Hi, I’m Ananda, a certified safari guide, versatile Africa expert, and passionate wildlife photographer with an almost obsessive passion for Africa in general. My extensive travels across the continent have immersed me in its rich history, diverse cultures, and breathtaking landscapes. As a guide, I express my deep passion for nature and create unforgettable safari experiences in Africa’s unspoiled wilderness.
Want to know more?
Me & Safari
Born and raised in the remote forests of Switzerland, I quickly discovered the magic that only unfolds in unspoiled natural spaces. However, whenever I visited my grandmother, I spent hours in front of her TV (we didn’t had one), fascinated by documentaries about the African wilderness. The seemingly endless wildlife and untouched landscapes ignited a fascination that would change my life years later. This early imprint sparked a lifelong dream of becoming a ranger – a dream that almost came true.
I have traveled through Africa since an early age and spent extensive time in over 35 national parks across 19 countries. My appreciation for the diverse nature of the continent has grown with each visit. My latest Africa travels, which led from Addis Ababa to Cape Town, solidified my decision to obtain a safari guide certificate. I consider myself fortunate to live my dream and see it as the greatest privilege to guide others, including you, through magical Africa.
The Africa Expert
My fascination with our neighboring continent has spanned over 25 years, during which I have tried to gain a deeper understanding of its rich history, diverse cultures, complex politics, and vast geography.
This fascination deepened at the age of 13 during my first safari in Kenya. At the same time, I began studying African percussion instruments in Switzerland and later in West Africa. To broaden my horizons, I learned the basics of local languages in East Africa. Since 2004, I have organized themed events related to Africa in Switzerland as well as in various African countries and repeatedly immersed myself in the endless and vibrant cultural scene.
Since then, I have had the privilege of curating well over 1,000 concerts, mainly with groups from Africa or with African roots, in my own event center and other locations. Until recently, I ran one of the largest African music festivals in Europe, which annually attracted 70,000 visitors. These diverse experiences have significantly deepened my understanding of the rich cultural fabric in Africa’s 54 countries.
All the years in this cultural field have also refined my understanding of local customs and traditions. Humbly acknowledging that Africa is home to over 3,000 different tribes and countless cultures, each with its own rich traditions and practices, it goes without saying that even with extensive experience, it is impossible to grasp even a fraction of the depth and diversity of this vast cultural mosaic.
However, the experiences I have gathered allow me to navigate cultural matters with sensitivity and respect, thus fostering positive interactions between guests and local communities.
As a certified event manager, it is important to me to ensure smooth and well-coordinated safari experiences. And another cool feature of Ananda Safaris is that, through my international network, I am always informed about current events like festivals, traditional happenings, and other special features.
The Photographer
Although I started photographing wildlife at a young age and refined my skills after art school, I only began pursuing photography seriously in 2011. But I must also admit that there were phases when I simply left my camera at home, even for entire trips to Africa. Because I believe that sometimes we forget that the best memories are the ones we carry within us. Enjoying the wilderness free from distractions creates moments that imprint themselves in our hearts and hold a special place that no one can ever take away.
Nonetheless, wildlife photography brings many dimensions that can truly enrich a wilderness experience and also contribute to conservation efforts. I love spending countless hours either in the car or, preferably, strolling through the savanna with my cameras.
Photography has become one of my greatest teachers, repeatedly teaching me the virtues of patience, attention, and generally a deeper connection to nature. It’s not just about us photographers activating all our senses in these moments, but also about observing the behavior of animals more patiently and consciously, interpreting the situation to then capture the perfect moment. I believe that the time spent with such dedication in nature transforms one from a mere observer into a part of the natural world.
Regarding Equipment: Whenever I can, I travel with 3-4 camera bodies and a set of lenses ranging from 14mm f/1.8 to 600mm f/4. This combination ensures that I am optimally prepared for any situation.