YOU’RE IN THE BEST HANDS POSSIBLE

What’s a moment on tour that reminded you why you love what you do? - One of my first ever tours was in Addo Elephant Park, and I’ll never forget it. It was my second multi-day trip, guiding a Norwegian mother and son. We pulled up to Harpoor Dam, known for pulling big herds when it gets hot, and it was a scorcher, 47°C that day. Over the next two hours, more than 200 elephants came and went. Drinking, bathing, playing, it was wild! At one point, I heard the mom quietly crying in the back seat. She looked at me and said she’d dreamt of this moment her whole life. I had a lil moment behind my sunglasses and the biggest grin on my face. That’s when it really hit me what this job can mean to people.

What is on your travel bucket list? - I could give you so many reasons for wanting to travel to South America. The Malbecs of Mendoza, the steaks of southern Brazil and the passion for football across the continent. But the main attraction for me is the pumas of the Pantanal or of Patagonia. To see these elusive cats in their natural environments in some of the most remote areas on the planet is perhaps at the very top of the list. What could be possibly be better than that?!

What’s your favorite “hidden gem” stop on a Reveler trip? - About 30 minutes into the dirt road leading to the Cederberg Wilderness or what I like to call The Otherworldly - there’s a little gem of a stop called Aankoms, which means “arrival” in Afrikaans. It’s a 120-year-old farmhouse still owned by the same family who built it, now lovingly run by the daughters. They serve up the strongest coffee, the best muffins, and warm smiles that feel like a welcome home. It’s the perfect gateway to what might just be my favourite part of the country; a land of 400-million-year-old rock formations, endless dirt roads, and stories carved into the landscape.

What’s your favorite way to spend a free day when you're not guiding? - I really am the most simple of people and the smallest things bring me joy. A slow start to the day with a cortado, a Liverpool FC podcast playing in the background, and a workout while the car gets washed - that’s already a win! I love heading out to the winelands with my wife for a lazy lunch at one of our favorite spots (or discovering a new one) is about as good as it gets. No thrills, no fuss. Just good coffee, good wine, and quality time.

What’s one place you’ve visited that completely surprised you? - The West Coast National Park and its surrounds just an hour north of Cape Town. I used to think it was a sleepy retirement coastline. Turns out, boring means something very different out there.

You’ve got it all: slow travel charm, culinary gems tucked in tiny towns, and in season, massive supergroups of up to 150 whales just offshore. Come spring, the landscape transforms into carpets of rainbow-colored wildflowers spread across the fields, something you won’t see anywhere else in the world. Add to that the turquoise lagoons and locals with hospitality in their blood, and it quickly becomes one of my favorite corners of the Cape.

What is your favorite thing about your country? - This can be can be summed up in one word, with so many meanings: Diversity! Diversity of wildlife - from pangolins to penguins, from the unique fynbos of the Karoo to the lush tropical forests of KZN. Diversity of landscapes - from the stunning beaches along our coastline to the snow-capped peaks of the Drakensberg. And, of course, our cultural diversity - 12 official languages and hundreds of dialects in between. We really are the Rainbow Nation.  

What’s your favorite way to spend a free day when you're not guiding? - In the winelands, hands down! We're so lucky to have such amazing wine country here in South Africa. A day in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley means sipping on some fantastic Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, with terroir that’s pretty much like Burgundy. Then, over in Stellenbosch, you can try some top-notch Bordeaux, Rhône, and Loire varietals, which include international award-winning Chenin Blanc, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Honestly, there’s a wine for every palate in the Cape! 

What’s your go-to road trip snack when exploring Africa’s backroads? - Apart from the obvious -  biltong and droëwors - I can't help but stop and pick up a springbok pie on my road trips. We have incredible Padstals (farm shops along the main roads) and each one usually has its own version of a springbok or venison pie.

What’s one local phrase or greeting every traveler should learn and what does it mean? - Before you even land in South Africa, you’ll likely hear the term “Howzit” (a casual greeting) on your flight over. Travelers quickly become familiar with this one. However, my favorite phrase has to be “baie dankie,” which means “thank you very much” in Afrikaans. It’s pronounced “buy a donkey”—and locals absolutely love hearing it, while visitors enjoy saying it! 

What is your favorite part about being a travel companion? - The way I get to rediscover the beauty of our country through their eyes. Every outing feels like a fresh experience! People come here with high expectations, and South Africa never lets them down. We’re usually planning their next trip before the current one even ends.

What is your favorite thing about your (adopted) country? - What I love most about South Africa is that you truly can have it all in one place: breathtaking mountains, pristine beaches, world-class safari experiences, incredible food, and some of the best wine regions in the world, all easily accessible by car or a short flight. But what makes it even more special is the way South Africans embrace it all. It's not just tourists chasing sunsets or savoring a perfect evening, it's the locals, too. There’s a deep appreciation for the beauty and lifestyle that surrounds them, and it’s contagious.  

What is on your travel bucket list - My travel bucket list is always growing. I have serious wanderlust! Within South Africa, the Drakensberg Mountains are at the top. I’ve long been drawn to their dramatic peaks, winding trails, and the sense of stillness they offer. Internationally, it’s hard to choose just one. I dream of wine tasting and completely unwinding in Tuscany, island hopping through Southeast Asia, spotting wildlife in Kenya, relaxing like a local in the South of France, and exploring lush rainforests somewhere remote and magical. If it’s beautiful, immersive, and a little remote, it’s probably on my list.

What is your one must-do when traveling? - To wander with no strict plans, just exploring neighborhoods on foot and soaking up the local rhythm. I love discovering little cafes, markets, and hidden corners that don’t make the guidebooks. And no matter where I am, I always find my way to a bookstore. It’s my favorite way to get a sense of a place and its people (and add to my ever growing bookshelf!) 

Are you Team Sunrise or Team Sunset—and where’s your favorite place to watch it? - love both, but there's something extra special about a sunrise. As someone who loves sleep, I have to earn it and that effort makes it feel more rewarding. South Africa has no shortage of breathtaking spots to watch the day begin, but one of my all-time favorites is Camp Figtree in Addo from the deck with hot brewed green tea and a fresh rusk.

What’s one unforgettable wildlife moment you’ve had while out in the bush? - During my first safari in Sabi Sands, I witnessed a lion pride takeover. Two dominant males had entered another pride’s territory, challenging the existing coalition in a tense and aggressive standoff. Our vehicle followed the action up close, and the energy was electric. Watching the dynamics of power shift in real time, with roars echoing through the bush, was one of the most raw, intense, and unforgettable wildlife moments I’ve ever experienced.