ANTJE MOUTON

Antje, a seasoned traveler with an impressive 19-year stint in the travel industry, is not your run-of-the-mill tour leader/guide/operations and logistics person.  With a career that reads like a dream itinerary, she's navigated the wild terrains of South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe with a flair that leaves everyone else in the dust.

The Travel Guru with a Hyena Obsession

Antje's travel odyssey began when most of us were still figuring out how to tie our shoelaces. Her 19-year journey reads like an epic saga, with roles at illustrious companies like National Geographic, Animal Planet, and the Discovery Channel. With such a resume, she's practically a walking travel encyclopedia.In the realm of African safaris. While most folks shy away from hyenas with trepidation, Antje harbors a unique affection for these misunderstood scavengers. She believes they've been unfairly labeled as nature's villains. Her deep-rooted love for these canid critters fuels her passion for their conservation and she lives to change the negative perceptions that people hold of these fascinating creatures.


Given the opportunity she would spend the entire day watching their curious antics and interpreting their social hierarchy for her guests.


Beyond her knack for guiding, Antje is a shutterbug extraordinaire. Armed with a camera, she captures the essence of her travels, freezing moments in time that would otherwise be lost to the sands of history. And let's not forget her fervent pursuit of birding – she's an avid birder who's always on the lookout to boost her lifer list. Antje's commitment to conservation goes beyond just words. She rolls up her sleeves and gets her hands dirty working with conservation bodies and communities on the fringes of wildlife areas. Her dedication to preserving these natural wonders is nothing short of inspiring.


Although she qualified as a field guide ages ago (probably around the time Noah was building his ark), Antje has spent many years behind a desk, managing operations and logistics for guides and clients of Martin Meyer Safaris. She's the operational wizard who can solve even the trickiest of problems that crop up on a day-to-day basis.

When chaos reigns, Antje swoops in like a superhero, armed with spreadsheets and itineraries. Antje is a vibrant character, who changes her hair colour as often as she changes her moods all the while weaving tales of adventure, conservation, and a boundless love for the wild. Her journey is a testament to the transformative power of travel, and her dedication to preserving the planet's wonders is a beacon for all who share her passion.


So, the next time you embark on an adventure, remember that behind every great journey, there's someone like Antje, making it all happen with a dash of enthusiasm and a sprinkle of hyena love.



Get to know your Guide - Antje Mouton

  • If you could have any wild animal as a sidekick on your safaris, which one would it be and why?

    A Hyena - no doubt about it. Not only would my Hyena friend provide hours of comic relief I am sure it would also play a role in managing unruly guests.

  • What's your all-time favourite safari destination, and what makes it so special to you?

    Personally, any place that doesn't have connectivity. Botswana holds a very special place in my heart, it is there in the Okavango Delta that I had my lightbulb moment that this is what I want to be doing for the rest of my life.

  • What's the most extraordinary wildlife encounter you've ever had while on a safari, and how did it leave an impact on you?

    I don't think that this encounter left a particularly lasting impact on me, however it did cement my love for Hyenas. I was in Botswana at Little Tubu Tree Camp, returning to camp after an afternoon game drive. There was a male hippo that died in a territorial flight with another hippo. As we left the sighting we encountered a Hyena that had obviously smelled the dead animal, and he heading there, with speed. As he approached the dead hippo (that he had all to himself) he started Whooping and Calling, but then realized that this was a poor life choice and I could almost see him admonishing himself for making a noise, but he simply couldn't help himself and his excitement kept creeping through with every whoop.


    Once he got to the hippo, he climbed straight into the stomach cavity and by that stage he simply could not contain himself any more. It was like he was shouting for the world that he had found a treasure. Needless to say it wasn't long before he was joined by a number of larger predators who chased him off.

  • Which safari experience do you find most exhilarating - tracking big cats, observing elephants at a waterhole, or bird-watching in a lush forest?

    I love sitting quietly at any sighting, and observing the animals behaviour. We spend hours and hours in the African Bushveld, and yet every drive we get to see something new - that is what excites me about doing what I do.

  • If you had to sum up your passion for guiding and the wild in one sentence, what would it be?

    We are custodians of a magical world, and it is our duty to protect and share this realm with everyone who crosses our path. 

  • If you could have any superpower on safari, what would it be?

    The ability to morph into a Vulture at the drop of a hat. Not only would I be able to see 10km away, I would be able to swirl on thermals and go anywhere I wanted to.

  • What's the most unusual or funny wildlife behaviour you've ever witnessed?

    I was once in the middle of a breeding herd of Elephants when a youngster decided that he did not like the look of us. He proceeded to Mock-charge us for about 20 minutes while the entire herd browsed calmly nearby. Eventually it got too much for the little man, and he charged the vehicle but from a distance away tripped himself up over a log, fell flat on his face and suddenly realised that this was silly behaviour and he went to hide underneath his mother. His expression was pricelss and he totally lost steam while lying on his face.

  • If you were to lead a safari for your favourite celebrity, who would it be, and what kind of safari experience would you plan for them?

    It would be Pink the singer - not only do I love her music, I love the way she empowers young women to break the mould and to be true to themselves. I would do an epic safari where we have local female guides from the surrounding communities. I would also include a few great adrenaline activities like bungee jumping and bridge swinging

  • Which destination is still on your bucket list and why?

    Ethiopia - I want to go track the Ethiopian Wolves! 

  • What legacy do you want to leave behind ?

    I want to see more solo female travellers traversing the continent safely. I also want to see more women succeeding in an industry that has traditionally been seen as "male-dominated". There are great women working hard to change this stero-type and I think in 5 years the guiding industry will look very different. 

Every Family has that one person that is a little odd - come on safari with us where we love even the strangest creatures and everyone fits in!

Are you ready to laugh your way into the wild ? Join us on a safari adventure, where even the hyenas can't resist a good time.


Book a free 1 hour safari consultation now, and you will be smiling from ear to ear at the prospect of your next adventure

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