Tamaryn Slieker

Wildlife Photographer & Artist

One with nature. Seeing the unseen.

A Life With Nature

Exposed to the wonders of nature from a young age, I’ve spent my life marveling at its beauty. I’m equally passionate about capturing these moments through wildlife photography and expressing them through detailed animal sketches. Every photograph and artwork tells a story—whether it’s a fleeting giraffe expression, a majestic lion in golden light, or the essence of a shy brown hyena—and my goal is to share that story with others.

From Safari Guiding to Wildlife Art

I began my journey in the conservation and guiding industry in 2015 on a private game reserve. Over the years, I’ve guided countless safaris, documented wildlife, and translated these encounters into detailed animal sketches in my free time. My photography is treated as art, capturing moments that resonate with emotion and narrative, while my artwork—mostly monochrome sketches using charcoal, graphite pencils, and fine-line markers—offers a different perspective on the same wildlife experiences. Recently, I’ve embraced working directly in charcoal on canvas, which has opened up exciting new possibilities.

First Competition & a Special Acknowledgement

In February 2026, I entered my first art competition with The Fine Art Gallery, in support of brown hyena conservation. Although my work didn’t make the top 35, it caught the attention of Emsie Verwey, a respected brown hyena researcher who leads long-term conservation research on the Skeleton Coast in Namibia. Her personal purchase of my sketch was an incredible affirmation from someone deeply involved in hands-on wildlife conservation, and it gave me an indescribable feeling of accomplishment—more than even winning a competition could have.

Deeply Involved in Nature & Conservation

Beyond art and photography, I’m widely involved in nature and conservation. I hold qualifications in game ranging, wildlife management, and lodge management, as well as advanced 4×4 driving, venomous snake capture and handling, including black mambas. I recently completed an Afromontane forest workshop in the stunning Blyde River Canyon.

Guiding, Lodges & Tours

Professionally, I’ve guided safaris on land, river, and quad bike, led nature walks, coordinated wildlife darting and relocation, managed accommodation establishments, and worked as a wedding coordinator at two lodges. While I still guide occasionally, I’ve shifted my focus to tour consulting and bookings, especially since welcoming my 2-year-old son.

Connecting People to the Wild

For me, wildlife is both a career and a lifelong passion. My photography and sketches are my way of connecting people to the wild, one story, one image, and one artwork at a time.