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daniel bailey

Daniel Bailey

Growing up in Zimbabwe instilled in Dan a deep love for nature, conservation and African wildlife. He spent much of his childhood exploring Africa’s truly wild and untouched places.

After finishing his degree at Stellenbosch University, Dan decided to forego tradition and follow his boyhood dream of becoming a ranger / professional field guide. He started his guiding career at some of the foremost game reserves in the Eastern Cape of South Africa before moving to MalaMala Game Reserve in 2015. Here Dan revelled in the opportunity of being at one of Africa’s most iconic reserves and became their specialist photographic ranger.

Photography and cinematography initially started as a hobby that came from the desire to document nature’s most thrilling spectacles and intimate moments. It grew into an insatiable passion.

For the last seven years, Dan has guided some of the world’s best wildlife photographers, as well as their clients, in one of the world’s premier wildlife destinations. A decade spent observing and photographing African wildlife has gifted Dan with a specialised and in-depth knowledge on all aspects of Africa’s wildlife. His ability to predict animal behaviour is a priceless skill when it comes to maximising once-in-a-lifetime photographic opportunities out in the field.

Dan placed an image in “Remembering Lions”, a highly acclaimed “Remembering Wildlife” series of charity books. The book is full of images donated by more than 70 of the world’s top wildlife photographers, with an aim to raise awareness of the plight facing lions, and to raise funds to protect them.

His lodge based guiding experience at esteemed private game reserves, coupled with his amiable and relaxed manner, enables Dan to instantly connect with, and guide, both new and seasoned safari goers through their personal photographic journey.

Client Testimonials

  • Private South AfricaJenny Brown, South Africa

    This was my last safari for this year with ORYX photo tours. I am on a journey of photographic discovery, of the natural world, as well as of my own artistic expression.

    I have been so blessed to have the means to follow this passion but even more so, to have been able to travel with ORYX as a company and Daniel Bailey as my guide. Their collective direction and guidance have provided me with opportunities to freely experiment and test my skills. I have collected some incredible images and experiences, not least of all this latest safari.

    Covering Londolozi and MalaMala in 8 days, I revisited some favourite characters in the leopard population. It has been so special to return and find a precious cute cub grown into a formidable male leopard.

    This area of the world is where my soul breathes, under towering trees that have incalculable years under them, lining a living, moving Sand River which houses all manner of bushveld experiences that have become special memories for those who have visited her. My own new memories have a two-crocodile tangle over a hyena carcass, summer storms and rainbows of promise, delights of dung beetles rolling their wares away, new leopards I had not yet encountered, mating leopards and a little training in flash photography (need a lot more practice here…. Going to need to rebook :)) amongst many more sightings.

    Perspective - is the most valuable skill I have been able to develop through this journey to date, in photography and in life. With the ORYX team supporting me, I could leap into adventures I may not have had the courage to take on alone.

    Wishing all at ORYX a blessed festive season! I look forward to the adventures 2023 will bring

  • MadagascarArlene Courtney, USA

    This was a great photo tour. The accommodations were excellent for the locality. Dale and Daniel were excellent tour leaders. I really appreciated Dale's personality and willingness to accommodate all members of the tour. He gave us excellent photo advice and was always looking to put each guest into a good spot to see and photograph the wildlife. I know that some guests had physical mobility issues which made even relatively easy hiking difficult. Dale did his best to accommodate these individuals. The drivers who transported us from place to place were excellent as the roads in Madagascar are amazingly poor. I would gladly do another trip with Dale.

  • Private ZambiaJenny Brown, South Africa

    My recent private photo safari to the lower Zambezi National Park with ORYX Photo tours, was nothing less than incredible!

    What an amazing destination. Game viewing extends from options to canoe and explore the river via boat, as well as the conventional land cruiser. I even got try my hand at fishing for a tiger fish!

    Photographic opportunities were quite unique with the inlets from the Zambezi creating small oases in the bush for animals to drinks and feed at. The expanse of the river also provides beautiful photographic opportunities of hippos and crocodile not to mention incredible sunsets and early morning light! The winter thorn groves capture light in a way that makes for romantic bush scenes. Wildlife is abundant and pristine.

    All that’s left to say is I am counting the days until I can return.

    ORYX managed all my trip requirements and took the stress of travel out of my trip. I am already rebooked on another tour!

  • Private South AfricaJenny Brown, South Africa

    I recently travelled with ORYX to the Mala Mala Private Game Reserve. I called on them at the 11th hour and they seamlessly booked and planned everything. The destination was amazing, boasting incredible sightings. I look forward to many more photo tours exploring and learning in the wild places of Africa!

Upcoming Tours with Daniel

serengeti photo tour Spaces Available
 
15 Sep 2023 - 21 Sep 2023
7 Days
6 Guests + 1 ORYX Leader
mashatu photo tour7 2 Spaces Available
 
4 Oct 2023 - 9 Oct 2023
6 Days
3 Guests + 1 ORYX Leader
congo conservation company gorilla trekking Fully Booked
 
Nov 2023 - Dec 2023
14 Days
4 Guests + 1 ORYX Leader
Spaces Available
20 Days
10 Guests + 1 ORYX Leader
snow leopard photo tour Spaces Available
 
8 Jan 2024 - 19 Jan 2024
12 Days
10 Guests + 1 ORYX Leader
african black leopard 2 Spaces Available
 
8 May 2024 - 15 May 2024
8 Days
3 Guests + 1 ORYX Leader
south africa photo tour24 2 Spaces Available
 
1 Nov 2024 - 6 Nov 2024
6 Days
4 Guests + 1 ORYX Leader
congo elephant photo safari tour 2024 Spaces Available
 
Nov 2024 - Dec 2024
14 Days
4 Guests + 1 ORYX Leader

Photography Portfolio

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