Witness the extraordinary talents of South Africa’s top 5 guides as they compete in a series of intense and engaging safari activities.
Book a safari experience in Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa
Safari Guide of the Year, powered by the Field Guides Association of South Africa (FGASA), announced that this year’s competition will be hosted at Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa. Nestled within the malaria-free Welgevonden Game Reserve in Limpopo’s Waterberg District, Mhondoro offers a luxurious five-star experience, providing the perfect backdrop for this esteemed event.
The Safari Guide of the Year Competition
It all started in 2011 with an extraordinary vision by Mike Karantonis. His goal was to establish an event that honors and celebrates the best of the best in the industry. Since its inception, the event has grown stronger each year, becoming an aspiration for all rangers who aim to compete and win the title.
The Safari Guide of the Year competition honors the dedication, skill, and passion of field guides from southern Africa. These amazing guides provide unforgettable safari experiences that are ethical, engaging, and full of wonder. The selection process is very competitive. To be nominated, guides need at least five years of experience, specific qualifications, and active FGASA membership.
The event brings together the top five guides to compete in fun and challenging safari-related activities, judged by experts to find the ultimate winner. By celebrating these outstanding guides, the competition not only highlights their achievements but also inspires future guides to aim for excellence. Consequently, it fosters a culture of continuous improvement and dedication within the guiding community.
The finalists will tackle a range of events designed to test their skills, including:
Game drives
Bush walks
Guided photographic experiences
Bird identification and calls
Tracking and signs
Advanced rifle handling
Storytelling
Hosting and hospitality.
Each event is crafted to showcase the incredible talents and expertise of these outstanding guides.
Latest Sightings’ very own CEO, Nadav Ossendryver, will be on-site to witness and document the event. Expect thrilling, real-time updates on the competition! Don’t miss out—follow our social media accounts for all of the stories.
Meet the 5 finalists for 2024:
Themba Mabunda
Themba has 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.
HJ Esterhuizen
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.
Ashley Meintjies
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.
Tracey Bruton
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.
Phillip Wessels
Phillip Wessels has been guiding for 26 years and 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 organisational skills.
With each finalist showcasing immense talent, the competition promises to be a nail-biter! Despite the fierce competition – camaraderie, friendship, respect, and plenty of fun remain integral to the contest.
