Our History
The Robinson Safari Company
With over 50 years in the industry, three generations of Robinsons are currently involved in the family Safari business.
Our story begins in a small garage in northern Johannesburg. After having apprenticed as a taxidermist for several years Derek Robinson decided to open his own business in the area of Roodepoort in 1969, going by the name of Derek Robinson Taxidermists. The company would be the first from South Africa to exhibit at the Safari Club International convention, and would eventually grow to have over 40 staff members. Over the next 50 years, he would become one of the world's foremost taxidermists besides being an avid hunter himself.
This passion for hunting, fishing and the outdoors would be nurtured in his son Dean, who's interest in firearms and hunting would lead to him joining the school shooting team. Dean went on to excel in this sport, competing in several international competitions in the United Kingdom, Egypt, Germany and Italy where his performances would earn him a spot on the Olympic shooting team of South Africa. Passing his Professional Hunter's exams and training when he was 16, Dean decided to combine his passion for fishing, hunting and scuba-diving and start his own company in 1995 after graduating from high school. Over the next 25 years, he would go on to become a renowned guide, winning Professional Hunter of the Year and taking over a dozen SCI top 10 trophies with clients and two SCI number ones. He is a passionate outdoorsman with expert knowledge of hunting and fishing, having acted as a Professional Hunter for clients of all nationalities from the age of 19.
Inheriting his father and grandfather's passion for the outdoors, Dean's son Dylan is now the third generation involved in the industry. Having grown up in hunting camps and learnt the ropes from his father and numerous other Professionals throughout his life, he is now a qualified PH and has embarked on his lifelong dream of following in his father's footsteps -guiding safaris and fishing trips throughout Africa.
Having established relationships with owners of some of the finest hunting areas left in Africa as well as having an in-depth knowledge of the best fishing destinations throughout the continent and along the Indian Ocean, we are able to offer a complete African adventure overseen and guided by professionals of the highest calibre. Our sister company, Robinson Taxidermy Co., with over 50 years in the industry is perfectly equipped to process all trophies taken on safari. Whether you opt for a dip and ship service sent to your local taxidermist or take advantage of the lower cost of having your trophies mounted in South Africa, our team has decades of experience ensuring taxidermy work on par with any in the world.
Our company is a one-stop solution for keen outdoorsmen the world over. With the ability to outfit and guide safaris of the highest standard for our clients, and then have the memory of their African Adventures preserved by our Taxidermy Company, we are in a unique position to provide a tailor-made safari experience without the headaches that are often associated with getting trophies dipped, packed, mounted and shipped by a multitude of different companies.
Whether you dream of chasing marlin in the tropical waters of Mozambique or tracking Buffalo on foot in the African bush, we have the know-how necessary to outfit a world-class safari of a lifetime and look forward to sharing our passion for Africa with you.
Our story begins in a small garage in northern Johannesburg. After having apprenticed as a taxidermist for several years Derek Robinson decided to open his own business in the area of Roodepoort in 1969, going by the name of Derek Robinson Taxidermists. The company would be the first from South Africa to exhibit at the Safari Club International convention, and would eventually grow to have over 40 staff members. Over the next 50 years, he would become one of the world's foremost taxidermists besides being an avid hunter himself.
This passion for hunting, fishing and the outdoors would be nurtured in his son Dean, who's interest in firearms and hunting would lead to him joining the school shooting team. Dean went on to excel in this sport, competing in several international competitions in the United Kingdom, Egypt, Germany and Italy where his performances would earn him a spot on the Olympic shooting team of South Africa. Passing his Professional Hunter's exams and training when he was 16, Dean decided to combine his passion for fishing, hunting and scuba-diving and start his own company in 1995 after graduating from high school. Over the next 25 years, he would go on to become a renowned guide, winning Professional Hunter of the Year and taking over a dozen SCI top 10 trophies with clients and two SCI number ones. He is a passionate outdoorsman with expert knowledge of hunting and fishing, having acted as a Professional Hunter for clients of all nationalities from the age of 19.
Inheriting his father and grandfather's passion for the outdoors, Dean's son Dylan is now the third generation involved in the industry. Having grown up in hunting camps and learnt the ropes from his father and numerous other Professionals throughout his life, he is now a qualified PH and has embarked on his lifelong dream of following in his father's footsteps -guiding safaris and fishing trips throughout Africa.
Having established relationships with owners of some of the finest hunting areas left in Africa as well as having an in-depth knowledge of the best fishing destinations throughout the continent and along the Indian Ocean, we are able to offer a complete African adventure overseen and guided by professionals of the highest calibre. Our sister company, Robinson Taxidermy Co., with over 50 years in the industry is perfectly equipped to process all trophies taken on safari. Whether you opt for a dip and ship service sent to your local taxidermist or take advantage of the lower cost of having your trophies mounted in South Africa, our team has decades of experience ensuring taxidermy work on par with any in the world.
Our company is a one-stop solution for keen outdoorsmen the world over. With the ability to outfit and guide safaris of the highest standard for our clients, and then have the memory of their African Adventures preserved by our Taxidermy Company, we are in a unique position to provide a tailor-made safari experience without the headaches that are often associated with getting trophies dipped, packed, mounted and shipped by a multitude of different companies.
Whether you dream of chasing marlin in the tropical waters of Mozambique or tracking Buffalo on foot in the African bush, we have the know-how necessary to outfit a world-class safari of a lifetime and look forward to sharing our passion for Africa with you.
