Meet the team

The Marais family have resided on this same reserve for 5 generations. My entire life has been spent in nature. Since childhood I have enjoyed hunting and Bisley target shooting which have remained my main sports over the years.

I completed my university studies during 1977 and the main subject of my degree was botany. After my studies I joined my father on this reserve.

Since 1979 I have been conducting hunting safaris commercially with clients. Over this period my aim was to introduce different species to this area and breed animals in a free roaming environment, to enable hunters to hunt animals on a fair chase basis in their natural state.

I am a qualified professional hunter and a licensed hunting outfitter. Karoo Safaris also has accreditation from the South African Police Service, to ‘Conduct Business in Hunting’.

During 2000 I received the award ‘Game Rancher of the Year’ from the South African Hunters and Game Conservation Association and during 2002 I received the award ‘Conservationist of the Year’ from East Cape Game Management Association. Both accolades I am very proud to receive.

• WRSA – Wildlife Ranching SA. I serve on the Management of Wildlife Ranching SA – Eastern Cape Chamber. Further information can be found at: www.wrsa.co.za.
• ECGMA – East Cape Game Management Association. Further information can be found at: www.ecgma.co.za.
• SAHGA – South African Hunters and Game Conservation Association. Further information can be found at: www.sahunt.co.za.
• PHASA – Professional Hunters Association of South Africa. Further information can be found at: www.phasa.co.za.

I grew up within the Karoo Safaris environment of game management and hunting. Since a very young age I was conducting sport hunting. Even in my senior school years I have been guiding SA hunters during hunts on this reserve. During 2000 I received National Colours in Bisley shooting.

After school I went to the University of the Orange Free State where I completed my degree in Wildlife Management.

After these studies I joined my father at Karoo Safaris gaining my qualifications as a professional hunter and I have been conducting trophy safaris with clients for a number of years.

I too am also a member of the WRSA, ECGMA, SAHGA and PHASA.

I have completed my studies in nursing also at the University of the Orange Free State.

During 1979 I married Louis and joined him at Karoo Safaris, ever since have been responsible for all the catering for clients, the accommodation and general admin relating to the hunting operation.