Barend Du Toit

Sales Rep, Vossen Laboratories '02

Chess teacher & coach at Waterkloof Hoërskool.  Also coaching at varies other top schools in Pretoria.  '03

Sales rep for Versatex Alarms '04 & Ranch furniture '05 (followed the move of my manager)

Assistant manager at Ngonyama Camper Rentals.  I was overseeing all maintenance aspects on the rental fleet of offroad caravans & trailers.  Further acted as support guide on 4x4 overland safaris.  '06 & '07.  Left to pursue my true passion.

Did my guiding course beginning '08, at Shamwari.  Started guiding at GwalaGwala (small 4* tented camp, non-big five), before being offered a position by Kichaka Lodge, in EC.  (5*, big five area).  Enjoyed it and was the perfect place to 'germinate' as a guide at a 5*, big five lodge.  However soon stagnated and moved on after six months to do more training.

3 Months training followed at Sabi Sabi, after which I freelanced, experiencing different areas and getting a true feel for what the industry has on offer.

There was an oppertunity to attend the Singita Guide Training course, which I grabbed with both hands.  Just finished with that, attained my full Trails Guide, and have the perfect broad foundation of knowledge to build into a castle of note!

Alan Yeowart, Training instructor, Singita Sabi Sands:  015 735 5456

Malcolm Douglas, owner of Enviroskills:  083 233 5264

Jan Kern, Tulumati consession manager:  013 735 8917

Manzi Spruyt, Reserve Manager Nkomazi GR, 084 581 7262

I've just completed a six month advanced guide training program at Singita Sabi Sand, presented by Alan Yeowart.  This have equipped me with a wealth of knowledge, and developed an understanding of all the signs Mother Nature so richly present us with on a daily basis.  Gained a lot of valuable experience from Alan regarding approaching dangerous game on foot, often pushing the limits to gain experience and exposure to as many different scenarios as possible.  This is also where my biggest passion is, to present the African bush and Her beauty to guests on foot, focusing on the so often overlooked smaller, mind blowingly interesting 'stuff'.

4x4 Offroad Instructor

Cybertracker Track & Sign L2

Snake handling course

Astronomy course

Registered 4x4 Trails & Overland Guide

Passed Professional Hunter course

Basic V.I.P. Protection training with unarmed combat and handgun shooting modules

Team Manager & Coach of Waterkloof Hoërskool 1st Chess team that won Nationals