HOEDSPRUIT – Sarah Barratt of Thornybush Game Lodge has etched her name into South African safari guiding history after being crowned Safari Guide of the Year (SGOTY) 2026, becoming only the second woman to win the prestigious title since the competition was established 15 years ago.

A demanding test of guiding excellence

Barratt emerged victorious following five days of demanding competition held at Amani Safari Camp in the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve. The annual event brought together five of the country’s top safari guides, each competing across a series of practical and theoretical challenges designed to test every aspect of professional guiding.

Representing Singita, Otto Scribante finished as runner-up after delivering consistently impressive performances across the various disciplines.

Barratt’s winning performance included first-place finishes in the Industry Ambassador and Professionalism and Guided Game Drive categories, two of the competition’s most highly regarded assessments.

Accepting the award, Barratt said competing alongside the other finalists had been both an honour and an inspiration.

“It has been an incredible honour to share this journey with my fellow finalists. The level of knowledge, professionalism, and passion on display throughout the week has been inspiring, and it has been a privilege to learn from and compete alongside them,” she said.

Recognising South Africa’s top guides

This year’s competition marked the 15th anniversary of SGOTY, widely regarded as South Africa’s leading professional safari guiding competition.

Finalists were evaluated across nine disciplines, including track and sign identification, birding, storytelling, guided walks, photographic guiding, hospitality, professionalism, advanced rifle handling, and guided game drives.

Among the standout moments was the track and sign challenge, which highlighted the specialist knowledge required of professional guides. More than 2 000 members of the public participated in an online quiz linked to the challenge, with only 37% identifying the correct answer.

A fitting end in the bush

The competition concluded with a memorable wildlife sighting as a leopard calmly moved through a nearby drainage line, providing a fitting reminder of the extraordinary wilderness that guides work to protect and interpret for visitors.

SGOTY founder Mike Karantonis said the competition was created to recognise the dedication and professionalism of safari guides, while FGASA managing director Michelle du Plessis noted that the standard of guiding continues to rise each year.