As we come to the end of Women’s month, FGASA would like to salute some of the female guides in our industry. David Batzofin got to chat with Melanie Groenewald, Zanelle Ovendale and Emily Whiting.
Melanie
D.B: Tell me a bit about yourself?
My name is Melanie Groenewald and I am currently a guide/ranger currently working at MalaMala Game Reserve, I am passionate about conservation and all things big and small. I grew up in Cape Town and became a guide in 2017 after doing a FGASA course through Bushwise.
To be a ranger has always been my childhood dream. After I finished school I worked for seven years in Cape Town, I did not pursue my dream as I did not think it was possible as I am a female and had the perception that to be a ranger you have to be a male. On my 25th birthday, I decided to chase this dream of mine and I thought, if I don’t succeed, at least I will know I tried my utmost best. I saved up for two years to fund my course after the decision was made, then proceeded to complete my studies. Fast forward to now – best decision of my life!
D.B: How long have you been a guide?
A few months shy of four years.
D.B: What made you decide to be a guide?
It was always my childhood dream and I decided that if I never try, I will never know and would have regretted it.
D.B: Do male and female guides have different strengths and weaknesses?
I believe so, however, I also believe that women can do anything a man can if her mind is set on completing whatever task it may be.
D.B: Do you feel that you are in a male-dominated industry or have perceptions changed?
Absolutely. Guiding is an incredibly male-dominated industry and it is not an easy path to walk as a female. I believe that within the industry itself, perceptions have changed towards female rangers and females are carving their way through and showing that they are incredibly competent to do what was known as a man’s job and in some instances, to be even more competent than their male colleagues. Some clients or guest’s perceptions have not changed, unfortunately. This cannot be changed until these guests are guided by a female and have their eyes opened.
D.B: What have been some of the low points in your career?
Not many that I can think of, the Corona Virus pandemic was a very uncertain time, as it was for everyone on earth. It was shocking beyond words to see an industry grind to a halt in the space of 24 hours and that in itself, was a low point in my career and I am sure for every other guide in the industry.
D.B: What have been some of the highlights?
More than I could say, to see a guest’s face light up when seeing a Lion or an Elephant for the first time, to have a guest so moved by the experience of being in the bush and seeing all the beautiful animals that they are brought to tears. Every day spent in the bush is a highlight as it is always different. No day is the same and it is an absolute privilege to be able to call the wilderness my office.
D.B: What has been your best/most unexpected sighting?
There are so many! I think there are special moments where the scenery/sighting demands appreciation and you cannot help but to just take it all in. Sometimes even the simple things like guests laughing and joking while drinking a sundowner together as the sun sets, overlooking the river while the African Scops owl calls as another day draws to a close in the African Bush.
D.B: Is there still an animal on your list that you have not seen?
An Aardvark and a Bat-eared Fox.
D.B: A question that I have to ask…Land Rover or Toyota Land Cruiser?
If you had asked me this two years ago I would have said Land Cruiser. After driving both during my career, I think both vehicles are great and have their pros and cons. I think that Land Rovers are more easily maneuvered through riverbeds as they are lighter than a cruiser, they can easily fit into small spaces where the slightly longer wheelbase of a Cruiser would not be able to. Then again, I think the cruisers are more comfortable for the guests and have slightly more power than the Land Rovers. The age-old debate continues…
D.B: How do guests react to female guides?
The majority of guests are unperturbed by having a female guide and all love the fact that women are moving forward in the industry. There is a minority that is somewhat sceptical or point-blank refuses to be guided by a woman. Unfortunately, we female guides have no control over these opinions and can only strive to do our best with all guests and not take these opinions personally.
D.B: What words of encouragement would you give to young women who are thinking about joining the industry?
I would say that it is by no means an easy road to take, you will meet guests and colleges alike that are unfortunately of the opinion that women are only good for being in the kitchen and raising children. It is up to you to always be confident and believe in yourself, you can do absolutely anything you set your mind to, never let the opinions of others change that.
Zanelle
My name is Zanelle Ovendale, I was meant to be the last born hence the name Zanelle (enough). My two brothers kept me busy growing up, which taught me how to be tough in certain situations. I’ve always lived in the Lowveld, growing up in Mbombela and White River respectively, which meant the Kruger national park as well as Mozambique was at our doorstep, making it a popular holiday destination. Holidays in Mozambique inspired my love for nature, specifically the animals of the ocean. It was here that I first learnt how to scuba dive as a young girl. After leaving school I travelled to the Netherlands and worked as an Au Pair, this however didn’t dilute my passion for the natural world but made it stronger, I soon returned to South Africa. Since then I’ve been working as a field guide in the Greater Kruger and Kruger National Park.
D.B: How long have you been a guide?
I started my guiding career in May 2016 after completing my Field Guide and Back-up Trails Guide course at Campfire Academy in Olifants West, Balule Nature Reserve. So I have been guiding for just over 5 years and in that time I have achieved the following qualifications: NQF 2 (Apprentice field guide)NQF 4 (Field Guide) Professional Field guide (Only Theory exam passed) and Lead Trails Guide NQF 4
D.B: What made you decide to be a guide?
As a teenager, we used to take camping vacations to South Africa’s neighbouring countries like Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Mozambique. We travelled to some pretty remote areas and the experiences I had only fuelled my growing interest in nature. I never really realised that guiding was an option as a career until I met Laetitia Cronje from Campfire. Laetitia runs a guide training academy near Hoedspruit and happened to be a close family friend. After engaging more with her on the subject of nature and guiding, I took a chance and joined her on one of her courses.
D.B: Do male and female guides have different strengths and weaknesses?
I think it’s more about personality rather than whether they are male or female. The majority of my work as a guide is all about dealing with people, my success is determined by my personality rather than my gender. Physical tasks can be challenging; like carting around heavy bags/boxes or performing some maintenance tasks, this is where most male guides have an advantage, especially when you’re only 5 foot 2. Lady guides can be stronger when it comes to attention to detail.
D.B: Do you feel that you are in a male-dominated industry or have perceptions changed?
In some situations I do feel like it is still male-dominated, most senior guiding positions are still held by men. Perceptions are however definitely changing as more women enter the industry, filtering out the stereotype that it’s a man’s world. As female guides succeed and remain in the industry, young female guides will have more role models to look up to and be inspired by.
D.B: What have been some of the low points in your career?
The Covid 19 Pandemic has been the first low point in my career, we hope every day that things will once again normalise.
D.B: What have been some of the highlights?
Not only waking up to the most beautiful scenery and being surrounded by nature every day, but I would have to say all the amazing people I have been able to meet thus far. Although nature drew me to this career, it is the relationships I have formed, with guests and colleagues alike, that is a constant highlight for me.
D.B: What has been your best/most unexpected sighting?
It’s so hard to choose just one “best” sighting, however, I will never forget the time I witnessed a group of Hyena hunting a Rhino cow, in the Kruger. It seemed crazy that hyenas would even try to take down such a large animal, especially considering there were two other rhino in the area attempting to ward the hyena off. It was when I noticed the Rhino had broken her leg, that the situation started to make more sense. The hyena ended up chasing her into a dry riverbed where they managed to take her down, using the soft sand to their advantage.
D.B: Is there still an animal on your list that you have not seen?
Yes, lots! African Striped Polecat, Pel’s Fishing Owl, Aardwolf, Black-footed cat, just to mention a few.
D.B: A question that I have to ask…Land Rover or Toyota Land Cruiser?
Land Rover, OF COURSE!
D.B: How do guests react to female guides?
Some guests are surprised when they see female guides, especially when it comes to me taking them on a bushwalk. I sometimes get the question, “ Do you know how to shoot that thing?!”. Most of the time though, guests are excited at the fact that they have a girl guide, probably because traditionally it’s a male-dominated industry. Being a bubbly, happy person, I have no problem chatting with anyone who will listen.
D.B: What words of encouragement would you give to young women who are thinking about joining the industry?
Guiding teaches you so many new skills and challenges you daily. Always keep pushing yourself to learn new things and keep challenging yourself in your career. Embrace all the new experiences and always ask questions, no matter how silly they may seem.
Emily
I was born in the UK and became a qualified science teacher before finally deciding to follow my dream and become a Field Guide in South Africa. Since then, I have proudly achieved my NQF4 Field Guide and Lead Trails Guide qualifications.
D.B: How long have you been a guide?
I have been a guide for almost 4 years now
D.B: What made you decide to be a guide?
I’ve always been passionate about animals since I was little and dreamed of working in the African bush. When I finally visited SA as a volunteer in 2008, I took part in a 2-week ‘taster’ field guide course – this introduced me to guiding as a career and I was instantly hooked! From then, I knew I could never be as happy doing anything else.
D.B: Do male and female guides have different strengths and weaknesses?
I think every individual has their own specific set of strengths and weaknesses. Certain traits are often associated with each gender, but they are far from universal.
D.B: Do you feel that you are in a male-dominated industry or have perceptions changed?
As the only female guide in my area currently, I think it is clear the industry is still very male-dominated. However, the perception of what a guide should be have changed – I think most people no longer expect the old idea of a burly man in tight shorts and many lodges are now more than happy to employ female guides. Nowadays, I believe guests appreciate any guide who can provide them with an incredible experience.
D.B: What have been some of the low points in your career?
I think the onset of COVID-19 was a major low-point. It struck me that everything I had worked so hard for could be taken away at any moment and I struggled to stay positive. Thankfully I have incredible bosses and colleagues who helped me through it.
D.B: What have been some of the highlights?
Some of my favourite moments have not necessarily been the “big” moments. I vividly remember a French lady telling me the only thing she wanted to see was a wild giraffe. As luck would have it (or not), I couldn’t find a single one for two whole days. When I finally did find a tower of them I looked back at her and she was quietly crying to herself. It was one of the most beautiful moments I have ever been privileged enough to witness. In terms of animals, I would say my first winter as a guide watching a denning pack of African wild dogs grow up – they are my favourite animal and it was an incredible experience!
D.B: What has been your best/most unexpected sighting?
My most unexpected sighting was spotting a caracal casually strolling down the road one evening last Summer. It was my first and only encounter with one and I almost fell over with excitement! I have been incredibly blessed to witness some unbelievable sightings – from watching lions hunting a giraffe to discovering brand new leopard cubs on the reserve. There are so many special moments it is almost impossible to decide.
D.B: Is there still an animal on your list that you have not seen?
Plenty – pangolin, aardvark, serval…plus I would love to see a meerkat one day!
D.B: A question that I have to ask…Land Rover or Toyota Land Cruiser?
100% a Cruiser!
D.B: How do guests react to female guides?
In the past, I’ve had the odd guest make a silly joke about whether I can drive or hold a rifle properly – let alone manage to change a tyre by myself. However, thankfully, they are few and far between. More often nowadays I will even get a cheer from my female guests. It’s so important for young people to have role models they connect with, so for girls seeing a woman succeed in a traditionally male-dominated industry is very empowering and the mums I guide often appreciate this. Overall though, most guests don’t react to my gender at all – for them, they just care if I can deliver a fantastic experience or not – which is just how it should be.
D.B: What words of encouragement would you give to young women who are thinking about joining the industry?
Be yourself – understand what makes you a great guide and make the most of it. Don’t sell yourself short and, once you identify your weaknesses, find a way to overcome them. Someone once taught me a nifty trick with a wheel spanner to lift a tyre quickly and easily when changing it and it made my life so much easier! But, most importantly, don’t give up. It is, without a doubt, one of the most rewarding and incredible careers in the world.
Good luck ladies, we are so proud of you !