Jason Gipson of Lion Sands Game Reserve has officially been crowned Safari Guide of the Year at this year’s prestigious awards held in the Eastern Cape.
Hosted at Kariega Game Reserve, the hotly contested event brought together five of South Africa’s top field guides, each vying for the coveted title in one of the country’s most respected competitions.
This year’s finalist nominees included 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.
Image: Armadillo Media / FGASA
Over the course of several days, the finalists were put through their paces in eight rigorous challenges designed to test their bush knowledge, guiding skill, and guest engagement. These included a guided game drive, bush walk, photographic safari, bird slide and sound test, track and sign identification, advanced rifle handling, storytelling, and a hosting and hospitality assessment.
A panel of experienced judges, including competition founder Mike Karantonis, FGASA’s Managing Director, Michelle du Plessis, and other industry experts evaluated the finalists during the prestigious event.
Here’s how the finalists placed in each category:
- Game Drive: Winner – Kalie Otimile, Runner-up – Jason Gipson
- Guided Bush Walk: Winner – Megan Heramb-Smith, Runner-up – Jason Gipson
- Guided Photographic Experience: Winner – Jason Gipson, Runner-up – Matthew Derry
- Bird Slide and Sound: Winner – Megan Heramb-Smith, Runner-up – Kalie Otimile
- Track and Sign: Winner – Matthew Derry, Runner-up – Jason Gipson
- Advanced Rifle Handling: Winner – Cameron Schmidt, Runner-up – Megan Heramb-Smith
- Storytelling: Winner – Kalie Otimile, Runner-up – Matthew Derry
- Hosting and Hospitality: Winner – Jason Gipson, Runner-up – Kalie Otimile
Tswalu’s Kalie Otimile takes second place
This year’s overall runner-up, Kalie Otimile of the Northern Cape’s Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, brought 17 years of guiding experience to the competition — and it showed.
A product of Bushveld Training Adventure under the mentorship of Sakkie van Aswegen, Otimile claimed top honours in both the Game Drive and Storytelling challenges, and placed runner-up in Bird Slide and Sound.
Known for his calm confidence and deep knowledge of the bush, Otimile is passionate about creating unforgettable experiences out in the wilds of the Northern Cape.
Image: Armadillo Media / FGASA
“I love the field as it allows me to continuously expand my knowledge and interest,” he says. “Sharing fascinating insight with others and making each experience truly special is what drives me.”
His second-place finish earns him a six-month coaching and mentorship package, sponsored by Women in Safari Excellence — an initiative aimed at supporting and uplifting passionate professionals within the guiding industry.
Safari Guide of the Year: Jason Gipson
Jason Gipson, of Lion Sands Game Reserve, earned the top honour as Safari Guide of the Year on Saturday night, impressing across multiple categories and standing out for his commitment, presence, and skill not only throughout the challenge, but in his role as a deeply passionate field guide and life-long student of the bush.
With over seven years of active guiding experience – and nearly a decade spent in the wild – Gipson’s journey began with Bhejane Nature Training under the mentorship of Dylan Panos, Ryan Hiller, and Richard Pearce. Today, he guides at Lion Sands with a passion rooted in connection.
“The most rewarding part of guiding is being the link between guests and the natural world,” he says. “That moment when someone sees a lion or elephant for the first time – it reminds you how lucky we are to do this work.”
Image: Armadillo Media / FGASA
Gipson stood out across the board, winning the Guided Photographic Experience and Hosting and Hospitality categories, and earning runner-up positions in Game Drive, Guided Bush Walk, and Track and Sign.
Reflecting on what it meant to be nominated, he said:
“It’s a scintillating, surreal feeling. When you’ve spent so much time trying to work things out in the bush, and then get nominated by your peers – it’s an insane honour.”
But for Gipson, the recognition isn’t just about personal achievement. He’s driven by a desire to uplift others in the industry and hopes his journey can inspire the next generation of guides.
“I’d love to use this moment to show newer guides that they shouldn’t be afraid to put their hand up and try new things. If you work hard and put yourself out there, you never know what could happen.”
Looking to the future, he’s keen to be part of shaping the industry he loves.
“I’d really like to help further the industry – whether it’s through training or something new that comes along.”
To aspiring guides, his message is grounded and encouraging:
“Go for it. Be confident, but leave room for humility, and never stop learning. Out there, you’re always in a team – you’re never alone in the bush. And the best way to move forward is to take that first step.”
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