The Royal Malewane Guide Apprenticeship Programme

Trusting the Process

Royal Malewane’s Apprenticeship Programme offers the next generation an opportunity to learn from the seasoned knowledge of the current team of guides and trackers. But it’s also about trust – trusting each other, oneself, and the way things unfold in the bush.

Apprentice Megan Redfern (left) and Juan Pinto (right) observe two endangered white rhinos

Learning the Ways of the Wilderness

“Living in a tent for two years is definitely not a walk in the park, and not just anybody can do it,” says Ringo Chauke.

Participating in Royal Malewane’s Apprenticeship Programme means being “fully committed”, according to Ringo, who applied because he wanted to experience guiding in a Big Five reserve and gain exposure to working in a luxury lodge.

And it’s all been worth it, so far.

“The whole experience has been a learning opportunity for me, from meeting guests that come from different parts of the world and walks of life, to learning from the best people in the guiding industry,” he says.

Left: A humble space that holds early mornings, long days, and the quiet lessons of living close to nature; Right: Apprentices study tracks left behind by animals, circling each clue

A Legacy of Mentorship

Juan Pinto, Director of Conservation and Scout at Royal Malewane, reflects that the programme is about allowing aspiring guides to develop as professionals in the field-guiding industry.

“It’s possibly the most extensive programme of its kind,” says Juan. “The apprentices are exposed to an entire functioning five-star lodge. They work with guests, back-of-house staff, and management. This is the real deal. It’s very hands-on. So they learn not only from some of the best guides and trackers in the world, but also the high standards expected in the luxury safari industry.”

What truly sets the apprenticeship apart is the deep culture of mentorship that runs through the Royal Malewane guiding team. Master Trackers like those at Royal Malewane have spent decades in the bush, cultivating a rare intuition that can’t be taught in a classroom. Their role is not merely to instruct the apprentices, but to instil confidence, humility and a profound respect for the wilderness.

It’s a passing of the torch, one generation shaping the next, ensuring that the ancient art of tracking and storytelling remains alive and relevant.

Left: Juan Pinto in conversation with Nik Vonnou, who completed the apprenticeship 16 years ago; Right: A moment of mentorship between Juan Pinto and the apprentices in the bush

A Day in the Life

Giving the guests the best possible experience is always at the top of the to-do list, and the apprentices are expected to support the trackers and guides in their duties.

If an apprentice is allocated to ride “shotgun” with a particular team of guide and tracker, they will start by helping prepare the vehicle, then meet guests for coffee before heading out for the morning drive. Afterwards, they may assist with airport transfers if there are arrivals or departures that day, followed by the afternoon game drive, and possibly a bush dinner.

Ringo says that for him, the highlight of any game drive or bush walk is spending time with one of the Master Trackers like Jonas Mhula.

“Walking with Jonas is a very fun and educational experience. He helps people understand how to trail as well as to track and sign. We learn about the different sounds and calls of the birds, how to identify the different species of trees and their uses and the different behaviours that the animals show, and how you can best interact with them and coexist with them – without impacting them.”

Left: Appearance Magudu Nkanyin (Tracker); Right: Jonas Mhula (Master Tracker)

Dream building

Like Ringo, Privillege Manyike grew up in a village near Royal Malewane. She decided to apply for the apprentice programme to complete her trails guide hours.

She points out that there have been many unforgettable moments to date, including returning to their tents one night after 9pm only to find a few female lions had decided to get comfortable really close to “home”. After warning her colleagues to stay where they were, the lions moved off.

Privillege says, “It was an exciting and humbling experience to realise that we are just living in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by nature as it is.”

In addition to being exposed to incredible moments in the bush, the apprenticeship has helped her grow as a human being.

“I have learned a lot about myself and what I am capable of – and to always be aware of my surroundings. Being a guide is about being able to respect nature, and it’s also about forming good relationships with your team members and developing trust.”

She is working hard on her assessment and her professional field guide qualifications and has a clear goal in sight when the programme is completed in June 2026.

“One day, my dream is to become one of the most qualified black female guides in a male-dominated industry. I see myself in years to come as a female scout. My dream is to motivate young women from my community to say with determination and passion, we can achieve our dreams.”

Left, Privillege Manyike; Right: Apprentices learning firsthand from Master Tracker Jonas Mhula

Fast-Tracking the Future

The current intake of apprentices will complete the programme in June 2026. Jack Jones, also part of the current cohort, feels that in two years at Royal Malewane you gain experience and knowledge that might take years to acquire elsewhere.

He adds, “The beauty of the apprenticeship is that we can take what we need, what we feel works for us, from each guide. And we compile all of that together, and we find what style works for us as a guide.”

Being close to the extraordinary knowledge and wisdom of the best tracking team in Africa is something none of the apprentices takes for granted, and even Ringo admits that life in a tent for two years might not always be comfortable, but it’s certainly rewarding.

“Sleeping through strong winds, heavy rainfall, and hot summers has been challenging because it’s not like camping for the weekend or a week, it’s a whole two years, but it’s all part of the package,” he says.