Derek Schuurman

Born in South Africa, I’ve specialised in African and Indian Ocean travel for more than 30 years. While Madagascar remains my greatest passion and area of expertise, I’ve travelled around eastern, western and southern Africa and the Indian Ocean islands, including Botswana, Kenya, Mozambique, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Uganda, Ghana, Mauritius, Réunion, Rodrigues and São Tomé & Príncipe.

A lifelong naturalist with a particular interest in unusual wildlife and birds, I’ve spent much of my career researching destinations, developing tailor-made itineraries and exploring some of Africa's more remote and lesser-known regions. My long association with Madagascar has included co-authoring guidebooks and contributing to conservation initiatives on the island, which has given me a deep understanding of its remarkable wildlife, culture and landscapes.

Some of my most memorable experiences have involved seeking out Africa's rarer wildlife and unique cultural traditions. Highlights include tracking mountain gorillas in Rwanda, seeing shoebills in Uganda, observing elusive species such as pangolins and anomalures in Ghana, watching picathartes at their forest nesting sites, and attending a traditional Hamar bull-jumping ceremony in Ethiopia. Equally unforgettable were night drives in Botswana, where encounters with springhare, porcupine, and a host of other nocturnal creatures revealed an entirely different side to the African wilderness. These experiences continue to inspire the journeys I create for clients today. Whether planning a wildlife-focused adventure or travel to one of Africa's more unusual destinations, I enjoy helping our clients discover authentic and memorable experiences that’ll stay with them for years to come.