Safaris with Frank Steenhuisen

"Incredible wildlife, authentic stays & passionate guided experiences"

frank safarifrank steenhuisen private guide our team

Simply put, I am obsessed with being on safari – it’s gone beyond passionate!

I find it impossible to tire of sharing Africa’s wild places with my guests. The thrill of tracking lions on foot, gathering around a campfire in the heart of the wilderness, diving through thickets to glimpse an elusive bird, or helping you refine your photography skills – being on safari is my ultimate happy place, and I’m committed to making it yours too.

With safari guiding qualifications in both South Africa and Botswana, I’ve specialized in photographic, birding, and walking safaris. I’ve had the privilege of leading guests on privately guided safaris to some of Africa’s most extraordinary destinations. These adventures have spanned South Africa’s Greater Kruger National Park, Botswana’s Okavango Delta and surrounding areas, Zambia’s Liuwa Plains, South Luangwa, Luambe, and Lower Zambezi National Parks, as well as Zimbabwe’s Gonarezhou and Mana Pools National Parks.

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Frank’s Bio:

Born in Pretoria, I spent my early childhood in South Africa. At age five, my family acquired a holiday home in the open wildlife system of the Greater Kruger National Park. Our frequent visits to this bush retreat ignited my passion and curiosity for all things wild and natural. I spent every moment I could on the tracker seat or behind the wheel of our game viewer, searching for leopards and poring over reference books to learn about Africa’s fascinating wilderness.

Today, I’m profoundly grateful for my African upbringing, which has gifted me with over 20 years of safari experience in Big 5 terrain. This experience forms the foundation of our SAFARI FRANK business and allows me to share my safari addiction through firsthand experiences with guests on privately guided tours. Recent years have seen me traversing Africa, discovering incredible new destinations, hosting private safaris, and undertaking photographic assignments across nine different African countries.

When I’m not helping you maximize your camera’s potential on safari, I’m capturing images myself. I’m a true wildlife photography enthusiast, regardless of my location. During safaris, I often spend evenings under clear African skies, teaching guests the art of nighttime photography. Whether you’re a beginner looking to master your camera or a seasoned professional, I’m here to help you capture the shot you’re after. Let’s tailor your safari to the best locations and help you achieve those perfect wildlife shots!

botswana nxai pan national park zebra migration frank photographic safaris

Where to go on Safari with Frank

All of Africa suitable for safaris has been unlocked. Gorilla trekking in Uganda, following water-loving lions in the Okavango, looking for chameleons in Namibia – wherever you want to travel or experience, it’s possible!

That being said, my favourite countries for safaris are Botswana and Zambia. I’ve identified key regions in these two countries as my all-time favourites for immersive safari experiences, and I love sharing these with my guests. The most incredible experiences revolve around three major river systems: The Okavango, Zambezi, and Luangwa rivers. It’s here where I’ve discovered superb lodges and partnered with exceptional local guides to ensure unforgettable and exclusive experiences in incredibly productive wilderness areas. Each of these river systems offers a unique perspective on African wildlife and ecosystems. The Okavango Delta, with its annual flood, creates a lush oasis in the heart of the Kalahari, attracting an incredible diversity of wildlife. The mighty Zambezi River, bordering Zambia and Zimbabwe, provides breathtaking scenery and excellent game viewing, especially in the Lower Zambezi National Park. The Luangwa Valley, home to the meandering Luangwa River, is renowned for its walking safaris and high concentrations of leopards and hippos.

Another significant benefits of traveling with a private guide is the opportunity to explore exciting destinations where you might feel a little out of your depth alone, such as the Congo, Chad, or the Central African Republic. My experience and local connections help navigate these less-traveled regions safely, opening up a world of unique wildlife encounters and cultural experiences. Whether you’re interested in big game viewing, bird watching, photography, or immersing yourself in remote wilderness areas, I will tailor your safari to match your interests and comfort level. Below is a list of sample safaris to give you an idea of what’s possible with me:

Kala Camp Mokoro Botswana Safarifrank Authentic Safari Holiday3

Okavango Delta Mobile & Walking Safari

Mobile tented Safari | 8 nights

4 nights Moremi Game Reserve + 4 nights walking safari in Private Concession


On request 2024 & 2025 | Get in touch!

From USD$ 6,620 pp (based on 4 travellers)


 

Frank Wildlife Photography Safarifrank1

The Best of Botswana

Mobile & Lodge Safari | 6 nights

3 nights walking safari in private concession + 3 nights Shinde Camp


20 May 2024 – 26 May 2024 | FULLY BOOKED

From USD$8,990 pp | Private


 

Moments from my Safaris

Why a Private Safari with Frank

Safari Planning

Frank will work closely with you to craft your safari, tailoring it to your expectations and interests while providing expert insights into the available options. His African heritage and extensive nature guiding experience ensure you benefit from deep, local knowledge. It’s crucial to be in the right place at the right time—and for the optimal duration. Each new destination should seamlessly build upon the last, continually stimulating your senses and enriching your overall experience. With your itinerary planned by a seasoned safari guide, you’re guaranteed a journey that captures the true essence of Africa.

Stress Free Logistics

Traveling with the very person who designed your itinerary and planned the logistics means you’re free to simply immerse yourself in the experience. From the moment you arrive, there’s no need to worry about flight numbers, transfer times, or any other daily details throughout your safari. In fact, many of Frank’s guests find themselves pleasantly losing track of dates and time altogether. Isn’t this the very essence of what a holiday should be?

Of course, in Africa, things don’t always go exactly as planned. But if the unexpected does arise, who better to have by your side than your own personal travel agent? With Frank’s expertise and on-the-ground presence, you can relax knowing that any surprises will be handled smoothly, allowing you to focus on the adventure at hand.

Facilitating an Experience

Your journey begins the moment you send your first email, building anticipation as your safari approaches. Every step, from each new destination to the final leg home, becomes part of a seamless, unforgettable experience. By guiding you from start to finish, a private guide ensures an authentic and holistic safari adventure. You’re uniquely positioned to delve into the intricacies of the natural world, absorbing its wonders with complete peace of mind. This comprehensive approach allows you to fully immerse yourself in Africa’s wild beauty, understanding its rhythms and secrets in a way that would otherwise be impossible.

Working with Local Guides

Whenever possible, Frank hand-picks and collaborates with the finest local guides, often his good friends, to further enrich your experience. His pre-existing relationships with these guides ensure a seamless transition between camps, where your individual interests and expectations are effortlessly communicated and accommodated without repeated explanations.

This approach offers you the best of both worlds. On one hand, you benefit from local guides who intimately know the immediate area, its wildlife, and its intricacies. On the other, you have Frank, whose broader knowledge spans different regions, species, and landscapes across Africa. This allows him to connect the dots and orchestrate your entire multi-destination safari experience. Moreover, Frank’s specialisations in birding, walking safaris, and photographic safaris ensure that your specific interests are not just covered, but expertly catered to. This combination of local expertise and Frank’s comprehensive African knowledge creates a uniquely immersive and tailored adventure.

Photographic tutoring and opportunities

If you just purchased a new camera and want to learn how to get the most out of it, or you are a hobbyist looking to get some great wildlife shots with a few tips & tricks, or you are a serios professional who needs no-nonsense access to the best opportunities – Frank welcomes photographers of all levels! If photographic opportunities are of particular importance to you, then rest assured that your trip was planned and is being facilitated by a wildlife photographer with your photographic interests in mind. Of critical importance’s is Frank’s ability to predict animal behaviour and movements allowing him to direct the local guides for perfect vehicle positioning before the action unfolds.

Horse Safari Camp Kalahari 5

A word from Frank

I design the safaris that I host myself with the intention of  showcasing the Africa that I love. Each tour is an experience that exposes you to incredible wildlife, authentic accommodation and informative interpretations of the natural world. There is a deeper connection to the wilderness and nature that can be felt in Africa’s wild places – allow me to help you reconnect.

Take your safari to the next level

Join Frank on a private safari!