A Complete Guide to Expert-Led, Customisable Safaris Across Southern and East Africa
Africa has a way of pulling people back. Its wide-open savannahs, ancient rainforests, and extraordinary wildlife create an experience that no photograph – however stunning – can fully capture. But the difference between a good African safari and a truly transformative one often comes down to one thing: who is guiding you.
I run Lee Fuller Safaris, a South Africa-based private safari operation, bringing over 23 years of guiding experience across the African continent. In this blog, I want to share what makes a private guided safari with me different – and why it could be the most meaningful journey you ever take.
About Me
I grew up on my parents’ ranch in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. That early immersion in the bush shaped a career that has taken me to some of the most remote and extraordinary wildlife habitats on Earth.
After completing my Forestry studies in the Southern Cape, I began my professional guiding career in 2000 with Singita Game Reserves, one of Africa’s most respected luxury safari operators. I spent my early years in the Kruger National Park – a reserve widely recognised as offering some of the best leopard viewing on the African continent – before rising to become head guide, guide trainer, and specialist guide for Singita in the Serengeti, Tanzania.
Since 2010, I have operated as a private guide, leading safaris throughout Southern, Central, West, and East Africa, as well as the Indian Ocean Islands. I am based in Elgin, near Cape Town, South Africa, and have developed a particular passion for Madagascar – a destination I consider one of Africa’s most exceptional and underrated wildlife experiences.
Where Do I Take My Clients?
One of the things I’m most proud of is the breadth of destinations I offer. Rather than limiting clients to a handful of well-trodden routes, I cover an exceptional range of African destinations, all explored with the same level of expert local knowledge:
Botswana is home to some of my favourite camps and experiences. The Okavango Delta – a vast inland river delta in the middle of the Kalahari Desert — is what I’d describe as a water wonderland, while the desert regions of the country offer a contrasting but equally spectacular safari experience.
Tanzania is, as I always say, jam-packed with the coolest place names in Africa. From the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater to the lesser-known wilderness areas of Ruaha, Katavi, and Mahale, Tanzania offers a full spectrum of safari styles, including mountain gorilla tracking and island escapes to Zanzibar.
Kenya is where safari tourism began, many decades ago. Diverse landscapes, vibrant Maasai culture, and world-famous wildlife spectacles combine with adventure activities including hot air ballooning, helicopter flights, walking safaris, and game drives.
South Africa – my home – offers a diversity of safari options anchored by the iconic Kruger National Park, complemented by world-class destinations like Cape Town, the Cape Winelands, and a wealth of private game reserves.
Rwanda holds what I consider my most humbling wildlife experience: mountain gorilla trekking. Guided on foot into dense jungle on the slopes of ancient volcanoes, guests come face to face with critically endangered mountain gorillas — an encounter I truly believe is Africa’s most humbling wildlife experience.
Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Mozambique, Uganda, Gabon, Seychelles, and the extraordinary island of Madagascar are all part of my portfolio. I am also actively exploring emerging destinations such as Ethiopia and Central Africa.
What Makes a Private Guided Safari Different?
Travelling with me is a fundamentally different experience from joining a group tour or booking through a generic travel agent. A private safari means the itinerary, the pace, the focus, and the priorities are entirely yours.
I offer customisable packages tailored to each client. Whether you are a first-time safari-goer seeking a classic Big Five experience, an experienced wildlife traveller looking for off-the-beaten-track destinations, or a family travelling with children, every safari I design is built around what matters most to you.
Every destination in my portfolio is marked as child-friendly and photo-friendly – important considerations for families and for wildlife photographers who want to make the most of each encounter. My experience also means that every game drive, walk, and camp selection is optimised for the best possible wildlife viewing.
Conservation at the Heart of Every Safari
I am not simply in the business of showing wildlife – it is actively committed to protecting it. I have become involved in a number of conservation-based tourism projects, consulting to NGOs on rewilding and range expansion projects, as well as investigating the feasibility of responsible tourism in newly protected areas.
The conservation organisations I support include Project Rhino KZN, the Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS), RangerProtect, African Parks, and Association Fanamby – each working in different ways to protect African wildlife and the communities that coexist with it.
This commitment matters. Responsible, conservation-aligned safari tourism is one of the most powerful tools available for protecting Africa’s wilderness areas. When you book with me, your safari contributes directly to that mission.
Why Africa – and Why Now?
There is a growing body of evidence that time in nature is not a luxury – it is a necessity. In my view, there is a widening wedge between humans and the natural world, and the consequences – mental, emotional, and physical – are well documented. Africa offers something that is increasingly rare: genuine wilderness, genuine silence, and a genuine connection to the living world.
My philosophy is rooted in that reconnection. Africa is our ancestral home. The bond between humans and the great landscapes and animals of Africa is primal, ancient, and deeply restorative. A safari with me is not simply a holiday. It is a journey back to something essential.
Plan Your Safari
Getting in touch is straightforward. You can reach me directly through my website, where you can specify your arrival and departure dates, the number of adults and children travelling, and any specific preferences or questions. Every safari I create is customised from the ground up, so no two itineraries are ever alike.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What destinations are covered?
I operate across a wide range of African destinations, including Botswana, Tanzania, Kenya, South Africa, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Mozambique, Uganda, Gabon, Madagascar, and the Seychelles. I am also open to emerging destinations such as Ethiopia and Central Africa. All safaris are fully customisable based on your interests, budget, and available time.
How much guiding experience does Lee have?
I have over 23 years of professional guiding experience. I began my career in 2000 with Singita Game Reserves, working in the Kruger National Park before becoming head guide, guide trainer, and specialist guide for Singita in the Serengeti, Tanzania. Since 2010, I have operated as a full-time private safari guide, leading clients across Southern, Central, West, and East Africa, as well as the Indian Ocean Islands.
Are Lee Fuller Safaris’ suitable for families with children?
Yes. All of my destinations and safari packages are marked as child-friendly. Private guiding is particularly well suited to families, as the itinerary, pace, and activities can be fully tailored to suit travellers of all ages. I grew up in the South African bush myself and love creating meaningful wildlife experiences for younger travellers.
Is Lee Fuller involved in wildlife conservation?
Yes. I am actively involved in conservation-based tourism projects, including consulting to NGOs on rewilding and range expansion initiatives. The organisations I support include Project Rhino KZN, the Frankfurt Zoological Society, RangerProtect, African Parks, and Association Fanamby. Booking a safari with me supports responsible tourism that benefits both wildlife and local communities.
How do I book a safari with Lee Fuller Safaris?
You can book or enquire directly through my website. The booking form asks for your name, contact details, travel dates, number of adults and children, and any specific requests or messages. Because every safari is customised to you, I recommend getting in touch as early as possible to allow enough time to plan your ideal itinerary.
Lee Fuller Safaris – Let me reconnect you with nature. Let me take you to Africa.
