Graham Cooke

Graham Cooke has been living and working in the bush for many years. Graham has been involved in training as well as operating as a private guide, working in various locations (from Zambia, Botswana, Swaziland, through to Northern KwaZulu-Natal) for the past eight years.

He has worked and lived in a variety of wildlife areas within South and Southern Africa, including the Sabi Sand Game Reserve in Mpumalanga, on the two main rivers of Zambia, namely the Kafue and Luangwa, Phinda Forest Lodge and Djuma Game Reserve, where he is now permanently based.

Graham has a deep-seated love and understanding of wildlife and their environment. He is a devoted bird watcher, leading him to obtain a diploma in Ornithology, as well as setting up and running a rehabilitation operation for birds of prey.

He has had hands-on experience working close-up with some of the large predators; hand-rearing 2 leopard cubs which he lived with in the bush for over a year, as well as assisting in the hand-rearing and release of a lion cub. Other interesting projects have been a close study on a troop of baboons within the Sabi Sand Game Reserve.

He and his wife, Charmian, are founder members of the highly respected, Ecotraining School, the first of its kind in southern Africa to cater for the training of field guides. Affiliated with Allenby Campus, it is an internationally attended course, and Graham is still used as a freelance trainer and lecturer within the organization.

Not only will you have a more intimate experience of the African bush - from the colossal elephant through to the myriads of insects that inhabit it, but his extensive indigenous cultural knowledge will put your whole southern African experience into context. From the Okavango Delta in Botswana to the Greater Kruger National Park in the Lowveld of South Africa, a private guide like Graham will enhance your safari, making it a treasured memory of unrivalled quality.

Guided Safaris with Graham Cooke

1. 12 Day Best of Southern Africa Safari- From $3,195.00
A popular safari program combining a "bit of everything" that Southern Africa has to offer. View scenic Cape Town and the mighty Victoria Falls with some exciting and fantastic game viewing opportunities in Chobe- Botswana, and a private game reserve in South Africa. Kirkman's Kamp has a special offer valid from Jan 07-31 / Apr 06-Oct 10 / Nov 15-Dec 20 - Pay for 2 nights and get the 3rd FREE!...view safari

2. 16 Day Best of Southern Africa Value Safari to Botswana and South Africa - From $6,175.00
This safari highlights the best game viewing opportunities in Botswana combined with some sightseeing in Victoria Falls and Cape Town. For travel January-July 15/Nov 2010-March 31, 2011 and booked before August 31st, this program includes a free night on safari in Botswana....view safari

3. 12 Day Wildlife Safari to South Africa and South-East Botswana - From $4,675.00
Combine two exciting safari experiences at Mashatu Game Reserve in southern Botswana and a Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve in South Africa. Also have a scenic drive/stay through the scenic Drakensberg Mountains near Mpumalanga. There are long stay specials at Mashatu and Kirkmans. Value add stay at Mala Mala. There are some great cultural visits to villages....view safari

4. 11 Day South African Safari and Cape Highlights - From $2,695.00
A fabulous 2010 travel destination. Your itinerary offers a wildlife experience on the Kruger Private Game Reserves where you will take day and night game drives. Combined with some sightseeing leisure time in Cape Town. Take advantage of 2010 rates. Extend your stay and you may receive free nights...view safari

5. 12 Day Best of Wilderness Botswana Flying Safari - From $7,295.00
This flying safari offers three days of superb game viewing at Mombo Camp in Moremi - considered one of the best camps in Botswana and why we have it featured as a Signature Safari. It also takes you 2 other parks that offer an insight to the fantastic wildlife in the Botswana parks utilizing charter flights transfers between the camps. Begin with a night in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe or Livingstone, Zambia. For travel Jan-July 15/Nov 2010-March 31, 2011, stay 7 nights and pay for 6. Must book by August 31st! This program also includes a 7 night discounted stay at the Wilderness Safaris portfolio of camps (except Mombo)!...view safari