WILD EYE: A LIFE IN PHOTOGRAPHS — A LOVE LETTER TO AFRICA!
Wilde Eye: A Life in Photographs will be released in November 2025. This powerful new release from National Geographic celebrates four decades of conservation, storytelling, and soul-stirring photography from Africa’s most revered explorer-filmmakers.
A sweeping, cinematic ode to the wild places of Africa, ‘Wild Eye: A Life in Photographs’ is the upcoming large-format coffee table book by Beverly and Dereck Joubert — National Geographic Explorers at Large, Emmy Award-winning filmmakers, and co-founders of the eco-tourism and conservation company, Great Plains. The book, set to be published on November 11, 2025, promises to be more than a photographic retrospective; it is a visual memoir and spiritual tribute to the people, animals, and landscapes that have defined the Jouberts’ extraordinary lives.
At the heart of Wild Eye is the photography of Beverly Joubert, one of the world’s most respected wildlife photographers. Her lens captures not just the grandeur of Africa’s ecosystems, but the subtle, emotionally charged moments that often go unseen: the protective curl of an elephant’s trunk around its calf, the silent gaze of a lioness in golden light, the stark power of a rhino in retreat. Each photograph is a moment suspended in time — intimate, reverent, and often breathtaking.
The narrative thread of the book is provided by Dereck Joubert, whose deeply personal reflections elevate the imagery with context, memory, and meaning. “This is more than a collection of photographs,” Dereck writes. “It is the arc of our lives, captured frame by frame, year by year, across hundreds of thousands of miles of wild Africa.”
40 Years in the Wild
The Jouberts have spent over four decades living and working in Africa’s remotest regions — from the sun-scorched plains of Botswana and Zimbabwe to the verdant highlands of Kenya and Tanzania. Their life’s work, driven by an unshakable commitment to conservation and storytelling, has led to the creation of over 40 documentary films, 12 books, and multiple conservation programs, including the Big Cats Initiative, Rhinos Without Borders, and Project Ranger.
But it is through Beverly’s photography that their mission arguably speaks the loudest. Now, for the first time, that body of work is collected in one place — a 700+ page tome that takes the reader not only through the visual beauty of Africa but also through the highs and lows of conservation itself.
A Book in Five Acts
Wild Eye: A Life in Photographs is thoughtfully divided into five thematic sections: Awe, Compassion, Humility, Intimacy, and Legacy. Each theme represents a guiding principle in the Jouberts’ work and offers a philosophical lens through which to view the images. Whether it’s the awe of watching a thunderstorm roll across the Okavango Delta or the humility of tending to orphaned rhinos, each chapter immerses readers in stories that are both globally relevant and deeply personal.
For instance, in the chapter titled Intimacy, Beverly’s photographs capture rare close-up moments: the sleepy blink of a lion cub in the sun, a tender nudge between cheetah siblings, and the delicate tension in the gaze of a leopard about to pounce. Dereck’s words lend deeper meaning to these images, revealing the years of patience, trust-building, and silent observation required to capture them.
Meanwhile, Legacy addresses the broader implications of conservation. Through images of community-led anti-poaching efforts, animal rescues, and the Jouberts’ own Great Plains Foundation projects, the book underscores the urgent need for environmental stewardship and highlights Africa’s growing cadre of grassroots conservation heroes.
A Collector’s Treasure
Published by National Geographic, Wild Eye is more than just a photography book; it’s a tactile celebration of nature. With its oversized format, museum-quality printing, and rich narrative, it is designed to be a statement piece for coffee tables and libraries alike. The book is also intended to spark conversation — about conservation, beauty, ethics, and the human role in preserving the wild world.
“The real goal,” Beverly says, “is to make people feel. We want readers to turn these pages and fall in love with Africa — not just once, but again and again.”
From Page to Purpose
Beyond the imagery, Wild Eye is also a call to action. All proceeds from the book will help fund Great Plains Foundation projects, which support conservation efforts, community development, and education across Africa. By purchasing the book, readers will be contributing to the continued protection of endangered species and the communities that coexist with them.
Pre-Order and Learn More
Wild Eye: A Life in Photographs will be available at all major bookstores beginning November 11, 2025, and can be pre-ordered now through Disney Books. Whether you are a wildlife enthusiast, a photography lover, or simply someone who believes in the transformative power of nature, this book is sure to leave an indelible impression.
About the Authors
Beverly and Dereck Joubert are conservationists, filmmakers, photographers, and co-founders of Great Plains, a pioneering tourism and conservation company with sixteen luxury safari properties across Kenya, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. Their mission — to protect Africa’s wild spaces through storytelling and sustainable tourism — is brought to life not only through their award-winning media but also through their dedicated charity, the Great Plains Foundation.
For more information about the Jouberts, their camps, and conservation work, visit: www.greatplainsconservation.com
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