A Scout’s journey of love, humility and mentorship

Meet Nik Vonnou…

A born storyteller, Nik grew up in Johannesburg and vividly remembers going to the bush on holiday as a youngster.

He says, “I absolutely loved it. As far as I can remember, I always had my hiking boots, water bottle, felt hat, and binoculars. Growing up, I always knew my career would be related to nature and being in the wild.”

When he finished school, he attended the Pretoria Technikon (now the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) and studied for a three-year National Diploma in nature conservation and game ranch management.

As part of his studies, he was required to complete an internship at a game reserve. Through an introduction to Juan Pinto, then Head Guide, he was offered the opportunity to be a “guinea pig” in developing the Royal Malewane Apprenticeship Programme.

“I packed my bags, got in my little Volkswagen City Golf, and drove to the Lowveld,” he says.

A Place to Land

He soon began to feel at home at Royal Malewane, inspired by Juan’s passion for wildlife, conservation and generous sharing of his knowledge and expertise.
“Watching Juan lead walking and photographic safaris, interact with the guests, and his relationship with the trackers changed everything for me.”

Nik knew then that guiding was his calling. He poured himself into the work, and when his two-year apprenticeship ended, Royal Malewane asked him to stay on.
That was 17 years ago.

And it’s been quite a journey. For Nik, being privileged to spend time in nature as a job continues to be an extended pinch-me moment. While he has worked and studied hard to get where he is today, he stresses that ego has no place in his chosen field.

“The bush will humble you very quickly,” he says. Spending an hour up a tree in his early days of apprenticeship after tracking a rhino and being chased is one of his favourite stories.

Remaining humble, diligent and dedicated has paid off. In October this year, Nik reached his goal of earning Scout status from the Field Guide Association of South Africa (FGASA) — the pinnacle of field guiding expertise. This remarkable achievement combines two distinct qualifications: the Senior Tracker certification through CyberTracker and advanced knowledge of dangerous game handling.

Left: Nik in his early years at Royal Malewane, Right: Juan Pinto (left) and Nik Vonnou (right)

The Best of the Best

He says, “In the early 1990s when no one had reached this level of expertise, FGASA created Scout status as it was thought for such a long time that nobody could master both disciplines of being a top walking trails guide and tracker.”

Nick points out, “The walking qualification is known as SKS DG “special knowledge & skills” just to qualify for the exams and assessment one needs a minimum of 1200 hours on foot and 600 encounters with members of the Big 5.”
In addition to the dangerous game qualification structured programme of requirements, the Senior Tracker certification requires real skill and persistence—it’s not unusual to need several attempts before succeeding.

With almost two decades of experience behind him, Nik completed his Senior Tracker certification in August, becoming the 13th FGASA Scout in Southern Africa.

The Learning Never Stops

While he may have reached a high point in his guiding career, he says there is always more to learn, especially surrounded by the Royal Malewane guiding team, known as the most qualified team in Southern Africa.

Sharing his passion for the bush with “legends” has shaped his life in many ways, including Wilson Masiya who was one of the original master trackers first identified in Africa in 1999.

“I had epic exposure to Jonas Mhula, Lucas Mathonsi and Juan, all master trackers. At Royal Malewane. As an apprentice, I used to walk with Wilson Masiya – money couldn’t buy that experience,” he says. “My current tracker is John Motubatse – what a wealth of knowledge and an incredible teacher!”

Left: Nik Vonnou and John Motubatse on a bush walk, Right: John interpreting animal tracks and signs

Passing the Torch

Nik says he plans to take cues from those who mentored him and give back to the industry.

“I love the bush. I love the guests. And I’m very passionate about it. I want to give back to the guiding fraternity through training and mentorship because it can be lonely.”

He says he is encouraged that the perception of guiding as a “real job” is changing. “In the 1970s and 80s, if you had a driver’s license and knew what an elephant was, you got the job as a guide! After a year or two, you went back to the cities, and you got a proper job.”

Through organisations like the Field Guides Association of Southern Africa (FGASA) and with the support of initiatives like the Royal Malewane Apprentice Programme, guiding has become a profession where one can make a decent livelihood and be much more representative.

“There are many young, passionate individuals from diverse backgrounds making their mark in the industry. I’ve noticed more female guides on the radio this year than ever before. The profession is definitely becoming more inclusive—it’s on an upward trend.”

Home Is Where the Lions Are

His life is very different from riding around Joburg’s suburbs on his bike in his younger days, but he wouldn’t want it any other way.

The guiding community is a close-knit one, and Nik enjoys the camaraderie and strong friendships he has developed during his years there. Empowering up-and-coming guides fills him with optimism for the future.

The fact that his six-month-old daughter will get the chance to grow up in the Greater Kruger also gives Nik and his wife, Hannah, a great sense of joy.

“We’re very grateful and thank our lucky stars daily to live out here in the bush—we literally had lions outside our house last night. We’re very fortunate.”