The Safari Guide of the Year competition has concluded, leaving an unforgettable experience in its wake. Five of South Africa’s top safari guides showcased their exceptional skills and passion, pushing themselves to the limit in this highly anticipated event.
Photography all by Armadillo Media.
The Safari Guide of the Year competition, powered by the Field Guides Association of South Africa (FGASA), was hosted at Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa. Situated within the malaria-free Welgevonden Game Reserve in Limpopo’s Waterberg District, Mhondoro provided an unforgettable five-star backdrop for this elite event.
Rugged Wear provided the contestants with top-notch clothing to keep them cozy and comfortable during their stay, as this brand specializes in bush wear. Rugged Wear ALSO provided clothing to everyone at the event, a truly brilliant brand. A notable thanks to Mhondoro for their incredible accommodation and hospitality, further improving the experience.
Since its inception in 2011, this competition has grown stronger each year, honoring the best in the industry. Founded by Mike Karantonis, the event has become an aspiration for all rangers aiming to compete and win the prestigious title.
The competition celebrates the dedication, skill, and passion of field guides from southern Africa who provide unforgettable safari experiences. Whether a local or a visitor, everyone who goes on adventures with these guides never forget their time. The selection process was highly competitive, requiring guides to have at least five years of experience, specific qualifications, and active FGASA membership.
Just like Africa’s Big Five, the event brought together the top five guides to compete in challenging safari-related activities, judged by experts to find the ultimate winner. By highlighting these outstanding guides, the competition encouraged a culture of continuous improvement and dedication within the guiding community.
This year the event took place over multiple days from the 30th of June to the 6th of July. Being the middle of winter, the cold added an extra challenge to the mix!
The finalists tackled a range of events designed to test their skills, including:
- Game drives
Photo taken from Tracy’s game drive.
- Bush walks
H.J. on his walking assessment.
- Guided photographic experiences
Photography from Ashley’s assessment.
- Bird identification and calls
Phillip during the bird event.
- Tracking and signs
Ashley doing his tracking and signs.
- Advanced rifle handling
H.J. on advanced rifle handling.
- Storytelling
H.J. presenting his storytelling event.
- Hosting and hospitality
Ashley showing off his hospitality and hosting abilities.
Each event showcased the incredible talents and expertise of these unique guides.
Latest Sightings’ very own CEO, Nadav Ossendryver, was on-site to witness and document the event, providing engaging, real-time updates on the competition through our social media accounts. He reported that the event was incredibly fun and exciting, and hopes any future guides feel inspired to reach the same goals.
Last year, the title of Safari Guide of the Year went to Kimberlee Le Hanie (Kimmy), and this year it went to the unforgettable H.J.!
Meet the 2024 finalists:
H.J. Esterhuizen: A FGASA Professional Field Guide and SKS (DG) Trails Guide with 13 years of experience, mentored by industry legends. Passionate about connecting people with nature and promoting conservation, H.J. values the Safari Guide of the Year competition for highlighting guiding as a professional career and inspiring future guides to excel. He currently works at Royal Malewane, Thornybush Game Reserve.
H.J. was this year’s winner, an extraordinary honor.
Ashley Meintjes: From Lalibela Game Reserve, has been guiding for 16 years. He earned his first FGASA qualification in 2006 and completed his Trails Guide training under Bruce Lawson. Mentored by Chris Reynecke, Ashley values FGASA’s diverse syllabus and excels in sharing nature’s wonders with guests. His key strength is his attention to detail.
Phillip Wessels: With 26 years of guiding experience, he is renowned for his knowledge, passion, and professionalism. He values FGASA for its training and career development, earning qualifications as an SKS Dangerous Game Guide and professional tracker. Phillip loves the peace of nature and sharing his passion for wildlife with guests. His greatest strengths are leadership, versatility, and organizational skills.
Themba: With a 17-year career spanning prestigious lodges like Singita, Simbavati, Hamilton’s Tented Camp, and now Lions Sands Private Game Reserve, Themba’s passion lies in sharing the beauty of South Africa and learning from the diverse cultures of his guests.
Tracey Bruton: A FGASA Professional Field Guide with 9 years of experience, works at Thornybush Game Lodge in the Greater Kruger. She has guided at reserves like Pilanesberg and Timbavati and spent time guiding in Botswana. Tracey loves immersing in nature and sharing it with guests; her greatest strengths are courage and embracing challenges.
Here’s a breakdown of who won what:
- Track and Sign: H.J.
- Birding: Phillip
- Storytelling: H.J.
- Walking: H.J.
- Photography: Ashley
- Hospitality: Ashley
- ARH: H.J.
- Guides Safari Drive: Phillip
The competition was a nail-biter, with each finalist showcasing immense talent. Despite the fierce competition, camaraderie, friendship, respect, and plenty of fun remained integral to the contest. We at Lastest Sightings cannot wait for the next event.