Meet The Team

The driving force behind Focused On Wildlife, Victor is an award-winning wildlife photographer with over 20 years of experience capturing nature’s most breathtaking moments. Originally from South Africa and now based in the UK, he has traveled the globe, photographing everything from bears and whales in Canada to his personal favorite—leopards in the woodlands of South Africa. Whether behind the lens or sharing his expertise with fellow nature enthusiasts, Victor’s passion lies in bringing the wild to life through photography.

Vanessa is a dedicated professional passionate about public health and wildlife. In the medical field, she enhances individual and community well-being through essential healthcare services. Outside of work, she enjoys wildlife photography, with over 20 years of experience capturing the beauty of various species in their habitats. Whenever possible, she takes time out of her busy schedule to assist with running Focused On Wildlife, whether by guiding or running the on-site activities.

Since starting his photographic journey 10 years ago, Felix has explored some of the planet's most remote areas, including South Georgia, Antarctica, and Svalbard. Driven by an insatiable thirst for adventure, he thrives in the wild, far from civilisation. Whether wild camping on the Dovrefjell plateau in winter or snowmobiling for six hours in a blizzard on Svalbard, cold is clearly his element. When not travelling, Felix enjoys observing local UK wildlife and sharing his experiences through public talks or field outings.

Xavier is an Ecuadorian–Brazilian with over 30 years of experience in tourism and bird guiding. Since 2010, he has devoted much of his time to photographing wildlife, particularly birds and mammals, across Ecuador, Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Argentina, and Peru. His passion for nature is contagious, and trips with him are fun, joyful, and always enriching. Xavier prioritises giving guests access to the best locations at the right time for unique photographic opportunities. For him, “Nature is his church”—photography represents both conservation and discovery.

Richard and Victor are longtime friends with a shared passion for Africa and the great outdoors. Richard, an expert guide with extensive experience across Southern Africa, currently lives in South Africa with his family, working as a freelance guide. As a key member of the FOW team, he provides invaluable insights and up-to-date expertise on planned routes and trips, particularly within Africa, ensuring every journey is authentic, seamless, and unforgettable

Vasim Mirza is a hospitality professional with over 15 years of experience in India and abroad. He understands guest needs and knows how to make them feel comfortable. His focus is to ensure every guest he works with is happy and satisfied with the services arranged, making their travel experience truly valuable. Vasim takes pride in offering the best travel solutions with top-notch hospitality, safety, and affordability. His goal is to create memorable, hassle-free journeys that exceed expectations.