David Luck

Growing up in Zambia and spending time in the bush, Dave developed a passion for the wilderness, learning how to survive in harsh environments, tracking animals and accompanying anti-poaching patrols to combat elephant and rhino poaching in the wild Luangwa Valley. He spent his early guiding days in Zimbabwe's Matusadona National Park and the Okavango Delta in Botswana where he managed various safari camps in the delta and was also the captain of a houseboat dedicated to wildlife viewing. Dave has traveled extensively in southern and central Africa including Madagascar and the Seychelles. In Malawi he managed a lakeside lodge specializing in unique kayaking trips and scuba diving in the crystal-clear waters.

Dave now lives and works in Botswana where he has led privately guided trips for many years. He currently leads several different itineraries through some of the country's most pristine wilderness. Though Dave specializes in elephants and birds and has a passion for reptiles, especially chameleons, his deep knowledge of 'everything Africa' is astounding. As a Natural Habitat "Hall of Fame" Expedition Leader, Dave has led journeys to varied nature destinations, including Wapusk National Park on Hudson Bay in the Canadian sub-Arctic to search for polar bears, to Uganda to track gorillas and chimpanzees, and Tanzania during the great wildebeest/zebra migration.

In addition to being one of Africa's most respected safari guides, Dave has also has been involved with the "Children in the Wilderness” program – a grassroots environmental education project founded by Paul Newman. When he's not out guiding safaris, Dave's passions include photography, mountain hiking and biking, scuba diving in the Indian Ocean and fly-fishing.

Says Dave: “I am amazed with the fact that we as humans are all connected somewhere, somehow, to the wilderness and its inhabitants. With our complex lifestyles we ‘lose touch’ with what is out there in the wilderness. I really get excited when people come on my trips and their souls re-connect with nature. This is the most rewarding part of my day-to-day experience.”

Upcoming Adventures with Dave:
Secluded Botswana Safari
Secluded Botswana Photo Safari
Botswana: Kalahari, the Delta & Beyond
Botswana's Green Season Photo Safari
The Great African River Safari
The Great Uganda Gorilla Safari
Ultimate Gorilla Photo Safari

Praise from Nat Hab travelers:

B. Lanni
"Dave was amazing and knowledgeable! He really made things come alive with his stories and experiences! I felt very comfortable with him leading our group, and I learned a lot about animal behavior, plants and birds. He was very versatile! I can't say enough about what a wonderful, informative guide he was!"

M. Chandler
"On a scale of 1 to 10, Dave is a 20. He is a phenomenal birder, tracker, driver and guide. He has extensive knowledge of the parks, wildlife, history and culture. His boundless energy and infectious enthusiasm were much appreciated. He was outstanding in absolutely every respect."

J. Francis
"Dave was amazing! His knowledge of the areas and wildlife were amazing. He was very helpful to all levels of photographers. He was very respectful with animal interactions, great at tracking them and telling us about them and gave us them plenty of time. I can't say enough wonderful things about him. He was simply the best!"

B. Wallen
"David is an outstanding guide. I really can't imagine anyone doing a better job. He has the soul of a teacher. He has a wealth of knowledge that he enthusiastically shared. He really went the extra mile to provide us with an exciting and informative experience."

J. Cunningham
"I have now been on 27 safaris and this was my fourth with David. David is the BEST guide I have ever had in Africa."

A. Linder
“Dave's knowledge of the animals and his ability to anticipate their behaviors helped us be prepared to capture some wonderful photos. He was persistent and thorough while on the game drives, following tracks and making great efforts to find the animals. Each game drive was more successful than the one before it because of Dave's expertise. Dave engaged the kids in wonderful extra activities that enhanced their experience. From fishing and a mud bath to swimming in the river and making animal tracks, he was right there with them enjoying the experience. He was excellent!"

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