Safari Guide of the Year 2026 puts South Africa’s top field guides to the test

South Africa’s top field guides are putting their skills to the test as the 2026 Safari Guide of the Year (SGOTY) competition unfolds in the Greater Kruger region.

Now celebrating its 15th year, the prestigious event is taking place from 18 to 24 June at Amani Safari Camp, part of the Klaserie Drift Collection in the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, Limpopo. The competition has become one of the most respected benchmarks for professional safari guiding in Southern Africa.

Endorsed by the Field Guides Association of Southern Africa (FGASA), Safari Guide of the Year was established in 2011 to address a long-standing gap in the tourism industry: the absence of an independent, formal standard for evaluating safari guides. Since then, it has evolved into a rigorous assessment platform built around FGASA’s qualification framework, focusing on professional excellence rather than popularity or guest reviews.

Founded by Lowveld-based private guide Mike Karantonis in partnership with FGASA, the competition has grown from a niche industry initiative into a widely recognised showcase of guiding talent. Finalists are tested across a broad range of skills that contribute to the safari experience, including wildlife tracking, bird identification, bush walks, environmental interpretation, storytelling, hospitality and advanced rifle handling.

According to FGASA Managing Director Michelle du Plessis, the competition is designed to uphold professional standards across the industry.

“Safari Guide of the Year is about more than recognising an individual. It reflects the standards we expect across the guiding profession and highlights the dedication, professionalism and excellence required to operate at the highest level,” she said.

Meet the 2026 finalists

This year’s finalists represent some of South Africa’s leading safari destinations and bring a wealth of experience to the competition.

Patrick Kepe of Shamwari Private Game Reserve has spent 13 years guiding guests through the bush. Armed with an extensive list of FGASA qualifications, he is passionate about helping visitors form meaningful connections with nature.

Also representing Shamwari is Samantha Snodgrass, whose guiding style is widely praised for its combination of ethics, knowledge and enthusiasm. Her approach has earned consistent praise from guests and colleagues alike.

Jordan Davidson from Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is a FGASA Lead Trails Guide with nearly a decade of experience in the Little Karoo. He is known for sharing his passion for the region’s landscapes, flora and wildlife.

Representing Singita, Otto Scribante began guiding professionally in 2019 after training through EcoTraining. His fascination with the relationships that shape natural ecosystems drives his approach to guiding, and he views SGOTY as a reflection of the profession’s continued evolution.

Completing the finalist line-up is Sarah Barratt of Thornybush, who brings 15 years of guiding experience from across South Africa. With a background in anthropology, she believes the most memorable safari moments happen when guests realise they are part of nature rather than separate from it.

Experienced judging panel

The finalists are being evaluated by a panel of respected industry experts, including SGOTY founder Mike Karantonis, FGASA Managing Director Michelle du Plessis, Solomon Ndlovu, Roger Machin, FGASA Scouts James Steyn and Juan Pinto, who serves as Director of Conservation at Royal Malewane and Chair of the FGASA Board.

Judges are assessing far more than wildlife knowledge. Key criteria include communication skills, adaptability, continuous learning, humility and the ability to create authentic connections with guests.

Members of the public can follow the competition through Safari Guide of the Year’s social media channels, where finalist profiles, updates and behind-the-scenes content are being shared throughout the week.

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