THE HISTORY OF ALL OUT SAFARIS

The idea of having our own safari company was always there. Our team consists of myself, Josh, and Shelby. Both of us are well-seasoned safari travellers who grew up in the African wilderness. We both spent our childhood visiting Kruger National Park and Pilanesberg National Park from a very young age. When I first visited Kruger National Park as a young boy, I wasn't entirely sure what it was. But when we entered Malelane Gate for the very first time in July 2014, there was something special about it. My parents explained to me where we were and that we were on safari to see all these incredible animals. For some reason, the first animal I wanted to see was a leopard.

We would always rotate between two camps: Berg-en-Dal and Skukuza. The southern part of Kruger National Park has always been known for its predators; however, at that time, we had no clue. On the third day of our first-ever trip to Kruger National Park, we saw our first leopard. It was sunset, and the leopard walked right past our car. At that moment, something sparked inside me. That trip, I didn’t see a single lion, but my passion for leopards excited me the most. From day one, I always had a camera with me. Photography has remained a burning passion ever since.

A few months later, I went to Pilanesberg National Park for the first time. At about 1 PM that afternoon, we saw a young female leopard, around one year old. To this day, I have been following that exact same female leopard. Watching her grow up has been nothing short of a privilege. Her name is Kgodisa. Since that first Kruger trip and my very first leopard sighting in Pilanesberg, I have been tracking and studying big cats in South Africa. Even if I went on a trip and didn’t find the lions or leopards I was searching for, I enjoyed every moment—whether it was watching a herd of elephants or a group of zebras.

When COVID happened, I went through seven years’ worth of photographs and realised this was my calling—this was the path I had to follow. Since 2019, I have been passionately tracking the movements of big cats (with leopards being my favourite) throughout Kruger National Park and Pilanesberg National Park. After completing my qualifications in 2022, I began privately guiding and I also worked in Madikwe Game Reserve for a year as a professional wildlife photographer as well.

I, Josh, am your private guide. I will be handling all your transfers, guiding, and hosting while on safari, as well as sharing photographic guidance along the way. Shelby is in charge of marketing, accounts, and guest relations. With a talent for graphic design, Shelby plays a massive role in managing our website, which she designed herself, as well as ensuring that everything runs smoothly from a logistical perspective.

From a very young age, since about 2005/2006, Shelby also spent time visiting the national parks of South Africa, mainly Pilanesberg and Kruger National Park. Multiple times a year, she and her family would enjoy the tranquillity of the bush, where her passion for big cats and photography flourished. Shelby has always been drawn to breathtaking views and the peace of nature, which is why the incredible mountains and dams of Pilanesberg became one of her favourite places. With Pilanesberg being just two hours from home, it was an easy getaway to immerse herself in nature, where her love for wildlife continued to grow. I remember when we met, searching for the exact same female leopard, and sharing some incredible sightings together.

Shelby’s love for the South African bush runs deep, and her passion for capturing and showcasing it through photography is truly inspiring. Her love for nature and its tranquillity makes every experience special. The ability to feel both peace and adrenaline at the same time is indescribable. From witnessing leopards stroll past the vehicle to the thunderous sound of a zebra herd galloping across the plains—every moment holds significance for her. This passion played a huge role in the formation of All Out Safaris.

Shelby and I met in Pilanesberg in January 2021 and have been a couple since 2022. In 2023, we started our own safari company, Ivoryscape, which has since evolved into All Out Safaris. I have hosted countless private safaris in Pilanesberg and Kruger over the past three years, and it has been an incredible journey. We have recently started hosting safaris in Madikwe as well, and we are extremely excited about that.

At All Out Safaris, we have a deep passion and drive to showcase these incredible places, offering private safaris where unforgettable memories are made.

We have also just released the newest episode on the All Out Safaris Podcast in which we talk about the History of All Out Safaris as well where you can hear our voice and get to know even more about us!

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