THE INTERVIEW
DEON WESSELS
ON DRIVE IN THE WILD
RB: What inspired you to become a safari guide, and how did you embark on this career path?
D: Since I can remember I have been coming to the lowveld with my family on holidays, this is where my passion for wildlife and conservation started. One day I decided that going home was not an option and I enlisted with some of the best training providers out there, and the rest is history.
RB: What unique skills or qualities do you believe are essential for a successful safari guide?
D: Skills are something you pick up over time, you cannot be a successful guide if you pick up a book and just study. Animal behavior is something you learn from being present. Behaviour changes on a daily and by getting out, and exploring in your environments is where you will pick up certain skills that a book can never teach you. . Learning tracking skills and noting different signs to look for are important qualities for a guide. When you have a brief understanding of how nature all works together in the present, is an invaluable piece of knowledge a guide can have. Good qualities of a guide is punctuality, environmental awareness and respect. Making sure you respect your surroundings, your guests and represent the lodge or brand you working for in the best possible light ever.
RB: How do you stay updated on wildlife behavior, environmental changes, and local culture to enhance the safari experience for your guests?
D: Animal behavior is something you get accustomed to over time, especially with animals that have territories. Over a long period, you’ll be able to anticipate their behavior and movements. For animals that do not hold territories, it all comes down to monitoring their body language and movements.
Understanding wildlife extends beyond observation; it’s about forging connections. Learning from local trackers and staff offers invaluable insights into both animal behavior and indigenous culture. By immersing myself in the community, I remain attuned to shifts in the environment, enriching the safari experience for guests
RB: Can you describe a particularly challenging situation you’ve faced while guiding a safari and how you managed it?
D: As a guide, challenging situations are a common occurrence in the work place. The most common “rule breaker” would be when trying to explain to guests the importance of remaining still at sightings and explaining the consequences of their actions if they do not. Calling or making sounds at animals at a sighting to try get their attention for a photo is a daily challenge for guides. Although these challenges may seem small, they do have a negative impact on your overall experience or for the other guests on the vehicle. Should a situation become unmanageable, I always recommend chatting with your GM so they can assert the rules again with your guests.
RB: Can you share some of your most memorable moments or encounters while guiding safaris?
D: Among countless wildlife encounters, one stands out: a poignant moment with Thandi, a renowned leopard of the northern Sabi Sands, and her cub Maribyes. As Johan (Nkoro Guide) and I ventured out one afternoon, we stumbled upon Thandi calling for her cub along the riverbed. After a tense wait, Maribyes dashed out of nowhere to reunite with his mother, defying typical leopard dynamics with aged cubs. Their bond, rare and palpable, challenged conventional wisdom and defied everything you can read in books about leopard behaviour.
Despite expectations for Maribyes to be ousted at 22 months, his family embraced him even after Thandi’s passing without any confrontations, making him one of the most beloved leopards in the Sabi Sands. This encounter reshaped my perspective on leopard relationships, highlighting the profound connections found in these extraordinary locations.
“Deon Wessels – The guide, the legend and land cruisers biggest supporter.”
RB: How do you ensure the safety of your guests during safari?
D: An in-depth safety briefing is always given to guests before the first drive on safari. This is where we explain all the do’s and do not’s. Anything is possible on a game drive and animals can be unpredictable. When stopping to observe animals and talking to guests, the most important aspect would be “situational awareness”. Never ever drop down your guard.
RB:What advice would you give to aspiring guides?
D: Firstly, guiding is not merely a “gap year” job; it is a passion that entails many hours spent in the field, observing, collecting, sampling, and studying your environment. If you have a passion for being a trooper for wildlife, never give up, no matter how challenging it may feel. I highly recommend enrolling with a reputable training provider that equips you with the necessary tools for success. Focus on accruing your hours and immersing yourself fully in your career.
RB: Can you share a standout moment where you felt a deep connection in your career?
D: I am a keen photographer, especially when it comes to leopards. There is a partiuclar leopard named Ntsumie (Meaning “My Angel”), who I have photographed since she born (I have a picture of her behind my bed), who decided to pay me a visit one night. I was busy watching netflix on an off-night with my door open when something caught my eye. Here came Ntsumie, casually strolling into my room, stopping just 30cm away from the base of my bed. She then decided to pause and gaze at her picture on my wall for around 30 seconds. In this moment, I have never felt more connected (and vulnerable?) than in that moment. It’s wild out here!
Author: Reeds Bespoke
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