Ranger Diaries - Pumba Private Game Reserve

Head Guide

2026-03-27T00:00:00+02:00

"My journey to becoming Head Guide at Pumba Private Game Reserve has been one built on passion, persistence, and a deep respect for the bush. From the moment I started my career as a field guide, I knew this was more than just a job for me it was a calling.
I began like many others, learning the fundamentals, spending countless hours in the field, and absorbing as much knowledge as I could from experienced guides and the wilderness itself. Early mornings, late nights, and long days shaped my understanding of not only wildlife but also the responsibility we carry in protecting and interpreting it.
Over time, my confidence grew, as did my ability to deliver meaningful and memorable experiences to guests. Guiding became second nature, but I always pushed myself to improve whether it was expanding my knowledge of animal behaviour, refining my tracking skills, or developing my leadership abilities within the team.
A defining moment in my career was being recognised as Safari Guide of the Year. That achievement meant a great deal to me, not just as a personal milestone, but as a reflection of the dedication and hard work I had invested over the years.
Stepping into the role of Head Guide at Pumba was both an honour and a challenge I embraced wholeheartedly. It’s a position that goes beyond guiding it’s about mentoring others, setting standards, ensuring guest experiences are exceptional, and maintaining a strong conservation ethic across the team.
Today, I take pride in leading by example, sharing my knowledge, and continuing to learn every day. The bush is always teaching, and I remain a student of it. My journey is far from over, but becoming Head Guide at Pumba Private Game Reserve is a milestone that reminds me how far I’ve come and how much more there is still to achieve."

Interviews

2026-03-27T00:00:00+02:00

The Ranger Diaries.
Ever wondered what life is really like for a Ranger in the wild?
The Ranger Diaries offers a rare look behind the scenes at Pumba Private Game Reserve—through the eyes of the people who live and breathe it every day.
Stories from the heart of Pumba.

The Ranger Diaries

Welcome home...

2022-05-05T00:00:00+02:00

We have set ourselves a goal of R50 000.00, which will cover all relocation and introduction costs, with any potential excess being directed into our Pumba Foundation projects, which help manage the elephant and lion populations, as well as our social responsibility projects Once you have made your donation, please send your proof of donation to neale@pehotels.co.za.

All donors’ names will be placed on a commemorative donor’s board, which will be placed alongside the cheetah reintroduction boma.

In addition to this, we will be giving away a weekend stay for 2 people as a lucky draw prize for donors! R500 gets you one entry, R1000 gets you 3 entries and R2000 gets you 5 entries. Plus, another one entry per R250 above R2000.

Our team welcomed the new female cheetah onto reserve in the wee hours of the morning this past month and she has settled in nicely. She will spend the next 6-8 months in the boma to grow big and strong, which will also allow her to have some safe interactions with the lions and other threats in the reserve.

What's the best time of the year to visit Pumba?

2022-01-01T00:00:00+02:00

The summer season (December-February) is probably the most inviting season for guests to visit Pumba Private Game Reserve. The days are much longer and temperatures can reach up to 30 degrees Celsius. This allows for an extended time to partake in all the activities offered on the reserve.

During Autumn (March-May), you can experience a drop in temperature and the average temperatures are around 21 degrees Celsius. March is still relatively warm but as the winter months approach, it does tend to cool down much more. The days are relatively warm and there are fewer guests around if you would like a more tranquil and serene time to visit.

The Winter months in South Africa (June-August) bring about days that are much cooler and relatively shorter than days in the summer months. Average temperatures reach about 16 degrees Celsius. South African winters are not as harsh as the rest of the world but, the days are cool and the nights tend to get rather cold. The one benefit of visiting in the winter months is the wildlife activity. It is easier to encounter our wildlife during the winter months because of the sparse vegetation and a drop in the humidity, making it much drier. This draws wildlife out to the waterholes.

Spring in South Africa (September and October) is a great time to visit our reserve as there is a significant rise in the temperature from the cold winter months and the vegetation and flowers flourish. The average temperature is about 20 degrees Celsius. The days are delightfully warm and are longer than the days in winter. Spring is also exciting as many babies are born during the springtime.

Alien Vegetation Clearing Program

2019-10-26T00:00:00+02:00