Three lion cubs near a Shamwari game reserve vehicle in golden light.

Reserve Partnerships & Photographer Collaborations


Hi, I’m André Pflaum — The Safari Guy.


I’m a Swiss-based professional wildlife photographer and passionate safari enthusiast with a background in IT. While I love the fast-paced world of technology, I find my peace (and my best work) in the wild. I’ve been on countless safaris across Africa — South Africa, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Namibia and many more private concessions and game reserves — and have traveled to all continents with nearly 3 million flown miles. This gives me a deep, comparative understanding of what makes a luxury safari lodge truly exceptional.


My photography is all about true, authentic wildlife moments. I don’t stage shots, I don’t direct animals, and I don’t over-edit. I never do commissioned photography of rooms or people — my sole focus is wildlife. I work exclusively in my own distinctive style: patience, anticipation, and deep respect for the animals’ natural rhythm. As I always say: “Animals act on their own pace. They don’t do what you want and they really don’t care about you. And that’s exactly what I love about it.” Nature is the art — not Photoshop.


I work with state-of-the-art Sony equipment (Alpha 1 and other high-resolution bodies over 50 MP, premium prime lenses) and deliver both stunning stills and video.


I’d love to propose a mutually beneficial partnership:


What I offer your lodge:

  • Professional on-site wildlife photography and videography in my unique, authentic style — no staged shots, no room or people photography. My focus is always on real wildlife moments. However, I will also capture spontaneous scenes that include a safari vehicle in the background or foreground, or guests during walking safaris, whenever they occur naturally.
  • Full commercial and marketing rights to all images and videos created during my stay (perfect for your website, social media, brochures and campaigns). All published material will include a clear photo credit to "André Pflaum – The Safari Guy", with my name in the metadata and tagged where possible.
  • Honest, detailed guest feedback and a professional management review based on my extensive experience at numerous premium properties across Africa and around the world. I offer valuable comparative insights into what makes a luxury safari experience truly exceptional.
  • Authentic exposure through my social media channels @the.safari.guy and @andre.pflaum
  • Additionally, I’m happy to create a high-quality photo book or other photo products (prints, calendars, etc.) from the images captured during my stay. I handle the entire production process, and any profits can be directed towards conservation projects in the reserve. This often leads to long-term partnerships with regular visits to document the ongoing progress and lives of the animals, particularly big cats and other iconic species.
  • I’m an easy-going, sociable and joyful guest who genuinely enjoys connecting with staff and fellow travelers. I usually bring Swiss chocolate for the entire team as a small token of appreciation — a little Swiss tradition that always spreads smiles and good vibes.
  • I fully cover my own international flights, state-of-the-art equipment, and professional time to ensure this is a genuine win-win collaboration.


What I’m looking for in return:

  • Complimentary full-board accommodation for approximately 7 nights in your luxury private game reserve or concession. This gives me sufficient time to capture a rich variety of authentic wildlife moments and deliver high-quality content.
  • Sole-use vehicle and private guide during all game drives — I do not share vehicles with other guests, as I prefer to spend extended time with individual animals to capture the perfect moment
  • To be hosted and treated exactly like a regular guest (no special arrangements or staged activities)
  • Full access to all facilities, activities and areas (this allows me to create additional content and deliver a genuine review)


This is a true win-win: you receive high-quality, authentic visual content and valuable feedback from an experienced safari traveler, while I get to do what I love — capture real wildlife moments in beautiful surroundings.


If you manage a high-end safari property and are interested in elevating your visual storytelling with genuine imagery, I would be delighted to hear from you.


Looking forward to possibly creating something special together. If you are interested in my offer please contact me below:

A male lion crouches low to drink water from a muddy pool, with his reflection visible on the surface in the wild.