Your African Safari Hosts
 The driving force behind Wilderness Encounters is a passionate appreciation for nature, as seen in the life of co-owners, Brendon and Sheri Schmikl.
For Brendon, it all started as a young boy, spending school holiday periods visiting friends in the bush. By the age of 16, he'd made up his mind, "One day I'm going to live in the bush!" That dream was only realized after a few year detour as a "city guy," living the suit and tie, pub lunch life of a salesman in Pretoria . In 1990, Brendon traded in the sports car for a Land Rover and started a business leading rugged overland safaris through Botswana . Four years later, the call of the wild took him to the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve. Over a 5-year period, Brendon served as ranger, head ranger and lodge manager for three well-known safari lodges in the Timbavati. Then in 1999, his interest in conservation led him to a position as wilderness area manager for an 8,600-acre stretch of land in the Timbavati. This hands-on experience, combined with formal conservation studies, has contributed to Brendon's vast knowledge in habitat management as well as animal behavior, tracking and all relevant bush skills. His background also includes full accreditation through the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT) as well as special training in advanced weapons handling with dangerous game. Brendon has earned his National Higher Diploma in Nature Conservation from Tshwane University of Pretoria. As a tourist, Sheri came from Los Angeles to South Africa in 1998 and quickly fell in love with the bush and Brendon. The two were married later that year and Sheri traded her career as a radio news broadcaster and professional writer for life in the wilderness of the Timbavati. She quickly earned her stripes, living for nearly 4 years with all manner of wildlife and big game at her back door. This "baptism of fire" also included literally building fires to heat water, cranking a heavy pump to bring water from a well, and living daily life without electricity. During this time, Sheri also earned her introductory Field Guides Association of South Africa certificate while refining her culinary skills to a "5 Star" level.
Brendon and Sheri started Wilderness Encounters in 2001. Their hope is to create one-of-a-kind, intimate bush experiences that will leave visitors forever impacted by the wonders of nature.
Contact us now for more information about our African Safari experience!
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From Our
African Safari Guestbook:
"These safaris are
really an outstanding experience. That's why I keep coming back again and again. When you're a genuine bush lover, you can see the difference immediately."
Gilla Kaplan, Phd.
New York, NY
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