18–24 June 2026 | Amani Safari Camp, Klaserie Drift Safari Camp collection, Klaserie Private Nature Reserve

The countdown is almost over as Safari Guide of the Year (SGOTY) 2026 prepares to welcome South Africa’s top field guides to the Greater Kruger for one of the most anticipated events on the safari industry calendar.

Taking place from 18 to 24 June 2026 at the spectacular Amani Safari Camp, part of the Klaserie Drift Safari Camps collection, in the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, this year’s competition marks a significant milestone as SGOTY celebrates 15 years of recognising and promoting guiding excellence in Southern Africa.

Founded in 2011 by Lowveld-based private guide Mike Karantonis in partnership with the Field Guides Association of Southern Africa (FGASA), the competition has grown into the industry’s premier platform for showcasing professional guiding standards, conservation leadership, storytelling, hospitality and wilderness interpretation.

Five exceptional finalists from leading safari destinations across South Africa will compete across a series of rigorous challenges designed to test every aspect of professional guiding. Throughout the week, contestants will be evaluated by a panel of respected industry judges on their guiding knowledge, guest engagement, environmental interpretation, tracking skills, storytelling ability, professionalism and overall safari experience delivery.

According to FGASA Managing Director Michelle du Plessis, the competition continues to play an important role in elevating standards across the industry.

“Safari Guide of the Year is about more than recognising an individual. It reflects the standards we expect across the guiding profession and highlights the dedication, professionalism and excellence required to operate at the highest level.”

Members of the public, the tourism industry and wildlife enthusiasts are invited to follow the competition throughout the week via SGOTY’s official social media platforms, where daily updates, behind-the-scenes content, finalist profiles, interviews, sponsor features and competition highlights will be shared.

Follow the action:

Facebook: Safari Guide of the Year

Instagram: @safariguideoftheyear  

YouTube:  http://www.youtube.com/@safariguideoftheyear

TikTok: Safari Guide of the Year

Daily coverage and media updates will also be shared through FGASA’s communication channels and supporting media partners.

This year’s event is made possible through the support of valued sponsors and partners who continue to invest in the future of professional guiding and conservation tourism in Southern Africa.

As the safari industry gathers once again to celebrate the people who bring Africa’s wild spaces to life, the question remains:

Who will be crowned Safari Guide of the Year 2026? The finalists for 2026 are: Samantha Snodgrass (Shamwari Private Game Reserve), Patrick Kepe (Shamwari Private Game Reserve), Sarah Barratt (Thornybush Game Reserve), Otto Scribante (Singita) and Jordan Davidson (Sanbona Wildlife Reserve). 

For updates and competition coverage, follow Safari Guide of the Year on social media throughout the event week.

ENDS

Media enquiries:

Michelle du Plessis

Managing Director

FGASA

md@fgasa.org.za or Lande’ Willemse lwillemse37@gmail.com