Brad Bestelink Obituary, Death – In Loving Memory Of Brad Bestelink

The international wildlife filmmaking community is mourning Brad Bestelink, an acclaimed Botswana-based cinematographer and filmmaker whose work brought the natural beauty of the Okavango Delta to audiences around the world.

Bestelink’s death was announced on November 5, 2026, by South Africa’s Old Trevertonians’ Association. In its tribute, the association remembered him as a talented sportsman, respected professional in the film industry and much-loved member of the Matric Class of 1994.

Born and raised in Botswana’s Okavango Delta, Bestelink developed a deep interest in wildlife and nature from an early age. He began working as a professional safari guide at just 16 before pursuing a career in wildlife filmmaking.

He later trained under renowned filmmakers Dereck and Beverly Joubert, working with them for more than a decade. Bestelink subsequently co-founded the Natural History Film Unit Botswana, a production company that helped develop the country’s wildlife documentary industry.

His professional credits included productions such as Savage Kingdom, The Flood, Okavango: A Flood of Life, Planet Earth II, Our Universe, Living with Leopards and Big Cats 24/7.

His contribution to Our Planet II earned him a 2024 Primetime Emmy nomination, recognising his work in international natural-history filmmaking.

Beyond his cinematography, Bestelink supported the development of Botswana’s local film industry by helping train and mentor camera operators. His work helped introduce international audiences to the country’s wildlife and remarkable natural landscapes.

The circumstances surrounding his death have not been publicly disclosed. No verified cause of death has been established in the reports reviewed.

As former classmates, sporting colleagues and filmmaking professionals remember him, Bestelink’s legacy remains visible in the wildlife stories he captured and the people he helped develop throughout his career.