It’s all about wildlife. It’s all about game viewing. We have people from all over the world coming to South Africa to share this piece of paradise with us, and my favourite thing about the job is meeting them and sharing these wildlife experiences. Working here at MalaMala in Sabi Sands private game reserve in Greater Kruger, I’ve seen amazing things. Sometimes I look back and see tears falling down guests’ faces, from joy.

What happens on a game drive?

A game drive is all about game viewing, but it’s also like playing a game because we don’t know what we’re going to find out there in the bush. The most important thing is to trust your guide. Before we take our guests out on safari, we do a vehicle orientation. We tell them they’re not allowed to stand up: if we stand up, we break the shape of the vehicle and the animals might recognise us as humans, and they could be disturbed or attack out of fear.

All the animals here grew up with Land Rovers around that’s how we’re able to do such close game viewings, even if an animal is feeding. The morning drive ends with a cooked breakfast back at camp, and during the evening drive we have sundowner drinks out in the bush. Some of the animals are becoming active at this time, so maybe we’ll hear some lions or leopards roar.

What type of animals do you see in this area?

We have the The Big Five, which are lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino. And lots more; we don’t have any fence between Kruger and our reserve. Here in MalaMala it’s almost everyday we see the cats. For leopard viewings, there’s nowhere better. Down in the river, during the dry season, all of the animals come to drink, so if it’s a sunny day in the late afternoon all you have to do is drive along the riverbed and you’ll find the lions and leopards waiting for the prey species. We feel very lucky to have this river here. The river is part of what makes MalaMala so great for game viewing.

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My tours tend to be longer than other guides’ — people seem to generate a lot of questions! I believe there’s a lot of discipline involved in guiding, and a passion for the industry is essential. I’ve now been doing it for 22 years; 15 years in this part of Mpumalanga. It’s a special place: there are so many diverse cultures, each with their own unique characters. And the views across Blyde River Canyon are stunning.

What is The Panorama Route, and what are its major sights?

The Panorama Route encompasses some of South Africa’s most stunning scenery, right here around the Blyde River Canyon. At 16 miles long, it’s the third largest canyon in the world.

There’s also the Lisbon Falls, Graskop Gorge and Bourke’s Luck Potholes, which is a beautiful geological feature created by swirling water erosion where two rivers meet. And, of course, there’s the short hike to the lookout at God’s Window. They say on a clear day you can see to the ocean in Mozambique.

What was life like for the first European settlers?

If you’re a keen historian, you’ll find this region very interesting. There are various tales of pioneers who came to settle in Pilgrims Rest looking for gold. One of the best resources, is Percy Fitzpatrick’s Jock of the Bushveld, which is set in these parts and tells the trials and tribulations of the author and his dog, Jock.

How can a traveller visit responsibly?

Support the local community by buying their arts and crafts that they sell at sights along The Panorama Route. Obviously, you can’t buy from every little shop you come across, but don’t wait until you get to Johannesburg — buy from the local community. It really helps to boost morale.

What, for you, makes South Africa special?

The diversity — it has so many cultures and areas of natural beauty to explore. The vastness of the country, too. You can go from one part of the country to another and see something completely different.

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