Our Story
Painteddog began in January 2019 when Brent Leo-Smith and Wium Dörnbrack decided the world needed better stories about wild things, told by people who actually live among them. Between them they had thirty-odd years of guiding, filming, tracking leopards at night and arguing about lens choices over campfire coffee. They built Painteddog.tv to put real Africa on screens without ever cheapening it.
Within a year we were the Lowveld’s favourite film crew for conservation projects and the first to stream live safari straight from the bush. When the world shut down in 2020, people suddenly had time to sit on their sofas in London or Toronto and watch a lioness teach her cubs to hunt at 3 a.m. our time. Something shifted.
As borders reopened, the messages changed: “We watched your broadcast every night. Now we want to be there.”
They didn’t just want footage; they wanted dust in their boots, cold gin under a Marula tree, the moment when a wild dog looks straight at you and decides you’re not worth chasing...
So in 2022 we started Painteddog Safari. Same team, same obsession with authenticity, same refusal to do anything ordinary. Only now, instead of just pointing cameras at the wild, we bring people into it, quietly, properly, and for keeps.
Brent Leo-Smith
I grew up in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, and from an early age I knew I wanted to work in the bush. I was home-schooled at Phinda Game Reserve, which meant that my childhood was spent surrounded by wildlife and nature — a setting that shaped both my interests and career path.
After finishing school, I began studying law, but it didn’t take long for me to realise that my real passion lay in the natural world. I spent six months in Zambia working on crocodile and big game capture projects and managing game farms. From there, I returned to Botswana to work with my father at Kwando Safaris, before moving to the Kruger National Park, where I became a guide in the Lebombo Concession. Later, I joined Londolozi Game Reserve as a guide and camp manager.
In 2010, I made the shift into wildlife film production, both behind the camera and as a presenter. I went on to appear on Animal Planet and Nat Geo Wild, hosting more than fifty episodes of the #SafariLive series. In 2019, I co-founded Painteddog.tv to combine my experience in guiding, conservation, and media, and to create a platform that uses technology and storytelling to connect people with wildlife.
Ronnie Harris
I am a passionate travel enthusiast with a deep love for exploring the world and immersing myself in diverse cultures. Through this platform, I aim to share my knowledge, expertise, and personal experiences to inspire and assist you in planning your dream vacations.
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With years of travel experience under my belt, I have had the privilege of visiting remarkable destinations across the globe. From bustling city-scapes to serene natural wonders, I have traversed through breathtaking landscapes, tasted exotic cuisines, and connected with fascinating people along the way.
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My mission is to curate exceptional travel experiences tailored to your preferences and interests. Whether you seek an adventure-packed journey, a romantic getaway, or a relaxing beach retreat, I am here to guide you in crafting a personalized itinerary that fulfills your travel aspirations.
As your dedicated travel advisor, I strive to provide comprehensive insights, practical tips, and insider recommendations. From choosing the ideal destinations to selecting the best accommodations, transportation, and activities, I will help you navigate through the myriad of options to ensure a seamless and extraordinary travel experience.
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Whether you are a seasoned traveler seeking new horizons or someone embarking on their first adventure, I am committed to assisting you every step of the way. I am here to answer your questions, address your concerns, and offer personalized recommendations to make your travel dreams a reality.
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Let's embark on a remarkable journey that will leave you with cherished memories for a lifetime.
Victoria Nuttall-Smith
My love affair with travel, and especially with wild Africa, began when I was a young girl. While most children looked forward to birthdays or Christmas, I was counting down the days until our next trip to the bush. The scent of rain on dry earth, the distant call of lions, and the peace that comes from open horizons shaped not only my childhood but also my lifelong passion for the wild.
For more than half a decade, I have worked in tourism and explored some of Africa’s most remarkable wilderness areas. Each journey has deepened my respect for this continent and its endless variety. If I had to choose a favourite destination, Botswana would be it. Its untamed beauty, remote camps, and sense of true wilderness offer some of the most extraordinary safari experiences imaginable.
I am passionate about designing journeys that speak to the individual and reflect their unique sense of adventure. There is nothing more rewarding than helping someone realise their dream holiday, seeing it take shape, and hearing afterwards how it changed their life. In my experience, travel through Africa does more than inspire. It changes people.
What makes me truly qualified to plan your journey is my close connection with Africa’s wild spaces and my deep understanding of people. Having guided safaris, collaborated with lodges, and spent years in the field, I know the subtle details that turn a trip into something unforgettable. I take time to listen and interpret what each guest is looking for, often uncovering the experiences they did not even know they wanted.
Whether you are dreaming of following elephants across ancient paths, gliding through the still waters of a delta at sunset, or sitting beneath a blanket of stars, I would be delighted to help bring that dream to life. Together we can create an African adventure that is personal, seamless, and truly unforgettable.