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
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, rhinos and more, we delved into the wonders of nature. Learning about animal behaviour, plants, culture and more, this stepping stone was a brilliant start to my learning, understanding and guiding career.
Honeyguide
My professional career started straight away at Honeyguide Ranger Camp in the Waterberg. A stunning landscape to explore, with mountains, waterholes and forests brimming with a vast variety of plants and animals.
Botswana trails
Venturing to Khwai in Botswana’s Okavango Delta, I spent a month walking with professional guides Cliffy and Massi, who mentored me 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 and had a long-drop toilet and bucket shower, which were often visited by thirsty elephants too! Learning to walk safely in the wild, honing our senses and interpreting our surroundings, we built our skills so we could lead our own guided nature walks back in South Africa.
Singita Sabi Sand
From the Waterberg to the home of leopards, my career took me to Singita Sabi Sand, where I stayed for three years, working with my best friend (and bush brother), Rebel. Rebel was my tracker and together we led 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 visiting Singita Pamushana Reserve in Zimbabwe. During my stay, I learnt to track lions with the professional rangers, as well as black and white rhinos.
Singita Kruger
Driven to experience a different environment, I moved to Singita’s concession in Kruger National Park, which borders Mozambique. Conducting guided walks, game drives and various other activities, I met some amazing guests and worked with some very special people, particularly my trackers David and Nkhlayo. The more mountainous terrain brought opportunities to observe more lion-pride activity.
In 2022, I returned to England to continue my wild journey. Bringing together my safari experiences and artistic flair, this next chapter has focused on developing a brand that encourages creativity and a deeper understanding and love for the natural world.
Alongside my artistic work, I continue to engage with animal conservation in the UK. At my core is an enduring joy for art and nature. Inspired by my grandad’s compassion, naturally engaging demeanour, and kind heart, I created I Am Wild at Art to carry forward our shared values of respect for life and the natural world.