Botswana’s wildlife filmmaking community is mourning the reported death of acclaimed cinematographer and conservation filmmaker Brad Bestelink, whose work helped bring the Okavango Delta’s extraordinary wildlife to audiences around the world.
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Bestelink’s death was announced by South Africa’s Old Trevertonians’ Association, which paid tribute to the filmmaker, describing him as a respected figure, talented sportsman and former school cricket captain. He reportedly died in Maun, Botswana. The circumstances surrounding his death have not yet been made public.
Born and raised in the Okavango Delta, Bestelink grew up surrounded by the wilderness that would later become central to his filmmaking career. His parents were among the pioneers of photographic tourism in the region, giving him an early connection to its wildlife and landscapes.
He became a professional safari guide at just 16 before pursuing a career in wildlife filmmaking. Bestelink subsequently trained under renowned filmmakers Dereck and Beverly Joubert, working alongside the pair for more than a decade.
He later co-founded the Natural History Film Unit Botswana (NHFU), a citizen-owned production company that helped establish Botswana as an internationally recognised destination for natural history filmmaking.
A career documenting Africa’s wildlife
Throughout his career, Bestelink contributed to numerous acclaimed wildlife productions, capturing the behaviour of animals and the changing landscapes of the Okavango Delta and beyond.
His film credits include Savage Kingdom, The Flood, Okavango: A Flood of Life, Planet Earth II, Surviving Paradise: A Family Tale, Living with Leopards, Big Cats 24/7, Our Universe and Africa’s Fishing Leopards.
His cinematography also earned international recognition. In 2024, he received a Primetime Emmy nomination for his contribution to Netflix’s Our Planet II, further highlighting his impact on the global wildlife documentary industry.
Beyond his work behind the camera, Bestelink played an important role in developing Botswana’s local filmmaking industry. Through the NHFU and his wider professional network, he helped train and mentor local camera operators, creating opportunities for emerging filmmakers to work on international productions.
His contribution extended beyond documenting wildlife. He helped put Botswana’s natural heritage on the international stage while supporting the growth of a locally driven film industry.
Bestelink leaves behind a significant body of work that celebrates the Okavango Delta and its wildlife. His films, along with the local talent he helped nurture, form an enduring part of his conservation and filmmaking legacy.
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