Paul Joynson-Hicks

Paul Joynson-Hicks (Tanzania), often known as PJ, is a British-born wildlife photographer, safari guide and co-founder of the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards. After moving to East Africa in the early 1990s, he spent more than three decades building a life centred on wildlife, photography, community and storytelling.

Based near Arusha, PJ has worked extensively across East and Central Africa as a photographer and guide, leading photographic safaris and workshops for people of all experience levels. Fluent in Swahili and now a Tanzanian citizen, his work reflects a deep connection to the landscapes, wildlife and people of the region he calls home.

In 2015, together with fellow photographer Tom Sullam, PJ co-founded the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards. Created to celebrate the lighter and more playful side of wildlife photography, the competition has grown into a global platform attracting thousands of entries each year. Through humour, the awards encourage people to connect with wildlife and conservation in a positive and accessible way.

Alongside his photography and work with the awards, PJ has been deeply involved in charitable and community initiatives across East Africa, supporting projects in education, conservation and local enterprise. In recognition of this work, he was awarded an MBE. He continues to explore ways of bringing together photography, wildlife protection and community engagement.

Today, PJ lives outside Arusha with his family, where life moves between guiding photographers in the Serengeti, developing conservation projects, buying cereal for the kids and reminding people that wildlife photography does not always need to be serious — sometimes, it can simply make us smile.