Michael Laubscher2026
Born and based in South Africa, Michael was drawn to distant horizons and the fire of African sunsets from a young age while exploring wild places with his family. Those early adventures, often with a disposable film camera in hand, sparked a lasting interest in nature, travel and photography that would later shape his career.
After high school, Michael studied nature conservation and completed his professional field guide qualification. He began guiding in South Africa’s renowned Timbavati and Sabi Sand Game Reserves, where long days in the field helped him develop a strong understanding of wildlife behavior as well as the skills needed to create meaningful experiences for guests.
Michael later spent nearly a decade working with a photography-focused safari company as both a private guide and head guide. During that time, he guided across four continents and more than 20 countries, leading wildlife expeditions in Southern and East Africa, India, Brazil’s Pantanal and the Arctic. These experiences expanded both his global wildlife knowledge and his ability to connect travelers with the landscapes and species they encounter.
Michael's photography is driven by witnessing guests’ “aha” moments, knowing their images will inspire conservation long after the journey ends. He leads with energy and intention, always putting guests first and creating fun educational experiences that foster respect for the natural world. His adventurous and caring nature is felt in the field as well as around the campfire, whether he’s sharing stories from years in the wild or creating new memories with those who travel alongside him.
What's in My Camera Bag
Keep it as small and light as possible, but pack with purpose. I’d rather look at it and not look for it. I organize every piece to be functional, accessible and protected, ensuring the right gear is always in the right place. This preparation allows me to stay present, responsive and ready to capture the extraordinary.
Cameras
Olympus OM-D E-M1X
Insta360 X5 (with invisible selfie stick)
iPhone
Lenses
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm f/2.8 PRO
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm f/4 IS PRO
Other
Laptop
Adobe Lightroom Classic
Camera cleaning kit
SD cards
2 × SSD Drives
Binoculars
Upcoming Adventures with Michael Laubscher
Alaska, Canada & Northern Adventures
Get close to Alaska's grizzlies, watch icebergs calve in Greenland, witness the wonder of the northern lights
African Safaris
Intimate wildlife adventures featuring uncrowded private reserves and remote luxury bush camps
Jaguars & Wildlife of Brazil's Pantanal
Track jaguars, scout for tapirs, look for hyacinth macaws and more in South America’s most extensive wild frontier—the sprawling wetlands of the Pantanal—with some of the planet's most abundant wildlife.
Brazil Jaguar & Wildlife Photo Expedition
The most immersive Pantanal wildlife safari you'll find! Includes an extra day to photograph jaguars in Porto Jofre, plus tapirs, hyacinth macaws and more on private small-boat excursions on the Cuiaba River.
Snow Leopard Quest Photo Expedition
In the company of expert spotters, track the world's most elusive big cats in their native Himalayan habitat on our small-group winter photo safari to the remote alpine heights of Ladakh in far-north India.
Grand India Photo Expedition
Led by an outstanding naturalist-photographer guide, seek photos of rare Bengal tigers, one-horned rhinos, sloth bears and much more on a wide-ranging wildlife photo safari through three diverse national parks.
