In 2012, Lance landed in South Africa from New Zealand, smiling. After a lifetime spending school holidays in the African bush, he had already met and fallen in love with the wildlife and nature of this great continent, and it was a dream of his to move and establish a life and career on African soil.

12 Years ago, he took the plunge and became a qualified Field Guide, kickstarting his safari journey and leading him to Kirstin, who shared his dream for life on the wild side. Long before becoming a guide, Lance loved photography, so it was only natural that his two passions collided. His lens became a tool for capturing what he loved most about being in the bush, and it wasn’t long before his work was acknowledged and awarded by publications and prestigious photography houses, globally.

Lance’s photograph of a lion and a pangolin, taken during his guiding career at Tswalu, was named one of the top 100 photographs in the BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year awards, 2016, and overall winner in 2020’s Wilderness Safaris Photo Competition. Not only is this photograph a personal reminder of an incredible sighting in the specialised habitat of the Kalahari, but it signifies the power photography has to create impact.

This catalysed Lance’s focus on photographic safaris to be able to guide and coach wildlife lovers from across the world in the places that stir his soul. After Tswalu, he took the opportunities to work as a dedicated photographic guide within South Africa’s biggest wildlife territories, and on global expeditions to India and Brazil’s Pantanal. In 2021, hand in hand with Kirstin, he launched Panthera Photo Safaris, combining their shared industry experience and impassioned expertise.

Kirstin is one half of the Panthera partnership, having helped create the concept alongside husband, Lance. Growing up in South Africa, Kirstin’s childhood was spent exploring the Kruger National Park, which ignited her dream of becoming a Game Ranger. Not all little girls from Johannesburg wish to wear khaki and work with wild animals, but it was in Kirstin’s DNA and shortly after school she made a beeline for the bush and attained her Field Guide qualifications! Fate would have it, this is where she met Lance.

The pair moved to Tswalu Kalahari together in 2015 and Kirstin devoted her time to predator rehabilitation and the meerkat habituation programmes, solidifying her love for wildlife and giving her unique insight into the incredible desert-adapted predators so many people travel to see and photograph. During her time here, Kirstin rehabilitated, cared for, tracked, studied and released various animals into the wild. These included species such as cheetah, brown hyena and a pack of wild dogs, securing a lifelong connection with these remarkable, endangered animals.

Now living on the doorstep of the Greater Kruger National Park, Kirstin’s career has aligned with her passion for photographic safaris. Over three years, she’s hosted many guests at the world famous Djuma Game Reserve which engaged her love for photographing big cats and gave her an expert understanding of the unique needs of photographic guests.

She and Lance streamlined the concept and ultimately established Panthera Photo Safaris – a lovechild, second only to their feline family members, Peanut and Pickle.

Anna is a passionate wildlife photographer and storyteller, dedicated to capturing the untamed beauty of Africa’s animals. She loves teaching the art of wildlife photography, helping guests master light, composition, and timing to create images that tell compelling stories. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced photographer, Anna shares valuable techniques and insights to help you capture unforgettable moments in the wild. As a qualified field guide, Anna has a deep understanding of animal behavior and she will help you connect more profoundly with the wild.

Born and raised in Germany, Anna always felt the call of Africa. In her mid-twenties, she left her home country to pursue her dream of living in Africa’s wild places. After qualifying as a field guide, she worked several years in a research project in the Greater Kruger. Today, she combines her expertise as a field guide with her passion for photography, guiding private safaris and leading photographic trips that inspire and transform her guests’ connection to the natural world.

I’m drawn to those fleeting, extraordinary moments when nature puts on a show so powerful, so humbling, that you can’t help but stop and stare. Whether it’s the raw energy of a thunderstorm tearing across the horizon, a rare weather phenomenon that defies expectation, or a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with wildlife in its element—those are the moments I live for. It’s in the heart of the wilderness, far from the noise and routine of everyday life, where I feel most grounded and most alive. These experiences aren’t just about the thrill; they’re about the emotion, the stillness, the perspective they offer. And through photography, I try to capture and share that feeling with others.

My passion for the natural world started early, shaped by a childhood spent immersed in the bushveld landscapes of South Africa. That connection has only deepened over time, evolving into a lifelong pursuit of exploration and storytelling through imagery. Based in Hoedspruit, on the edge of the Greater Kruger, I’m fortunate to live in one of the most wildlife-rich areas on the continent—a place that constantly feeds my curiosity and creativity.

As a wildlife photographer, I’m always chasing new angles, fresh perspectives, and untouched moments in nature. For me, photography is not just about documentation; it’s about emotion, narrative, and a deep respect for the subjects I encounter. Each image is an attempt to freeze a moment of wonder, to hold on to the sense of awe that only wild places can offer.