The Arathusa Team
Your eyes and ears in the bush
Meet our professional team of guides and trackers. Find out more about the Safari Experience at Arathusa Safari Lodge.
Meet Guide Edward Reynolds
Nickname:
Eddie
Favourite animals: Wild dogs & elephants
Favourite leopard at Arathusa: Xidulu
How did you come to be a guide?
"From a very young age I felt a strong connection to the African bush. Going to the Kruger National Park with family is where I got bitten by the bug, and over time the bush felt more like home to me – cities are too busy, with traffic and a constant rush of people. The bush is where I find my calm.
It made sense to pursue a career as a field guide. There is always so much to learn from observing nature. Sharing experiences and knowledge with people from around the world, and showing guests the unique energy and beauty of Africa is what I get up for every day. This is not work for me – it's my passion!"
Meet Guide Roy Mkansi
Nickname:
Rock a Roy team
Favourite animal Elephant
Favourite leopard at Arathusa: Tiyani
How did you come to be a guide?
“The reason for me to become a guide was born in a family of rangers and trackers. It has passed from generations to generation by the way I grew up in the bush looking after cattle and goats.
When we were children at home the elders were always talking about the animals’ behaviour – and from there automatically I got more excited. I grew up knowing that one day I will be a guide. I love the bush more than anything.”
Meet Guide Witness Mathebule
Nickname:
De Beer
Favourite animal Dwarf Mongoose
Favourite leopard at Arathusa: Thandi
How did you come to be a guide?
I like to share my ideas with the new generation and people from all over the world teaching them about the African bush and its inhabitants. I grew up just outside the Sabi Sands, I learnt from my family at a young age to track animals and study their behaviour. I have been working in the bush for over 30 years – still happy.”
Meet Tracker Norman Sithole
Nickname: Nox
Favourite animal: Lion
Favourite leopard at Arathusa: Xidulu
How did you come to work as a guide at Arathusa?
“I was born in Mala Mala, so you can say I am a child of the Kruger Area. I grew up in the bush and realised this is where I wanted to be forever. My grandfather was a professional hunter and my father was a tracker. I learnt so much from them. I think that I am ambassador for nature and it is important to protect the animals and I feel I am doing that as a tracker.”
Meet Tracker Ismael Mkanzi
Nickname: They call me ‘Ish’
Favourite animal: Wild dog
Favourite leopard at Arathusa: TP
How did you come to be a guide?
“I have a strong love for nature and would like to take care of our animals and wildlife. I believe that we each have a responsibility to teach the youth more about the importance of nature.
The animals in our culture are a fundamental part of how we grew up and we are bonded to these animals through tradition and spirit. We respect nature and trees and do not waste or cut trees or kill animals for no good reason.”
Meet Tracker Eugine Ndlovu
Nickname:
Rock Eug like huge
Favourite animal: Wild dog
Favourite leopard at Arathusa: Thandi
How did you come to be a guide?
“I was born in the bush in a small village Hluvukani. We used to look after livestock, and I became very close to our animals and the bush.
Ever since I can remember choosing animals as my priority, I’ve decided to take a tracking job so I can be close to nature. Being a tracker means I will conserve and protect nature and I will give guests the best experience of the natural environment.”
Meet Tracker Rifos Mnisi
Nickname:
Reef
Favourite animal: Baby leopards
Favourite leopard at Arathusa:
Saseka
How did you come to be a guide?
"I was born in Sabi Sand on the Mala Mala property. My father’s brother was a Guide Trainer lecturer and that is how I learnt about tracking and nature.
I’ve been tracking since 1996 after I left school and love what I do. I will always want to work with animals and educate people about the wilderness.”