The Sugarbird Journey
My love for nature began at a young age when my grandfather took me birdwatching. During that outing, we spotted a Peregrine Falcon, a rare sight in the Netherlands at the time and the fastest animal on Earth. That encounter sparked a lifelong fascination with birds, wildlife and the outdoors.
After finishing school, I was encouraged to explore the world and spent six months working at Track & Trail River Lodge along the Luangwa River in Zambia, near the famous South Luangwa National Park. Living in the African bush and encountering its incredible wildlife every day reignited my passion for nature and changed the course of my life.
Determined to return to Africa, I trained as a professional safari guide, completing an intensive year-long guiding programme. The experience of living and working in the bush taught me invaluable skills and inspired a dream: to share the beauty of Africa with others.
In 2021, my wife Maris and I married on the iconic Table Mountain. Together we built our life in South Africa and had the opportunity to manage a lodge on the banks of the Olifants River near Hoedspruit. During those years, I guided numerous safaris throughout the Kruger region and beyond, introducing guests to the remarkable wildlife, landscapes and cultures of Southern Africa.
As more travellers asked for unique and less-visited destinations, we realised that the greatest experiences often lie beyond the well-known highlights. This inspired me to create Sugarbird Safaris, a company dedicated to designing personal, authentic and unforgettable journeys.
Today, I combine my extensive experience in Southern Africa with passion for wildlife, birding, photography and safari travel. Whether you are planning your first safari, searching for a specialised birding adventure or hoping to capture Africa’s wildlife through your camera lens, I will create a journey tailored to your interests, pace and expectations.
At Sugarbird Safaris, I believe that travel is about more than simply visiting a destination. It is about connecting with nature, experiencing new cultures and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
We look forward to welcoming you to Africa and sharing this extraordinary continent with you.
Max van Waasdijk
Founder of Sugarbird Safaris