Bart Kramer, Berry Hooijer, and Jamal Attari grew up together in a small town in Holland during the late 1970s. Despite their different backgrounds, they formed an unbreakable bond through their shared love of nature and adventure. 

Later in life, their travels across Africa would transform their lives. The vast desert, with its unique ecosystem and remarkable wildlife, captured their hearts. They made a pact to return – not as tourists, but as custodians of this remarkable landscape.

Travelling through Botswana’ they met and teamed up with Braam Badenhorst, a Kalahari native, who would in time to come mentor them in all skills wilderness and Kalahari related. Braam built the original Deception Valley Lodge with the help of his Bushmen friends and operated the first photographic safari lodge in the Kalahari for decades.

Each friend brings his unique strengths to their shared mission. Bart’s military background positions him ideally to manage the reserve’s daily operations after constructing all facilities with legendary precision. Berry’s financial acumen and people skills ensures not only the lodge’s profitability while maintaining its commitment to conservation, but also finds him hosting safari guests in the lodge and camp. Jamal’s deep understanding of animal behavior and conservation science guides their wildlife protection programs, and proves essential in organizing anti-poaching efforts and training of local rangers, successful initiatives to protect the desert’s endangered species.

Today, these three friends have become respected figures in Botswana’s conservation community. Their lodge employs dozens of local staff, supports community education programs, and has helped establish a 43,000-hectare private nature reserve.