Markus Lilje was born and raised in eastern South Africa and is fluent in both English and German (his home language). While growing up in Pietermaritzburg area and later on in the outskirts of Johannesburg, Markus had the opportunity to develop his obsession for natural history and more specifically birding. Markus shared his passion for wildlife as a guide in the Kruger National Park area of South Africa, where he worked on and around a private game reserve for 5 years. During this time he also completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Management at UNISA. He has extensively explored Southern Africa in search of new species, be they birds, mammals, reptiles or dragon- and damselflies, many of which he has photographed. Markus has endless enthusiasm for a wide variety of subjects, which he enjoys sharing on his tours. Markus has travelled and guided extensively on the African continent as well as in Asia.

“Keeping with Rockjumper guide standards, Markus was an invaluable asset throughout the trip. His driving skills on dirt roads are outstanding, as of course his encyclopaedic knowledge of birds and wildlife, and his spotting abilities. We really enjoyed his company, and he helped a great deal to make Maargi's first African trip a success. I hope he stays in your team for a long time, and I would like to take a tour with him sometime again.”

Ignathio Yufera
Spain

"I would be amiss if I didn't comment on our guide, Markus. He never ceased to amaze us with his knowledge of birds, their calls, and their habitats. He has eyes like a hawk. One particular item was his constant effort to ensure that everyone in the group saw each bird. This was particularly challenging for our group since we had good birders and not so good birders. My wife was very appreciative of the time and effort that Markus put in to ensure that she saw most of the birds. He is a fine young man and a great birder."

Jerry Diederich
USA

Link to Markus photos - mainly taken during Rockjumper Tours

In Singharaja Rainforest, Sri Lanka	With 18 000 Demoiselle Cranes, Gujarat, India

Bhavnagar, India	Photographing Tiger, India	Giza Pyramid, Egypt