Kevin van Breda

Kevin grew up in Mutare in the Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe, a setting that inspired his inquisitive nature and instilled a firm fascination with African wildlife. His father was also a key influence in cultivating Kevin’s strong love for animals and nature: with years of service as a game ranger in Zimbabwe’s national parks, he would share exciting tales with his son of animal capture and rescue (Operation Noah, which relocated more than 6,000 animals as the Kariba Dam was built), conveyed with an enthusiasm that fostered Kevin’s appreciation for this exhilarating outdoor life. Visits to natural history museums along with memorable field trips augmented his emerging passion, with one such trip introducing him to the Zambezi Valley and its mighty river.

Since 1994, Kevin has embraced every opportunity for firsthand experience of southern Africa’s wildlife regions, and he has also travelled to Borneo and Australia to view native wildlife there. Zimbabwe has been his special focus, with 15 years of licensed guiding experience in the World Heritage Site of Mana Pools National Park as well as Matusadona, Hwange and Zambezi national parks. He is especially enthused to lead walking safaris, which he describes as “the main medium through which I assist people to piece together the encompassing and intricate ‘African jigsaw puzzle' of which they become a part…Africa is an ‘experience’ that needs to be witnessed in person,” says Kevin, “in order to be even vaguely comprehended!” Combining experience, knowledge and humor, Kevin loves sharing Africa’s natural wonders with a wide range of guests. He finds delight in watching their reactions, emotions and facial expressions, and he hopes they will go home with “vivid, life-long memories that may draw them back to Africa again and again.”

In addition to his regular work as a safari guide, Kevin has been involved with rhino reintroduction, lion collaring, and large carnivore research projects undertaken by Zimbabwe’s Department of National Parks and other research enterprises. His personal interests include history, hiking, camping, birding, fishing and photography.

Our Story