THE CRAFTSMEN

A Team, Not a Single Guide

Safari Craftsmen was shaped in quiet moments, over time, through our founders' deep personal connections to Africa.
OUR STORY

The Making of Craftsmen

From childhood stories passed down by parents who loved this land, to years spent moving through wild places on our own terms, the path toward becoming craftsmen took form slowly, the way all things of real quality do.

WHO WE ARE

A Team, Crafted

We are a close-knit team with a deep love for Africa and a shared belief that the details matter. We listen closely, work honestly and bring experience, care and first-hand knowledge to every safari we create.

A Shared Love

Safari Craftsmen began with founders who shared something deeper than an idea: a genuine love for Africa.

Honesty at Heart

Every journey is built on trust, genuine relationships and a deep responsibility to the people and places that make it possible.

A Crafted Team

A small group of travel planners, designers and craftsmen bring years of guiding and destination knowledge to every itinerary.

A Considered Future

As the team grows, more craftsmen will join, focusing on relationships, guiding, and the execution of each journey.

MEET CHRIS RENSHAW

Built Around a Story

A Founder's Belief

Chris Renshaw is a co-founder of Safari Craftsmen, guided by one belief: a safari should be built around a family's story, not a set departure date.

"We can curate any experience," Chris says. "All we need is your story, what drives you, and what will truly deliver. From there, we go to work."

MEET YOUR CRAFTSMEN

The People Behind the Journey

Behind every Safari Craftsmen journey is a team of people who understand that true craftsmanship lives in the details. Our guides, pilots, planners and business minds bring different skills, but share one purpose: to listen carefully, plan thoughtfully and create a safari that feels entirely your own.

Chris Renshaw

PRIVATE GUIDE & DIRECTOR

A private safari guide, conservationist and award-winning wildlife photographer, Chris brings 20+ years of African experience to every trip. His MSc in Zoology and Kruger river research ground his guiding in real science - though he never loses sight of the fun. Empathetic and intuitive, he crafts personal safaris linking guests to landscape, wildlife and people, and is the founder of Conserv Earth, having featured on Nat Geo Wild and Discovery Channel.

Brian van Aswegen

FINANCE DIRECTOR

With degrees in Zoology and Conservation Ecology, Brian began guiding across Greater Kruger's top private reserves. He later co-founded a successful Gauteng business, adding entrepreneurial and financial skill to his field experience. Today, he guides Safari Craftsmen's finances with a rare grasp of conservation and commerce, and as co-founder of Safari Craftsmen and Conserv Earth, helps the business grow with purpose, sound judgement and lasting commitment to Africa.

Jason van Aswegen

SALES DIRECTOR

Jason brings an entrepreneurial mindset, a talent for relationships and a lifelong passion for Africa. His background in sales, marketing and business development taught him great partnerships rest on trust, authenticity and shared purpose. At Safari Craftsmen, he connects guests and partners with experiences that feel personal and considered. Co-founder of Safari Craftsmen and Conserv Earth, he turns collaboration into meaningful conservation impact.

Debby Henson

OPERATIONS & FINANCE MANAGER

Debby is the calm, organised force behind Safari Craftsmen's day-to-day operations. Her experience in corporate travel, finance, administration and client service means she understands the planning behind an effortless journey. From first enquiry to final farewell, she oversees the detail keeping each safari running smoothly. Her meticulous, warm approach gives guests and the team confidence that everything has been considered, coordinated and cared for.

Lee Hutchinson

DIRECTOR

Lee brings entrepreneurial drive, strategic vision and a sharp eye for detail to every guest experience. His career across start-ups, luxury brands and premium wine shaped a deep understanding of discerning clients, lasting relationships and considered service. As Director, Lee guides Safari Craftsmen's commercial direction and growth, protecting the brand's personal heart, with a love of hospitality, wine and purposeful travel that enriches every journey the team creates.

Andre D'Hotman

ASSOCIATE PRIVATE GUIDE & PILOT

Andre's career moved seamlessly between two worlds: safari guiding and aviation. He began guiding in 2000 at renowned lodges like Phinda, Royal Malewane and Singita, earning advanced qualifications in guiding and dangerous game. He became a commercial pilot with 6,500+ hours on the Cessna Grand Caravan and Pilatus PC-12. Flying guests into remote corners of Africa and guiding on the ground, he brings rare flexibility, insight and continuity to every privately guided safari.

Every Craftsman is Connected to Something Bigger

See the conservation work every journey supports.

HOW WE WORK

From Scratch, Every Time

The first conversation

Every journey begins by listening to where you want to go, how you like to travel and what matters most to you.

Crafted around you

Every safari is shaped around your interests, your pace and the way you want to experience Africa.

Trusted connections

Years of experience have connected us with the lodges, camps, guides and charter partners we trust most across Africa.

OUR PARTNERS

Trusted Partnerships

Join the Journey

Every Journey Begins with a Conversation

Tell us where you’d love to go, who you’re travelling with and what matters most.
We’ll craft a safari around you.