A2A Safaris - field guidehttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/tags/field-guideenTracking Dream Team: Friends & Colleagues in the Bushhttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/tracking-dream-team-friends-colleagues-the-bush<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p>Much like the <a href="http://animalsymbiosis.weebly.com/nile-crocodile-and-egyptian-plover-bird.html" target="_blank">plover and the crocodile</a>, trackers and field guides have a symbiotic relationship where they rely on each other’s talent and skill for mutual success. We often mention our field guides on the blog but their tracking partners are equally important for ensuring an action-packed game drive.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-15672" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/tracker_13.jpg" alt="Johnson Mhlangu and Ross Couper - Singita Sabi Sand" width="863" height="403" srcset="http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/tracker_13.jpg 863w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/tracker_13-300x140.jpg 300w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/tracker_13-768x359.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 863px) 100vw, 863px" /></p>
<p>Tracker Johnson Mhlanga has been working with Ross Couper for four years, and together they are a dynamic pair of wildlife sleuths, taking guests on thrilling, twice-daily game drives in <a href="http://singita.com/region/singita-sabi-sand/" target="_blank">Singita Sabi Sand</a>. They are also known for their good humour, and Ross says that “when Johnson chuckles at something funny he almost falls off his tracker seat so I have learnt to keep the good jokes for when the vehicle has come to a complete stop!”</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-15670" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/tracker_11.jpg" alt="tracker_11" width="980" height="980" srcset="http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/tracker_11.jpg 980w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/tracker_11-150x150.jpg 150w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/tracker_11-300x300.jpg 300w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/tracker_11-768x768.jpg 768w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/tracker_11-360x360.jpg 360w" sizes="(max-width: 980px) 100vw, 980px" /></p>
<p>Ross has great admiration for Johnson’s humility, skills and experience, and together they have formed a great connection that allows them to navigate the bush by the shared memory of countless wildlife sightings. As Ross puts it so beautifully: “The history of our relationship is our compass.”</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-15666" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/tracker_2-1024x704.jpg" alt="tracker_2" width="1024" height="704" srcset="http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/tracker_2-1024x704.jpg 1024w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/tracker_2-300x206.jpg 300w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/tracker_2-768x528.jpg 768w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/tracker_2.jpg 1600w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></p>
<p>This collaborative approach is a critical component in a guest’s experience; the wordless communication between tracker and guide often leaving them quite bemused as they silently track down an elusive leopard, a lion cub or a pack of wild dogs. Johnson has a particularly keen eye for spotting animals in the distance, knowing instinctively what they are before the sighting is verified using a pair of binoculars. And unlike those of us who are a little less experienced in the bush, these are never mistakenly-identified rocks or bushes!</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-15671" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/tracker_12.jpg" alt="tracker_12" width="985" height="485" srcset="http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/tracker_12.jpg 985w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/tracker_12-300x148.jpg 300w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/tracker_12-768x378.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 985px) 100vw, 985px" /></p>
<p>As the tracking team venture out on each drive, Johnson’s contagious smile and quiet confidence warm our guests even on the coldest of days. They are a fine example of people who are friends as well as colleagues, enjoying each other’s company, sharing a passion and enriching the experience for all who are lucky enough to be a part of it.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-15814" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Singita-Sweni-Lodge-Wildlife1.jpg" alt="Singita" width="1000" height="665" srcset="http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Singita-Sweni-Lodge-Wildlife1.jpg 1000w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Singita-Sweni-Lodge-Wildlife1-300x200.jpg 300w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Singita-Sweni-Lodge-Wildlife1-768x511.jpg 768w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Singita-Sweni-Lodge-Wildlife1-320x213.jpg 320w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p><em><a href="http://singita.com/region/singita-sabi-sand/" target="_blank">Singita Sabi Sand</a>, which is a private concession that forms part of the greater Sabi Sand reserve, has been owned by the Bailes family since 1926. <a href="http://singita.com/lodge/singita-ebony-lodge-6/" target="_blank">Singita Ebony Lodge</a> and <a href="http://singita.com/lodge/singita-boulders-lodge-8/" target="_blank">Singita Boulders Lodge</a>, as well as exclusive-use property <a href="http://singita.com/lodge/singita-castleton/" target="_blank">Singita Castleton</a>, offer guests some of the most beautiful and luxurious safari accommodation in the world.</em></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://singita.com/people-of-singita/tracking-dream-team-friends-and-colleagues-in-the-bush/">Tracking Dream Team: Friends & Colleagues in the Bush</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://singita.com">Singita</a>.</p>
</div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/people-singita" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">People of Singita</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/field-guide" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">field guide</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/ross-couper" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Ross Couper</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/sabi-sand" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Sabi Sand</a></div></div>Tue, 26 Apr 2016 08:00:36 +0000Anonymous1507 at https://us.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/tracking-dream-team-friends-colleagues-the-bush#commentsPeople of Singita: Tengwe Siabwandahttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/people-singita-tengwe-siabwanda<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/tengwe_9.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7906" alt="Tengwe Siabwanda, Field Guide at Singita Pamushana Lodge" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/tengwe_9.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>Tengwe Siabwanda is a second generation field guide based at the <a href="http://singita.com/regions/singita-malilangwe/" target="_blank">Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve</a> in Zimbabwe, with a passion for all the world’s creatures. Today he shares with us his experiences working at Singita, his most memorable moments and his favourite things about the African bush:</p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/tengwe_8.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7905" alt="Tengwe Siabwanda, Field Guide at Singita Pamushana Lodge" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/tengwe_8.jpg" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/tengwe_7.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7904" alt="Singita Pamushana lodge in Zimbabwe." src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/tengwe_7.jpg" /></a></p>
<p><strong>How did you get started at Singita?</strong><br />
I joined the staff at <a href="http://singita.com/pamushana-lodge/" target="_blank">Singita Pamushana Lodge</a> on the 1st of October 2008, having worked for nine years as a guide in various other lodges. I received such a warm welcome from my colleagues at Singita and remember being so excited to be joining such a wonderful team.</p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/tengwe_3.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7900" alt="Tengwe Siabwanda, Field Guide at Singita Pamushana Lodge" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/tengwe_3.jpg" /></a></p>
<p><strong>What inspired you to become a Field Guide?</strong><br />
My father used to work in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matusadona_National_Park" target="_blank">Matusadona National Park</a> in northern Zimbabwe, and every school holiday I would visit him. I enjoyed spending time in the bush, seeing the animals, trees and birds, and learning about their rhino conservation projects. I spent hours in the museum, looking at skulls, insects, butterflies, animal skins and feathers and the natural world became my passion. These experiences inspired me to become a professional guide when I left school.</p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/tengwe_4.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7901" alt="Tengwe Siabwanda, Field Guide at Singita Pamushana Lodge" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/tengwe_4.jpg" /></a></p>
<p><strong>What do you love most about your job?</strong><br />
There are many things! I love meeting different people from all over the world and learning about their cultures. I have also learnt so much from my fellow guides and done exciting courses like scorpion identification and handling, and how to capture, identify, handle and treat snakes. I also love taking guided walks in the bush with guests and showing them the reserve at ground level.</p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/tengwe_5.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7902" alt="Tengwe Siabwanda, Field Guide at Singita Pamushana Lodge" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/tengwe_5.jpg" /></a></p>
<p><strong>What is one of your most memorable guest or wildlife experiences?</strong><br />
Once, I took three guests on a walk and we came across a group of white rhinos and decided to approach them on foot. When we were about thirty meters from the rhinos, we spotted an elephant bull feeding on a mopane tree nearby. Suddenly, the elephant started charging the rhinos who in turn began running in our direction with the elephant in hot pursuit. Luckily, just before they reached us they changed direction and we took cover behind a big tree. I am not sure what happened between the rhinos and the elephant but it was definitely a memorable experience!</p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/tengwe_6.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7903" alt="Tengwe Siabwanda, Field Guide at Singita Pamushana Lodge" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/tengwe_6.jpg" /></a></p>
<p><strong>What do you love about the wilderness?</strong><br />
I love everything about the bush; plants, animals, insects, butterflies, trees and all their medicinal uses.</p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/tengwe_1.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7898" alt="Tengwe Siabwanda, Field Guide at Singita Pamushana Lodge" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/tengwe_1.jpg" /></a></p>
<p><strong>In your opinion, what is important about the conservation work that you do?</strong><br />
For me, it’s all about education – teaching people about the important of preserving these species for the benefit of future generations is essential to the success of our conservation efforts.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7899" alt="Tengwe Siabwanda, Field Guide at Singita Pamushana Lodge" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/tengwe_2.jpg" /></p>
<p><em>Our “People of Singita” blog series has so far profiled <a href="http://singita.com/blog/the-people-of-singita-michael-matera/" target="_blank">a chef</a>, <a href="http://singita.com/blog/people-of-singita-george/" target="_blank">a tracker</a> and <a href="http://singita.com/blog/people-of-singita-irene-makhabane/" target="_blank">a lodge manager</a>. To find out more about working at Singita, please visit our <a href="http://singita.com/about/careers/" target="_blank">Careers page</a>.</em></p>
<p>The post <a href="http://singita.com/blog/people-of-singita-tengwe-siabwanda/">People of Singita: Tengwe Siabwanda</a> appeared first on <a href="http://singita.com">Singita</a>.</p>
</div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/experience" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Experience</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/malilangwe-wildlife-reserve" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/singita-pamushana-lodge" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Singita Pamushana Lodge</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/wildlife" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Wildlife</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/field-guide" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">field guide</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/luxury-safari-zimbabwe" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">luxury safari in Zimbabwe</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/people-singita" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">People of Singita</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/professional-game-ranger" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">professional game ranger</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/singita-field-guide" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Singita Field Guide</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/tengwe-siabwanda" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Tengwe Siabwanda</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/zimbabwe-wildlife-conservation" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Zimbabwe wildlife conservation</a></div></div>Fri, 01 Nov 2013 13:15:17 +0000Anonymous387 at https://us.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/people-singita-tengwe-siabwanda#comments