Beyond Safari: Meet People Dedicated to Safeguarding Wildlife
Meet the passionate conservationists on Hands-On South Africa 2025 and get inspired by their dedication and expertise in protecting South Africa’s precious wildlife.
Dr. Pete Rogers (center) in action
DR. PETER ROGERS, WORLD-RENOWNED WILDLIFE VET
Considered to be one of the most experienced wildlife veterinarians in the world, Dr. Peter Rogers has been dedicated to saving iconic wildlife for nearly four decades. From majestic rhinos to vulnerable pangolins, his work has spanned a remarkable spectrum of treatment, rehabilitation and translocation of some of South Africa’s most endangered species.
Dr. Pete will join our group at Tanda Tula for an illuminating evening recounting some of the captivating and inspiring experiences from his illustrious career.
ANGUS SHOLTO-DOUGLAS, MANAGING DIRECTOR, KWANDWE PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
Angus is the visionary behind Kwandwe Private Game Reserve which he co-founded in 1999. Passionate about wildlife conservation, he has spearheaded the reclaiming of 54,000 acres of farmland for wildlife, repopulating the landscape with over 7,000 animals, and reintroducing rhinos and cheetahs to this wilderness. Learn about the conservation story unfolding at Kwandwe from this pioneer, who will lead our hands-on rhino experiences as well as enliven our dinner with the history of the Great Fish River Valley and his adventures in wildlife conservation.
CRAIG SHOLTO-DOUGLAS, ECOLOGIST, KWANDWE PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
Craig’s passion for the wild has led him to Kwandwe as an ecologist where he’s dedicated to conservation management, land restoration, rehabilitation, and reserve management. His expertise lies in creating a harmonious balance between flora and fauna, vital for rehabilitating land to its natural state. While at Kwandwe, Craig will introduce our group to some of the remarkable conservation initiatives underway. Also learn about the importance of restoring native spekboom vegetation for land rehabilitation and carbon offsetting. You’ll have the opportunity to plant some of this “wonder plant” yourself.
EDWIN PIERCE, WARDEN, TIMBAVATI PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE
Edwin is an ecologist with a lifelong passion for conservation and environmental management. In 2018 he was appointed as warden of the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, a premier destination for wildlife enthusiasts. He is a trailblazer, swiftly rising through the ranks and leading an exceptional team.
Join Edwin at the Graeme Naylor Museum in the Timbavati Headquarters as he shares invaluable insights on reserve management, wildlife conservation, and the critical role of security in safeguarding endangered wildlife.