debby thomson
Conservationist, writer, speaker and UNESCO Biosphere manager of “Kruger to Canyons”

Debby Thomson comes from a conservation background, completed her National Diploma in Nature Conservation while working in conservation and lodge management. She then continued to work in the tourism industry at various lodges for 8 years which included veld management, community development and research projects. Thereafter she moved more into a field of Sustainable Development through her involvement in the UNESCO registered Kruger to Canyons Biosphere Region. Debby uses her environmental knowledge and organisational skills to assist BBC Natural History Unit and other related production houses to facilitate in the organising and production of Natural History and Wildlife Documentaries.

Her portfolio includes working with Sir David Attenborough on both of his last major productions – Life in the Undergrowth and Life in Cold Blood, as well as the BBC reality Show – Wildest Dreams and Series 1 and Series 2 of the very popular UK show –Deadly 60, showcasing adventure naturalist Steve Backshall as he races around the world looking for the 60 Deadliest animals.

Email: info@bushveldconnections.co.za
Cell +2782 940 0651
Website www.bushveldconnections.co.za

patrick lyster
International actor, voice artist & former walking trail guide

Patrick began his career at Mala Mala. For many years thereafter he was based in Klaserie running his own camp called “Patrick’s”.

Although he is mainly based in Cape Town, South Africa, Patrick still returns to the bush every once in a while. He is now an actor concentrating mainly on international films and has been a voice artist for wildlife documentaries. He has starred in numerous local and international TV series and more recently in international films such as Goodbye Bafana with Joseph Fiennes. He is currently seen in Clint Eastwood’s film Invictus in his role as Mr Pienaar (Matt Damon’s character’s father).

Email paddy_lyster@hotmail.com
Cell +2782 443 0797
Website www.patricklyster.net

claire lockey
Public Relations Practitioner

Claire left a career of Occupational Therapy to follow her first loves:  language and communication, people and public relations. 

She moved onto study French and German and completed a three year degree in Public Relations working for top PR companies in South Africa. After a break to have children, she moved into her own to consult a variety of clients from high end property buyer’s agents to fine wine importers. She currently runs Fine Wine Events in partnership with luxury lifestyle magazine G&W, a company which sources fine wine for wine lovers seeking wine as an investment, consults on cellaring and hosting international winemakers for specialised fine wine tastings and festivals in South Africa and Europe.

Claire fell in love with the bush on her first self-drive trip to Etosha in Namibia and the Okavango Delta in Botswana and tries to return whenever her family allows her to kick off her corporate heels and revel in her barefootedness again.