Andre Kruger

African travel product and safari operations professional with more than 20 years of first-hand experience across Southern and Eastern Africa. Proven success designing and selling high-end safari itineraries, managing complex booking and logistics requirements, leading luxury lodge operations, training travel and guiding professionals, and delivering exceptional international guest experiences. Deep destination knowledge spanning Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and other major safari regions, supported by strong supplier awareness, customer focus, operational judgment, and cross-cultural communication.

Senior Safari Guide Trainer at Bushwise GVI Pty Ltd (2025-01 – 2026-04)

Trained and assessed aspiring field guides in South Africa's premier wildlife reserves and Big Five environments.

• Delivered classroom and field instruction on guiding protocols, safety procedures, wildlife behavior, and professional conduct.
• Evaluated trainee performance under real operational conditions and provided practical coaching and feedback.
• Helped improve the consistency of training delivery and assessment standards.

Freelance Africa Consultant at Brett Horley Safaris (2024-06 – 2026-04)

Freelance Safari Specialist

• Designed and sold customized luxury, premium, and experiential safari itineraries for international clients across Southern and Eastern Africa.
• Managed the complete booking cycle, including client needs analysis, itinerary refinement, supplier and DMC coordination, logistics, changes, and follow-up.

Private Safari Guide at Freelance (2022-04 – 2025-12)

• Led customized private journeys across Southern and Eastern Africa, adapting itineraries and experiences to the interests and expectations of high-end international guests.
• Interpreted animal behavior, ecology, and conservation principles in an engaging and accessible manner.
• Managed guest safety during dangerous-wildlife encounters and changing field conditions.
• Coordinated complex, multi-destination schedules, transport, accommodation, and expedition logistics in remote environments.

Operations Manager and Private Guide at Tintswalo Lodges (2003-01 – 2022-04)

• Managed the daily operations of luxury safari lodges in a Big Five reserve.
• Supervised staff training, guest services, operational standards, and service delivery.
• Maintained guest safety and service excellence in a remote, high-responsibility environment.
• Delivered private guided safari experiences for international clients.

African Safari Specialist at African Safari Group and Giltedge Africa (2018 – 2024)

• Designed and sold customized luxury, premium, and experiential safari itineraries for international clients across Southern and Eastern Africa.
• Managed the complete booking cycle, including client needs analysis, itinerary refinement, supplier and DMC coordination, logistics, changes, and follow-up.
• Translated first-hand destination knowledge into accurate, compelling recommendations while building strong customer relationships in the luxury North American and international travel markets.

Royal Yachting Association Yachtmaster Ocean, Power and Sail in Maritime

CATHSSETA National Diploma in Hospitality and Nature Conservation

National Diploma in Teaching English – EYE Academy