top of page
BACK TO HOME PAGE
MEET OUR TEAM
NEXT CATEGORY
Our guides are highly knowledgeable and qualified with an in-depth knowledge of wildlife. They are all accredited by FGASA (Field Guide Association of Southern Africa), they are members of the MTPA (Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency) and have extensive experience in their line of work. For example, our head guide Shoes, having grown up in Kruger National Park has been working as a guide for 15 years.
JOHN (SHOES) MATHEBULA
Managing Director & Safari Guide
Our head guide and owner Shoes Mathebula was born and raised in Kruger Park. Most of Shoes’ knowledge of Kruger Park’s flora and fauna has been passed on to him by his father. After many years of experience in this business he is one of the most sought after guides in the area and now enjoys using his skills and knowledge in his own Safari company; providing an extraordinary experience and outstanding service levels to our guests.
Shoes completed his formal training at Southern African Wildlife College, which is situated a short distance opposite of our premises on Orpen Road, only a 10 minutes’ drive away from one of Kruger Park’s main entrances, Orpen Gate.
After some time of working as a field ranger in Kruger Park, Shoes decided to work in the tourism industry to be in direct contact with visitors and transmit his enthusiasm for wildlife and nature to them. From this time, he has ample experience managing safari lodges and bush camps as well as working as a field guide. Now, as one of the most sought after guides in the area, he enjoys using his skills and knowledge in his own Safari Company, providing an extraordinary experience and outstanding service levels to our guests.
Our head guide and owner Shoes Mathebula was born and raised in Kruger Park. Most of Shoes’ knowledge of Kruger Park’s flora and fauna has been passed on to him by his father. After many years of experience in this business he is one of the most sought after guides in the area and now enjoys using his skills and knowledge in his own Safari company; providing an extraordinary experience and outstanding service levels to our guests.
Shoes completed his formal training at Southern African Wildlife College, which is situated a short distance opposite of our premises on Orpen Road, only a 10 minutes’ drive away from one of Kruger Park’s main entrances, Orpen Gate.
After some time of working as a field ranger in Kruger Park, Shoes decided to work in the tourism industry to be in direct contact with visitors and transmit his enthusiasm for wildlife and nature to them. From this time, he has ample experience managing safari lodges and bush camps as well as working as a field guide. Now, as one of the most sought after guides in the area, he enjoys using his skills and knowledge in his own Safari Company, providing an extraordinary experience and outstanding service levels to our guests.
THAMIA TSOLADI
Thamia joined our team in January 2024 and she has become an invaluable team member; handling inquiries and bookings, organizing and managing tour schedules and running our social media accounts.
EDSON BILA
PETUNIA MATHEBULA
Born and raised on the doorstep of the Kruger National Park, Petunia has been immersed in wildlife since childhood. Joining Khalanga Safaris in January 2026, she supports our safari consultants and field guides while serving as the creative voice behind our social media, sharing an authentic local perspective of the African bush with our global community.
ISHMAEL NYATHI
Born on the western boundary of the Kruger National Park, Ishmael Nyathi is a third generation guide, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, both guides in the Kruger who passed on their knowledge from a young age. Through them, he learned traditional beliefs and the medicinal uses of trees found in the bush. Ishmael began his career in 2002 as a tracker and has spent over two decades in leading reserves including Thornybush, Lion Sands and the Timbavati. A move into management in 2017 was short lived, and he returned to guiding at Singita Lebombo. With a strong connection to the land, Ishmael has a passion for tracking and a particular interest in the trees of the Lowveld. He brings years of experience and a deep family legacy to each safari, helping guests connect with the bush through knowledge passed down over generations.
DOCTOR MBANYISI
For Doctor, the bush has always been home. Born in Skukuza, where his father was a Field Ranger, he grew up in Utah village with the Sabi Sand and Manyeleti reserves close by. This connection led him to Chitwa Chitwa, where he began as a tracker and discovered his love for tracking the Big Five on foot, along with a lasting interest in baboons. After seven years at Simbambili Game Lodge, Doctor joined Khalanga Safaris, bringing strong experience and a natural ease with guests. While skilled at finding wildlife, he values the human side of a safari just as much, taking time to share stories and culture. Doctor sees each safari as a two-way exchange. He enjoys learning about his guests as much as guiding them through the bush, with a focus on making every visit feel personal.
ANDRE LOTZ
bottom of page