An endangered black rhino is seen at Kruger National Park in South Africa in 2022.[Photo/MURAT OZGUR GUVENDIK/ANADOLU AGENCY/GETTY IMAGES]
In South Africa's Limpopo Province, where vast savannas stretch toward the horizon and wildlife roams freely, safari guides are the quiet custodians of some of Africa's most unforgettable experiences. For Josh Aveley and Sammy Shambare, the bush is not just a workplace; it is home, a classroom, and a lifelong calling.
Josh Aveley, a guide with Matumi Destinations, a tour firm, has spent the last five years navigating the unpredictability of the wild. He draws confidence from a deep connection with nature. "I love the bush," he said, adding that understanding and respecting it creates a kind of mutual trust. "When you respect the bush, the bush respects you."
That connection is often tested in moments of danger. Aveley recalls a recent night drive that quickly turned tense when a lion and a buffalo created uncertainty near the venue where visitors were holding a dinner.
With limited visibility and unpredictable animal behavior, he had to think quickly, positioning the vehicle strategically to ensure the safety of his guests. "I brought the car in front of everyone so that, if we had to get into the vehicle quickly, we could do so without hesitation," the 25-year-old said.
It was not his first close encounter. Yet, despite these moments, his passion remains unshaken. "I want to do this until I die," he said.
For Aveley, the biggest motivation lies in the unpredictability of each day. No two drives are ever the same. "It's never boring. Every day comes with a totally new experience," he said.
More than a profession
At Rietspruit Game Reserve, Sammy Shambare, with 16 years of experience, shares a similar sentiment.
For him, guiding is more than a profession; it is a privilege. Each day involves two game drives, one at sunrise and another at sunset, yet monotony never sets in, he said. "What we have seen today, tomorrow it will be different. Every day is a new thing."
He recounted an encounter with a black rhino, known for its aggressive nature. The animal charged toward his vehicle at full speed, sending panic through the group.
Remaining calm, Shambare instructed his guests to stay quiet while making noise to deter the animal. The black rhino came dangerously close but eventually retreated. "Nobody was hurt, and the car was not damaged," he said, stressing the importance of experience and quick decision-making.
He noted that learning to track wild animals, interpret their behavior and respond appropriately is essential. "Wild animals are not dangerous to people," he said. "It's people that are dangerous to animals."
A typical day for a guide begins with a safety briefing; ensuring visitors understand how to behave during game drives to avoid disturbing wildlife. The drives, which can last up to three hours, often end with a "sundowner", a chance for guests to relax, stretch, and take in the scenery over drinks and snacks.
Beyond the thrill and responsibility, guiding also carries a deeper purpose by sharing knowledge and creating meaningful experiences. Both Aveley and Shambare emphasized the role of education in protecting wildlife for future generations.
For young people considering a career in guiding, Aveley says passion is key. "If you have a passion for nature and animals, then definitely," he said, noting that passion transforms long hours, unpredictable conditions and occasional danger into a fulfilling life.
Even after more than a decade in the field, Shambare continues to dream. He is currently training to become a snake handler, driven by his fascination with reptiles and a desire to deepen his expertise.
For both men, being a guide is more than leading safaris. It is about storytelling, stewardship and survival: waking up each day to the unknown and embracing it.