About Us
Karoo Birding Safaris is a family-run travel operation, owned by Japie and Ralie Claassen, who have been married for more than forty years and share a passion for travel, nature and all in it. They are both experienced birders and Honorary Rangers of the South African National Parks. When they are not on the road travelling and sharing their passion with others, they work on alternative energy development sites doing avifaunal research.
Apart from a strong focus on birds and birding, Karoo Birding Safaris is an all-round eco tour operator. We specialise in half day to twenty day tours to various locations in Africa.
Apart from a strong focus on birds and birding, Karoo Birding Safaris is an all-round eco tour operator. We specialise in half day to twenty day tours to various locations in Africa.
|
|
|
Our team
Japie Claassen
Japie spent almost his entire life in the Karoo. He specializes in finding LBJ’s and has been birding in the area for more than 40 years. He also has a good knowledge of the Karoo plants and animals.
Japie loves to share his knowledge of the Karoo and other parts and welcomes all nature lovers and birders, novice to experienced. Japie has a FGASA Level 1 and is DEAT registered, and has seen 800+ bird species of Southern Africa.
Japie loves to share his knowledge of the Karoo and other parts and welcomes all nature lovers and birders, novice to experienced. Japie has a FGASA Level 1 and is DEAT registered, and has seen 800+ bird species of Southern Africa.
Ralie Claassen
Ralie is an experienced birder with more than 800 species on her Southern African life list. She also has a keen interest in the Southern African flora and invertebrates. Ralie is a registered Nature Guide.
Gita Claassen
|
With the love of nature and travel running through her veins, Gita is both an avifaunal specialist and registered guide, and a professional photographer. She resides in the picturesque village of Prince Albert where she treats clients to various birding and photo trips in the area. She is also involved in the avifaunal census work on alternative energy development sites.
|
|
Jakkie Claassen
|
The youngest son of Japie and Ralie, Jakkie has the outdoors in his blood, and went on studying as guide, ranger, and anti-poaching agent after finishing school. He now works as guide, manager, and bird and bat monitor on the alternative energy sites. He is based in Beaufort West.
|
