Africa's Trusted Outfitter Since 1999
Our Hunting Concessions
South Africa, Nambia, Botswana
Online Support
info@kaiwhaisafaris.com
Free Call
(469)698-3030
Our Hunting Concessions
Online Support
Free Call
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 a young age, he discovered a passion for stalking and outsmarting animals in their natural environment—a skill that laid the foundation for his career.
While he explored bowhunting in the early 2000s and went on to harvest more than 40 African species with a bow, his enduring passion remains with big-caliber rifle hunting and the adrenaline it brings. With extensive knowledge of the land, animals, birds, and flora, Francois guides clients with confidence and precision—whether it’s a 20-yard bowshot on a Cape Buffalo or a carefully executed 700-yard rifle shot on a Kudu in the mountains.
A seasoned outdoorsman with over 16 years of experience, he thrives on the primal allure of hunting and tracking animals. His passion also extends to the tranquil embrace of fishing, where he finds joy in the quiet moments by the water’s edge. Living closely with nature, he cherishes the simplicity and authenticity it provides, discovering in the wilderness a profound connection that goes far beyond mere recreation.
His love for hunting is epitomized by his preference for iron sight rifles—a choice that reflects his appreciation for the pure, unfiltered experience of the chase. For him, every moment spent in nature is a celebration of life’s raw beauty and untamed spirit.
From a very young age AJ has been immersed in the world of hunting, and despite being the youngest member of the Kaiwhai team, his expertise speaks volumes. He proudly holds the title of one of the team’s Professional Hunters (PH), a role he earned through years of dedication and experience. The thrill of getting up close and personal with the animals fuels his enthusiasm, and his impressive track record with clients attests to his proficiency. AJ’s skills were honed by the Khoisan bushmen residing on the farm he grew up on, imparting the invaluable knowledge of tracking animals and knowledge about the bush.
Despite his age, his understanding of animals and the art of hunting is on a professional level. Armed with a .457 lever action rifle adorned with a red dot sight, he navigates the wild with a combination of skill and passion, always ready for the next thrilling pursuit.
Together with her partner Francois, they bring a shared passion for hunting that compliments our business ethic at Kaiwhai Safaris. Passionate about travel since 2001, her unique role includes guiding spouses on exciting excursions, making their time as enriching as their partner’s hunt. Beyond the hunting trip, she takes pride in arranging pre- and post-hunt extensions, allowing exploration of Africa’s diverse landscapes and cultures. Every journey she create for our clients is a personalized and exceptional experience, shaped by her enthusiasm for travel.
Altus is not only an exceptional photographer, videographer, and editor—he’s a true storyteller with a passion for capturing the raw beauty of the African wilderness. As a professional hunting guide with deep knowledge of wildlife and the land, Altus brings more than just technical skill to his craft—he brings authenticity.
Whether he’s filming a once-in-a-lifetime hunt, photographing a breathtaking sunrise, or guiding people on a hunt, Altus does it with unmatched energy and enthusiasm. His love for fishing, hunting, and the great outdoors is infectious, and his warm, lively personality lights up any campfire gathering.
Dayton de Jongh has been part of the Kaiwhai Safaris team for several years, bringing with him strong skills as both a professional hunter and an outdoorsman. Known for his excellent knowledge of bird species and their behavior, Dayton is also a skilled and dedicated hunter who ensures clients enjoy both success in the field and a memorable safari experience.
Claudia Schmidt, one of our U.S. representatives based in Montana, has hunted with us multiple times and is a longtime friend of Kaiwhai Safaris. An avid outdoorswoman and extremely skilled hunter, Claudia is passionate about sharing her love of Africa with others. If you’re considering joining us on a safari, Claudia is a trusted contact who can answer your questions and help guide you through the process
Reed Carlson, one of our U.S. representatives based in Alaska, is a lifelong hunter and the owner of Alaska Gun Company, where he builds precision rifles trusted by hunters around the world. Having hunted with us in Africa many times, Reed knows firsthand the excitement and challenge of safari hunting. If you’re interested in booking a hunt with Kaiwhai Safaris, Reed is a trusted contact who can answer your questions and guide you in planning your African adventure.
Blake Eavenson, one of our U.S. representatives based in Michigan, is a passionate outdoorsman and longtime friend of Kaiwhai Safaris. He has hunted with us in Africa and brings firsthand experience of what makes a safari both exciting and successful. Blake also serves on the boards of Safari Club International (SCI) Dallas and Flint chapters, reflecting his strong leadership in the hunting community. If you’re considering joining us on safari, Blake is a trusted contact who can answer your questions and help guide you through the process.
Collin Carter, one of our U.S. representatives based in Charleston, is a trusted friend of Kaiwhai Safaris and an experienced hunter who has joined us on safari in Africa. His close connection with our team and firsthand knowledge of the hunting experience make him an excellent point of contact for anyone interested in planning their own African adventure. If you’re considering booking a hunt, Collin is always happy to answer questions and share his experiences.
Dr. Jim Gore, one of our U.S. representatives, is both a seasoned hunter and a practicing physician. He has hunted with Kaiwhai Safaris multiple times and has successfully taken the Dangerous 7 with us. Beyond being a trusted reference for anyone interested in booking a hunt, Dr. Gore also partners with us in offering Medically Assisted Safaris, where he can accompany clients who want the peace of mind of having a doctor on hand during their adventure. If you’re considering a safari and would like to know more, Dr. Gore is always available to share his experiences and answer your questions.
Kassandra Davis, owner of Crown Precision Arms and one of our U.S. representatives, is both a passionate hunter and a strong supporter of Kaiwhai Safaris. Through Crown, one of our valued sponsors, she provides world-class precision rifles that many of our clients use on safari. As a representative, Kassandra is a trusted contact for anyone interested in hunting with us and is always happy to share her experience and insight with fellow hunters.
