WILD LIVES

Our Story

Wild Lives was founded by Jurgen Vogt, guide, expedition leader, behavioural psychology specialist, and wildlife photographer with nearly three decades of experience across Africa’s wildest landscapes. What began as a career in conservation has evolved into a life mission: to connect people with the natural world in ways that shift perspective, deepen awareness, and inspire protection.

The Journey So Far

Jurgen’s path into the wilderness began in the early 1990s as a game ranger at the iconic Londolozi Game Reserve. He went on to manage some of Southern Africa’s most celebrated lodges, including Mombo and Xigera in the Okavango Delta, and later properties in Welgevonden and the Madikwe Game Reserve.

His career has taken him from the savannah plains of Southern Africa to the forests and rolling grasslands of East and Central Africa, tracking big cats, exploring remote waterways, and guiding travellers to encounters that transform the way they see the world.

A later degree in psychology and extensive work in human performance deepened his understanding of how time in nature can ground us, restore clarity, build humility, and reconnect us to a sense of belonging in something far greater than ourselves. This integration of wilderness immersion and personal insight lies at the heart of Wild Lives.

What We Do

Wild Lives specialises in designing bespoke, high-end journeys for travellers who want more than a standard safari. We create deeply personalised itineraries for individuals, families, and groups, crafting each journey from the ground up.

Whether you need planning, arranging, booking, guiding, or all of the above, we manage every detail.

Plan Your Safari

Destinations Include

Africa

South Africa • Namibia • Botswana • Zimbabwe • Mozambique
Madagascar • Zambia • Tanzania
Kenya • Uganda • Rwanda

International

South America • North America • Europe • Australasia • Asia

How We Work

Every journey is designed through a hands-on, collaborative process.

We take the time to understand:

• your travel goals
• your pace and preferred style
• your interests (wildlife, landscapes, photography, culture, adventure, solitude)
• any special requests or unique experiences you dream of

From there, we build a seamless itinerary and handle all arrangements, flights, transfers, camps, lodges, activities, and expert-led guiding when requested.

Guiding & Expertise

Through years of experience and, Jurgen and his team at Wild Lives offer unmatched insight into the ecosystems, wildlife, and cultures of Africa

We only use hand-selected world-class guides to lead our safaris and expeditions.

28 Years Experience

Guiding • Lodge Management • Expedition Leadership

Our Philosophy

At Wild Lives, we believe that travel, especially in nature, holds the power to transform.
By guiding travellers into wilderness spaces with intention and respect, we hope to inspire a greater understanding of the natural world and the essential role each of us plays in protecting it.

Every journey is designed to be real, immersive, and unforgettable.

Travel With Us

• Expert-led planning backed by decades of on-the-ground experience
• Personalised itineraries tailored entirely to you
• Deep destination knowledge across Africa and the world
• Trusted partnerships with top lodges, guides, and operators
• Professional, seamless service from first contact to your return home
• Meaningful, transformative experiences rooted in nature and personal insight