About Us
Meet the team
behind your adventures
The trusted local experts who will make your African adventure effortless, safe, and unforgettable from your first email to your last sunset.
Director
Hennie Becker
Meet Hennie Becker, our fearless captain and the mastermind behind every unforgettable journey. After nine years in academia in teaching and Psychology and 15 years in the profession, he swapped textbooks for the African bush and never looked back. Since launching Fleet Foot Safaris in 2002 and later Go Self-Drive Tours, Hennie has become one of the go-to experts for authentic wildlife experiences. Whether he is perfecting trip logistics or guiding guests through the wild, he brings deep knowledge, sharp planning, and a passion for Africa that is truly contagious. A gifted cook, musician, and storyteller, he turns every safari into an adventure you’ll never forget.
Director
Elmarè Becker
After retiring as a Deputy Principal in Knysna Elmarè joined the team alongside her husband, Hennie, and quickly became our quiet powerhouse. Working behind the scenes, she drives our marketing efforts and helps to bring in new clients. She also keeps our finances on track and ensures every tax deadline is met with precision. Full of energy, passion and kind-heartedness, Elmarè lights up any room. Her warm smile and friendly nature make her a favourite on group - and friends safaris. She is the spark that keeps everyone laughing and the glue that brings people together, working in perfect unison.
Director & Partner
Elmor Becker
Beyond his excellent academic achievements and many years of experience as a seasoned travel and safari guru, Elmor has brought vibrant new energy to the Fleet Foot Safaris and Go Self-Drive team. During his time as acting manager, he introduced fresh ideas and innovative approaches to our travel offerings.
Elmor has explored the world extensively with his wife, Elaine, and recently launched his own travel company, Adventures with Elmor.
He has already successfully guided several tours through Costa Rica and Africa.
An old soul with a gentle spirit, Elmor is truly a breath of fresh air - a remarkable human being who cares deeply for the wellbeing and enjoyment of every traveler he guides. His kindness, insight, and wealth of knowledge make every journey richer.
Book your next adventure in Central America or Africa with Elmor as your personal guide, and experience exceptional care, meaningful travel, and a guide who truly understands the needs of every client.
Director & Partner
Elaine Coetzee
Elaine worked as a Senior Consultant in the Fleet Foot Safaris office for several years, where her hallmark was, and still is, precision. Whether crafting seamless itineraries or developing creative new concepts, she brought a level of detail and imagination that elevated every journey she touched. For over 16 years, Elaine has travelled the world alongside her husband, Elmor, gaining a deep understanding of global destinations and the subtle touches that turn a trip into an unforgettable experience. Her university training in copywriting added further value, enabling her to write some of the most remarkable and inspiring tour itineraries in the business. Clients were always drawn to Elaine’s warm, friendly approach, and many returned time and again thanks to the genuine care she poured into every interaction. Recently, Elaine launched her own travel blog in Central America under the name Low Tide Travels. Her innovative travel inspiration focuses on adventure, couple, and wellness travel. This has quickly become the talk of the town, inspiring a new wave of travellers eager to explore Central America and Southern Africa on self-guided trips or as part of group retreats and safaris.
General Manager
Alette Fairweather
Alette is the true definition of a hands-on manager at Fleet Foot Safaris and Go Self-Drive Tours. Her energy and dedication seem endless, and her ability to stay involved in every facet of the business continues to amaze us. Since taking over as manager, she has elevated the company to an entirely new level. She is the “can-do, anytime” person, always ready to go the extra mile. Alette cares deeply about the company and pays attention to even the smallest details of every deal. Our clients and team speak volumes about her commitment, professionalism, and kindness. No matter the hour, she is always available to support the needs of our clients and personnel. Alette is a genuinely good-hearted person and an invaluable asset to our business. Fleet Foot Safaris is fortunate to have her at the helm.
Tour Consultant
Alison Wade
Alison is the latest team member to join Fleet Foot Safaris and Go Self-Drive. She has gained experience working across different countries in a variety of client-focused roles. With an early background in tourism, she developed a strong interest in travel and working with people from different cultures. This interest, combined with experience in running her own photography business for many years has shaped a flexible and detail-oriented approach to her current role as a tour consultant. Drawing on strong communication, organization and a genuine enthusiasm for travel, Alison enjoys helping clients plan smooth, well-considered and memorable journeys.
Team Administrator
Mariki Goosen
Mariki really is an exceptional member of our team, always caring and concerned for the well-being of those she works with. She is deeply committed and goes above and beyond, often working more hours than necessary to complete tasks to the best of her ability. She adds value to the administrative tasks in the office and is thorough in all she does. She is always prepared to help and to go the extra mile. She makes sure that the rates and contracts of Fleet Foot Safaris and Go Self-Drive Tours remain in place and up to date. She is a valuable asset to our business.
General Office Assistants
Rachel & Enoch
Rachel is an angel in the office, letting the light in every morning (literally!) and patiently keeping our workspace spotless day after day. She and Enoch make a mean team and keep everyone’s energy levels high with Rachel’s kick-ass fruit salad. Enoch knows the secret to getting safari attire looking brand-new after each trip.
Botswana Partner and Wildlife Guide
Maripe Moeti
Maripe Moeti is Fleet Foot Safaris’ long-standing personal guide in Botswana and a proud Motswana member of the team. Over many years, he has grown in both skill and stature, overcoming financial setbacks with quiet determination and unwavering faith. Known for his constant smile and generous spirit, Maripe is loved by clients from around the world. For the past 17 years, the vast, untamed wilderness of Botswana has been both his classroom and his home. His deep passion for guiding allows him to interpret the silence of the Okavango Delta and the drama of the Chobe River, transforming each moment into a meaningful and unforgettable journey for his guests. Born and raised in the Kalahari, he brings an authentic understanding of the land, offering insights into local communities, conservation efforts, and the intricate ecosystems that define Botswana. Maripe specializes in tracking the Big Five while also revealing the equally fascinating smaller wonders of the bush, from rare bird behavior to the healing properties of traditional Batswana plants. His safaris are built on a foundation of safety, respect for nature and thoughtful personalisation, ensuring every experience is tailored to the client’s interests. Highly motivated and adaptable, he responds instinctively to the ever-changing rhythms of the wilderness to ensure each safari runs seamlessly. Today, Maripe channels his expertise and passion into his own venture, Maripe Tours and Safaris, operating with his own vehicles while continuing as a valued full-time partner of Fleet Foot Safaris. He embodies the spirit of Botswana, guiding guests with authenticity, warmth, and a deep connection to Africa’s finest wild spaces.
USA Partner-President and founder of
Dr. Chris Haney
With nearly two decades of dedicated field experience in southern Africa, beginning with Chris Haney’s first visit in 2006 to attend the Society of Conservation Biology conference in South Africa, he has built a career deeply rooted in wildlife research, conservation practice, and biodiversity stewardship. During that conference, he organized a widely attended international workshop on the use of financial compensation programs to protect wildlife responsible for livestock and crop damage, an early indication of his lifelong commitment to innovative, practical conservation solutions.
Since that first visit, he has returned to southern Africa regularly, often for month-long research and field expeditions. His longest stay, a three-month academic sabbatical in 2016 across Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa, focused on comparing southern Africa’s unique protected-area management systems with the practices used in North America. This work offered insights into the distinct philosophies behind national parks, game reserves, and community conservancies, further shaping his global perspective on wildlife governance and conservation strategy.
A practicing wildlife research biologist for more than 40 years, he has taught and conducted field studies across a wide range of disciplines, including big-game ecology, fisheries, ornithology, and natural resource management in both terrestrial and marine environments. His professional contributions include over 200 published articles on wildlife topics and multiple awards recognizing his conservation achievements.
His field expertise is matched by an exceptional knowledge of Southern African biodiversity. He maintains an eBird checklist of more than 700 recorded bird species in the region, and he is highly proficient in identifying nearly all of the large game species, along with many medium- and small-sized mammals.
Whether serving as a knowledgeable guide, scientific advisor, safari host, or conservation ambassador, he brings an unparalleled depth of ecological knowledge, long-term regional experience, and a lifelong passion for wildlife that enriches every journey into the wild.
USA Travel Assistant
Nashwa Haney
Nashwa’s love for Southern Africa began more than a decade ago when her husband, Chris Haney, first introduced her to the region’s breathtaking beauty. Captivated by its sweeping landscapes, abundant wildlife, and rich cultural diversity, she found her first safari to be a deeply transformative experience. Over the years, her continued travels across the continent have strengthened her connection to Africa, which she now fondly considers her second home. Professionally, Nashwa brings a wealth of expertise in business and client relations, developed during her career with a Fortune 50 company in the United States. Known for her dedication and attention to detail, she is passionate about creating exceptional client experiences. Today, she channels that passion into helping travelers bring their dream African safari to life, ensuring each journey is meaningful, seamless, and unforgettable.
Photographer Partner
John Perez
John and his family from Gibraltar have travelled with Fleet Foot Safaris and Adventures with Elmor on several unforgettable journeys across Africa and Central America. On previous expeditions to Costa Rica, Tanzania, Botswana, Namibia and Kenya and Zanzibar in 2026, they enjoyed the much-loved “Adventures with Elmor,” guided by Elmor himself, whose deep knowledge and passion for adventure brought every moment to life.
The incredible wildlife moments captured by John and his friend Nicholas Darby during past safaris, and later shared across our social media and marketing, have sparked remarkable interest and engagement.
John and Elmor are planning joint adventure safaris into Africa, aiming to bring travellers along to experience the very best this continent has to offer.
Wildlife Photographer & Exhibitioner
Henk Bassie
Since 2018, Henk and Joulia have traveled with Fleet Foot Safaris across some of Africa’s most captivating wilderness areas. Their journeys have not only deepened their love for the continent but have also inspired a growing creative community in the Netherlands. Henk, an avid traveler and accomplished photographer, has hosted several exhibitions in Amsterdam “Journey with big Cats” and in Singapore “Lens Allure” and “Wildlife Allure”, drawing widespread interest from photographers and artisans alike. With Joulia’s artistic eye and remarkable talent for spotting wildlife, the two make an extraordinary team in the field. Over the years, they have generously shared their stunning photographs and videos with us. These memories, captured throughout multiple safaris, now enrich our marketing material and social platforms, where they continue to receive remarkable praise. Their work beautifully reflects the spirit of exploration, the magic of Africa, and the unforgettable experiences that define a Fleet Foot Safari.
Wildlife and landscape Photographer
Maxim Korenyugin
Since 2018, Max and his family have journeyed with Fleet Foot Safaris across several African countries. As a professional wildlife photographer, Max has generously shared his breathtaking images and videos with us. These treasured memories—collected over more than seven years—have become an essential part of our marketing materials and social media storytelling. The response to his work has been nothing short of extraordinary. Our audience is consistently captivated by the beauty, authenticity, and emotion captured in every frame. Max’s calm spirit, paired with the warmth and enthusiasm of his family, makes them a joy to travel with. Together, they embody the spirit of adventure, appreciation, and connection that lies at the heart of every Fleet Foot Safari.
Our Partners
Go Self-Drive Tours
Self guided tours
Adventures with Elmor
Guided Tours
Africa & Central America
Gosheni Safaris
Guided Safaris in Tanzania
Macheoafriq Safaris
Guided Safaris in Kenya
