Timoland Taxidermy
Tim Olwage looking out over the Eastern Cape at sunset

About us

Tim Olwage and the Timoland team

A taxidermist since 2001, raised on farms in Zimbabwe, now working from a studio in Bathurst in the Eastern Cape.

In Tim's words

Growing up on farms in Zimbabwe exposed me to the wonders of nature from an early age.

From hunting and fishing to a peculiar hobby of collecting dead snakes in bottles, Tim developed a connection with the wildlife around him. Those years gave him a deep respect for nature and a desire to preserve its beauty for generations to come.

That passion took him to South Africa to pursue a career in taxidermy. Today he runs Timoland Taxidermy, his own studio, dedicated to one idea: treasuring your memories.

Tim Olwage, founder of Timoland Taxidermy
Tim Olwage, founder

The journey

More than two decades at the bench

  1. 2001

    Learning the craft

    Tim starts in taxidermy, learning to preserve and present wildlife specimens. It is the turning point that shapes his career.

  2. 2004

    Building a leading studio

    He joins an upstart taxidermy operation. Over 16 years the team grows it into one of South Africa's leading establishments, processing thousands of trophies.

  3. 2020

    Back to the land

    Tim steps away to farm. Working the land reconnects him with why he started, and reignites his passion for taxidermy.

  4. 2023

    Timoland Taxidermy

    He opens Timoland Taxidermy, built around one promise: Treasuring Your Memories.

How we approach every project

The Timoland difference

A professional approach

We understand the emotional significance behind your trophies. Our job is to turn those memories into lifelike pieces. Tim works closely with the team and personally oversees every part of the process, so the standard of craftsmanship stays high.

Energetic and honest

We keep communication open and transparent. You are part of the creative process, from discussing poses to habitat displays to choosing the finish. Your satisfaction is at the centre of how we work.

Respect for the animal

Tim's path from Zimbabwean farms to a respected career in taxidermy has been driven by a love of wildlife. We aim to give you a preserved specimen that brings back the awe you felt in the presence of the animal.

The team

Skilled hands in Bathurst

Timoland is a working studio with a dedicated team. Together they combine expertise with a deep respect for wildlife, and keep the standard high so every piece captures the essence and beauty of the animal.

Visit the studio
Two Timoland team members cleaning skulls outside the workshop
Preparing skulls
Two Timoland team members talking in the studio beside finished wall mounts
In the studio
The team fitting a roan antelope mount to its base
Fitting a mount to its base
A Timoland team member smiling at the workbench
At the bench
Tim Olwage out hunting on the open field with his dog and a springbok
Hunting

Away from the bench

Tim, doing what he loves

Fishing, hunting and giving back to the community: the same care Tim brings to every mount.

Tim Olwage holding a shark he caught
Fishing
Tim Olwage shaking hands at a local boxing club that keeps kids off the street
Supporting a local boxing club

What guides us

Our values

Four ideas behind every mount that leaves the studio.

Passion

A lifelong love of wildlife, from farm childhood in Zimbabwe to the workbench today.

Dedication

Every trophy carries a memory. We give it the attention to detail that deserves.

Professionalism

High standards of craftsmanship and clear, honest communication from first call to handover.

Integrity

You are involved in the decisions: pose, habitat and finish are agreed with you, not for you.

Ready to talk about your trophy?

Tell us the species and the finish you have in mind. We will respond promptly with the price list.