ABOUT

EDWARD SELFE

I have been living and working in the Luangwa Valley since 2009. I hold both of South Luangwa’s coveted guiding qualifications, reflecting my love for the bush, its inhabitants and the pleasure of being immersed in wild places. My safaris combine an authentic wildlife experience with excellent photographic guidance, tuition and opportunities.

I live in the bush year-round so I see the seasons come and go, and watch the annual cycle of desperate dry and lush green. This also gives me a unique, long-term perspective on Zambia, its wildlife and its communities.

“Near the end of the global pandemic, my spouse and I decided we needed to ‘get away’ and no place sounded more appealing than a second safari with Edward Selfe. Although there were a few hiccups involved in getting there from Illinois, once in Zambia, the adventure started and did not let up for the entire trip.

We explored small Kasanka NP and were rewarded with great views of the elusive sitatunga antelope, hiked over billion-year-old granite inselbergs in the Mutinondo Wilderness, chased and found shoebills in the Bangweulu Wetlands, along with fantastic encounters with bee-eaters and other swamp life, and ended up in South Luwanga National Park. Here Edward put us in position to see and photograph back-lit leopards creeping through the bush, quietly feeding yellow-billed storks, and we were even in the middle of a lion kill!

The sounds and images were extraordinary. Perhaps the highlight of the entire adventure happened early one morning when my spouse noticed what sounded like a thunderstorm approaching from the nearby wetlands in Bangweulu. Nope, said Edward, just wait . . . soon hundreds of leaping and splashing black lechwe materialized out of the morning light. That is one sight and sound that will stay with me forever. Thank you, Edward, for always putting us in the right place at the right time.”

Michael Jeffords, USA

WHY CHOOSE

EDWARD SELFE

15 Years Guiding Experience

I have lived and worked year-round in the South Luangwa National Park since 2009. I choose to make the bush my home, with my small family, rather than be a “fly-in expert” leading a couple of tours during the busy months. In this way, I have seen the seasons come and go and lived through the annual cycles of desperate dry and lush green.

20 Years Behind a Camera

I started taking photographs in 2000, when I bought my first film SLR. Since then, I have progressed through various cameras, settling on Canon’s excellent system. I have experience with portraits, weddings, sports and wildlife photography, and helped hundreds improve their camera skills.

Always Small Groups

I think that guests on a photographic safari should have constant and direct access to their guide. That’s why I usually keep my group size to a maximum of 4 (occasionally up to 6) and guide from one vehicle. I am also the host and your initial contact is with me so I can guide you through the booking process.

Accomplished Naturalist

First and foremost, my love is for the bush and the pleasure of being immersed in wild places. But I have built a loyal following of guests who like to be guided by a naturalist who holds two coveted guide qualifications, so can share a wealth of knowledge of Nature and its subtleties, but is also a professional photographer.

WATCH

A WINDOW INTO SOUTH LUNAGWA