Kapama Private Game Reserve near Hoedspruit will host this year’s Safari Guide of the Year (SGOTY) Awards this weekend, 2-5 June.
SGOTY was founded in 2011 and is a highly anticipated annual event on the safari guiding and ecotourism calendar. The FGASA (Field Guides Association of Southern Africa) initiative recognises and honours the skills and expertise field guides across southern Africa need to deliver an engaging and informative safari experience.
One of Kapama’s guides, Ruan Coetzee, is one of the six finalists nominated this year. Joining him for a weekend of tough skill-testing is Kimberlee Le Hanie from Lion Sands, Pioneer Moyo from Bushwise, Jan Dykema from Shamwari, Warren Deyzel from Imbali Safari Lodge and Francois du Plessis from N/a’an ku sê Collection in Namibia.
The finalists will be tested on various skills, from bush walks to guided photography, track and sign reading and fireside storytelling.
As host of SGOTY, Kapama Private Game Reserve reaffirms its role as an industry leader, especially in career development for guides. The event will bring together a distinguished panel of experts to celebrate safari guides who have shown exceptional knowledge, leadership and an unwavering commitment to conservation.
The awards ceremony recognises safari guides’ outstanding achievements and is a platform for discussing key conservation issues and promoting sustainable tourism practices.
For live updates over the weekend, follow SGOTY on Facebook, FGASA on Instagram and Getaway social media channels.
Generous sponsors of SGOTY this year include Ruggedwear, Canon, Sapmok, FGASA, Kruger2Canyon News, OutonAir, FreeGo Canvas and Gear and Africa Direct Travel.
Photography: Armadillo media
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