After a thrilling week where the nominees put their skills to the test, Latest Sightings, as co-sponsors with the Field Guides Association of South Africa, proudly announces the winner of this year’s Safari Guide of the Year competition. The event ran from 18-24 June.
Congratulations Sarah!
After careful deliberation, the judges selected Sarah Barratt of Thornybush Game Reserve as the overall winner. Of the various categories, Sarah ranked first in the following categories:
- Guided Game Drive
- Professionalism
- Industry Ambassador
Proud to Support Safari Guide of the Year
Latest Sightings (That’s us (: ) has been attending Safari Guide of the Year for many years, and every year the standard of the contestants continues to impress us.
The guides were outstanding throughout the competition, and we were especially proud to sponsor the birding segment. Birding is such an important part of the safari experience, and it was wonderful to see the finalists tested on a skill that requires patience, sharp observation, and deep knowledge of the bush.
Crowning a storied career
Representing Thornybush Game Reserve, Sarah has been working in the bush for 15 years. Her journey progressed from the Eastern Cape to the Free State, before ending up in the Greater Kruger National Park.
Her diverse experience has given her a broad range of skills, supported by her adherence to FGASA’s standards throughout her career.
With a passion for anthropology, she views the bush through a human lens, finding great delight in helping guests connect with Nature.
Congratulations, Sarah, you’ve done yourself, Thornybush, and the industry proud.
And the runner-up is…
The runner-up in this year’s competition is Otto Scribante of Singita. He has been guiding since 2019 and has developed a reputation for drawing guests into the finer details of the natural world, the hidden threads connecting every creature, plant, and ecosystem.
Crediting his mentors, including Cameron Pearce, Massimo Rebuzzi, and Mike Meidlinger, Otto brings a depth of ecological curiosity that turns even a quiet moment in the bush into something meaningful.
Credit where credit is due
Aside from our winners, we would also like to commend the other Safari Guide of the Year 2026 Finalists. Their nominations show that the guiding community in southern Africa is among the best in the world.
The following guides are commended for their efforts, for representing their respective organisations, and contributing to the high standard of guiding in South Africa.
- Patrick Kepe of Shamwari Game Reserve
- Samantha Snodgrass of Shamwari Game Reserve
- Jordan Davidson of Sanbona Wildlife Reserve
Eight challenging events
Founded in 2011 by Mike Karantonis, SGOTY has grown into the most respected and anticipated event on the safari guiding calendar.
Nominees were assessed on the following skillsets:
- Guided game drive
- Guided game walk
- Guided photographic experience
- Bird slide & sound identification
- Track & sign identification
- Advanced rifle handling
- Storytelling
- Hosting and hospitality
Thanks to the hosts
This year’s competition was held in the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve in Limpopo. The event was hosted at Amani Safari Camp, which is the newest addition to the Klaserie Drift portfolio
Amani is a place where laidback luxury meets unfiltered nature. Sustainability is integrated into the experience, including solar energy, water-wise systems, locally sourced ingredients, and a low-impact design.
We thank Amani for ensuring this year’s participants and judges were well looked after in every regard.
Thanks are also due to Armadillo Media for covering the event, and providing the images used in this article.