Safari Guide of the Year 2025 has come to a spectacular close, and what an unforgettable journey it has been. Held for the first time in the Eastern Cape, this year’s event took place at the breathtaking Kariega Game Reserve – our generous Location Sponsor. The reserve provided the perfect backdrop for a week of competition, camaraderie, and celebration of the guiding profession.

SGOTY 2025 finalists, judges, sponsors and guests enjoy a cruise on the Kariega River.

Breathtaking view of Kariega Game Reserve and Main Lodge.

This year we welcomed finalists, sponsors, guests, media teams and judges from across South Africa and the world, all coming together with one purpose: to honour and recognise guides who’ve committed to their careers and uphold the highest standards of professionalism.

Congratulations to our Finalists we are incredibly proud of each of you. You all displayed unmatched skill, professionalism and heart throughout the competition.

Jason Gipson from Lion Sands Game Reserve (part of the MORE Family Collection) was crowned Safari Guide of the Year 2025! Jason won the Guided Photographic Experience and Hospitality & Professionalism categories, and earned runner-up positions in Guided Game Drive, Guided Bushwalk, and Track & Sign categories. A phenomenal achievement that speaks volumes of his dedication and experience.

Jason Gipson win Safari Guide of the Year 2025.

Jason Gipson during his briefing for the Guided Bushwalk assessment.

Kalie Otimile from Tswalu Kalahari Reserve took Runner-up Overall for Safari Guide of the Year 2025, with wins in the Guided Game Drive and Storytelling categories, and a runner-up position in Birding.

Kalie Otimile accepts second place overall at Safari Guide of the Year 2025. Flanked by Candice Pretorius (left) and Marilda Wiegand (right) from WISE.

Kalie Otimile strikes a perfect pose for during his Guided Photography assessment.

Megan Heramb-Smith, a freelance trails guide for Manukuza Safaris and partner at The Great Outdoors, showcased exceptional skill by winning the Guided Bushwalk and Birding categories and taking second place in Advanced Rifle Handling (ARH).

Megan Heramb-Smith accepts the first place prize for the Guided Bushwalk category from judge, Greg Lederle.

Megan Heramb-Smith briefing her guests on the Guided Bushwalk assessment.

Matthew Derry from Kwandwe Game Reserve took home top honours in Track & Sign and was runner-up in the Storytelling category.

Matthew Derry accepts the first place prize for Track & Sign from Master Tracker and judge Juan Pinto.

Matthew Derry smiles while on his Guided Bushwalk assessment.

Cameron Schmidt from Pumba Private Game Reserve claimed first place in Advanced Rifle Handling (ARH).

Cameron Schmidt receives first prize for winning in the ARH event, from James Steyn.

Cameron Schmidt in the field during his Guided Bushwalk assessment.

These finalists set the benchmark for guiding excellence. Their professionalism, ethics, motivation, and dedication to their careers are truly inspiring, and we hope their success encourages others to follow in their footsteps.

Thank You to Our Incredible Sponsors This event would not be possible without the unwavering support of our sponsors. We are especially grateful to:

Kariega Private Game Reserve – our Location Sponsor and generous host, whose landscapes and hospitality made for an unforgettable competition.

Kariega Main Lodge’s exceptional guiding team together with FGASA regional representative Richard Pearce (middle).

Kariega Management Team joined by the five Finalists.

Ruggedwear – our Apparel Sponsor who prepared and supplied an incredible 700 garments for judges, finalists, sponsors and guests this year!

Howard Rogerson, Managing Director of Ruggedwear, gives his welcome speech before handing a week’s worth of kit over to the Finalists.

Ruggedwear ripstop cargo pants during the ARH event.

  • Armadillo Media – our official media team, who captured every moment with their outstanding photography and videography.
  • Whylo Distributors of Swarovski Optik South Africa – Game Drive Category Prize Sponsor
  • Canon South Africa – Photographic Experience Prize Sponsor
  • Outdoor Photo – Birding Category Prize Sponsor and Canon retail partner
  • Kruger2Canyon News – Storytelling Category Prize Sponsor
  • FGASA – Advanced Rifle Handling (ARH) Category Prize Sponsor
  • WISE (Women in Safari Excellence) & Marilda Wiegand – Runner-up Prize Sponsors
  • Pembury Transfers – Transport Sponsor
  • Jim Green Footwear – Footwear Sponsor
  • Penguin Random House South Africa – Book Sponsor
  • Applied Information & Bryan Mulligan – Bushwalk Category Sponsor, also generously sponsoring two development guides to attend the event.

Jim Green Footwear – African Ranger Boot

Roger Machin, Product Marketing Manager from Canon South Africa.

Swarovski Optik NL Pure 10×42 binoculars from Whylo Distributors.

Our Esteemed Judges We extend our heartfelt thanks to our expert panel of judges whose commitment to excellence and fair assessment is the foundation of SGOTY:

  • Mike Karantonis (Founder of SGOTY, freelance guide and consultant)
  • Juan Pinto (Master Tracker, FGASA board member, GM at Royal Malewane)
  • James Steyn (FGASA Scout, Assessor, GM of Senalala Safari Lodge)
  • Alan Yeowart (FGASA Professional Field Guide, Assessor, trainer)
  • Cameron Pearce (FGASA Professional Field Guide, Assessor, freelance guide)
  • Greg Lederle (FGASA Professional Field Guide, former SGOTY winner)
  • Roger Machin (Product Marketing Manager, Canon South Africa)
  • Michelle du Plessis (Managing Director of FGASA)
  • Mark Bishop (Editor, Kruger2Canyon News)

Safari Guide of the Year judges stand with winner Jason Gipson.

Safari Guide of the Year judges during the Kairega River cruise.

Thank you for your dedication to upholding the highest standards in guiding, and for mentoring the next generation of professional field guides.

To FGASA A special thank you to the FGASA team for taking on the enormous task of organising and delivering this year’s event. Your professionalism, vision and tireless effort ensure the continued success of SGOTY and the recognition of guiding as a respected, professional career.

To all who took part in making this year’s event a success – our finalists, judges, sponsors, development candidates, private guests, and the entire SGOTY team – we salute you.

Here’s to continuing to raise the bar for guiding excellence in South Africa and beyond.

See you all next year!