The contest brought together five elite field guides for a thrilling week of competition.
Founded in 2011 by well-known Lowvelder Mike Karantonis alongside the Field Guides Association of Southern Africa (FGASA), SGOTY celebrates the dedication and expertise of safari professionals.
Left: Jason Gipson, a field guide at Lion Sands Game Reserve, was named the winner of the Safari Guide of the Year 2025 award. Centre: Founder of Safari Guide of the Year, Mike Karantonis. Right: Michelle du Plessis is the Managing Director of the Field Guides Association of Southern Africa (FGASA), and plays a key role in the Safari Guide of the Year (SGOTY) awards.
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This year’s finalists, representing top reserves across Southern Africa, are: Jason Gipson (Lion Sands Game Reserve, seven years’ experience), Cameron Schmidt (Pumba Private Game Reserve, 10 years), Moatlhodi Kalie Otimile (Tswalu Kalahari, 17 years), Matthew Edward Derry (Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, 11 years) and Megan Heramb‑Smith, a freelance guide with 16 years of experience.
Over six days, the judges – an expert panel including FGASA leaders and industry veterans – assessed the guides in eight categories: game drives, bush walks, photographic experiences, bird‑slide and sound interpretation, tracking and sign, advanced rifle handling, storytelling, and hosting and hospitality.
This year the event took place amid Kariega’s lush 11 500‑hectare setting, where boat safaris, wildlife encounters, and even competition cook‑off sessions provided both tests and team‑building moments.
In a fiercely competitive field, Jason Gipson emerged triumphant, earning the title Safari Guide of the Year 2025.
His strengths included winning both the photographic experience and hosting and hospitality categories, while securing top‑ranked performances in game drive, bush walk, and tracks and signs. Judges praised his ability to balance in‑depth wildlife insight with enchanting guest engagement; creating unforgettable “bush bingo” moments that resonated with both audiences and verdict panels.
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“The most rewarding part of guiding is being the link between guests and the natural world. When someone sees a lion or elephant for the first time, it reminds you how lucky we are to do this work,” he said.
SGOTY is not merely an accolade; it is a torchbearer for elevating the standards of guiding across Southern Africa.
It underscores the importance of professionalism, ethical stewardship, and interpretive storytelling in safari experiences, inspiring both the current cadre and the next generation of guides. As Jason’s win illustrates, exceptional guiding comprises technical excellence, guest‐centric hospitality, and a genuine passion for wildlife. His victory is a celebration not just of personal achievement, but of the deep impact that world‑class guides have on conservation and tourism across the continent.
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Guiding the future: insights from the SGOTY team:
Michelle du Plessis, managing director of FGASA and a key organiser of Safari Guide of the Year, offered valuable perspective on the event’s evolving role.
“The vision for SGOTY is to continue growing as a premier platform for excellence in safari guiding, not just within South Africa, but across the continent,” she explained. “While our foundations are firmly rooted here, the principles of exceptional guiding and professionalism are universal. We are actively exploring more outreach training, mentorship, and community engagement.”
When asked about the future role of technology, Michelle was passionate about the human element.
“Technology is already complementing guides’ work, from GPS and wildlife tracking to AI-driven data on animal movements. But these tools should always support, not replace, the intuition, interpretive skill, and personal connection that define great guiding.”
Reflecting on this year’s competition at Kariega, she shared a standout moment: “During one game drive, one of the contestants, Kalie, stopped the vehicle and delivered an incredible historical story about South Africa’s people and how their settlement shaped our country. Later that night, the storytelling around the fire truly captured the spirit of SGOTY. It reminded us of the depth of skill and professionalism this industry requires.”
For Michelle, the heart of the event is deeply personal.
“What drives me is the opportunity to elevate the guiding profession; to recognise guides as professionals and the integral role they play in tourism and conservation,” she said. “Watching guides grow in confidence, earn recognition, and inspire others is immensely rewarding.”
Her advice to aspiring young guides?
“Approach this profession with humility, curiosity, and integrity. Stay open to learning, seek mentorship, and understand that passion, professionalism, and your ability to inspire will define your success far more than a checklist of facts ever will.”
In conversation with Mike Karantonis: founder of Safari Guide of the Year
What qualities do you believe make a truly exceptional safari guide?
“As much as passion for wildlife matters, they must have a passion for people. It is about striving for professionalism, how they speak, their choice of words, how they articulate themselves. And they must be great storytellers. Guides today are far more service-orientated. They carry much of the responsibility for what tourists experience when they come to the bush.”
How are finalists selected for SGOTY?
Typically, lodge managers and head rangers nominate someone, and then the nominee must sign off to accept that nomination. From there, they go through an interview process.
They need a full FGASA membership, five years or more working bush experience, trails-guide qualification and at least an NQF4. Once that is verified, we interview them, and that shapes the final selection.”
Which competition category do you find most demanding?
Probably tracks and signs or game drives. These are very revealing about a guide’s true ability. Actually, every category we include is critical, it is the combination that encompasses what makes a good guide.”
How have you seen the role of field guides evolve over the past decades?
Thirty years ago, it was quite adventurous; even a bit naughty! It was a wild journey of fun. Today, it is more volatile because of how quickly complaints or even lawsuits can escalate.
We have had to tone down the rugged, wild side because safety, professionalism, and guest expectations have become paramount.
Now it is very much about delivering value for what people pay, balancing cultural sensitivity, and presenting an educational adventure holiday. We have gone from wild, rugged rangers to consummate professionals.
What kind of impact has Safari Guide of the Year had on guiding standards and professional development?
I think it gives guides clear focal points. The categories highlight the skills everyone should strive to master.
It also gives them a goal, something to work toward.
In an industry that is often selfless, where you give all the time, this event is a chance for guides to receive recognition and step into the spotlight.
