Ian Batchelor
Born in Nakuru, Kenya in 1965, Ian spent his early childhood in one of the more beautiful parts of
Africa. His parents moved to Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) when he was five years old and this is where Ian
developed his love and passion for everything that Africa embraces.
After completing his A levels at Prince Edward High School in Harare, Zimbabwe, Ian went on to study at
the Universities of Cape Town and Witwatersrand, in South Africa, where he received both a B.A. Degree
and an Honors Degree in International Relations, Strategic Studies, Industrial Psychology and Languages.
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After University, Ian had the opportunity to begin his studies and training for his Zimbabwe
Professional Guides License, writing and passing his initial exams in 1992. Then in 1994, Ian left Zimbabwe and went on to guide vehicle and walking safaris at Sabi Sabi Game Reserve in South Africa, where he completed their well reputed Ranger Training program before joining Central African
Wilderness Safaris in Malawi and Eastern Zambia. Before leaving the operation, Ian held the Senior
Guide position and was also responsible for guide training and lodge management.
In 1995 Ian moved to Tanzania to join one of the most prestigious Photographic Company's; Ker &
Downey, Tanzania. Ian started off as a camp manager/safari guide and two years later he was
promoted to Senior Guide in the Private Luxury Safari Program. Work included the guiding of mobile
tented, walking, adventure and photographic safaris. In this initial role, he was also responsible
for product development and itinerary planning and he continues to take an active interest in this
area today, especially with the development of the company's new horseback and walking safaris.
During the first couple of years, Ian learned the skills of providing top standards of service to a
discerning International clientele. Over the years Ian has been involved in a number of special
guiding projects and he has led safaris for both the American Museum of Natural History and the
Smithsonian Institute's trips.
Ian is fluent in English, Afrikaans, Swahili and German. He has extensive knowledge of the animals, reptiles, birds, insects, trees and especially the people of Tanzania. Ian has traveled extensively throughout the African continent and specializes in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa. In his
free time, Ian works on and exhibits his wildlife photography and is busy working on a long term
project compiling data for a reference book on the trees and flora of Tanzania's National Parks and
Game Reserves. Ian is also very passionate about conservation and is involved in several of the
company's projects.
Ian joined The African Bush Camps team in 2008 as one of its leading guides, and will be conducting
many of it's safaris in both East and Southern Africa.
