Doug Lawrence

Born and raised in Harare, Doug Lawrence attended St. George’s College. Childhood holidays involved camping trips to many of Zimbabwe’s safari areas and it was from here that Doug’s love of the bush and the great outdoors was born.
After school, Doug travelled to South Africa to study Engineering at the University of Natal and returned to Zimbabwe a graduate ready to start his career. After a couple years in the engineering industry, Doug realised that something was amiss and that he was not following his passion. He decided to make a break and took a job as a Camp Manager in Mana Pools in 1998. It was a complete change of lifestyle and not what the young man had expected.

He decided to travel to the UK at the end of the year and returned to Zimbabwe in late 1999, having broadened his horizons and having had time to think about what he wanted. On his return to Zimbabwe, Doug got involved in a stop-frame animation movie, Africa’s first. He then moved into Remote sensing and interpretation of Satellite Imagery in which he subsequently obtained a masters degree.

In 2006 Doug returned to the Safari Industry, having rediscovered his passion after a trip to Mana Pools and having matured since his initial interest shown in 1998. Doug began the steps as a Learner Guide in the field and found true pleasure in sharing his passion for the African Bush with guests from various walks of life. In 2011 he qualified as a professional guide and obtained his full license.

Before joining African Bush Camps, Doug was working with Classic Africa Safaris in Mana Pools and Chizarira National Park, managing and guiding clients on mobile tented expeditions.

Doug believes that the most rewarding aspect of a Guides Job is sharing his passion with his guests and ensuring that they walk away with unique life long knowledge and memories of the beautiful places they have visited.