“I feel like I’m nothing without wildlife. They are the stars. I feel awkward without them.“ - Bindi Irwin

What makes us who we are and why we do this job? That’s a question that’s been asked by many people.

In my case, as a Game Ranger it’s all about what’s out here in the bush! Everything out here makes you think differently and live a completely different life to anyone else. Getting up early every day and working until late at night is worth every bit of sweat for what we have! It is amazing how animals, trees, birds, grasses, clouds, stars, soils and all the other small creatures out there can make a person so excited to work!

Many might think it’s a basic every day job, but it’s not - every day is different - you would never be able to predict the next drive or what’s going to happen the next day. Trust me, this keeps your spirit young and you would easily notice the everyday excitement when you come to visit Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve.

The good thing about the area that we are in, is it is close to 2 500 000 hectares or 5 000 000 acres as most will know it! Guiding in such a natural environment, with people coming to visit from all over the world, wouldn’t be possible if it weren’t for every single person out there that has been on safari before, so thanks to everyone who makes it possible for me and many more guides out there to live our dream.

Just imagine a world without nature reserves? I am sure no one can!

So why do I, Franscois Rosslee, chose to be a Guide?

Because I love the expression on people’s faces when they see an impala for the first time, and being able to provide them with knowledge that would make an impalas hair stand on end if they could understand us. One of the big things about this work, sorry not work - “passion” - is that you would never be able to know everything about all that is out here, you always learn something new, no matter if it’s from another ranger or just watching animal behaviour. This is definitely the best thing in the world to do and also gives me, as a guide, a chance to become a photographer, something I never had any interest in until my wonderful parents bought me my first camera for my 21^st birthday and since then I have found an unbelievable love for photography and how could you not with the privilege of guiding in such a natural area, snapping amazing pictures of wild life in their natural environment and sharing that with the rest of the world.

So for those of you who have seen all the programs on television and have not yet been here in the African Bush, lift yourself out of your seat and start booking your trip of a life time to one of Africa’s most magnificent wild life areas!