Francois Els

Meet Francois Els – Founder & Professional Hunter

Francois Els has been a Professional Hunter since 1999, carrying forward a family tradition that began when he was just six years old, hunting alongside his father. From those early days, he developed a deep passion for the outdoors and an exceptional ability to stalk and outsmart animals in their natural environment—skills that would later define his career and reputation in the safari industry.

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A Life Devoted to Hunting

Francois’ hunting journey spans decades of experience across Southern Africa. While he embraced bowhunting in the early 2000s and has successfully harvested more than 40 African species with a bow, his greatest passion has always been the raw adrenaline of big-caliber rifle hunting. His expertise covers everything from dangerous game at close range to long-range precision shooting in Africa’s mountains and plains.

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Knowledge That Makes the Difference

What truly sets Francois apart is his extensive knowledge of the African bush. His understanding of the land, its wildlife, birds, and flora gives him the ability to guide clients in any scenario—whether it’s closing in to within 20 yards on a Cape Buffalo with a bow or executing a carefully planned 700-yard rifle shot on a Kudu in the mountains.

This depth of knowledge allows him not only to ensure client success but also to share the stories, traditions, and details of the bush that make every safari a learning experience as well as an adventure.

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More Than a Guide

For Francois, being a Professional Hunter is not simply a career—it’s a way of life. Every safari is an opportunity to connect clients with Africa in its most authentic form: untamed, challenging, and unforgettable. His professionalism, patience, and passion for conservation have earned him the trust of hunters from around the world, many of whom return year after year to hunt by his side.

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Your Safari with Francois Els

When hunting with Francois, you’re guided by someone who lives and breathes the African wilderness. His blend of tradition, skill, and experience ensures that every safari is not only successful but also deeply rewarding.

Francois Els – Professional Hunter, lifelong outdoorsman, and the heart of Kaiwhai Safaris.