LIMPOPO – Howard Jacobson’s love affair with the natural world started decades ago, on family trips to the Kruger National Park. Today, at 67, that childhood passion has become his full-time career, leading visitors along some of the region’s most scenic trails.

Jacobson, a teacher who also holds a nature conservation diploma, spent nearly 30 years teaching life sciences and environmental education at schools, including PEPPS College in Polokwane and Southern Cross Schools in Hoedspruit.

After relocating to a farm near Haenertsburg in July 2025, he began guiding full-time.

Trails he knows like the back of his hand

Today, he leads guided and interpretive walks along some of the area’s most scenic trails, including the Louis Changuion Trail, Swartbos Trail, Woodbush Forest, Makgeng Mountain Trail, Iron Crown, Wolkberg Wilderness, Lekgalameetse Nature Reserve, and Kaapsehoop Nature Reserve.

A childhood spent in the Kruger

He explained what those early experiences led to: “My parents took us to the Kruger several times every year. Those experiences inspired my passion for wildlife and eventually led me to study zoology, botany, nature conservation, and education,” he said.

What you might spot along the way

His guided walks introduce visitors to the region’s rich diversity of birds, mammals, reptiles, indigenous trees, wildflowers, mushrooms and unique geological formations.

Among his most memorable sightings are rare forest birds such as the African Emerald Cuckoo, Narina Trogon, Orange Ground Thrush and White-starred Robin, as well as the elusive Western Natal Green Snake.

Slowing down to see more

Rather than rushing through the trails, Jacobson encourages participants to slow down, observe their surroundings and appreciate even the smallest details of the natural world.

He believes guided walks play an important role in environmental education by creating awareness, inspiring curiosity and encouraging conservation.

A region under threat

Jacobson also expressed concern about ongoing threats to the region’s sensitive ecosystems, particularly proposed mining activities and commercial developments. He praised the Haenertsburg community and environmental organisations for remaining vigilant in protecting the area’s valuable water sources and biodiversity.

“I hope that every visitor leaves inspired, more knowledgeable, and committed to becoming a guardian of nature,” he said.

For more information or to book a guided walk, Howard Jacobson can be contacted on 082 783 4868 or via email at howard@naturewalks.co.za.