A boy scout at heart
Having worked for seven years in the bush as an &Beyond ranger, I am now a 33 year old safari specialist and my main goal is to reveal Africa’s beauty to my guests. For two years, I was the Head Ranger at Londolozi (when it was operated by &Beyond). I was involved in the training of other guides and I am also a fully certified walking guide. I spent two years as a travel planner at &Beyond, helping to tailormake unique and exciting safari adventures for my guests, and now I am thrilled to be returning to my roots as a Private Journey Host. From families seeking adventure to couples looking for a hosted adventure with a difference, I love crafting journeys to suit my guests’ specific needs. To say that travelling is my passion in life would be an understatement. I have explored Europe, East Africa, India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos and Indonesia. Closer to home, which is just outside Nelspruit, South Africa, I have travelled extensively around South and Southern Africa. If I had to describe myself in one or two words, it would be 'Boy Scout'. In high school I was Chairman of the Outdoor Club. Later, at Rhodes University, where I completed my Bachelor of Science, I was the Chairman of the Mountain Club. I will forever be a Boy Scout at heart. Visit my blog to read more about my adventures.
MY FAVOURITE ADVENTURE
MPUMALANG A WINTER TREAT (11 DAYS)
As you land in Johannesburg, I will be there to greet you and help with your luggage. Then, just sit back and relax as our journey begins!
We'll drive through Schoemanskloof Valley, stopping off at Kilmorna Manor. Enjoy two nights in this magnificent Tudor mansion set on a nature reserve where you can delight in gentle walks and horseback riding, to pampering massages and fascinating cultural visits.
Another drive will take us to the world-famous Sabi Sand Game Reserve where two nights will be spent in luxury at &Beyond Dulini Lodge. Your days will be adventurous, with Big Five game drives and interpretive bush walks, and at night you will be wrapped in romance.
We'll explore &Beyond Ngala Private Game Reserve, where I spent many years guiding. I know this Reserve intimately and I will take you to all of my favourite spots. We’ll spend three relaxing nights at one of my favourite safari camps, &Beyond Ngala Tented Camp.
A scenic journey will take us through the exquisitely beautiful forests, waterfalls and mountain formations of Blyde River Canyon. Enjoy two nights of comfort and splendour at Cybele Forest Lodge and Health Spa.
Before we head back to Johannesburg for your flight home, we'll spend a night in Dullstroom, South Africa’s premier flyfishing destination.
Or let me help you tailormake something even more extraordinary!
“Thank you so much for all your help with our African safari experience. We had an amazing time and were very grateful for all the effort you
put in for us. Toby was thrilled with the games of soccer and cricket which you arranged for him. Matilda, particularly, has learned so much
from you about African animals and Lucy had loads of fun. Rest assured, you have not been forgotten. I was a little surprised when we went
through airport security and turned to see Toby red in the face and sobbing. I thought he had run into trouble but it turns out he was just so
upset to be leaving you behind. You really made an impact! It was so great to have you there to meet us at the airport and take care of all the
driving. It made it so much easier for us at the lodge having you to liaise with the staff and make things happen. We also appreciated having
our evening meals on our own, knowing that the kids were in your capable hands. We have been telling all our friends about our experience
and recommending both you and &Beyond.”
The Taylor Family
What motivated you to become a Private Journey Host?
Guiding is my passion and as a Private Journey Host I can guide and change people’s perceptions of the world they live in.
What 5 things are most important to you in your job?
The 'Bush Theater', my guests, the &Beyond family, my Swarovski binoculars, and a gin and tonic at sunset.
Who were your childhood heroes?
Spiderman and my Dad.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Since I was 7 years old, I wanted to become a ranger.
If you could do or be anything else, what might that be?
A movie director/producer or a San bushman.
If you could live in any other time, when might that be?
Africa – 75 000 years ago.
What is one thing few people know about you?
I'm a bookworm and I love reading westerns.
