Derek Schuurman

Born in South Africa, where I studied Psychology and Sociology, I have had a strong interest in wildlife (birds in particular) for as long as I can remember.   As a result of a long-standing fascination with Madagascar', I began visiting the island from 1992. While working in South Africa, I undertook many exploratory trips to Madagascar, as well as to the Mascarene islands, Mozambique, Uganda, Ethiopia and Eritrea. 

In 1992, I met travel publisher Hilary Bradt, with whom I co-authored the first three editions of 'Madagascar Wildlife: A Visitors Guide', which won The Sunday Times (UK) 'Small Publisher of the Year Award. Outlets in which I had articles published, include BBC Wildlife and World Birdwatch magazines.

In 2009-'10 and 2018-'20 I participated in a voluntary team of individuals including conservationists and biologists from NGOs such as Missouri Botanical Gardens, Global Forest Watch and World Resources Institute, on a campaign surrounding illegal logging within protected areas of Madagascar. The studies, which also address wider conservation-related topics in Madagascar, can be viewed on ResearchGate.  

My contributions to book projects included the Madagascar chapter in the stunning coffee-table book ‘Evocative Africa’, (2013) which took 'the Godfather of wildlife photography', Gerald Cubitt almost a decade to complete. I also wrote for the 'Global Guide to Animal Protection' (2014), an extensive collection of essays on animal welfare and protection around the world. 

While Madagascar will always be my favourite destination, I have enjoyed a myriad of unforgettable experiences in other African countries. Top of the list among these include attending a Hamar bull-jumping ceremony in Ethiopia; Gorilla tracking in both Rwanda and Uganda, seeing Green turtle hatchlings scurrying to the sea in Sao Tome & Principe; night drives in Botswana and safari in Kenya. It is moments like these that one cherishes forever. They are a continual source of inspiration and I enjoy facilitating similar experiences for our clients who wish to appreciate rare wildlife in sometimes remote and offbeat countries.