Brad Bestelink Obituary, Death – Acclaimed Botswana Wildlife Filmmaker Remembered for His Conservation Legacy
The international wildlife filmmaking community is mourning Brad Bestelink, an acclaimed Botswana-based cinematographer whose work brought the extraordinary wildlife and landscapes of the Okavango Delta to audiences across the world.
News of his death was announced on November 5, 2026, in a tribute shared by South Africa’s Old Trevertonians’ Association. Bestelink was remembered as a talented sportsman, accomplished film professional, and valued friend and colleague.
His passing has prompted tributes from former classmates, filmmaking colleagues, and members of the conservation community who admired his contribution to wildlife storytelling.
A Childhood Connected to the Okavango Delta
Born and raised in Botswana’s Okavango Delta, Bestelink grew up surrounded by the wildlife and natural landscapes that would eventually define his career. His parents were pioneers of photographic tourism in the region, giving him an early introduction to wildlife observation and photography.
By the age of 16, he had begun working as a professional safari guide. The experience gave him an exceptional understanding of animal behaviour and the wilderness, knowledge that later became central to his work behind the camera.
He subsequently trained under renowned wildlife filmmakers Dereck and Beverly Joubert, working alongside them for more than a decade. That experience helped him develop his filmmaking skills and establish himself as a respected wildlife cinematographer.
An International Career in Wildlife Filmmaking
Bestelink later co-founded the Natural History Film Unit Botswana, a citizen-owned production company focused on documenting wildlife and sharing Botswana’s natural heritage with international audiences.
His cinematography and filmmaking contributions featured in a range of acclaimed productions, including 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.
One of the significant milestones in his career came through his work on Netflix’s Our Planet II. His contribution earned him a 2024 Primetime Emmy nomination in the Outstanding Cinematography for a Nonfiction Program category.
Through his camera work, Bestelink helped audiences experience the wildlife of the Okavango Delta, capturing animal behaviour and natural environments with a perspective shaped by years of experience in the region.
A Lasting Contribution to Botswana’s Conservation Story
Bestelink’s influence extended beyond the documentaries he helped produce. Through the Natural History Film Unit Botswana, he contributed to the growth of the country’s wildlife filmmaking industry and helped train and mentor local camera operators.
His efforts created opportunities for Botswana-based talent to participate in international productions while ensuring that local knowledge and perspectives remained part of wildlife storytelling.
His work also helped bring greater international attention to Botswana’s natural heritage and the importance of protecting its wildlife habitats.
Brad Bestelink Accident and Cause of Death
Following the announcement of his death, questions have emerged about the circumstances surrounding his passing. However, the information provided in the public tribute did not establish a cause of death or confirm that he was involved in an accident.
Further details about the circumstances of his death have not been included in the announcement, and speculation would be inappropriate.
Tributes to a Respected Filmmaker and Friend
The Old Trevertonians’ Association remembered Bestelink as a gifted sportsman and a respected member of its Matric Class of 1994. The tribute has brought renewed attention to the life and achievements of someone whose professional work reached far beyond his school community.
Brad Bestelink leaves behind an important body of wildlife filmmaking, a contribution to conservation storytelling, and a legacy of supporting emerging local talent.
The landscapes and wildlife he spent much of his life documenting will continue to feature in the films that introduced audiences around the world to Botswana’s natural beauty.
As family, friends, former classmates, and colleagues remember him, Bestelink will be honoured for his creativity, knowledge of the wilderness, and dedication to sharing the stories of the natural world.