Our Guides

Megan’s family calls her ‘Nina die boskind” referring to a young girl from the Afrikaans novel called “Kringe in ‘n bos” written by Daleen Matthee. From a young age she adored nature. Right after High School she obtained her guiding qualifications and loved the adventure.

During Covid she worked with an Entomologist on research projects. She learnt so much during that time and has some great stories to tell. She longed to share her love of the bush with people and was excited to sit back in the guiding seat. She worked most of her career in the Lowveld (Limpopo province). She wanted to expand her knowledge and experience of what South Africa has to offer.

Megan joined the Madikwe Hills team in September 2023. She enjoys capturing a moment whether it’s a photo or video and she loves being ‘Nina die boskind” everyday!

Sam (Kega) grew up in a small village about an hour and half west of Madikwe Game Reserve. His bush-life inspiration comes from him being raised on a farm and he always wanted to become a guide. Sam started working at Madikwe Hills in 2004 as a butler. After 8 months he became a tracker, and worked his way up to a guide in 2006. In 2008 Sam married Irene, our Front of House Manager, who he met at the Lodge. Sam has reached his dream and is so passionate about the bush. He says Madikwe Hills is ”home sweet home and will always be around”.

Benson Mabaso’s journey into the wild began with a love for nature that no obstacle could dim. He started at Marakele National Park in 2003 as a general worker. That same year, Field Ranger Paramilitary Training at Kruger National Park brought him face-to-face with the Big 5 and ignited a lifelong passion for wildlife.

By 2004, Benson had become a full-time field ranger, and in 2007, he earned his qualification as a field guide, specializing in safaris and wildlife introductions. His expertise and enthusiasm eventually led him to Madikwe in 2010, and he joined the Madikwe Hills team in February 2022.

Whether tracking through the bush, guiding guests on walks, or observing his favourite animal—the elephant—Benson’s fascination is infectious.

“Imagine this magnificent animal spending 80% of the day feeding. I never get bored watching elephants.”

Brian was born and raised in the city of Johannesburg. He has always had an interest in the outdoors and much preferred being in the fresh air than being cooped up in a city. He went on 1 game drive as a teen and was just fascinated with how the guide could interpret what was going on in the bushveld, “He became my inspiration and mentor”. That’s when Brian knew this was something that he wanted to do for a career. After 4 years of working in completely different fields, Brian found his spot in the bush and began studying.

He worked in various locations, Northern KwaZulu Natal, Eastern Cape and the Greater Kruger region, but settled down in Madikwe and this is now his home for the past 4 years. “My interests include everything big and small, I have been called a bird nerd by some,” he said. Brian joined the Madikwe Hills Team in June 2023.

Born and raised in Durban, I’ve always lived between two wild worlds — the ocean and the bush. I grew up in Umdloti but it was my godfather’s game reserves that truly shaped me. Some of my earliest and most vivid memories are in the bush, and by the age of 15, I was already behind the wheel of a game viewer. This way of life isn’t something I stumbled into; it’s hardwired into me.

I trained in Zululand, where the birdlife pulled me in and I’ve been a keen birder ever since. My first guiding role took me to the Karoo in the Eastern Cape, followed by a 2-year stint in the Waterberg. Now, as of June 2025, I’ve settled into my role here — the youngest and newest face on the team. I’m here to share stories, capture wild moments through my lens, and help guests feel that same connection to the natural world that’s guided me all along.

Tiaan grew up in KwaZulu-Natal, splitting his time between game reserves and the ocean, where his love for all things wild began. From wanting to be a biologist, vet, or even an entomologist, he eventually followed his passion for wildlife presenting — being out in nature, up close and telling its stories. After training as a field guide (thanks to his mom spotting the perfect opportunity), he started his career in the Eastern Cape, spent two years in the Waterberg, and now calls Madikwe Hills home. He’s happiest in the bush, geeking out over bugs, reptiles, and birds, and if you end up learning about dung beetle physics on game drive, that’s just part of the charm.