Joe Lategan is an award-winning South African wildlife and landscape photographer, filmmaker, photographic guide and mentor with more than 30 years of experience in the Kgalagadi and the wider Kalahari region.

His relationship with the Kgalagadi goes far beyond taking photographs. Over three decades, Joe has studied its wildlife, animal behaviour, changing seasons, landscapes, routes, light and photographic conditions. This experience enables him to help photographers anticipate opportunities and position themselves correctly—often using the vehicle itself as a carefully planned photographic position.

About Joe Lategan

• Private and small-group Kgalagadi photographic safaris

• Customised wildlife and landscape photography tours

• Wildlife photography and filmmaking masterclasses

• Personal mentorship and practical field training

• Online coaching and Kgalagadi travel consultation

• Route, camp and photographic-location planning

• Post-production and visual-storytelling guidance

• Photography events, exhibitions and competitions

Joe works with photographers of all experience levels. His approach is practical and personal, helping each photographer improve their understanding of light, composition, animal behaviour, camera positioning and visual storytelling. His tours are built around the individual needs of his guests rather than a fixed, mass-market itinerary.

Awards and filmmaking

Joe’s documentary and filmmaking work has received international recognition.

His film This Is the Kgalagadi – The Auob River received a Silver Award at the International Tourism Film Festival Africa in 2021 and has attracted approximately 1.5 million views.

In 2025, When Rivers Run Dry – Part One received Gold recognition in the Wildlife Documentary and Conservation categories at the International Tourism Film Festival Africa.

Two further productions also received Silver Awards in 2025:

• South Africa: The Most Beautiful Country in the World

• Clarence Drive

These films reflect Joe’s belief that photography and filmmaking should do more than produce beautiful images. They should help people understand wildlife, landscapes, communities and the responsibility we carry toward the places we visit.

Experience beyond photography

Joe also has 37 years of experience in tourism security, risk management and crisis management. His former career included serving as a Divisional Security and Risk Manager for Sun International, covering 22 casinos across nine countries.

This background brings an additional level of planning, awareness and professionalism to his guided tours—particularly when working in remote environments and across long-distance routes.

Conservation, community and the Kalahari

Joe believes photographers can become powerful contributors to responsible tourism. His work promotes the protection of wildlife and wilderness while supporting the people and communities connected to the Kalahari, including the Khomani San.

Through documentaries, photography, educational programmes, competitions, mentorship and community projects, he seeks to preserve the stories, knowledge and natural heritage of the region for future generations.

For Joe, the Kgalagadi is not simply a destination. It is a place of extraordinary light, survival, silence and storytelling—and every photographic journey should leave the visitor with more than photographs.

Join Joe Lategan for a private photographic safari, specialist Kgalagadi tour, masterclass or personal mentoring experience.