Eric Van Staden

Co-Founder & Director / Photographic Guide

Eric Van Staden

Co-Founder & Director / Photographic Guide
Creative Visionary, Adventure Photographer, Educator

Eric Van Staden, owner and director of Go Beyond Safaris, and staff photographer for Photo Safari Company, stands in a lodge with a thatched roof. The African savanna stretches out in the background.

Eric’s Story

I’M A LOVER OF ALL THINGS PHOTOGRAPHY

Born in Zimbabwe and raised on adventure, Eric’s path to photographic storytelling began at 13, midair in a skydiving harness. What started as a thrill-seeker’s pursuit evolved into two decades of capturing moments – first in freefall, then across the African savanna.

As a former skydiving cameraman and instructor, Eric developed a rare instinct for timing, composition, and movement. His work spans continents and disciplines – from sky to underwater, from real estate to wildlife – but his passion always leads him back to Africa’s wild.

Based between Australia and Africa, but forever grounded in Zimbabwe, Eric combines his deep technical skills with a gift for mentoring photographers at every level.

Through his company In-House Imaging, and as co-founder of Photo Safari Company & Go Beyond Safaris, Eric helps guests slow down, observe deeply, and craft meaningful images with purpose.

“The best photo safaris don’t chase shots – they wait for the moment to come to you.”

Preferred Camera System

Canon

Pro Experience

10+ Years

Favourite Countries

Mexico, Namibia, New Zealand, Zimbabwe

Photographic & Videography Specialties:

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  • Wildlife
  • Skydiving & motion
  • Real-estate & Architecture
  • Underwater
  • Portraiture
  • Motor Sport
Colorful bird perched on flower

A Glimpse Into Moments That Have Moved Me

This gallery is a collection of encounters that stopped me in my tracks, quiet exchanges, raw power, and fleeting beauty found only in the wild.
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Each image tells a story.
 
Not just of the animals, but of the stillness, patience, and connection it took to be there, to witness, not interrupt.
 
These aren’t just photographs; they’re pieces of my heart, captured in the untamed wilds of Africa.

  • Guests on an African safari observe two cheetahs perched on a termite mound from an open safari vehicle. The scene is set against a backdrop of dry terrain, baobab trees, and a soft, colorful sky, capturing the thrill of wildlife encounters in the African wilderness. Image by Eric Van Staden.
  • A giraffe stretches its legs wide to drink from a pool of water, its reflection mirroring the animal's intricate pattern in the calm surface. The arid landscape frames this moment of wildlife in its natural habitat.
  • A rock hyrax, a small mammal with brown and gray fur, stands alert on a large, textured rock. Its small, dark eyes gaze to the left, showcasing its compact body. The rock's surface is a mix of light and shadow.
  • A warthog grazes on green grass, head lowered, with trees blurred in the background. Its coarse hair and distinctive face warts are clearly visible.
  • Hippo in water with its mouth wide open, revealing large teeth and pink interior. Ripples reflect the animal's form in the water.
  • A European starling perches atop a twig, its iridescent feathers shimmering with blues and greens, dotted with white spots. The bird is set against a blurred background of muted greens and blues.
  • A lioness rests peacefully on the sand, paws tucked under her chin, eyes closed in slumber. Her tawny fur blends with the sandy background in this serene wildlife scene.
  • Baby elephant playfully climbs over a fallen log, trunk raised and pink tongue peeking out. An adult elephant stands nearby, its legs visible in the background. A charming wildlife moment.
  • Close-up of a vervet monkey's face, showcasing its expressive brown eyes, grey fur, and curious expression. This portrait captures the essence of these fascinating creatures, often seen in Nick Wigmore's photography.
  • Close-up of an alert impala with striking black eyes and a reddish-brown coat, standing amongst its herd. The animal's ears are perked up, showcasing their intricate inner details.
  • A vibrant lilac-breasted roller perches atop a weathered branch, showcasing its stunning array of colors: lilac, turquoise, and brown. The bird, a favorite subject of Nick Wigmore, is set against a soft, blurred background.
  • Close-up of a majestic male lion with a golden mane, intense eyes, and a determined expression. The lion's face is detailed, showcasing its powerful features and regal bearing.
  • A vibrant male Superb Fairywren, with striking blue and black plumage atop its head and back, perches on a weathered log, singing with its beak open. Its white belly contrasts the green background.
  • Striking black and white portrait of a zebra, showcasing its unique stripe pattern and expressive eyes. The image highlights the zebra's head and neck, with soft lighting accentuating its features.
  • Serene riverbank with trees reflecting on the water
  • A herd of elephants seeks shade under a large acacia tree on the African savanna. Dry grasses surround them in the sunlit landscape.
  • A vibrant lilac-breasted roller in flight, displaying brilliant blue, turquoise, and brown plumage against a pale sky. Its long tail feathers trail behind it, showcasing its beauty.
  • Secretary bird struts across the arid African savanna. This striking bird of prey, with its gray feathers, black markings, and long legs, is a unique sight in the wild.
  • A black kite, captured mid-flight, dives downward with wings spread and tail feathers fanned. Its sharp yellow beak is visible against a blurred, light blue sky.
  • A majestic kudu bull stands alert in the African savanna, its spiraled horns prominent against a hazy backdrop. The antelope's striped coat blends with the dry landscape, showcasing Nick Wigmore's wildlife photography.
  • Elephant calf playfully bathing in a muddy waterhole, trunk curled, with two adult elephants in the arid African savanna.
  • A black-backed jackal stands alert in the African savanna, its tan fur contrasting with the dark stripe along its back. The jackal's sharp gaze and pointed ears suggest it's listening intently in its natural habitat.
  • A Southern Ground Hornbill soars across the African savanna, its black plumage contrasting with a vibrant red throat pouch and striking white wing feathers. The bird flies low over dry grasses, captured by Nick Wigmore.
  • African fish eagle perched on a bare branch against a clear blue sky. The eagle has a white head and chest, dark wings, and a brown body.
  • Three tawny frogmouth owls huddled together on a tree branch, their mottled gray and brown plumage blending seamlessly with the bark. A glimpse of eucalyptus leaves adds a touch of green to the scene.
  • A striking Secretarybird stands atop a leafy bush against a pale sky. The bird's gray neck and black wing feathers contrast with its long, stilt-like legs. Its orange face and spiky crest add to its unique appearance.
  • An Arrow-marked Babbler, a gray bird with striking orange eyes, perches atop weathered wood. Its detailed plumage and sharp features are on display in this wildlife portrait.
  • A juvenile raptor, possibly a hawk, perches alertly on a bare branch. Its brown and cream plumage is ruffled in the breeze, as it surveys its surroundings.
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Our Other Team Members

Nick Wigmore, Founder of Go Beyond Safaris and Photo Safari Company.

Nick Wigmore

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Rachel Wigmore, Operations & Guest Experience manager

Rae Wigmore

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Sarah-Jane

Sarah-Jane

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