Dave Christensen is an outstanding safari guide whose passion for wildlife, the African bush, and wildlife photography shines through in everything he does.
He was born, raised and educated in Zimbabwe. His childhood was spent mostly outdoors in the bush on the family farm, fishing, trapping, shooting, and observing wildlife. He is a dedicated naturalist whose varied interests cover all aspects of wildlife and the environment.
Beginning his safari career in 1987, Dave earned his Professional Safari Guide qualification in Zimbabwe in 1989, followed by his Canoe Guide’s License. His expertise and commitment to the field led to his appointment to the the Zimbabwe Professional Guides Association (ZPGA) examining Board in 1992, where he continues to help shape the next generation of guides.
Dave began guiding with A Step Ahead in 2004, and he has led many memorable safaris in Zimbabwe and Tanzania and several other countries including Botswana, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Uganda and Zambia. Dave describes his impressions on Botswana here.
Dave´s skills as a professional guide feature in an article in the September 2012 issue of Wall Street Journal and his outstanding contributions to the safari industry were recognized in 2019 when he was awarded the prestigious Guide of the Year award by the ZPGA.
Dave´s passion for photography led him to enter several of his photographs in competitions. He was delighted when some reached the semi-finals of the coveted BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year award. He maintains a website dedicated to his wildlife photography and his images have appeared in various magazines, brochures, and books.
Dave and his wife, Carol, still live in Zimbabwe. They have two children, Jordie and Mitch.
