WHY AND HOW DID YOU BECOME A GUIDE?

I have an inquiring mind and wished to place all natural science aspects in a fashion that I could understand and make sense of for myself. In that manner I wanted to be able to interpret it to others.

This set off a journey for me of immense discovery and explorations in knowledge and theory combined with practical outings and excursions. I spent a lot of time with local trackers and gleaned information from their cultural insights and interpretations.

It all started with a spider in a hole in the ground. Whilst on a youth camp overseeing others I was introduced to this wonder of spiders and so the bug bit. It was a question of what, who, where, when and what does it eat, how long do they live for and much more. It still has not ended as I still ask questions all the time.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD SOUTH AFRICA WALKING SAFARI GUIDE?

A person who is not egotistical and absolutely loves and likes people. A phenomenal orator and speaker in person and public. Good founded knowledge of the subject they are speaking about and complimented with practical experience in various fields and all this intricately combined with great humility and respect for cultures and nature itself.

FAVOURITE ANIMAL?

The African elephant. They are always busy even when they rest. These animals are the most remarkable mammals with social intricacies and anatomy.

MOST MEMORABLE SIGHTING?

Many, but one that stands out is a leopard sighting, well more so a first hand experience. A wild leopard walked up to me whilst I was out of the safari vehicle.

I was seated on the ground and was aware of the animal’s presence. It took some time but it then walked up to me and I extended my hand to it. It sniffed my hand, looked into my eyes and then licked my hand to test the texture, I’m sure.

After that it opened its mouth and gently bit my hand on the side to check the density of it. At that, I slowly moved my hand away and it retreated to the bush. Totally out of nowhere experience but enthralling.

FAVOURITE SOUTH AFRICA WALKING SAFARI CAMPFIRE STORY?

Too many to mention but time with the Maasai and the San are favourites.

WHY AND HOW DID YOU BECOME A GUIDE?

I became a guide through a passion for the bush, curiosity and the desire to share all the fascinating intricacies with people that share that love.

I studied under Johan Fourie, himself a guide of over 40 years experience in the Kruger and his mentorship has truly been a blessing. He taught me how to interpret the bush through a guests eyes, never assuming, always empathetic and patient.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD SOUTH AFRICA WALKING SAFARI GUIDE?

An outstanding guide is one who has empathy, is patient and always takes the time to see and understand things through their guests eyes’.

This is imperative if we are to succeed in answering questions fully, ensuring they are satisfied with your interpretation and get the absolute most from your guidance.

FAVOURITE ANIMAL?

Both hyena and elephant for the success of their matriarchal leadership. Their societies are the most successful for a woman’s leadership.

MOST MEMORABLE SIGHTING?

Special sundowners in the Kapamba River in Zambia, we had set out chairs in the river and were all enjoying a drink when suddenly a Bush Buck appeared on the river bank looking distressed.

It ran in our direction, followed closely by a pack of Wild Dogs who brought it down mere meters in front of us. We sat frozen as they began feeding from the hindquarters, the Bush Buck screaming in protest.

BEST EXPERIENCE OF YOUR GUIDING CAREER?

Every time I receive compliments for the manner in which I guide brings me utter joy.

INTERESTING ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR YOU'VE WITNESSED?

An Elephant calf that approached me while sitting under the shade of some Ebony trees’ as the herd looked on. The baby approached me, stood between my legs and used her trunk to sniff me all over. I was covered in saliva at the end of her investigation.

MOST EMBARRASSING GUIDING MOMENT?

Having successfully stopped two lions from mock charging my group in Selous Game Reserve and confident they had retreated I turned back to my guests to make sure everyone was safe. One of my guests then pointed out that I had wet my pants!