Spending a week immersed in the landscapes of Tsavo East and West was more than just a training opportunity — it was a reminder of what it truly means to guide, to connect, and to grow.

Thanks to the incredible team at African Horizons, I had the privilege of not only exploring these iconic parks in Kenya but doing so in the company of over 30 guides and tour directors, representing a combined 350+ years of experience across East Africa. Their warmth, professionalism, and dedication made this one of the most enriching experiences of my guiding career. I extend a heartfelt thank you to the entire African Horizons family for the opportunity, the hospitality, and their unwavering commitment to raising the bar in safari experiences.

A First for the Team — A Milestone for Guiding

This wasn’t just a training. It was African Horizons’ first-ever company-wide guide training week — an inspiring initiative that brought together their entire guiding team from Mombasa, Nairobi, and Arusha. For many, it was their first time meeting in person. The week wasn’t just about building knowledge; it was about building community.

Starting with classroom sessions in Nairobi, we then hit the road in a convoy of safari vehicles to explore the wonders of Tsavo East and West. Along the way, the landscapes told their stories — from the haunting legends of the maneless lions of Tsavo, to the glowing Chyulu Hills and Shetani lava flows, the towering Yatta Plateau, the red-dusted elephants, and the ancient Mudanda Rock. Each stop added layers to our understanding — not just of the ecosystem, but of each other as guides and as people.

Lessons That Go Beyond Wildlife

For any guide reading this — alumni or aspiring — the deeper lessons of Tsavo were not about facts and figures, but about ethics, connection, and presence.

We unpacked the idea that our role is never just about information. It’s about storytelling. Interpretation. Creating space for curiosity. We looked at how to craft holistic ecological narratives, how to connect sightings to systems, and how to weave the guest’s journey into a living, breathing landscape.

We spoke about consistency, integrity, and the daily commitment to learning — how to be better hosts, better teachers, and ultimately, better humans. There was a strong reminder that we are ambassadors for East Africa, whether we are guiding or not. Our attitude, our energy, and our choices directly influence how guests experience this continent.

Guests First, Always

One phrase kept coming up: “It’s all about the guest’s experience.”

Not just the guests in your vehicle, but any visitor to East Africa. This mindset shift changes everything. It sharpens our awareness. It raises our standards. And it reminds us that we’re part of something bigger.

From small service moments to big picture hosting, this principle helps remove ego, eliminate bad habits, and reframe what excellence looks like. We all agreed: when you make every day a learning day, magic happens.

Looking Ahead — Opportunity and Action

The African Horizons team has planted an incredible seed. And it’s up to the guides to nurture it through collaboration, mentorship, and constant curiosity.

We explored the idea of establishing internal mentorship structures, looked at how platforms like CyberTracker can sharpen tracking skills, and discussed the exciting potential of FGASA’s expansion into East Africa. There’s a real hunger for growth, and it’s vital that this energy is supported with real opportunities for learning and recognition.

Final Reflections

To the guides of African Horizons — your passion and openness were humbling. Thank you for sharing your world and allowing me to be part of this transformative moment in your company’s journey.

To the greater Ulovane community, let this be a reminder that guiding is never static. It’s alive. It evolves. And when we invest in each other, and in the landscapes we serve, we create experiences that change lives — our guests’, and our own.

As guides, we hold the thread between nature and people — let’s make every connection count.

Schalk Pretorius