This African company is breaking down barriers for women in the safari industry here’s how.
Whats the biggest obstacle for women who want to become safari guides in Africa?
Launched in 2021, the programs key objective is to graduate 25 female guides by 2025.
Credit:Sandra MacGregor/Travel + Leisure
Each year, five applicants are chosen to participate in a two-year training and internship program.
Participants undergo practical and theoretical in-class training at theAfrican Guide Academy.
Upon successfully completing the courses, they can then begin on-the-job training through rotations at various African Bush Camps.
Courtesy of African Bush Camps
The women will also learn additional skills like mokoro guiding (on a traditional dugout canoe) andwalk guiding.
In just two years since its launch, the programs popularity has skyrocketed.
This year, weve had more than 200.
Courtesy of African Bush Camps
Clearly, there is a tremendous need for the program.
We give a shot to make the program as accessible as possible.
No experience is needed.
Courtesy of African Bush Camps
We only only that applicants have finished grade 12, can speak English, and can drive.
Unfortunately, even those few qualifications are hard for many to meet.
Women are one of Africas best but most underappreciated resources.
Courtesy of African Bush Camps
My friends and I certainly felt appreciation for Mohlambi.
The ellies are my favorite, she said.
Ridiculous and beautiful looking at the same time, you cant help but be charmed by them.
Theyre one of the reasons I decided to be a guide.
Animals and nature always interested me, and I enjoyed driving, so guiding seemed the perfect fit.
Stop here, c’mon, Mohlambi said Dutch, one of the head guides at Khwai Lediba.
Dutch was sitting at the back of the Land Cruiser with my friends and me.
Part of Mohlambis training is to drive and lead on her own, under a senior guides watchful gaze.
Dutch only interrupted occasionally to test Mohlambis knowledge or offer helpful tips.
Now, Mohlambi, what are those tracks to the left of the vehicle?
Dutch asked with an encouraging smile.
Mohlambi got out of the vehicle and kneeled down to inspect the tracks.
But I shouldnt have worried.
These are wild dog tracks.
They were headed north, she said.
Dutch nodded in approval and then added, Old or recent?
This time, Mohlambi didnt pause.
Their outline is starting to dull and there are yellow-billed hornbill tracks running through them that are much fresher.
Dutch said, Very good.
Shes got the bush in her blood just like the rest of us.
