Parkin, John

Contact Number 1: 063 411 2014

Contact Number 2: +44 743 614 4124

Email: bigdog@bigdogsadventuretours.com

Website: www.bigdogsadventuretours.com

Qualification: FET Certificate Tourist Guiding

Provinces / Sites: National

Type (Culture / Nature / Both): Culture

Badge Number: GP 6033

Languages: Afrikaans, English

Guide Profile:

Speciality: 2000 Really interesting points of interest in SA i.e. Sundials, Toposcopes, Dams, Dusty Towns, Passes, Lighthouses, Castles, Churches, Waterwheels, Bridges, Anglo Boer War – Battlefields, Victoria Crosses, Blockhouses, Concentration Camps.

I was born in Johannesburg and spent my schooling years at CBC and Marist Brothers, before heading to military service at Parachute Battalion. It was here where I became an Officer and as a result of a specific incident, was awarded the Honoris Crux medal for bravery.

I have completed 45 marathons, multiple canoeing and cycling events, and completed the Iron Man event. I then proceeded to do all the hiking trails across South Africa and Namibia, before hitting the road in my 4 x 4, tackling all the game reserves and places of interest in Namibia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Lesotho, Swaziland and Mozambique.

After doing a couple of enduro’s on my off-road motorcycle, I set out to combine both my love for the outdoor life and passion for motorcycling to document over 1200 points of interest – off the beaten track and on my adventure motorcycle.

A passion for the history of our country led me to study the events of The Anglo Boer War. I then started a motorcycle touring business called Big Dog’s Adventure Tours, some 12 years ago taking guests on tours, where I introduced them to the variety of the points of interest I had collated, whether they were geographical, physical, historical or just little nuggets of knowledge gained along the way.

In the quiet periods between tours, the lure of my adventures took on new horizons and I then travelled America from Miami to Seattle and four years later travelled from San Diego to Boston, completing 41 states in the process.

The balance are still out there for conquering and in the interim I have now proudly qualified as a National Tourist Guide – Badge No 6033.

I have also circumnavigated the United Kingdom, visiting all 4 countries and all the islands off the UK.

Specializing in 4×4 Overland and Motorcycle safari tours in Southern Africa – covering South Africa, Lesotho, Swaziland, Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Malawi.

Safari Tour Owner/Operator, National Tourist Guide, Motorcycle and Safari Adventure Guide, Historian and Storyteller, Microlight Pilot and Advanced Diver.

• Presently General Tour Manager for Big Dog’s Adventure Tours, a Safari and Motorcycle Tour Company

• 4×4 and Motorcycle Safari Adventure Head Guide.

• 6 spectacular tours that can be done by either motorcycle or vehicle

• Bespoke tours for specific client needs or your requirements

• Battlefields guide for the Anglo – Zulu Battlefields 1879.

• Guest speaker, historian and storyteller of the historic events of the Anglo Boer War.

• Specialties include – Battlefields, Siege sites, Victoria Cross sites, blockhouses, concentration camps and many other interesting anecdotal points of interest of the Anglo Boer War.

• Battlefield guide for the Angolan Battlefields covering the years 1975 to 1988.

• Delivering amazing travel experiences to clients.

• Special Customer Service/Experience & Tour Client Liaison.

• Excellent host, guide and first aider

• Tour Leader and planner of exciting tours in Southern Africa.

I offer guiding in the safari market, handling 4×4, motorcycle and camping safaris, as well as battlefield tours.

I guarantee you the most interesting, picturesque, safest and stunning tours in Africa.

What is my definition of an adventure?

A well-planned safari adventure firstly, covering all our human needs, meals and accommodation, and secondly, allowing us the ability to experience the beauty of our environment and all its’ attributes.

Why John Parkin?

Simple, you won’t get tired of the incredible people, places and sights that I will line up for you and your guests..

Fascinating facts places and sights, all thoroughly researched and presented to you and your guests.

I am passionate about what I do, and my only wish is for you and your guests to share in my experiences.

“Remember, every man dies, not everyone lives”   —    Two roads diverged in the woods, and I, I took the road less travelled.

Let me share some really special places, people, knowledge and cuisine with you and your guests!!