Named "Best Safari Guide on the Planet" in Outside magazine’s Travel Awards, Thuto Moutloatse's life has evolved around wildlife. His passion for nature runs so deep that one of his guests once observed, “He seems to really understand the profound position he is in—that he lives our ‘trip of a lifetime' every single day.”

As a result of his father’s involvement in tourism and conservation, Thuto had the privilege of growing up in pristine natural areas of Botswana, which fostered a childhood love of the wild. He continued to hone his bush skills and passion for wilderness through hiking and horseback riding while attending Treverton College in the foothills of the Drakensberg Mountains in neighboring South Africa.

Following graduation, Thuto completed a Travel & Tourism course, undertook volunteer work at Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve, then returned to Botswana, beginning his career at Khama Rhino Sanctuary. He then spent four years as a lodge-based guide in the private Linyanti Concession. To feed his insatiable interest in Botswana’s diverse ecosystems, Thuto began leading safaris that spanned the country's mosaic of prolific wildlife regions, enhancing his natural sense for guiding and furthering his personable rapport with guests.

Thuto’s extensive knowledge of birding, tracking and wildlife photography, combined with his larger-than-life personality, have earned him frequent guiding requests from repeat guests from around the world. There is a never a dull moment with Thuto: he may have you down on your hands and knees looking at tiny critters, tracking big game on foot, or enjoying “breakfast-on-a-spade” or dinner under the stars. After going on safari with Thuto, guests return home with new knowledge and a new friend. But while you are with him in the moment, be sure to ask him about Tour de Tuli and why he loves seafood so much…

Thuto is an accomplished photographer, leading photographic safaris throughout Africa while sharing his technical expertise with guests. View Thuto's latest photography portfolio additions on Instagram at @thutomoutloatse.

Enjoy this selection of Thuto's nature photography: