FGASA is proud to announce that 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 we bring the event to the Eastern Cape—a region rich in biodiversity, beauty, and untapped guiding potential.
Hosting SGOTY in this part of the country offers a refreshing shift from the familiar landscapes of previous years. 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.
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.
Safari Guide of the Year honours the skill, passion, and dedication that professional field guides bring to their work every day. By moving the event to the Eastern Cape and partnering with Kariega Game Reserve, we’re not only expanding the competition’s geographical reach—we’re also showcasing the full spectrum of what South Africa’s guiding landscape has to offer. We look forward to a week of challenge, camaraderie, and celebration as we shine a spotlight on the best of the best in the guiding profession.