New Generation of Safari Guides Elevates South Africa’s Wildlife Experiences at Mabula
This September, as South Africa marks Tourism Month, a significant spotlight falls on the remarkable strides made at Mabula Private Game Reserve, where Extraordinary Resorts Management is nurturing the next wave of safari talent. The success of Mabula’s trainee guides signals not only personal triumphs but also the emergence of a more inclusive and professional safari industry—an evolution with wide-reaching implications for African tourism professionals.
The most recent cohort of trainees at Mabula achieved a standout 90% pass rate with distinction in the highly respected Field Guides Association of Southern Africa (FGASA) NQF2 examinations, a notable leap above the national benchmark of 75%. This outstanding result is a testament to the rigorous mentorship of Head Guide Piet Mogotlane, who has championed a training approach that blends theoretical knowledge with practical, real-world application. For those operating in the African tourism sector, these results highlight the importance of investing in education and continuous skills development to maintain and enhance the continent’s reputation for world-class safari experiences.
What truly sets the Mabula training programme apart is its community-focused approach. Recruits are drawn from the local areas surrounding the Reserve, and their training is fully sponsored by Mabula Private Game Reserve. This model creates a direct pipeline from local communities to meaningful, skilled employment, offering a sustainable response to both unemployment and the need for authentic representation in the tourism workforce. Through this initiative, Mabula is not only shaping future guides but also fostering local empowerment, creating jobs, and supporting the social and economic transformation of the Limpopo region.
This September, as the trainees prepare for their upcoming practical FGASA assessments, the emphasis is on honing the full spectrum of guiding competencies. Preparations include intensive mentorship, simulated assessments, and practical workshops on storytelling, ecological interpretation, guest management, and ethical guiding. The objective is to equip each trainee to confidently lead safaris, provide exceptional hosting, and offer insightful, conservation-driven narratives that enrich the guest experience.
The positive outcomes of this approach are already evident in the achievements of individuals like Tshepo Loni, the dedicated safari guide at Kingfisher Villa Suites, also located within the Mabula Private Game Reserve. Tshepo recently passed his FGASA Trails Guide exam, a prestigious qualification that enables him to lead walking safaris with expertise in tracking, wildlife behavior, guest safety, and environmental stewardship. His journey continues with a structured mentorship, during which he will accumulate over 150 hours of guided walks under the supervision of an experienced Trails Guide. This hands-on training is designed to fine-tune his abilities in spoor identification, bush navigation, wildlife interpretation, and crisis management, ultimately preparing him to deliver safe and memorable walking safaris that connect guests deeply with South Africa’s wild heart.
For African tourism professionals, these developments at Mabula offer a blueprint for excellence and sustainability. The integration of local talent, the prioritization of guest safety and conservation, and the emphasis on professional standards all contribute to the elevation of safari guiding as a respected career path. Such an approach not only enhances the quality of the guest experience but also ensures that economic benefits remain rooted in local communities, fostering long-term growth and resilience in the industry.
Tourism Month in South Africa is closely linked with Heritage Day on 24 September, a national celebration of the country’s rich natural and cultural assets. The role of guides during this period—and throughout the year—cannot be overstated. They serve as ambassadors of South Africa’s wild spaces, interpreting their significance for visitors while modeling responsible stewardship and cultural pride. The achievements of Mabula’s trainees and the ongoing dedication of guides like Tshepo Loni embody this dual mission of conservation and education, reinforcing Extraordinary’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of tourism leaders.
Maralize Mulder, Marketing Manager at Extraordinary, reflected on the broader impact of these successes: “These achievements are not only milestones for the Reserve, but for South Africa’s safari industry as a whole. We are proud to be producing guides who can deliver world-class guest experiences while protecting and celebrating our heritage, and to be creating real opportunities for young people from local communities around Mabula.”
For the African travel sector, the lessons from Mabula are clear. Investing in local talent development, prioritizing inclusivity, and upholding rigorous professional standards are critical for sustaining Africa’s competitive edge in the global tourism arena. As the continent continues to attract an ever-growing number of travelers eager for authentic and transformative experiences, initiatives like Mabula’s will play a pivotal role in shaping the future—one where African expertise, voices, and stories are front and center in every journey.
