Course Leaders
28-Day Kruger National Park Field Guide Course in South Africa

Brandon Haveman - Head trainer

Brandon grew up in the North of Zulu land on a game farm from a young age assisted his dad and the reserve wardens in managing and conserving the natural heritage area. On completion of school he qualified as a game capture operator and assisted in capturing and relocating a variety of game species including the big 5. He qualified as a field guide with advanced rifle handling and trails and then decided to travel the world. He returned to Africa and worked in Zambia as a trails camp ranger and joined our team in 2007 bringing his passion and knowledge for the wild with him.

Dwain and Gayle Strydom - Camp hosts and managers

Both have a passion for the South African Wildlife and qualified as field guides several years ago. They have experience as managers of 5 star private game lodges and will ensure your stay at the wilderness camp is as comfortable as possible. Dwain’s main function is as the reserve manager, responsible for all operations on the reserve including law enforcement, road maintenance and guest lecturer. Gayle manages the camp and is also the training course administrator.

JP le Roux - Senior Trainer

JP is a highly qualified and experienced field guide having worked in a variety of private game reserves. His passion is knowledge and he is a dedicated birder. His skills and presentation of the classes allow for an intense experience and he very often ensures a more detailed and in-depth training of the modules.

Aaron “Sergeant” Maalatjie - Senior safety officer – first rifle

Sergeant joined us in 2007 after retiring from the South African National Parks Board. He has over 40 years of experience in operating clandestine law enforcement operations in the Southern region of the Kruger National Park and has a wealth of knowledge that can only be gained spending time on foot in wilderness areas. Sergeant acts as a first rifle or back up during your practical skills training.

Pio Cavuluzzo - Assistant trainer

Pio is a new addition to our training team. He completed the GVI 1 year professional guide program and qualified as a Level 1 guide with trails guide component and advanced rifle handling. Pio acts as a second rifle or back up rifle and safety officer during the bush walks, sleep outs and practical excursions. He brought his passionate Italian ways to the course and cannot wait to share this with you.