It’s a gift to be able to spend time with young minds who are open to a world of opportunities. Benjamin Franklin once said, “Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.”

For 43 years deeply rooted wisdom has been imparted to all those who have passed through these doors. This is where foundations are built and consistency in values is maintained. We are the heart of facilitating the connection to nature, it is our sole responsibility.

Becoming a guide means you’re stepping into the realm of never-ending information. A pool of knowledge that simply overflows; it knows no end. You have challenged yourself to a task that will forever keep you on your toes and increase your potential daily.

“From a young age, I’ve been fascinated by the complexity of living creatures and the natural world. I got the opportunity to start here in Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve as a trainee. Yes, it is tough, and you need to stay focused, it requires good time management and a lot of dedication. But it is worth it in every way. Hard work really pays off and I can say with all honesty that I am the happiest I’ve been in a long time, doing the things I love. Yes, I still have a long way to go, but I’m excited for the journey that I’m going to walk with this company, and I look forward to the jaw-dropping stories I’ll have to share with guests of my own one day.

Sleep is minimal, situational awareness is required to be at an all-time high. You need to be instinctively in tune with every element of the lodge life and its surroundings. Day-to-day life turns into a fast-paced, information highway, as guides' little pocket notepads turn into A4 workbooks.

We realise how much there is to learn. How small we are in the grand scheme of this exceptional environment in which we have chosen to live and work.

This journey is humbling.” – Werner Lilje (Trainee Ranger Bush Lodge)

“It’s not all African kids dream to become a guide. It seems farfetched really, any job sounds easier when you don’t know what is driven by passion and love for something feels like. I could tell a thousand tales about being in the hospitality industry, but lately, there is only one worth sharing, and that’s my journey to where I am now: a tale worth unpacking.

I remember back to 2019 when I sent my CV to a hiring agent. It was a few short weeks and already they had an opportunity for me. The then, very newly qualified, self-studied, guide was ready for just about anything.

I was asked about “empathy”, “putting puzzles together” and what it all meant... I later realised some of those answers when attending Nkombe Camp, a selection course that Sabi Sabi ran, where the word EMPATHY became a verb.

We were a mixed group of individuals, driven by passion, and the need to be successful. We all had different attributes; it was hard. Personalities clashed, and patience and EMPATHY were tested. But we had one thing in common, we had a deep love for the bush. And ALL wanted to be here. Our characters were out to the test, as was our knowledge, but more importantly, how we handled one another.

Unfortunately, things didn’t work as I had hoped. I moved on. I kept my spirit high despite not making it through the process.

However, in August 2022. Back on the hot seat. Gained some experience, found my confidence, and built my knowledge base and I’m back finding myself through a new world of guiding post-Covid.

I have a second chance. Passion is like religion; it keeps you grounded. I have never worked so hard in my life. I have never been so humbled by my return. I have learnt Empathy, and I’m putting together the puzzle pieces with a greater understanding of what is expected of me. I’m in the process of becoming who I want to be, I have never been so proud of the woman I am becoming in this field. Since leaving back in 2019, the dream of becoming a Sabi Sabi Guide has remained close to my heart. I now work tirelessly to achieve this goal and it’s paying off. I look forward to the day I am able to take my first guests out on safari. I’ll be achieving the dreams of my ancestors while I fulfil my own in a monumental way.” – Sidile Mhlodi (Trainee Ranger Bush Lodge)

Through training, you develop a deep love for the land. Bonds between teammates are cemented through long hard walks, hours of research, late nights entertaining and sharing stories. The airy calls of hyenas and lions in the distance are now not that of fear but rather comfort as you have settled into this new space you call home.

“Arriving at Sabi Sabi for the first time, filled with excitement and anticipation of what is to come was unlike any other moment in my life. Over the last 6 weeks I have been pushed to develop myself by the people around me in such amazing ways, be it to gain more knowledge and insight about my surroundings or express myself in a genuine way, and for this, I am very grateful. The place I find myself in, being surrounded by like-minded people in a truly natural environment is assurance that I have found my home. We may go through hardships or challenging times, but we do so together, and this is what shapes us into stronger people allowing us to rise to new heights. I am eager to walk this path that lies ahead, side by side, with my new family.” – Maceo Toich (Trainee Ranger Bush Lodge)

“Having come straight out of a 6-month training course where I thought I was ready to get into the game ranging industry, boy was I in for a surprise. I was given the opportunity of a three-month probation at Sabi Sabi and knowing these opportunities do not come around very often, I was determined to make the most of this opportunity. Although the hours are long and there is a massive amount of information to process and learn in a very short space of time, I’m managing to get through it all with a combination of hard work, determination and most of all help and encouragement from the Sabi Sabi team. It just shows what a bit of belief and encouragement can do for someone starting out. I feel at home here and excited for my future at Sabi Sabi.” – William McAdam (Trainee Ranger Bush Lodge)

I feel blessed to be at the forefront of moulding these young hearts, eager to learn.

Real, cutting-edge, responsive teaching, is challenging and can be difficult work, especially in this industry where our environment is forever changing, we need to keep up with the fast-paced changes of this environment. It requires buy-in, passion, and understanding. It comes with a reward felt deep within that evokes feelings of contentment and success. But when a group comes along that has a deep passion to be connected to the very ground their feet walk, it’s easy. Blissful. Inspiring.