Wilderness Experts

Craig Glatthaar

Wilderness Head of Sales: Americas

Craig joined the Wilderness family in 2011 and has never looked back. In his role he focuses on guiding and motivating the US team to deliver life-changing journeys that inspire positive action.

Conservationist

Degree in Ecotourism Management. Masters in Conservation Science. Nature Conservation Certificate (FGASA).

Experience

Joined Wilderness in 2011 and has built more than 15 years of experience across several leadership roles.

Safari specialist

Dedicated to connecting travellers with meaningful, conservation-driven journeys across Africa.

Leadership

Oversees and inspires the Wilderness US team to deliver exceptional guest experiences.

'Being involved in protecting African landscapes is very fulfilling.'

When Wilderness opened an office in the Cape, Craig Glatthaar seized the opportunity to work for a company he had always admired. Armed with his passion for conservation and his effusive personality, he began his journey at Wilderness in 2011 as Sales Manager and quickly moved up the ranks. Five years later he was appointed Business Unit Manager, where he focused on guiding and motivating the North America team to deliver life-changing journeys that inspire positive action. Today, he heads up the Americas and collaborates with a passionate team, managing our western hemisphere (New World) sales.

Craig’s love for the wilderness began from a young age. He grew up in South Africa and his younger years were mostly spent outdoors, catching snakes, frogs and colds. When not outside, he was virtually entombed by wildlife books. This naturally led to him guiding guests through Africa’s wild places and instilled in him a thirst for knowledge of the natural world. His studies began with a degree in Ecotourism Management in Cape Town. He then went on to attain his Masters in Conservation Science, where his research considered innovative ways to use livestock guardian dogs as a coexistence tool to mitigate predator conflict for farmers.

Craig continued his studies in Sweden. Here he enjoyed many hours in the snowy conifer forests, tracking moose and looking for Eurasian brown bears. His South African qualifications now include a Nature Conservation Certificate (FGASA) from North-West Parks and Tourism Board, having spent time studying on-site in various parks in North-West Province.

When he is not on the sales road, Craig can be found immersed in nature, doing what he loves most: hiking or surfing. He is a contributing writer for various wildlife magazines and a natural born storyteller. Craig is a passionate Wilderness ambassador, and has made it his life’s journey to continue inspiring all those he meets about the importance of protecting and conserving our wilderness for generations to come.

Wilderness Chikwenya Zimbabwe Activities Birding

Birding safaris

Craig is an avid birder and shares his passion far and wide. From the waters of the Delta to Namibia’s desert, Rwanda’s Albertine Rift forest, and the vast savannah of East Africa, these destinations offer exceptional diversity on land, on water and in the skies. With local guides and exclusive concessions, birders can experience Africa’s richest habitats and some of its most sought-after species.

Birding safaris

By constantly growing within Wilderness, I enjoy having a greater impact on the conservation of Africa’s beautiful wilderness areas.

Craig Glatthaar is almost larger than life matching his passion for the wildlife, wilderness and experiencing the amazing world we live in.

Glistening Particles

Craig Glatthaar, a dedicated conservationist with a lifelong passion for Africa's wild spaces.

Carolyn Tett

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Related topics

Since joining Wilderness in 2011, Craig has built a career around connecting people with extraordinary African safari experiences. His collaborative leadership style, industry knowledge and enthusiasm continue to inspire both his team and the travellers they support.

How to plan an African safari

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A lone figure stands next to a crackling safari campfire under a brilliant Milky Way and starry night sky in the Okavango Delta, emphasizing the feeling of exclusivity and wild privacy.

Around the fire

What is your favourite bush activity and why?

Armchair safari – I like going slow, and paying attention to all the nature around me, preferably in a comfortable chair with a nice beverage on hand. Otherwise hacking through impenetrable Marantaceae with a panga (machete) while sweat bees assault my face holes and biscuit insertion points in search of some exotic species. The extremes of either side of safari…

What does working for Wilderness mean to you?

Being directly involved in protecting large African landscapes and supporting communities living within or alongside those landscapes, means I get to feel very fulfilled in my work. Wilderness people are my preferred source of Vitamin P for perspective. The dosage can be humbling.

What is the most important item to pack when going on safari?

A flexible relationship with time.

Travelling and spreading the Wilderness word is a big part of your role. Tell us one memorable highlight from your sales trips over the years?

Agent FAMs are actually the right space to spread the good word. Any moment with a guest or trade partner, where I get to relive their first time seeing any part of nature in all its glory is memorable to me. No matter how many times I've watched an elephant emerge from a forest, a lion pride crossing a floodplain, or a spectacular sunset over the Okavango, seeing it through someone else's first-time eyes makes it feel new again and I get to share in their awe.