Born in Ajmer, a picturesque small town in the heart of Rajasthan surrounded by the Aravali hills, Anant Samuel Erickson grew up with nature on his doorstep. Descended from a long line of hunters and naturalists, he was raised on tales of their adventures around the fire at night. By day, he spent every free moment wandering the hills, swimming in the streams, and fishing the crystal-clear lakes they fed. Growing up in a family of nature lovers, there was a constant parade of orphaned or injured animals and birds to take care of, which fueled his determination to pursue a career in the wilderness.
As a young naturalist, he was fortunate to be posted to Central India, where he worked with the Gond and Baiga tribespeople, often referred to as the “Bushmen” of the Central Indian Highlands. In addition to honing his tracking skills, they shared with him their tribe’s profound understanding of man’s true place in nature, handed down over generations.

Following these formative years, Anant went on to build and run several wildlife lodges, lead specialized groups across the subcontinent, work as a private guide for professional wildlife photographers, and assist in making wildlife documentaries for the BBC. His passion and enthusiasm for India’s wild places have made him a highly sought-after travel companion for discerning travelers looking to get the most out of their time on safari. Throughout his 20-year career, Anant has been actively involved in tiger conservation and is passionate about mentoring and passing on his knowledge to India’s next generation of naturalist guides. He lives in Haldwani, in the foothills of the Himalayas, with his wife and two children. When not on safari, he is a keen angler, amateur wildlife artist, and enjoys tinkering with his two vintage Willys Jeeps.