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ABOUT

valentin lavis - the safari guide - child south africa elephant

MY JOURNEY

From biologist to safari guide

Wanting to play a role in the protection of African species in their natural environment, I did a master's degree in biology in Paris, specialising in conservation ecology. But I never gave up on Africa, because at the same time I wanted to get my safari guide qualifications in South Africa.


Although I am still very attached to my Rainbow Nation, I had a growing desire to discover other African destinations. I decided to explore Kenya, Zambia and Tanzania for longer periods over the last few years.

harnas namibia windhoek photographer videographer with a cheetah

TODAY

Sharing is caring

Over the last 10 years of experience, I have been able to acquire some expertise in the fauna and flora in 6 African countries: South Africa, Botswana, Kenya, Namibia, Tanzania and Zambia. .

A safari is a unique and privileged experience and my goal is to share with you not only my knowledge, but also moments and emotions that can only be experienced while immersed in the African savannah.

harnas namibia windhoek photographer videographer with a cheetah
ol pejeta conservancy with rhinoceros kenya and  valentin lavis shooting a video osiligi jc pieri
ol pejeta conservancy with rhinoceros kenya and valentin lavis shooting osiligi jc pieri

MY JOURNEY

From biologist to safari guide

Wanting to play a role in the protection of African species in their natural environment, I did a master's degree in biology in Paris, specialising in conservation ecology. But I never gave up on Africa, because at the same time I wanted to get my safari guide qualifications in South Africa.


Although I am still very attached to my Rainbow Nation, I had a growing desire to discover other African destinations. I decided to explore Kenya, Zambia and Tanzania for longer periods over the last few years.

Cultural exchange while traveling with local Kenyan tribes.

TODAY

Sharing is caring

Over the last 10 years of experience, I have been able to acquire some expertise in the fauna and flora in 6 African countries: South Africa, Botswana, Kenya, Namibia, Tanzania and Zambia. .

A safari is a unique and privileged experience and my goal is to share with you not only my knowledge, but also moments and emotions that can only be experienced while immersed in the African savannah.

Cultural exchange while traveling with local Kenyan tribes.
FGASA - Field Guide certificate Level 1 logo
FGASA Level 1

Safari guide diploma accredited throughout Africa

My qualifications

limpopo field guiding academy logo
FGASA Level 1

Safari guide diploma accredited throughout Africa

FGASA - Field Guide certificate Level 1 logo
lowveld trails & co south africa training logo
Back up Trails

walking guide diploma to guide walking safaris in the Big Five area

Advanced Rifle Handling (ARH)

firearms handling, an essential for guiding bushwalks

Track & Signs Lv3

diploma for identifying tracks and signs left by animals during a walking safari

 

Back up Trails

walking guide diploma to guide walking safaris in the Big Five area

Advanced Rifle Handling (ARH)

firearms handling, essential for guiding bushwalks

Track & Signs Lv3

diploma for identifying tracks and signs left by animals during a walking safari

Lenses

Sony FE 200 – 600 mm F5.6 – 6.3 G OSS

Sony FE 70 – 200 mm F2.8 GM OSS II

Tamron 17 – 28mm F2.8 Di III RXD

Tamron 28 – 75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2

My gear

After growing up with different camcorders and cameras, I finally decided to work with Sony, which has now become my travel partner.
Here are the main equipment used for safari and lodge shooting:

 

Lenses

Sony FE 200 – 600 mm F5.6 – 6.3 G OSS

Sony FE 70 – 200 mm F2.8 GM OSS II

Tamron 17 – 28mm F2.8 Di III RXD

Tamron 28 – 75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2

* I have also had the chance to test a number of new Sony cameras (including the Sony A7SIII, A7RV, 400mm F2.8 and 135mm F1.8) on wildlife projects.

 

Camera bodies

Sony AI

Sony A7III

* I was lucky enough to test a number of new Sony products (including the Sony A9III, A7SIII, A7RV, A7IV, le 400mm F2.8 et le 135mm F1.8) on wildlife projects.

My gear

After growing up with different camcorders and cameras, I finally decided to work with Sony, which has now become my travel partner.

 

Here are the main equipment used for safari and lodge shooting:

My lenses

Sony FE 70 – 200 mm F2.8 GM OSS II

Tamron 17 – 28mm F2.8 Di III RXD

Tamron 28 – 75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2

My camera bodies

Sony A1

Sony A7III

* I was lucky enough to test a number of new Sony products (including the Sony A7SIII, A7RV, 400mm F2.8 and 135mm F1.8) on wildlife projects.

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