I am very excited to start guiding at Explorer Camp as it has just opened. It is a fulfilling experience to walk in the bush with guests and experience wildlife on foot. The camp is a unique experience at Shamwari and like no other.
Name: Tyron Van Der Walt
Title: Junior Field Guide
Started at Shamwari: 1 May 2016
Hometown: Johannesburg
Previous roles: Field Guide at Kololo Game Reserve
Qualification:
Field Guide
Back up trails guide
Track and sign level 2
Hobbies:
Running, Cycling, Swimming, Golf
Passion:
I have a passion for wildlife and nature. I love to be up close and personal with the animals. I also have a passion for teaching others about the bush.
Favourite part of the job:
Being able to walk amongst all animals in the bush and letting guests experience walking safaris.
“When you help yourself, you feel good. But when you help somebody else get back on their feet, it’s a high that no chemical drug can ever match. It’s the greatest high in the world. It’s addictive, it’s contagious, and the world needs more of it.” – Greg Plitt
Favourite animal:
The Leopard – It is strong and stealthy as well as elusive and solitary.
Favourite animal in a sighting:
Elephants – They are unpredictable and they are always busy and playful.
Most exciting encounter while on a game drive:
A group of rangers and I were walking from the North of the reserve to the South. It was about halfway through our walk when we saw seven of the northern lions resting about 150 metres ahead of us. We approached from above until we got to about 50 metres away.
We stood watching and were talking about the lions when we saw three warthogs walking about 20 metres below the lions. The lions saw them and started stalking and we knew we had a kill in our midst.
The warthogs were oblivious to the lions until they were about 7 metres away where the lions then decided to pounce. The warthogs split in different directions. One was caught by a female lion. The second warthog disappeared and the other warthog ran right in front of us. Seeing this, we then realised that the second lioness was charging towards us. We shouted at the warthog to deter it from running towards us so that the lion didn’t notice us.
It was my first kill sighting on foot at Shamwari and one to remember.