"Swanepoel and Scandrol Safaris was established in 1984 by professional hunters Doug Scandrol and Peter Swanepoel. Doug had been working as a full time guide in the western United States and Canada as well as doing structural ironwork in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area. Peter being born in Zambia had spent a lifetime exploring and hunting the various regions of Zambia. After meeting through a mutual friend they teamed up to form the company. The initial focus of the operations was in Zambia and we have had continuous operations in Zambia from 1984 through the 2005 season. In 1990 they expanded the countries they offered their clients to include Tanzania and in subsequent seasons added Cameroon, Botswana, and Ethiopia to the programs available. In the mid 1990's we also formed our sister company "S&S Safaris", in partnership with professional hunter/outfitter Pierre Vorster to accommodate our clients safari requirements in South Africa and Namibia.
Our current team of professional hunters including Doug Scandrol, Peter Swanepoel, Pierre Vorster, Cliff Walker, Bruce Watson, Chris Burton, Russell Tarr, Luke Blackbeard, Clint Burton, Dave Rademeyer, Lance Nesbitt, Adam Howard Davies, Chris Burnie, Mark Swanepoel and Derick Furstenberg are highly motivated and extremely trophy conscious. We feel this "team" of professional hunters backed up with our partner operators, our Texas staff, Sandy and Linda Cunningham, Rachel Jackson and Mandy Devia, gives us one of the strongest overall "teams" available in Africa today.
Swanepoel and Scandrol Safaris can currently offer their clientele over 150 species of African animals while maintaining the personal service and high standards they have become very well known for. We genuinely feel that a properly designed and conducted safari can truly be the "Last Great Adventure". Our commitment to our clientele is to provide the highest possible chances for a safe, productive and enjoyable safari. Careful, personal attention to all aspects of the safari programs assure us of being able to keep that commitment. Please contact our clients from the reference list for their opinions on the benefits of dealing with Swanepoel and Scandrol Safaris. These references are our testament to the quality of the operation. We look forward to providing you with the safari of a lifetime."
Doug Scandrol
Born in Cheyenne, Wyoming in 1958 Doug was raised in a world of outdoor life and hunting. At age 16 he ventured to Quebec, Canada on his first "Big Game" hunt for black bear and moose. Subsequent hunts in western Wyoming for elk, deer and Shiras moose and southern Utah for Cougar led to his desire to become a "Big Game" hunting guide. During the late 70's Doug started guiding on a part time basis in the spring in Quebec and the fall in Wyoming and Idaho. In between hunting he completed an apprenticeship with the Ironworkers Local Union # 3 and was working the "high steel" in both Pittsburgh and New York City.
During this time he met his soon to be future partner Peter Swanepoel through a mutual friend from Quebec. Peter offered Doug an opportunity to experience Africa in 1981 which he readily accepted leading to the beginning of a 4 year PH apprenticeship under Peter along with several other Zambian PH's. In 1984 Doug and Peter formed their partnership and in 1987 Doug obtained his full PH license in Zambia.
Since 1987 Doug has spent a minimum of 275 days each season in the bush with clients. Doug’s interest in always wanting to know “what’s over the next hill” led to "Swanepoel & Scandrol Safaris" expansion from Zambia into many other African countries.
During the "off-hunting" season, Doug resides with wife Denise and their 2 daughters, Kelli and Kerri in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. From his home office he manages the business while promoting "regulated sport hunting" as a strong conservation tool. Doug is also currently very active with several conservation organizations as well as the Safari Club International convention Exhibitors Advisory group.
For upcoming seasons Doug will be focusing on overall logistical and safari management and business development while continuing his professional hunting with his many long time clients.
Doug is a life member of SCI, ZPHA, TPHA, APHA, IPHA, FNAWS and the NRA.
Peter was born in Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia), where his father bought virgin farmland just outside Lusaka. Game was abundant, so his hunting interest began early in life. Peter’s family would make an annual 3 month hunting trip to the “bush” by ox cart and a keen love for this lifestyle developed. After purchasing his first hunting license in 1968, Peter concentrated on hunting the ‘Big Five’ throughout Zambia.
In 1974, Peter married his wife Lucia, who suggested he become a professional hunter. Peter met Doug Scandrol in 1982 and the friendship grew into a partnership that has lasted 24 years. Swanepoel and Scandrol spend a minimum of 11 months a season in Africa hunting South Africa, Zambia, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Tanzania. During recent seasons Peter has focused on managing the operations in Zambia while conducting safaris for his long time clients.
He resides both on his farm in Zambia with Lucia, and in South Africa spending time with his children, Peter Jr., Catherine Anne, and Mark Andrew..
Peter Swanepoel and Doug Scandrol both received the ‘1999 Professional Hunter of the Year Award’ from Safari Club International
Peter is a life member of SCI, the Zambian Professional Hunters Association, the Professional Hunters Association of Tanzania and the IPHA.
