About Legends of Africa Tours and Safaris
Legends of Africa Tours and Safaris was founded by three individuals who share a deep passion for wildlife and wild places: Josh Beaton, Sandy Beaton, and Dane Kin-Kaid Smith. With years of firsthand experience exploring the untamed corners of Southern Africa, the founders bring an intimate knowledge of the region’s ecosystems, wildlife, and people. From tracking lions in Botswana to guiding guests through the tranquil beauty of the Olifants River, each founder has dedicated their life to understanding and protecting Africa’s wild spaces. Their shared passion for conservation, ethical tourism, and authentic safari guiding lies at the core of every journey crafted by Legends of Africa.
Our mission
At Legends of Africa, our mission is simple: To provide authentic, ethical, and unforgettable safari experiences that connect guests deeply with nature. Whether it’s a 12-day expedition across Botswana or a half-day game drive in the Lowveld, we aim to deliver:
- World-class guiding that interprets the wonders of the wild
- Exceptional service rooted in care and professionalism
- Genuine experiences that leave lasting impressions
Our values
- Passion for Conservation - Protecting the wild places we love
- Respect for Local Communities - Honouring the people and cultures of Southern Africa
- Commitment to Excellence - Going above and beyond to make every moment count
- Connection with Nature - Acting as a meaningful link between our guests and the natural world
Whether you're seeking an adrenaline-filled safari adventure or a peaceful escape into the heart of Africa, Legends of Africa Tours and Safaris promises experiences that are raw, real, and unforgettable.
"The wilderness holds answers to more questions than we have yet learned to ask." – Nancy Wynne Newhall
Sandy Beaton
Co-Founder | Director | Tour Leader & Guide
Sandy Beaton holds a degree in Nature Conservation from Pretoria, laying the foundation for a lifelong commitment to wildlife and environmental stewardship. Her journey began in the Kruger National Park, where she worked alongside her husband and gained invaluable hands-on experience in one of Africa’s most iconic wilderness areas. Sandy then spent nine years in Botswana’s remote Tuli Game Reserve, further deepening her knowledge of Southern Africa’s ecosystems. Her career later evolved into environmental education, where her natural ability to connect with people—especially the younger generation—allowed her to inspire a deeper understanding and respect for nature. With years of guiding experience in Kruger and the surrounding private reserves, Sandy is not only an expert in the bush but also a true people’s person, known for her warm presence, storytelling, and deep love for all things wild. Sandy brings to Legends of Africa a perfect balance of ecological expertise, guiding excellence, and heartfelt passion, making her an integral part of every guest’s journey into the wild.
Josh Beaton
Co-Founder | Director | Tour Leader & Guide
Josh Beaton’s journey into the wild began in childhood, born and raised in the heart of the Kruger National Park, where his father worked as a trail’s ranger. This early immersion in one of Africa’s most iconic wilderness areas as well as following his parent’s example, sparked a passion for nature that would define the course of his life. From Kruger, Josh’s family moved to a 7,000-hectare private game reserve in the Soutpansberg Mountains of Northern South Africa, and later to Botswana’s remote Tuli Game Reserve, where his mother and father established a wilderness trails operation. These formative years, spent tracking wildlife, exploring untouched landscapes, and learning from seasoned rangers as well as both his parents, gave Josh an unshakable connection to Africa’s wild spaces. Fuelled by this passion, Josh went on to earn a degree in Nature Conservation, and has since remained deeply involved in guiding, conservation, and wilderness exploration. With a profound respect for all forms of life, from the largest elephant to the smallest insect, Josh brings curiosity, knowledge, and enthusiasm to every safari experience. An adventurer at heart, he thrives on discovering new and wild places and sharing them with travellers from around the world. His greatest joy lies in helping guests form a meaningful connection to the natural world, serving as a bridge between people and the wilderness that surrounds them.
Dane Kin-Kaid Smith
Co-Founder | Director | Bushveld Conservationist
Like his longtime friend Josh, Dane Kin-Kaid Smith spent his childhood immersed in the wild landscapes of Northern Limpopo, at the foot of the Soutpansberg mountain range. It was here, among rugged bushveld and dusty farm tracks, that Dane’s love for nature, and his friendship with Josh, first took root. Though he didn’t pursue formal training in the wildlife industry, Dane’s deep, practical understanding of the bush comes from a lifetime spent living and working in it. Raised on a farm in Northern Limpopo, he developed a unique skillset that allowed him to ethically integrate cattle and game farming, using sustainable practices shaped by both intuition and hands-on experience. A true adventurer at heart, Dane has spent countless weeks exploring the remote wilds of Southern Africa, from Zimbabwe’s Ghonerezouh and Mana Pools to Hwange and beyond. His travels and time in the field have given him a rich appreciation for wilderness areas, their challenges, and their conservation value. Dane brings to Legends of Africa a rare and valuable perspective, combining agriculture, sustainability, and wild adventure. His insights, passion, and deep love for untamed Africa help shape the company’s mission to deliver authentic and ethical safari experiences that go far beyond the ordinary.
