist, Ian manages the Hoedspruit office and ensures a high-quality Guiding experience on these Kruger2Canyons.com Safaris.

Ian has over 13 years of experience in luxury lodges in Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. He has worked on all sides of the industry, from leading walking safaris to managing luxury camps. He strives to lead each guest on a journey to capture the spirit of the African bush and local culture.

Ian embraces time-honoured tracking methods in search of Africa's wildlife. He enjoys exploring the relationship between the bush and man. A particular interest of his is the cultural and medicinal use of plants and animals.

Ian says “it is in the still moments of the trail, that we find balance within, that we embrace the environment and our cultural heritage, that we discover our niche in life”.

Megan has worked in the wildlife industry since studying Nature Conservation. Her varied career has embraced research (studying baboons and elephant in the Lowveld), TV documentary production, field guiding and wildlife journalism. She trains future guides, and holds the FGASA Level III qualification and accreditation as an assessor for Theta/FGASA.

She had stints in management at the Pilanesberg and Borakalalo Reserves in North-West Province, and has enjoyed considerable time in KwaZulu-Natal's Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park and Zambia's South Luangwa valley.

She has now returned home to the Lowveld where she first put roots down in the Timbavati Reserve. In addition to guiding, she contributes regularly to magazines such as Africa Geographic, Country Life and Practical Photography. She has also co-authored a book of rangers' tales.

Bruce specialises in leading birding and wildlife safaris. His greatest passion is understanding African elephants in their natural environment.

He is a man filled with adventure. In the late nineties, Bruce led a three-man team on a mammoth 22-month unsupported walk through Africa from Cape Town to Cairo. At the conclusion of the walk, the team received the Out There Adventurers of the Year Award.

He also spent two years on Marion and Gough Islands in the Sub-Antarctic studying seabird-breeding habits.

Bruce has been Head Instructor at Ecotraining. He is heavily involved in the Professional Field Guiding community and is a Director of FGASA, Vice Chairperson of its Executive Committee, and Chairperson of the Lowveld South Region.

Johann was introduced to the wonders of the bush when he moved to the Lowveld 20 years ago. He has worked in a variety of reserves throughout Southern Africa, including an extended period of desert guiding in Namibia. His knowledge is wide-ranging and includes botany, zoology, ecology, geology and entomology.

He offers a wealth of insight into big game and particularly enjoys conducting walking trails.

Johann is a dedicated teacher who lives to share his knowledge and love for the bush with every one of his guests. He prides himself as a specialized childrens' safari guide and will captivate the heart and mind of any junior ranger.

Michael is passionate about wildlife, the wilderness and, in particular, elephants. He trained in the Timbavati under the legendary tracker, Jack Matabula.

Michael has conducted privately guided safaris throughout Southern Africa. He is an accomplished naturalist and committed conservationist who provides his safari guests with an unrivalled insight into the intricacies of Africa's wilderness.

Walking is his preferred approach. In the words of a guest,

"Michael does not take you for a walk in the African Bush; rather he takes you for a walk with it. Until you have experienced the contrast, you won't know what I am talking about. But believe me; it makes- quite literally- the world of difference. I saw, heard, smelt, touched and even tasted an Africa that I, a son of the continent, never knew was there".

An Alan McSmith Safari and elephants have become almost synonymous. No excursion would be complete without a poignant encounter with these amazingly intelligent animals. Alan has led overland safaris, walking trails, expeditions, and birdwatching tours through six African countries. He has also managed luxury safari camps here in the Lowveld and abroad.

A guest says "apart from a slightly off-beat side, Alan is well known for his mellow character and versatility on safari. Renowned for an empathy with elephant, which at times is more visceral than logical, his sensitive safari blend ensures classic wildlife contacts".

2006 was Alan’s 20th year as a professional wilderness guide, and he recently made history as the first guide to lead a self-sustained 5 mokoro (dug-out) traverse of the Okavango Delta.

Sean has always been close to nature. He schooled in the Natal Midlands and went into agricultural studies and farm management. He then took an early professional hunting apprenticeship. This led him into field guiding. He has guided at, and managed, some of Southern Africa’s top private lodges.

Sean is now a professional photographer. He is happiest hanging from a helicopter photographing elephant and rhino captures or tracking the big five on Photographic Safaris. He enjoys collaborating with journalists and writing travel articles. He is currently writing a book on the wildlife of the Lowveld.

Sean's FGASA Level III and Trails Guide qualifications enable him to take people off the beaten track in search of that elusive sighting. He delights in introducing and interpreting the bush for keen wildlife photographers. An accredited Theta/FGASA trainer and assessor, he relaxes by sculpting and knife-making. He has several fine pieces to his name.

Steven has immersed himself in conservation, wild animals, and wide-open spaces from an early age. An accomplished nature photographer, he seeks out places to further his aesthetic and spiritual appreciation of the world around us.

With his Degree in Botany and Zoology and more than a decade of experience in the bush, Steven is well equipped for the art of Safari. He enjoys introducing guests to nature's subtleties- clues around us that let us into her secrets and wonders.

Steven is a keen believer in wilderness experiences to allow us to step away from daily life in order to contemplate the greater scheme of things.

He is a qualified assessor and also trains new guides.

Steven says "if one listens, nature will speak of wonders and awaken the strongest of human emotions".

A Lowvelder born and bred, Marius's guiding career has nevertheless taken him across Southern and East Africa to countries including Uganda, Angola and Zambia.

He considers himself a generalist with interests as diverse as there are dimensions to nature. He sees spontaneity as the key to getting the best out of the bush. Rather than following a set agenda, he enjoys responding to events as you come across them to maximise every interpretative experience. There is fresh rhino spoor here: let's follow it!

Marius enjoys exploring the relationships between geology, climatology and wildlife, particularly when they are beautifully illustrated by watching a passing buffalo herd, or interpreting the spoor of a nocturnal creature.

Marius also instructs the new generation of field guides.

Greg grew up in the bush, spending a good part of his childhood years on the family farm in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. He set up a successful property development and marketing company which has built some stunning game lodges on the same reserve, as well as elsewhere in the Lowveld.

Sport is very much an integral part of Greg's make-up; golf is high on the list and he has a 6 handicap. He also represented the South African Country Districts' Cricket team on tours of Australia and Zimbabwe. Currently a member of Nelspruit Golf Club and with extensive experience of the other courses on the golfing itinerary, Greg ensures a very enjoyable, social stay and offers a great insight into the local region.

In addition to heading up the K2C Golf Challenge team, he is delighted to make up a four-ball if your numbers are short.