Safari Guide of the Year Awards (SGOTY) has announced its top five finalists for 2025, spotlighting the most exceptional field guides in Southern Africa.
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This acclaimed recognition, founded in 2011 by Mike Karantonis in collaboration with Field Guides Association of Southern Africa (FGASA), honours the expertise, dedication, and passion of field guides in Southern Africa.
For 2025, the SGOTY Awards will take place from June 16 to 22 at Kariega Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape’s picturesque Kariega River Valley.
During this event, the top 5 guides will compete in a series of challenges that test their expertise, including:
- Game Drive
- Bush Walk
- Guided Photographic Experience
- Bird Slide and Sound
- Track and Sign
- Advanced Rifle Handling
- Storytelling
- Hosting and Hospitality
The competition will culminate in an awards ceremony on June 21, 2025, where the outstanding guide will be formally recognised for their exceptional skills and dedication to the field.
Competing this year are Cameron Schmidt from Pumba Private Game Reserve, Jason Gipson from Lion Sands Game Reserve, Kalie Otimile representing Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, Matthew Derry of Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, as well as Megan Heramb-Smith, a freelance Guide and Partner at The Great Outdoors.
To be eligible, the nominees were required to have a minimum of five years’ guiding experience, hold specific qualifications, and be paid-up FGASA members.
A rigorous selection process, involving interviews and evaluations, narrowed the field to the top five finalists. A panel of experienced judges, including Karantonis, FGASA’s Managing Director, Michelle du Plessis, and other industry experts, will evaluate the finalists during the event.
“The competition is more than just an award; it’s a celebration of the hard work and commitment that field guides bring to their craft. These guides deliver exceptional safari experiences, enhancing South Africa’s global appeal, driving return tourism, and supporting job creation and skills development,” explains Karantonis.
Meet the finalists of Safari Guide of the Year Awards 2025
These five finalists for the 2025 Safari Guide of the Year Award represent the pinnacle of field guiding in Southern Africa. They will be vying for the ultimate title in just under three weeks.
Cameron Schmidt from Pumba Private Game Reserve
With a decade of guiding experience, Cameron Schmidt brings deep-rooted passion to his role at Pumba Private Game Reserve. He credits FGASA and his mentors, Pieter Dunn and Schalk Pretorius, with shaping him into the guide he is today For Schmidt, the magic of guiding lies in its daily surprises.
“The best thing about being a Safari guide is the daily connection with nature, getting to live and work in the wild while sharing unforgettable experiences with people from all over the world. Everyday brings something new and there is always something to learn. That is the beauty of being a guide, never stop learning,” he says.
Jason Gipson from Lion Sands Game Reserve
Actively guiding for seven and a half years (and in the bushveld for nine and a half), Jason Gipson sharpened his teeth through Bhejane Nature Training, under mentors Dylan Panos, Ryan Hiller, and Richard Pearce. A guide at Lion Sands Game Reserve, Gipson claims the deepest reward of guiding is being the link between guests and the natural world.
“Every guest arrives like a blank canvas, and I have the opportunity to paint their experience and create lasting memories for them. It’s a powerful and rewarding responsibility to help people connect with nature on such a personal level.”
Kalie Otimile from Tswalu Kalahari Reserve
With over 17 years of guiding under his belt, Kalie Otimile from Tswalu Kalahari Reserve boasts seasoned expertise. Trained through Bushveld Training Adventure with mentor and facilitator Sakkie Van Aswegen, he takes great pride in creating guest experiences that leave a mark.
“I love the field as it allows me to continuously expand my knowledge and interest, sharing fascinating insight with others and making each experience truly special,” he says.
Matthew Derry from Kwandwe Private Game Reserve
Matthew Derry, with 11 years of guiding, is stationed at Kwandwe Private Game Reserve. Initially trained through The Nature College during his Game Ranch Management diploma, he later pursued self-study to earn qualifications like Professional Field Guide and Tracker Level 3. Mentors Richard Pearse, Schalk Pretorius, Pieter Dunn, and Charles Delport have shaped his growth.
“Guiding allows me to educate guests about conservation and our natural heritage, inspiring a deeper appreciation and understanding of why protecting these wild spaces is so important. I feel honoured to be both an ambassador for South Africa’s wildlife and a custodian of its future,” says Derry.
Megan Heramb-Smith, Freelance Guide and Partner at The Great Outdoors
Megan Heramb-Smith, the only female finalist in this year’s Safari Guide of the Year Awards, brings a fiercely independent spirit and more than 16 years of guiding experience to her work as a freelance guide and co-founder of The Great Outdoors. Her journey included a stint as a lodge manager in Botswana before “guiding pulled me back with full force.” She completed her NQF2 with Bush Academy in 2006, then pursued self-study to achieve her Professional Field Guide and National SKS birding qualifications.
“The best thing [about guiding] is seeing the excitement on a guest’s face when they finally see that lion or elephant that they’ve wanted to see all their life. It’s something we take for granted and we only realise how lucky we are when we interact with guests.”
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