• Ranger Diaries
    Ranger Diaries

Head Guide

Posted on Fri March 27, 2026.

A heartfelt congratulations to Cameron on his well-deserved appointment as Head Guide at Pumba. We are so proud of this achievement and excited for the many incredible sightings, stories, and experiences that lie ahead.

"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."

Further Reading

The Arrival of a Baby Elephant Read This Article
Interviews Read This Article
Welcome home...

We are thrilled to announce that Pumba will be taking part in a special event to raise funds for the introduction of a new female cheetah into the reserve!The Addo2Fish Marathon will see 5 Pumba Team Members running through a private game reserve in a Big 5 section to show off the diversity of the Eastern Cape. The cheetah population is under huge stress in Africa and there are approximately 7000 cheetahs...

Read This Article