USA
Junior Marketing Executive
A wildlife enthusiast, past safari guide, and seeker of experiences, Connor has a love for safari that, accompanied by his growing interest within the marketing space, has led him to join Yellow Zebra Safaris. Full of passion and eagerness, he strives to support the brand’s exciting new growth ambitions, whilst continuing to promote Africa’s wonders to the world.
Connor visits South Africa each year to connect with his family, who reside in Hoedspruit, a small local town bordering the Greater Kruger National Park area. Here, he and his family traverse the beautiful landscape of Rietspruit Game Reserve, a 5,000-hectare farm filled with a diverse range of mammals, birdlife, and flora. The reserve has two non-perennial rivers, Zandspruit and Rietspruit, both containing underground water that brings an explosion of greenery and lush bushveld along these systems. Apart from enjoying delicious braais, afternoon siestas, and exciting game drives, one activity Connor always looks forward to on safari is the post-morning coffee stops. Other than seeing a leopard, nothing thrills him more than having a freshly brewed coffee, listening to the awakening of the dawn chorus, and absorbing the warmth from the rising sun’s rays. A surreal moment he cherishes every time on safari.
“While working in the safari industry, I was very fortunate to experience some incredible sightings over those years. One experience that stands out originates from the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, a 60,000-hectare reserve expanding in the western private sectors of Kruger National Park. Driving along the banks of the infamous Klaserie River always presented beautiful sundowner spots. Whilst unpacking the vehicle and setting up the classic G ‘n’ T stop, one of my guests pointed out a young leopardess sitting upright in a Marula tree just 15 metres from our location. As I looked up, she dashed into the thicket! Without hesitation we were all back in the vehicle, eyes wide open, ears on alert, searching for this elusive cat – and to our luck, she was found… but with an unexpected surprise! As we turned the corner, we were graced with the sight of her lying perfectly in an open area on top of a fresh impala kill. She hoisted her kill up the same tree we had originally spotted her in, and we watched her feed peacefully. A full-circle moment to end a memorable experience.”
Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, Connor originally started his career as a safari guide in the Lowveld region, conducting guided safari tours and creating social media content for the lodge. His continuous passion for safari, conservation, and giving people authentic experiences led him to undertake a brand building and management degree, to obtain more acumen to support his endeavours in sharing and preserving Africa’s unique ecosystems for the world. He has also had the opportunity to travel to various locations such as Australia, Italy, Mauritius, and England, soaking in different cultures, food, people, and experiences. However, Africa always has a special place in his heart. Now residing in the UK, Connor was given the opportunity to join Yellow Zebra Safaris to continue following his passion for safari and sharing with others the unique experiences Africa has to offer.
Brian Jackman, safari expert for The Sunday Times, The Telegraph, Condé Nast, and the BBC
Europe's Leading Safari Tour Operator' at the World Travel Awards
"Working with Yellow Zebra Safaris has far surpassed my expectations. They were very easy to get a hold of and took the time needed to explain everything and answer all my questions. They listened to everything I was hoping to get out of the trip and put it all together. I can't thank them enou..."
Donna
"Love, love, love. Our family's best vacation ever.... and most expensive. But all worth it. From the planning, which involved several Zoom meetings and emails to customize our itinerary with Lauren, who answered all my concerns confidently, and delivered. Everything went smoothly. Sure, the..."
Melon Chowder
"The whole process of booking with Yellow Zebra was very efficient. The communication with Jo was excellent and she was very knowledgeable about Tanzania and has put together a great itinerary for us."
Andy
"From the initial enquiry through to booking, the team at Yellow Zebra, especially Sam made whole process seamless. Sam took time and patience to fully understand what we wanted and guided us to ensure we got what we wanted from our holiday in Kenya 😃"
Sanjay Parmar
"Lauren really listened to what I wanted for this trip. She put together options and then worked with me to refine our itinerary."
Sally Nichols-Sharpe
UK / International
CA
Australia
