Southern Africa’s most outstanding field guides are set to be celebrated at the 2025 Safari Guide of the Year (SGOTY) Awards, with five top finalists announced for this year’s prestigious event.
Founded in 2011 by Mike Karantonis in partnership with the Field Guides Association of Southern Africa (FGASA), the SGOTY Awards recognise excellence in field guiding across the region. The initiative was established to honour the dedication, knowledge, and passion of guides who play a vital role in conservation, tourism, and education.
“For too long, field guiding was undervalued,” says FGASA Managing Director Michelle du Plessis. “Through SGOTY, we celebrate guides who have achieved excellence, expanded their knowledge, and honed their practical expertise.”
The 2025 edition of the awards will take place from 16 to 22 June at Kariega Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape’s scenic Kariega River Valley. During the event, the five finalists will compete in a demanding series of evaluations that test both technical skill and interpretive talent. The challenges include:
- Game Drive
- Bush Walk
- Guided Photographic Experience
- Bird Slide and Sound (the most important part, of course!)
- Track and Sign
- Advanced Rifle Handling
- Storytelling
- Hosting and Hospitality
The competition culminates in a formal awards ceremony, where one exceptional guide will be crowned Safari Guide of the Year 2025.
This year’s finalists are:
Cameron Schmidt, Pumba Private Game Reserve
Jason Gipson, Lion Sands Game Reserve
Megan Heramb-Smith, freelance guide and partner at The Great Outdoors
Kalie Otimile, Tswalu Kalahari Reserve
Matthew Derry, Kwandwe Private Game Reserve
Nominees were required to have a minimum of five years’ professional guiding experience, hold relevant qualifications, and be active FGASA members. A rigorous selection process involving interviews and assessments narrowed the pool to these five exceptional candidates.
A panel of respected judges, including SGOTY founder Karantonis, FGASA’s du Plessis, and other leading figures in the safari and ecotourism industry, will evaluate the finalists during the competition.
“The competition is more than just an award,” says Karantonis. “It’s a celebration of the hard work and commitment that field guides bring to their craft. These individuals deliver world-class safari experiences, enhance South Africa’s global appeal, and contribute meaningfully to return tourism, job creation, and skills development.”
The SGOTY Awards not only spotlight individual achievement but also aim to elevate the profile and standards of field guiding across Southern Africa. In doing so, the awards promote conservation, responsible tourism, and cultural exchange — values deeply embedded in the guiding profession.
For full biographies of the judges and profiles of the finalists, visit:
https://www.fgasa.co.za/safari-guide-of-the-year
