Moyo, a trainer at Bushwise Field Guides, recently won the track and sign category and was named runner-up in the birding category at the Field Guides Association of Southern Africa (FGASA) Safari Guide of the Year at Kapama Private Game Reserve in the Greater Kruger. Lovingly known as Pines, his skills and knowledge in bushcraft are inspiring and he has a special way of presenting information to his students. Moyo began his guiding career in 2007 and joined the Bushwise training team last year.

He is recognised across the industry as a leader, mentor, and teacher to students and peers alike. Bushwise students attest that Pines goes beyond the call of duty to provide extra training, tutoring them on bushcraft in his free time. His advice to people is “never stop learning”. According to Moyo, being one of the contestants for Safari Guide of the Year meant a lot. “Sharing this experience and meeting other experienced guides in the field is important, but it’s also about encouraging the young guides that are getting into the guiding industry.

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I’d like to thank all my mentors and workmates, and the Bushwise team, for their support,” Moyo says. Moyo has also earned an impressive array of qualifications. These include professional field guide, FGASA asssessor, professional trails guide, trails guide mentor, specialised knowledge and skills in birding, specialist track and sign, and tracker level 3. Bushwise director, Eugene Relling, said Moyo, is the second senior trainer in a row to be selected as a finalist for this competition.

“It shows the calibre of training our students are receiving.” In last year’s competition, Bushwise’s head trainer, Nico Brits, was awarded Best in Hospitality and Best on Camera. When asked about Moyo, Brits says: “I wish Pioneer all the best of luck, what a great honour it is to be nominated and be part of the top 5 for Safari Guide of the Year. I think he will go far and do well.”