Sam Horner

Sam was born and raised in Kenya, and his early adventures across top safari destinations sparked a lifelong love of the wild. With a background in conservation and tourism, Sam uses his extensive first-hand knowledge to craft personalised, memorable safaris for his travellers.

Sam’s Recent Travel Experience

Sam makes it a point to travel back to Africa at least twice per year to reconnect with family and friends across the region. This past May, he embarked on a memorable journey, combining a familiarisation trip to Botswana during one of the greatest flood years in recent memory with a personal visit to family in Namibia to explore the breathtaking landscapes of Sossusvlei. These regular trips not only strengthen his personal ties but also keep him deeply connected to the destinations he specialises in, including Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, Uganda, Rwanda, and Victoria Falls. All his travels ensure he can craft truly personalised safari experiences for his clients.

Sam’s Most Memorable Experience

“It’s tough to pick just one, but a recent trip to Northern Tanzania really stands out. We were fly camping in a remote spot near the Ngorongoro Highlands, with sweeping views of Ol Donyo Lengai and Gelai. Our camp was simple, just star-beds beneath a sky so clear you felt you could see every star in the universe. At dawn, the landscape turned deep reds and oranges, with Ol Donyo Lengai silhouetted in the distance. As I sipped my morning coffee, it hit me just how peaceful it was, with no other people for miles, only the sounds of the bush. It’s moments like that which remind me why I keep coming back.”

Sam’s Bio

Sam’s career has always been rooted in Africa. He’s worked across hospitality and lodge management, embracing every opportunity to stay close to nature and to the people who call these wild places home. Alongside his work in tourism, he’s been involved in conservation projects that have highlighted the importance of tourism in protecting wildlife and supporting local communities.

A keen wildlife photographer, Sam has a talent for capturing the spirit of Africa’s landscapes and wildlife. Whether his clients are seasoned photographers or those picking up a camera for the first time, he loves helping them get the most out of their safari photography, through sharing tips and creative ideas both before and during their trips. His photography is a natural extension of his travels and a way of preserving the moments that matter most.

Now based in the UK, Sam stays closely connected to the wild whenever possible, whether photographing local birdlife, camping, or fly fishing in the countryside, as he plans his next African adventure.

Expert Destinations

All destinations
  • Masaai, Kenya - Yellow Zebra Safaris

    Kenya

    The original birthplace of safari, where world-class wildlife experiences and beautiful beaches meet.

  • Tanzania

    A classic safari destination home to big game, epic wildlife events, and iconic national parks.

  • gorilla trekking uganda africa yellow zebra safaris

    Uganda

    Primate treks, boating expeditions, traditional safaris, and more. Uganda’s safari potential is wonderfully diverse and untapped.

  • Gorillas, Wilderness Bisate Reserve, Volcanoes NP, Rwanda

    Rwanda

    Gorilla trekking, Big Five safaris, and poignant history. Rwanda is a truly inspiring safari destination.

  • Botswana River crossing with Elephants

    Botswana

    From dusty salt pans to delta floods, Botswana is a celebration of pristine African wilderness.

Sam’s Top Lodges

  • Lounge, Elephant Watch Camp, Samburu National Park, Kenya
    Kenya
    •
    Tented
    •
    Classic

    Elephant Watch Camp

     Enquire for pricing

    This is a camp with a lot of history and character! It is owned by Iain and Oria Douglas-Hamilton and run by their daughter Saba. The Douglas-Hamilton family are elephant researchers well known for their conservation endeavours, including Save the Elephants.…

  • Clouds Bedroom 2
    Uganda
    •
    Permanent lodge
    •
    Luxury

    Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge

     From AU$1,414 – AU$2,333 pp

    Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge is an excellent option for keen gorilla trekkers, providing other exciting activities too! This property has a fabulous location on a hilltop, on the south-western side of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Clouds Mountain Gorilla…

  • tent exterior dawn namiri plains tanzania yellow zebra safaris
    Tanzania
    •
    Permanent lodge
    •
    Luxury

    Namiri Plains

     From AU$1,979 – AU$3,181 pp

    In Swahili, ‘Namiri’ means big cat – and before the camp was built, the area was closed to tourists for 20 years to allow the cheetah population to restore itself. These grasslands are still a safe haven for big cats, including lion, and with the other camps…

  • Wilderness Safaris Savuti (103)
    Botswana
    •
    Permanent lodge
    •
    Luxury

    Savuti Camp

     From AU$1,781 – AU$2,884 pp

    A traditional-style thatch-and-canvas bushcamp, Wilderness Savuti is the best value option within the Linyanti Wildlife Reserve. It offers a great range of activities too. Wilderness Savuti is owned and run by Wilderness. Wilderness Savuti offers authentic…

Talk to someone who’s been there

Real expertise doesn’t come from a few trips to Africa. All our specialists have either been guides, run the camps, or grown up and lived in Africa. That’s over 600 years of genuine safari experience.
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+61 1800 841 726
Sam Horner
Team Leader