ABOUT

EDWARD SELFE

Since 2009, I have lived and worked full-time in Zambia’s Luangwa Valley — one of Africa’s last great wilderness areas. I hold both of South Luangwa’s highest guiding qualifications, earned through years spent immersed in the bush and dedicated to understanding its wildlife, landscapes, and rhythms.

My safaris combine authentic wilderness experiences with expert wildlife photography guidance, helping guests not only witness extraordinary moments, but capture them beautifully.

Living in the valley year-round gives me a deep, long-term perspective on Zambia’s changing seasons, wildlife behaviour, and local communities. From the intensity of the dry season to the richness of the emerald months, I experience the bush as a constantly evolving ecosystem — knowledge that shapes every safari I lead.

“Near the end of the global pandemic, my spouse and I decided we needed to ‘get away’ and no place sounded more appealing than a second safari with Edward Selfe. Although there were a few hiccups involved in getting there from Illinois, once in Zambia, the adventure started and did not let up for the entire trip.

We explored small Kasanka NP and were rewarded with great views of the elusive sitatunga antelope, hiked over billion-year-old granite inselbergs in the Mutinondo Wilderness, chased and found shoebills in the Bangweulu Wetlands, along with fantastic encounters with bee-eaters and other swamp life, and ended up in South Luwanga National Park. Here Edward put us in position to see and photograph back-lit leopards creeping through the bush, quietly feeding yellow-billed storks, and we were even in the middle of a lion kill!

The sounds and images were extraordinary. Perhaps the highlight of the entire adventure happened early one morning when my spouse noticed what sounded like a thunderstorm approaching from the nearby wetlands in Bangweulu. Nope, said Edward, just wait . . . soon hundreds of leaping and splashing black lechwe materialized out of the morning light. That is one sight and sound that will stay with me forever. Thank you, Edward, for always putting us in the right place at the right time.”

Michael Jeffords, USA

WHY CHOOSE

EDWARD SELFE

15 Years Guiding Experience

I have lived and worked year-round in the South Luangwa National Park since 2009. I choose to make the bush my home, with my small family, rather than be a “fly-in expert” leading a couple of tours during the busy months. In this way, I have seen the seasons come and go and lived through the annual cycles of desperate dry and lush green.

20 Years Behind a Camera

I started taking photographs in 2000, when I bought my first film SLR. Since then, I have progressed through various cameras, settling on Canon’s excellent system. I have experience with portraits, weddings, sports and wildlife photography, and helped hundreds improve their camera skills.

Always Small Groups

I think that guests on a photographic safari should have constant and direct access to their guide. That’s why I usually keep my group size to a maximum of 4 (occasionally up to 6) and guide from one vehicle. I am also the host and your initial contact is with me so I can guide you through the booking process.

Accomplished Naturalist

First and foremost, my love is for the bush and the pleasure of being immersed in wild places. But I have built a loyal following of guests who like to be guided by a naturalist who holds two coveted guide qualifications, so can share a wealth of knowledge of Nature and its subtleties, but is also a professional photographer.

WATCH

A WINDOW INTO SOUTH LUNAGWA