Our Team

Sam is a conservationist, writer, educator, tour leader and award-winning photographer from the UK. Sam’s background in Zoology has helped to steer his photographic style which aims to engage, educate and inspire audiences while supporting sustainable conservation initiatives. Sam is also passionate about impactful photographic travel and aims to provide incredible experiences that also benefit local people, businesses and wildlife.

Amy was born and raised in South Africa’s stunning Drakensberg area, and she’s now based in Cape Town with her partner and dog. Her career has been driven by her passions for both travel and animals, and she’s worked in the hospitality and the equestrian industry. She’s now combining her work experience with her interest in photography, and she loves to help people join incredible photographic journeys.

Heidi grew up in the quaint hillsides of Rome. With a background in graphic design and a love for travel, she brings her passion for visual storytelling to the Penda team. Having studied amidst the Cornish landscape, she finds constant inspiration in nature. Her journey with Penda began in 2023 when she joined our humanitarian photography program in Zambia, igniting her desire to support nonprofit initiatives through photography. When out of reach, you can bet she’s MIA on a hike with her dog, exploring somewhere new.

Originally from the UK, Anna has lived and worked in South Africa for almost two decades. She divides her time between helping people find their ideal photo tour, and documenting the work of charitable organisations. Anna is a strong believer of photography as a powerful tool for nonprofits to tell their stories and raise funds. She travels extensively for her photography work, and her images have been used for websites, annual and donor reports, brochures and flyers, coffee table books for major donors and for specific campaigns.

Marleen (pronounced ‘Marlane’ – sensitive subject) started her career as a broadcasting journalist in the Netherlands, but was drawn to African adventure and moved to Zambia a decade ago. For several years, she developed and managed community and conservation volunteer projects in Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, before moving into communications and marketing. She then moved onto managing fundraising and communications for Greenpop, a Cape Town-based environmental nonprofit, before starting Penda. Marleen is a keen photographer and passionate about the potential it has to inspire and drive positive change. She’s also a writer and has published children’s books in both South Africa and the UK.

Greg has worked in African tourism and development for over a decade. Originally from the UK, Greg spent the past fifteen years in Africa, where he worked as a wildlife researcher and bush guide before co-founding and managing a number of tourism companies, including Africa & You, an award-winning tour operator, and African Impact, Africa’s leading voluntourims organisation. Greg also co-founded the African Impact Foundation, a conservation and community nonprofit. Greg has seen first-hand how travel has the potential to not only provide amazing experiences, but to also be a force of good. A few years ago, he won the IHIF Young Leader Award, which recognised his contributions to the travel industry. Greg recently co-founded Cultivate, a nonprofit supporting agricultural entrepreneurs in Africa.