HJ Esterhuizen took first place in the 2024 FGASA Safari Guide of the Year competition (SGOTY), which took place in Welgevonden Game Reserve (Limpopo province) recently. Set against the captivating backdrop of the 5-star lodge of host sponsor Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa, the competition unfolded over five days, highlighting the knowledge and skills of five finalists across various guiding disciplines.
At the awards presentation, HJ Esterhuizen from Royal Malewane in Thornybush Game Reserve took the honours ahead of runner-up Ashley Meintjies, from Lalibela Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape.
The competition marked a significant milestone in showcasing exemplary guiding expertise in South Africa. Held for the first time in the Welgevonden Game Reserve, the magnificent 40 000-hectare Waterberg landscape provided the ideal canvas for the prestigious annual competition. The game-rich private reserve is malaria-free and provides sanctuary to not only the big 5, but also to more than 50 other animal species, and 300 bird species.
Rigorously assessed and evaluated by renowned industry experts, the five finalists participated in a comprehensive evaluation of their guiding capabilities, maintaining the competition’s high standards of excellence. From Walking Safaris to photographic guiding, rifle handling, game drives, birding, tracking and sign identification, to hospitality proficiency – the competition served as a testament to the calibre of exceptional guiding talent in the country.
The competition was first conceived in 2011 by esteemed safari guide, Mike Karantonis, and organized by FGASA under the expert guidance of CEO, Michelle Du Plessis. The presence of eminent individuals from the guiding industry at this year’s event added even more prestige and depth to the evaluation process.
Congratulating the winner at the Gala Awards evening, Fritz Breytenbach, CEO of Mhondoro Safari Lodge and Villa said that it was an honour to serve as the Host Sponsor of the competition and to have witnessed the incredible talent and dedication of the finalists. ‘Mhondoro remains deeply committed to promoting excellence in the guiding profession and nurturing future leaders in adventure and conservation in South Africa. While our own guiding team was unable to enter this year due to their essential role in guiding the finalists and judges over the course of the 5-day event, their contribution was instrumental in ensuring the success of the event.’
Other sponsors included Ruggedwear Clothing who was responsible for all safari clothing throughout the competition, as well as Charl Lombard, the owner of Die Drankwinkel in Vaalwater, who provided wines at the Gala dinner and Awards ceremony, as well as a Premium Wine prize for the overall winner.
Credit photographer Nicolene Cresswell from Armadillo Media
MORE ABOUT MHONDORO SAFARI LODGE & VILLA
Located in Welgevonden Game Reserve in the Waterberg (Limpopo), MHONDORO SAFARI LODGE & VILLAis a luxury safari destination of note. A mere 2h45-minute drive from Johannesburg, the landscape is breathtakingly rich and diverse, stretching across 35 000 hectares. The reserve is home to the Big 5, including a large white rhino population that is protected within the malaria-free reserve. Guided walks are popular with guests, as is watching the ‘resident’ herd of elephants who visit the waterhole at the lodge on a daily basis and who love a drink from the natural, salt-water swimming pools. #poolellie
The superb wildlife experience is complemented by Mhondoro’s luxurious accommodation, indulgent spa treatments, fine cuisine and passionate service. Dutch-owned, Mhondoro is a gourmand’s delight and a fusion of African chic and edgy European influences. The exclusive 5-star lodge sleeps only 24 guests, with accommodation including two child-friendly Family suites, a romantic Honeymoon suite, and a 2-bedroom Executive Suite.
Guest suites are spacious with full bathrooms, outdoor showers, private decks and most have private plunge pools. Mhondoro Villa is the ultimate in luxury and privacy for families or friends travelling together. It features a magnificent master suite and two additional bedrooms and comes with a private gym, yoga or massage room and a heated swimming pool, a game-viewing safari vehicle with personal guide, and the services of a chef, butler and housekeeping staff.
Unique features at Mhondoro include the ultimate photographer’s dream: a waterhole with underground hide, connected with the main lodge by a tunnel, as well as a stardeck and three heated swimming pools with an infrared sauna. The Spa offers face and body treatments, as well as a private, outdoor spa deck overlooking the reserve to offer the ultimate relaxation.
