USA TEL: +1 518 531 6313
RSA OFF: +27 87 265 6237
RSA MOB: +27 82 338 0380
I grew up in South Africa and developed a passion for Africa's wildlife and wild places. After qualifying as a Mechanical Engineer, I followed my heart and became a safari guide at MalaMala in South Africa. I was there for four years, in the company of big cats and large mammals every day, a truly phenomenal experience. I won a number of awards for my photography, and from there, decided to join a company making wildlife documentaries. I got to travel widely and see different parks in Africa, spending a lot of time in each place we were filming. I also began guiding small groups of photographers, clients I had met while guiding, who wanted to see the Africa that I love.
I gathered a lot of detailed knowledge about destinations, so I started my own travel business and began putting together trips for all kinds of travelers. That's how I got started, and then Garrick joined me - someone who loves Africa as much as I do and is great with people and handy with a camera too! Since then we have traveled further, taken clients to numerous destinations and studied the art of matching people's interests with what is here in Africa - that's why we want to plan your trip for you!
Everything we do revolves around our belief that travel should be comprised of incredible and memorable experiences. In addition, we wholly support conservation travel and a portion of funds from every trip booked with us goes to protecting wildlife and environments. We also carefully select safari providers who are actively protecting environments and caring for local communities - to ensure the future of wildlife and tourism. Read more about CONSERVATION.
With our extensive knowledge of parks, reserves, safari camps and experiences, and the ultimate in personalized service, you simply won't find a superior African safari! Traveling in Africa is expensive and we endeavor to make every cent well spent.
We are proud to say that our business has grown through referrals from our clients and we look forward to hearing from you!
Jamie Thom - Owner
Jamie began his career as a mechanical engineer before turning to his passion for wildlife and photography. He took a post as a game ranger at MalaMala Game Reserve and after a few years had won a number of awards for his photography. His most notable achievement was winning the BBC/British Gas Wildlife Photographer of the Year, the most coveted title in wildlife photography internationally.
After 4 years of living in the game reserve he joined an American company filming and directing wildlife documentaries for National Geographic and Discovery Channel but ultimately returned back to his passion - photography and travel. He started Jamie Thom Safaris in 2003, guiding photographers throughout parks in Africa. From Madagascar to Chad and everything in between, Jamie has seen Africa inside and out and loves all of it!
He is passionate about conservation and travel, is married and father of two young children.
Garrick Barnard
Graphic designer, professional golfer and entrepreneur are all on Garrick's CV! He grew up in Johannesburg and lived on the tropical island of Mauritius for a number of years where he managed a golf resort. During this time he found himself advising guests on the best places to go and things to do during their visits to South Africa based on his own Safari experiences. A Love of nature and conservation in general was nurtured from a young age, as his parents are avid bird watchers and most family vacations growing up centered around the Kruger National Park and the surrounding region. Not much has changed over the years, Garrick still jumps at any opportunity to go on Safari and to help advise people on how to experience Africa at its best.
“The experience I gained in the hospitality industry and my passion for nature conservation made it a very natural progression for me to join the team at Conservation Safari Company. I look forwad to assisting you in planning your tailor-made African safari!”.
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Kerese Day
Kerese spent most of her career in the media industry as editor and publisher of various magazine titles before consulting in the fields of PR and marketing. She joined the Conservation Safari Company in an advisory role in 2008 and is now full time on the team!
She brings a wealth of skills and management expertise to the team.
What does it mean to be SATSA Bonded?
Conservation Safari Company (Thom Media & Travel Pty Ltd) is a bonded member of the South African Tourism Services Association - Number 2120. As a bonded SATSA member our clients receive a financial guarantee against any deposits they make to us. The SATSA logo signifies our integrity and commitment to the highest service levels as an African travel facilitator.