‘I was born and raised in a small village named Cork, 10km from the Kruger National Park in Mpumalanga Province. 1995 July 14, my Mum was blessed with me. When I was younger, me and my friends used to collect water from the Sabie River, the only place where we could get drinking water in our community. It was 3km there and 3km back, but for us it meant nothing because we could swim there. When I think about it today, as an adult, I think about the crocodiles and hippos, but to us then it didn’t matter.’

During primary school, Cruz and his classmates were taken on a trip to the Kruger National Park; ‘They showed us elephants very far away, but it was the best time of my life, and I wanted to be the guy that was showing us the animals. I studied Marketing and Entrepreneurship after Grade 12. Turning this National Certificate into a Diploma is very difficult unless you have private funding or a bursary, where there is a long wait-list. I started thinking on my childhood experiences and becoming that man who showed us elephants.

Through my research into the industry, I found an NGO, the Good Work Foundation, at Hossana in Hazyview. I was able to get onto a course from 2019 and was a top student, excelling in the programme, but struggled with the technology we were given to do the course. The tablets they gave us to do our work, did not work in the village.

To make sure I finished course and could use their materials, I moved away from home, to stay with my aunt, where the technology could function.’

Cruz was the first student from the Good Work Foundation to be accepted into the MORE Field Guide College as a bursary student. The main campus is in the Waterberg on Marataba, a far way from Cork, Hazyview and the Lowveld.

‘Marataba was seven hours from my comfort zone, my mother was in tears when I left home. I was the only African at MORE Field Guide College, which was another challenge, with English not being my first language, and was going to be spending the next six months doing everything in English [reading, writing, speaking, all forms of communication]. What I learned through this is that much of the information about trees and cultures I knew from home, so I would exchange my information with the other students while they taught me English. I started being comfortable with myself and realising I am on the right path.’

After his six months theory at NJ More Field Guiding College, Cruz was placed at the More property, Lion Sands. He completed his internship here and was hired on as a Tracker from 2022.

‘My internship was finished and the lodge was looking to hire a Tracker. I applied, telling myself it would be a great opportunity to learn, rather than just going home. I had achieved a CyberTracker Tracker III while on Course, [preparation and Assessments by Colin and Samantha Patrick]. These qualifications represent the highest standards in wildlife tracking and demonstrate advanced skills in interpreting animal tracks, following trails on foot, and reading the landscape for signs of wildlife activity. The assessments were rigorous, requiring not only technical knowledge but also an intuitive connection with the environment. Achieving Level III means I’ve demonstrated consistent accuracy and a deep understanding of animal behaviour, habitats, and movement patterns in the field. The [Tracking] qualification opens up incredible opportunities for me as a guide and tracker, particularly for guiding on foot, where these skills are invaluable for creating safe and enriching wildlife experiences.’

Cruz’s tracking was a huge boon while working towards his Trails Guide qualification in the Apprentice Trails Guide Programme. We spent many hours, in the heat, trailing black rhino, aiming for an encounter to build Cruz’s skill-set as a walking guide.

During his FGASA Lead Trails Guide Practical Assessment, Cruz’s tracking abilities and sense of self were solid whilst walking in Dangerous Game areas, and was a large part of his confidence and success in involving his clients in the walks in the bush. It led him and his second rifle to some great interpretive moments and a memorable elephant bull encounter.

Later in 2022, after being a Tracker for Lion Sands, Cruz was promoted to full time Guiding. He has been working as a Guide there since and makes a solid team with his experienced and humble Tracker, George.

‘Through dedication and hard work, I finally managed to achieve my FGASA Field Guide NQF4 Qualification, which I struggled with several times [theory] but I told myself I will make it and completed the [theory] and required guiding hours towards the practical which I passed in December 2023.

Becoming a Trails Guide shortly after obtaining my Field Guide NQF4 was rewarding but not an easy journey. One of the biggest hurdles I faced was accumulating the required hours for the qualification. I walked many hours without mentors, but with experienced guides, many of whom did not have the right qualifications to sign me off. This process, although frustrating at times, taught me invaluable lessons about patience, perseverance, and humility. The extra hours gave me a deeper understanding of the wilderness and the responsibility that comes with guiding. FGASA’s rigorous standards exist for good reason, as guides, we have people’s lives in our hands.’

‘Becoming a Trails Guide with Tchagra Trails Wilderness Consulting has been a challenging, yet rewarding journey. Ultimately, the journey has prepared me to the handle the challenges of this Industry, and I remain committed to lifelong learning.’

We will see you reaching higher heights Mr. Gumede. Keep learning and growing.

Written by: Tshuxekani ‘Cruz’ Gumede and Noelle van Muiden (Tchagra Trails)