my story…
Growing up on a farm near the small town of Eshowe in Zululand, South Africa, it was only natural that my love for the African bush and its wildlife would blossom into something more profound than just a passion.
I spent every available moment exploring the farm’s forested areas, immersing myself in the study of its fauna and flora. School holidays and weekends were often spent camping in nearby Big Five reserves, deepening my connection with Africa's wilderness. The wild became an integral part of who I am, and Africa, in all its untamed beauty, is the place I know best.
I spent countless hours, and I mean hours, online researching everything related to photography in between game drives and on my private safaris.
Over time, I had the privilege of guiding some expert wildlife photographers on safari. This experience boosted my confidence and, in 2019, I launched my own safari and photographic company - Matt Yardley Africa.
Partnering with prestigious organizations like andBeyond and National Geographic Expeditions, I embarked on incredible adventures across Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and throughout our beautiful homeland of South Africa.
After a "short break" in 2020 (thanks to COVID), I was back on the road, exploring Africa once again, grateful that my business had weathered the storm.
In 2021, my journey took an exciting turn when I crossed paths with Wild Eye Safaris. This collaboration expanded my adventures far beyond what I had ever imagined. From tracking jaguars in the Amazon and encountering gorillas in Uganda's Impenetrable Forest to witnessing the great migration in the Serengeti and Masai Mara, I was fortunate to lead photographic expeditions across eight of the most breathtaking and exhilarating countries around the world.
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