WORDS AND IMAGES SUPPLIED by JAMES SUTER | VIDEO by BLACK BEAN PRODUCTIONS
“I believe that everyone should experience a safari in Africa. Not only is it a chance to immerse oneself in the pristine beauty of the African wilderness, but it is also a chance to embrace the raw sense of adventure that comes in losing yourself in the unexpected magic that waits around every corner. Africa is a place of miracles and wonder, a place of stillness and primordial beauty. Its everyone’s heritage, and responsibility.”
This month, we’re exploring the wild and wonderful possessions that James Suter, private photographic guide and co-owner of Black Bean Productions, tucks into his luggage for his safari adventures.
1. Mag light torch
2. Laser pointer
3. Scorpion torch
4. Belt
5. Kikoi
Kikoi/Kikoy is a type of sarong worn in Africa, specifically East Africa. Traditionally it is worn around the waist much like a sarong. I have a number, which I stock up with when visiting East Africa, particularly Nairobi. I find these items of clothing essential from keeping the harsh sun off my neck and face, biting flies at bay and even cleaning my camera lenses. They literally take up no space and can even just be tied onto a bag. This may be my number one companion when in the bush and has certainly become a bit of a trademark!
6. Tough button-up shirt with collar
7. Safari hat
My wide brim hat comes all the way from Australia, it was a gift and something that holds a lot of sentimental value. It has certainly been put through its paces. It’s a quality hat, which will last a lifetime and something that I would like to pass on one day. It also holds a tail feather from a racket-tailed Roller, that I have kept since I was a child. The African sun can be ruthless and with the amount of time I spend outdoors it important to me to look after myself as best as I can.
8. Guiding backpack
I travel with a comfortable backpack with a couple of gadgets and necessities. It is essential to be prepared for anything and to maximize an experience out in the bush. This can be done with a combination of knowledge and tools. These are some of the items that I never leave without.
9. Camera gear
10. Waterproof Bag/Basic Medical Kit
11. Leatherman
12. Veld skoene/bush shoes
Not the prettiest, but original, a proudly South African shoe and tough as nails. I have traveled some distances to purchase these hand made shoes. Best worn without socks, the more you wear them the more they improve. A big part of what I do in the bush involves being on foot and I prefer to have a lightweight comfortable shoe.
13. Binos
14. Gaters
Follow James Suter’s adventures on Instagram and Facebook.
More about James Suter : Through a Guide’s Lens
James Suter is a private photographic guide who gained much of his experience working for the world renowned Singita Game Reserves. His passion for the outdoors started at a young age and was passed down from his father.
Now based in Cape Town, he offers a unique photographic safari experience and pioneered the video safari capturing his clients in action while on an adventure through Africa. He is also co-owner of Black Bean Productions, a small, independent film production company in Cape Town that he founded with his longstanding friend, Oli Caldow.
James is actively involved with conservation; in particular he works to create awareness and raising funds for teams working on the ground throughout Africa. In-between his guiding trips (he does 5-10 per year) he works with the team at Black Bean Productions to create much needed content for these conservation organisations. This content includes working with a range of individuals involved in various activities that are crucial in terms of conservation and the protection of our wildlife. From anti-poaching units, to teams working with rescued rhino, and community projects both urban and rural – he is passionate about cause related work.
Black Bean Productions also does a large amount of more commercial work – creating video content for online use. This includes experiential short films, short documentary style stories, marketing videos, and compelling content with a call to action. The company has played a large role in creating powerful content for various high-end lodges and hotels across Africa.
With a passion for the African bush, James strives to make a change with the tools of his trade, but believes in having fun whilst doing it.
