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Lorne Sulcas Private Guide
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PRIVATE TOURS
GUIDE'S STORY

Lorne Sulcas

Known globally as “The Big Cat Guy”

Based in Cape Town, Lorne Sulcas has spent more than three decades guiding travellers through Africa’s wild landscapes. Widely recognised for his big cat safaris, he brings a rare depth of insight into predator behaviour, helping guests understand the fascinating lives of lions, leopards and cheetahs while experiencing the rhythm of the African bush.

30+ Years Experience

Safari and Tour Guiding

Based in

Cape Town

Languages Spoken

English, Afrikaans, Hebrew

Qualifications

CATHSSETA Recognition of Prior Learning, Wildlife photography honours (APSSA & FPSSA)

Interests

Big Cats, Photography & Animal Behaviour

Lorne Sulcas Private Guide

Lorne Sulcas

30+ Years Experience

Safari and Tour Guiding

Based in

Cape Town

Languages Spoken

English, Afrikaans, Hebrew

Qualifications

CATHSSETA Recognition of Prior Learning, Wildlife photography honours (APSSA & FPSSA)

Interests

Big Cats, Photography & Animal Behaviour

Enquire Now
Private TOURS
GUIDE'S STORY

Guiding Philosophy

For Lorne, the magic of safari lies in understanding the stories unfolding around you. After decades observing Africa’s predators, he believes that the most powerful safari moments happen when guests begin to see the bush differently. Not simply spotting animals, but understanding behaviour, relationships and the delicate balance of life in the wild. And yes, he freely admits he’s a little obsessed with Africa’s big cats. Helping guests understand their behaviour, anticipate their movements, and witness those rare moments in the wild is something he never gets tired of sharing.

In Conversation with Lorne Sulcas

Get to know the person behind the guide.

Safari guests with guide beside Land Cruiser in open savannah

About Lorne Sulcas

While I was completing my first degree, I took my first trip to Botswana with a good friend who had grown up visiting the country twice a year. We camped wild in the Makgadikgadi and the Okavango Delta, and I fell completely in love with the bush. For several years after that I spent as much time in the wilderness as I could. Eventually the love affair became a genuine calling, and I decided to pursue guiding opportunities. When I moved into the bush full time, everyone thought I was crazy. I was walking away from a very successful career as a leadership and management consultant. But that decision completely reshaped my life and ultimately led to my work as a Big Cat speaker, guide and wildlife photographer, for which I am incredibly grateful.
Although I worked briefly as a part-time river guide, my real safari guiding journey began when I applied to Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve in the Sabi Sand. It was a long shot, as my university degrees were in fields completely unrelated to zoology or natural sciences, so I had what you might call the wrong background. After an interview with the General Manager, I was invited to attend their ranger training and selection course on the reserve. At the end of the course we had to complete both practical and written exams, and I was offered a position as a Ranger Guide at Bush Lodge. The Sabi Sand was an incredible place to begin guiding, and I still consider myself extremely lucky to have started there.
I love helping people discover and fall in love with the wonder and beauty of the African bush. Every day and every game drive is different. Even after all these years, there is always more to learn and see, which is both exciting and incredibly humbling. The bush is my happy place. Guiding has also introduced me to fascinating people from all over the world and taught me a great deal about different cultures and perspectives. Guiding also led me to wildlife photography, which has become another passion of mine. I enjoy sharing that knowledge with guests, helping them understand wildlife behaviour and improve their photography along the way. And I have to admit I’m a little obsessed with large kitty cats, so being able to share that passion and experience adds something quite special to the safari experience.
That’s a bit like asking a parent which is their favourite child. Every ecosystem in Africa has its own character and appeal, and they are all extraordinary in their own way. Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia offer some of the most extraordinary wilderness areas on the continent. That said, the Greater Kruger region will probably always be closest to my heart. I was trained there as a guide, and the private reserves offer incredible wildlife viewing, including the ability to track animals and view the Big Five off-road. I have also been guiding Big Cat safaris around the Great Migration in Tanzania for nearly 30 years, which remains one of the most spectacular wildlife experiences anywhere in Africa. I also love the semi-arid parks of southern Africa, such as the Kgalagadi and Etosha, where the light and landscapes are unique

Moments from the Field

Years of guiding have a way of shaping what you notice. These moments reflect patience, perspective, and time spent paying attention.
Would you like a private guided safari with Lorne Sulcas?
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Private Tours with this Guide

This is a private tour designed for you to enjoy with your own group. A minimum of four guests is required, although we recommend a group of six for the best experience.

Victoria Falls Golden Safari

7 Nights
From $5 867.00
Available Dates
21 July '27 - 28 July '27
Book This Private Tour

Best of Botswana and Zimbabwe

14 Nights
From $13 103.00
Available Dates
20 September '27 - 03 October '27
Book This Private Tour

Guest Reflections

“This safari was on our bucket list for so long, we wanted to make every moment count, thinking that it might be the only safari we ever do. Lorne, you MADE our safari, and now we’ve decided we definitely are coming back to Africa as soon as possible to do another Big Cat safari with you! It was smooth and seamless…worth every penny! Thank you for taking care of our every need, and for your vast knowledge and contagious passion. We had a truly wonderful time with you.”

James & Jennifer, UK

“Dear Lorne, I wanted to say it was awesome to meet you and thank you so much again for all of your knowledge and wisdom. You truly enhanced our time at Umlani on so many levels!!! You being with us was a game-changer. Our group is so appreciative of you!”

Kelly, CA

"An incredible safari with Lorne, the Big Cat Guy. His knowledge, humour, and patience made the experience unforgettable for our whole family."

Booke, USA

"One of our best weeks in the bush. Lorne’s deep knowledge of Big Cats and photography opened our eyes to a whole new side of safari.”

Annette, ZA

"Lorne’s understanding of animal behaviour and photography added a whole new dimension to our Tanzania safari.”

Paul & Dianne, USA

"Our safari with Lorne was the highlight of our trip to Africa. His guidance helped us fall in love with the bush.”

Pierre & Marie, FRA

"Lorne’s knowledge of animal behaviour and wildlife photography helped us capture incredible moments on safari.”

David & Debbie, AUS

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