Fraser Gear was born and raised in Johannesburg. Upon completion of his education, he followed his passions and set out to explore Africa and Madagascar. This led on to a career in conservation work, beginning with habitat rehabilitation projects on private game reserves bordering the Kruger National Park. As his interest in wildlife blossomed, Fraser started guiding and as a consequence, has spent many years in the region’s top wildlife and birding sites. In the process, he honed his skills as a bird guide and naturalist and is also one of the few qualified game trackers in South Africa. Fraser is now guiding birding and nature trips throughout Africa, Asia and Madagascar for Rockjumper Birding Tours. Fraser’s passion for birds is infectious and his birding skills are complemented by an impressive knowledge of general wildlife and the African, Asian and Malagasy environments.

"Fraser Gear’s talents in guiding are extraordinary. Not only does he retain an excellent command over a vast range of significant birding locations throughout the country, as well as specific areas to see mammals, but also possesses the wide range of skills necessary to identify and explain the ecology to visitors. His environmental knowledge is deep and broad, and he readily admits to the need for further investigation should an accurate identification prove elusive. One rapidly gains confidence and appreciation for his accuracy and exacting manner in which identifications are made, whether through call, sightings, or within a specific ecological zone. He endeavours to assure that all group members observe the bird or animal, often requiring a repositioning of the vehicle or scope. On a daily basis Fraser’s knowledge, guiding abilities, and personality created excitement and enjoyment, along with the personal satisfaction that learning occurred in many distinct realms. I cannot imagine a more insightful and fulfilling introduction to RSA’s birds, wildlife and environment."

Peter T. Johnson
Princeton, New Jersey, USA

"Fraser is one of the most dedicated, effective and hardest working guides I have ever met. How he could function so well after 25 days of virtually non-stop birding and driving remains a mystery. He kept producing new and exciting birds for our group. Also, his tracking skills were most impressive. We enjoyed the whole trip immensely. At no time did we feel that we hadn’t spent enough time with any of the numerous birds, mammals, and reptiles that he found. We have great pictures to prove this. It was a splendid birding holiday thanks to Fraser, and we have arranged for him to guide us on the Uganda tour next year. As a guide and tour operator myself I cannot recommend Fraser highly enough."

Klaus Uhlenhut
CEO, Kirrama Wildlife Tours; Australia

The lookout in Ethiopia