Private Guides in Africa

Coming from a long line of African pioneers and adventurers Ralph Bousfield’s family has been guiding for five generations. At university Ralph studied Nature Conservation and went on to further his studies under famous George Archibold who was known for captive breeding the whooping crane and saving it from extinction. One of Ralph’s greatest teachers and mentors was his father, Jack Bousfield, who set up the famous Jacks Camp and worked with some of the greatest trackers in Africa. Growing up on safari and working along side the Bushmen of the Botswana wilderness, it was only natural his fathers passions would also become his own. In 1998 Ralph co-produced and presented the sixteen part “Uncharted Africa” for the Discovery Channel.

With 13 years of experience under his belt, Vusumuzi joined the iMvelo community project after fully qualifying as a safari guide, where he works for iMvelo Safari Lodges to this day. He has become an ambassador for his community in the safari industry and has shone as a role model for the young generation in his village, making them realise there is a future in conserving wildlife, and connecting with people from all over the world. “It fills me with an indescribable sense of connection and wonder. Sharing the raw beauty of the wild is more than just a job - it's a privilege.”

Growing up in Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, Surprise started his career as a tracker at Chitwa Chitwa, where Charl Brink supported him to study and become a field guide. He has been at there ever since and is very much part of the family. He feels honoured to share his passion with guests from all over the world. To see their facial expressions when observing an animal like a leopard or elephant for the first time, exemplifies the passion for what he does. “I feel a sense of joy when I can share my experience with everyone. Not everyone is as lucky to witness what I see every day.”

Zera qualified as a Leaner Professional Guide and River Guide in 1996 and has been working with the Tembo Plains Camp in Sapi Private Reserve ever since. He draws his passion from the interaction between humans and nature, exchanging his wildness knowledge for the benefit and enjoyment of guests and the subsequent conservation of nature. “Due to natural and human interaction, I achieve my love to meet a myriad of people, personalities, cultures and traditions.”

Founder of Cape Fusion Tours, Pamela exudes her love for native Cape Town. Even as the company grows her love for guiding continues to shine, loving nothing better than being out in the field with guests. Only offering private tours, allows them to have small numbers, resulting in wonderful conversations. ‘I love to have the time to sit with guests around a table “breaking bread” and having the deep conversations about who we are and where we came from. My happy place is a hole in the wall restaurant in Kalk Bay called the Olympia Cafe. I am obsessed with their mussels and their seafood pasta.”

Holding the position of Head Guide at Xigera Safari Lodge, Ike is proud of the multi-activity programme it runs. Known as one of the best destinations in the world, with consistent big predators and general game viewing throughout the year. Xigera is able to offer game drives throughout the year and seasonal water-dependent activities like boating and mokoro. Nature walks are offered towards the end of August when the grasses are shorter and the fishing is more abundant. “I enjoy telling my story through the lens, sharing with guests the pristine wilderness of Okavango Delta and this amazing lodge.”

A self-proclaimed adventure fanatic, Ingrid absolutely loves the mountain and outdoor sports with a real passion for adventure bike racing. This love for the mountains and her home city of Cape Town led her into private guiding in and around Cape Town. Taking guests on all sorts of tours with endless options from the mountains, oceans, gardens, art, wildlife, wine, culture, history, food and more! “Earning the views at the top of Table Mountain with a cold beer is magnificent. From the top, you can appreciate just how special and diverse our city is.”

Bernard has always had a yearning to live and work in the wilderness of Africa, especially the Kruger National Park. All his interests and passions were found there in abundance: the history, archaeology, indigenous tribal culture, butterflies, birds, and the people. The unpredictability and spontaneity of nature; something new and intriguing almost every day. Sharing amazing moments with people and connecting in the wilderness, being present in nature, without distractions or technology. “On a guided walk, the rules change, the experience is completely different, and you are connected to and closer to everything around you.”