A snapshot about
Ranger Kirsten
My journey back to my home country began with following the call of my heart, shown to me by the dearest person in my world, my grandad Ivor. Taking my grandma and I out to Mabalingwe reserve, Limpopo, we ventured out into the untamed wilderness to go on a safari.
To describe a fire igniting in my soul does not come close to the feeling of connection, emotion and joy roaring inside me whilst on this trip. I will always be grateful to my grandad, for organising the opportunity for me to spend as much time as possible in the bush. Walking with a ranger, we listened to the buzz of insects and birds whilst looking at the perfect heart shaped impala tracks on the rich earth.
An overwhelming feeling of gratitude for the natural world and for my grandparents fuelled my mission to return to South Africa to learn how to be a ranger. I planned to return in the same year to do the course and live with my grandparents. With enormous pain, my dear grandad Ivor passed away a month before I returned. My journey and joy for teaching and guiding is dedicated to him and his unwavering kindness to the world. Guiding, engaging and teaching in the bush is such a privilege and spreading the love of nature and creativity is my passion.
The Journey
The Training
My adventures started at Limpopo Field Guide Academy, where I completed my Level 1 Safari Guide Qualification. Living out in the bush, surrounded by lions, elephants, rhino’s and more we delved into the wonders of nature. Learning about animal behaviour, plants, culture and more, this stepping stone was brilliant start to my learning, understanding and guiding career.
Honeyguide Ranger Camp
My professional career started straight away at Honeyguide Ranger Camp in the Waterburg. A stunning landscape to explore with mountains, waterholes and forests brimming with vast varieties of plants and animals.
Botswana
Venturing to Kuwai, Okavango Delta Botswana, I spent a month walking with professional guides Cliffy and Massi, who mentored myself and fellow ranger Amara. I can hands down say this was the best month of my life. Living in the middle of the wilderness, we slept in tents, had a long drop toilet and bucket shower, which was often visited by thirsty elephants too! Learning to walk safely in the wild, harnessing our scenes and interpreting our surroundings, we built our walking skills to take our own guided nature walks back in South Africa.
Singita Sabi Sand
From the Waterburg to the home of leopards, my career took me to Singita Sabi Sand, where I stayed for 3 years, working with my best friend (and bush brother) Rebel. Rebel was my tracker and together we, as a team lead game drives morning and evening, tracking animals, uncovering mysteries and teaching guests the way of the bush.
Zimbabwe
During my time in the Sabi Sand I was fortunate to be invited to join a group of guides to visit Singita Pamashana Reserve, Zimbabwe. During me stay I learnt to track lions with the professional Rangers as well as Black and White rhino.
Singita Kruger National Park
Driven to experience a different environment, I moved to Singita Concession in Kruger Park, which boarders Mozambique. Conducting guided walks, game drives and various other activities, I met some amazing guests and worked with some very special people. In particular were my trackers David and Nkhlayo. A much more mountainous terrain saw more lion pride activities.
