“ANTics” in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve.

Have you ever wished that you could spend just a little more time “going back to school” and learning something not because you “have to” but because you “want to”. Education for many of us was a hardship of our youth, but like many others over the years, I have learned what a privilege learning really is and how fortunate I am compared to many others. My teachers from my dark school days would keel over and die at the thought of me saying that, but if that in itself didn’t finish them off, the thought of me being entrusted with the education of others, as I am now, certainly would!!

Most people would assume that one of the greatest privileges of working as a professional guide and wildlife photographer is the variety of wonderful places that one gets to visit in pursuit of your work, and the amazing wildlife encounters that go with it. True enough, but for me the wonderful people I encounter day to day, who care passionately about conservation and who truly want to learn …. they are what make me get out of bed like a coiled spring in the morning!!

I have recently returned from the Sabi Sands guiding a group of young aspirant field guides. A group of people who made me once again realise what a privileged life I have doing what I do. For many years now I have been associated with Africa Nature Training, firstly as a student in my own right, but in more recent years as a guide working on primarily their Level 1 FGASA (Field Guide of Southern Africa) teaching their students the mammal, ethology (mammal behaviour), and ecology aspects of their curriculum.

Looking the part is one thing, and hey do these students look fantastic here as they prepare for their “on the job” working assignments, but the level of study and practical experience required of a guide in training is often not fully appreciated and understood by many of their future guests. It is a privileged job that you chose as a result of your passion for wildlife and conservation. The rewards may not be huge in monetary terms, but oh boy, the magnificent sunsets you get to experience almost daily make life in the city undertaking a more “traditional” occupation just unthinkable.

Africa Nature Training has been turning out some of the best field guides in the industry now for over 12 years. The guides and teachers who mentor the students over the course of their studies are some of the most experienced and knowledgable in their fields and are united by one thing … a passion for the bush and a passion for sharing their knowledge. Home base is the magnificent Nkombe Camp, managed superbly by husband and wife team, Channyn and Conrad, along with their staff Benny and Mandla. What makes this place so special is the fact that students and staff live their daily lives  alongside the wildlife with no fences securing the camp. Problematic you might have thought? Not at all. Yes, we have frequent visits from elephant, lion and leopard in particular, but you soon learn that these animals are as wary of us as we are of them and when given justifiable respect they will happily ignore everything going on in the camp, and go about their own business. It never fails to take your breath away whenever you get a visit though!!

Morning and afternoon lectures focus on everything from trees, grasses, mammals, birds, insects etc. through to weather, astronomy, geology and navigation. Hard work in itself but the students also need to learn to deliver a practical guided experience to paying guests. FGASA is a guiding qualification above all else and thus there is rightly a large emphasis on managing both the enjoyment and safety of your guests whilst they are on safari.

Training students to “get in tune” with their environment might seem a less obvious part of the curriculum. Guiding skill is not just about having a sharp pair of eyes, but it’s about being able to get in touch with the full spectrum of your senses, being able to touch, smell, hear and generally “feel” the bush”. Probably, the quietest and most pensive time I get to spend with the students. But I do enjoy it!! A good hour of peace and quiet as the students immerse themselves, blindfolded, and left to savour all the bush has to throw at them!! Don’t worry though, their safety is paramount and a rifle bearing guide is never too far away!!

So next time you are on safari, take time out to get to know your guide and really enjoy your time with them. He or she has invested a huge amount time, expense and passion into becoming sufficiently qualified to share your safari experience with you. Without exception, they had to excel to earn the right to occupy that driver seat in your game vehicle. They too know that their lifestyle is a privilege, and sending you home with memories that will last a lifetime is THE most rewarding aspect of their job.

To Matt, Jamie, Rianna, Carmie, Ralph, Elzaan, Dionne, Frederik, Morgan and Herman … thank you for the special time we enjoyed in the Sabi Sands. You were a fine bunch of students and will be a credit to Africa Nature Training when you graduate in a few weeks time. Thanks also to Lorraine Doyle at Africa Nature Training for once again “trusting” me with her students for a few weeks!! I hope I didn’t let you down!!

I wish you all the very best of luck with your forthcoming assessment and examination and hope to have the privilege of having you guide ME when you are snapped up by the lodges in the near future!! Good luck guys ……