Our Guide

I have been guiding for 14 years and have always known that my future belonged in the bush. Growing up in an outdoors-loving family, I spent my childhood camping, hiking, horse riding, fishing, and visiting game farms. From as early as the age of five, I told my parents, “I’m going to work in the bush one day.” That passion never faded,it grew into a lifelong career in conservation.

I completed my training through EcoTraining at both Salati and the Makuleke concession in the Kruger National Park. I currently hold an Advanced Field Guide qualification and am in the process of completing my Professional Field Guide certification. I also hold qualifications in Apprentice Trails Guiding and Advanced Rifle Handling.

When guiding guests, I especially enjoy sightings of black rhino. They’re incredibly rare, highly curious animals, and every encounter is a privilege, particularly as their numbers continue to decline due to poaching. Among birds, I have a soft spot for the shrike species, known for their tenacity and uniqueness. My favourite tree is the Marula, not just the source of the beloved Amarula liqueur, but also a spiritual symbol and “tree of life” across many African cultures.

One memorable encounter unfolded during a sighting of three lions, two lionesses and a male, hunting a nyala at Kaingo. One lioness disappeared into the thickets while the other two walked casually up the road. Suddenly, a young nyala burst from the bushes, chased by the first lioness straight into the path of the others. The male, being larger, muscled the females aside and claimed the prize, but the nyala was still alive. It managed to break free from the male’s grasp, startling him. The females quickly acted to finish the hunt, but the male took the kill and vanished into the bush, leaving them empty handed despite all their effort. It was a striking example of the raw, unpredictable dynamics of predator behaviour.

To me, conservation is essential. Every element in nature plays a role within a greater ecosystem. The more diverse and balanced that system is, the more resilient and sustainable it becomes,not only for wildlife, but for the survival and wellbeing of humanity itself.

Languages spoken: Afrikaans, English, and currently learning Zulu.