Safari Guide of the Year 2026: Sarah Barratt
The Competition That Sets the Standard
Every year the Field Guides Association of Southern Africa puts the continent’s top field guides through a tough five‑day test at Amani Safari Camp in the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve.
The event mixes game drives, bush walks, photography walks, bird‑watching, tracking, rifle handling, storytelling, and hospitality challenges.
Meet the Winner
- Name: Sarah Barratt
- Base: Thornybush Game Reserve
- Experience: 15 years in the bush + a degree in anthropology
- Key Wins: Best in “Guided Game Drive” and “Industry Ambassador and Professionalism”
- Historic Fact: Only the second woman ever to claim the overall title
Sarah said the moment her name was called felt surreal, but she quickly shifted to gratitude and excitement about the responsibility that comes with the award.
Why the Award Matters
The Field Guides Association explains that, for a long time, guiding was seen as a “fill‑in” job rather than a real career.
The Safari Guide of the Year competition changes that perception by:
- Highlighting guides who have deep theoretical knowledge and years of hands‑on practice
- Showing that guiding requires professionalism, skill, and passion
- Inspiring the next generation—especially young women—to pursue guiding as a respected profession
Thornybush’s Perspective
Melanie Parker, Operations Manager at Thornybush, noted that Sarah does more than point out animals; she builds bridges between people and nature.
Her warmth, knowledge, and ability to tell stories make her a role model for the whole reserve and the industry at large.
Looking Ahead: Mentorship and Ambassadorship
As the industry’s top ambassador, Sarah plans to focus on mentoring upcoming guides, with a special emphasis on encouraging women to follow their dreams in the wild.
She sees her win not just as a personal achievement but as a platform to help others succeed.
Conclusion
Sarah Barratt’s victory in the 2026 Safari Guide of the Year competition proves that great guides are essential to unforgettable safaris.
Her blend of expertise, storytelling, and genuine love for the bush sets a new standard for what it means to be a modern safari guide—one who educates, inspires, and protects the wilderness for future generations.
