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Lowveld Safari Group

Lowveld Safari Group is a Hoedspruit-based tour operator specialising in premium Kruger National Park safaris. Our team is comprised of passionate and highly experienced guides, including recipients of the prestigious “Safari Guides of the Year” award.

We are dedicated to providing our guests with exceptional wildlife experiences, sharing our extensive knowledge of the park’s ecosystems and inhabitants. We believe in responsible tourism and are committed to conservation efforts that protect Kruger’s natural heritage.

Our guides are not just drivers; they are storytellers, wildlife experts, and conservationists.

They have an uncanny ability to find animals and share their knowledge in an engaging way. Their expertise enhances every moment of your safari, transforming a simple game drive into an immersive and educational journey.

Looking for a truly personal safari adventure? We offer custom-designed private tours to some of Africa’s most stunning destinations. We’ll work with you to create your dream trip to Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, or the National Parks in South Africa.

Ready to start planning? Contact us today and let’s design your perfect safari.

About us

Our Vision and Values

At Lowveld Safari Group, we believe that a safari is more than just seeing wildlife—it’s about connection. Connection to nature, to culture, and to a deeper understanding of the world around us. Our vision is to create meaningful safari experiences that leave a lasting impact, not only on our guests but also on the environment and communities we engage with.

We operate with integrity, passion, and purpose—committed to upholding the highest standards in ethical wildlife tourism. From the moment you join us, you become part of a journey that respects nature, celebrates biodiversity, and supports conservation efforts across the Kruger region.

Field Guide

Mike Tilley

Mike is a photographic guide who grew up in South Africa – where his passion for wildlife photography started from a young age, thanks to time spent in the bush on family holidays. After finishing his studies at University, Mike completed his FGASA training and in 2017 began working as a ranger & photographic guide at MalaMala Game Reserve, South Africa.

Having left full-time guiding some years later, Mike co-founded travel business Memories of Africa and is now based in Hoedspruit, South Africa – where he is raising a young family and has continued guiding in a private capacity for clients across Southern Africa as well as photographic safari operators in Botswana.

In his words “What I love most about guiding photographic safaris is helping guests navigate their individual photographic journey. Whether it’s beginners that are eager to learn about settings and composition, or experienced photographers who are searching for unique shots and techniques to capture a sighting or scene”.

Field Guide & Wilderness Enthusiast

Alexander de Koning

Originally from Pretoria, South Africa, I’m a passionate field guide with over six years of guiding experience across some of the country’s most iconic wilderness areas. I try to bring a deep knowledge of the natural world, a love for education, and a strong conservation ethic to every safari experience.

I hold a wide range of qualifications, including FGASA Apprentice Guide, Back-up Trails Guide, Level 2 First Aid, CyberTracker Track & Sign Level 3, a Skipper’s License (Category R), and a NAUI Open Water Diving License. I have also completed a Biomimicry Immersion Workshop, which assists in my holistic approach to nature and sustainability. I am also currently pursuing a BSc in Environmental Management and Botany, with which I aim to further deepen my understanding of the ecosystems and the natural world around us.

Over the years, I have guided in diverse habitats—from the dense bushveld of the Makuleke Concession in Kruger National Park to the coastal reserves of the Eastern and Western Cape, and the Dinokeng and Klaserie Private Nature Reserves. Among these, walking safaris and birding safaris remain my favourites, with many of my most powerful memories rooted in the primitive trails of Makuleke.

My guiding style is immersive and educational, with a focus on the often-overlooked aspects of the wild—small mammals, insects, birds, and plant life. I have a strong belief that every element in nature is interconnected and strive to help guests see how these connections shape and sustain wild ecosystems. My hope is that through guiding, I can help inspire greater conservation efforts by showing people the value of every living thing.

Photography, birding, scuba diving, and overlanding are some of my key outside interests, many of which grew from my guiding journey. My wildlife photography has been featured in the Klaserie Chronicle, and I am constantly trying to develop my skills behind the lens.

I see guiding not only as a profession but as a calling. My mission is to create unforgettable experiences that shift perspectives and spark a deeper appreciation for the natural world—experiences that guests will remember for a lifetime.

Personal Information

Alexander de Koning
Field Guide
6 years of guiding experience
Pretoria, South Africa
English and Afrikaans

Professional Qualifications:

FGASA Apprentice guide, Back-up trails guide, First Aid lvl 2, Cybertracker track and sign lvl 3, Skippers license 9cat R), NAUI Open water diving license
Completed Biomimcry Immersion workshop

Guiding Experience:

Makuleke concession (Kruger National Park), Sibuya Game Reserve (Eastern cape), Garden Route game lodge (Western Cape), Mongena Game lodge (Dinokeng Game Reserve) and in the Klaserie Private nature reserve (Simbavati Lodge Collection).
Favourite type of safari is a walking safari and birding safari.
Most memorable experiences occurred on primitive trails in Makuleke concession.

Special interests and Expertise:

Birding and love the smaller slightly rarer creatures
I am currently in the process of completing a BSc. In Environmental Management and Botany so can provide further insight into how to natural areas are managed and what decisions led to the creation of wilderness areas. I have a budding passion for photography and am slowly improving.
Passion around guiding stems from my love of the wilderness and the need to conserve such areas. I love the idea that what I do could potentially lead to even more wilderness areas and natural habitats being conserved for future generations.

Personal insights:

Gap year from university
I enjoy being able to educate people and change their perspective on what the natural world is.
I normally allow for nature to speak for itself as much as possible and then once nature has had it’s turn I will then give more educational and information to the guests. Specially attempting to link it all together to show that everything has a purpose in nature and happens for a reason.

Achievements and Recognition:

Had a few photos published in the Klaserie Chronicle (magazine).

Outside interests:

Birding, photography, scuba diving and overlanding.
These interests all compliment my guiding experience, and most were discovered whilst training to be a guide or whilst guiding.

Personal Philosophy or Guiding Style:

much as possible and not just the larger animals but rather the smaller, often overlooked creatures and plant life.
I hope that guests take away a view of how everything in nature is linked and operates as one system. I hope that guests see this interconnectedness and take it as a sign to attempt to conserve what we have left of nature on earth in whatever way they can. I also hope to craft an experience in which guests will find truly memorable and look back on for the rest of their lives.