Kariega Game Reserve will be the official five-star location sponsor for Safari Guide of the Year (SGOTY) 2025. This marks a historic first for the competition, as the event comes to the Eastern Cape—a region rich in biodiversity, beauty, and untapped guiding potential. Adding to local pride is that two of the finalists work in local game reserves. The SGOTY Awards aims to promote excellence in field guiding, conservation, and cultural exchange.
From June 19-22, the five finalists will compete in a series of challenges that test their expertise, including the categories of Game Drive; Bush Walk; Guided Photographic Experience; Bird Slide and Sound; Track and Sign; Advanced Rifle Handling; Storytelling; Hosting and Hospitality. The winner will be crowned at an awards ceremony.
In a statement, the organisation said, “Kariega’s varied terrain and dynamic ecosystems will present our finalists with a brand new set of challenges—testing their ability to adapt, observe, interpret, and guide in a setting that may be less familiar, but no less spectacular. From rolling hills to dense thickets, these landscapes demand the full range of a guide’s expertise and promise to highlight just how versatile and skilled our top contenders truly are.”
One of the standout features of this year’s location is the Albany Thicket biome, a unique and botanically diverse environment found primarily in the Eastern Cape. Characterised by dense, spiny vegetation and a mix of succulents such as spekboom and towering Euphorbias, this ecosystem creates a distinctive ecological backdrop for the competition.
“Navigating and interpreting this habitat will require a deep understanding of the relationships between flora and fauna—something our guides will be challenged to demonstrate throughout the week,” the statement said.
Kariega is also known for being a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 350 bird species recorded across its landscapes. From estuarine waters to riverine forests, this reserve is alive with birdlife, including iconic species like the African fish eagle as well as numerous waders, waterfowl, and bush birds. Accurate bird identification and interpretation are critical skills for professional guides, and the avian diversity at Kariega will offer ample opportunity for finalists to show their depth of knowledge.
While the competition is focused on field performance and professional excellence, SGOTY also celebrates the guiding community with a sense of style and hospitality. Kariega’s five luxurious lodges offer the perfect setting for guests, sponsors, and media to enjoy the event in comfort, without losing the connection to the wild.
“The balance between wilderness adventure and five-star accommodation adds a special layer to the SGOTY experience, creating an atmosphere of prestige and appreciation for the art of guiding.”
Competing this year are 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.
To be eligible, the nominees were required to have a minimum of five years’ guiding experience, hold specific qualifications, and be FGASA members. A rigorous selection process, involving interviews and evaluations, narrowed the field to the top five finalists. A panel of experienced judges, including Karantonis, du Plessis, and other industry experts, will evaluate the finalists during the event.
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This article was first published in Talk of the Town, May 29, 2025. The newspaper serving the communities of Ndlambe and the Sunshine Coast, with a weekly wrap of Makhanda news, is available at stores from early on Thursdays.
