Ask any traveller who has returned from a safari…. it is the guide and his tracker who truly defines and provides a memorable experience. Africa acknowledges this and is proud to have some excellent guides in our midst.
We are thrilled to celebrate James Tyrrell, winner of the 2018 Safari Guide of the Year competition who continues to demonstrate passion before duty! Join in our little fanfare for this great friend of ours and fabulous private guide who has shown great ability, but more so adoration and respect for the great African bush. This competition is a brilliant way to inspire guides to excel and recognises and rewards those who have set themselves apart from the rest. This isn’t the first time a Londolozi guide has won this incredible award and definitely not the last…
Unlike the insurmountable subjective “best of” lists, it is nice to know who is judging and based on what criteria. Through a process of elimination, Africa Direct in association with FGASA have assessed guides on numerous aspects such as tracking, game drives, guided walks, shooting, birding, story-telling and one of James’ finest achievements – photography.
There is much more to an African safari than sitting in the back of a vehicle and passively watching the scenery and wildlife pass you by. The quality of your guide can be a determining factor and it takes a passionate and dedicated one to be able to tailor experiences to suit different guests. Tyrrell not only shows but teaches too – about safety, animal spotting, birds, knowledge of the wilderness and people. He shares his passions and invokes them in others, transforming a typical safari into an extra-ordinary one.
While Tyrrell is fuelled simply by his love for what he does, let us boast about some of his accolades for him!
Evolved game guide turned photographer and filmmaker, Tyrrell is one of the most grounded and well-rounded guys out there. Besides his accumulated years of experience and repeated emphasis on his passion, we can truly say he is living his dream!
At an age where most kids are trying to correctly name colours and objects, Tyrrell was watching the documentary film ‘The Silent Hunter’ by co-founder of Londolozi, John Varty. Tyrrell’s film review was that Londolozi was the only place he would want to work at as a ranger. All kids have childhood dreams, Tyrrell saw his through!
James of all trades, master of quite a few.
Arriving at Londolozi, Tyrrell had minimal experience behind the lens of a camera. But with persistence, effort and a creative eye he now documents and shares stories of Londolozi and takes audiences on a visual journey from the comfort of their couch so that they may live vicariously through his South African perspective of the wilderness. Now everyone can share in and connect with the wonders of the bush!
James has been interested in photography for years, but it was only after he moved to the bush that he began pursuing it professionally. These environments rich with photographic opportunities allowed him to develop his skillsand he now works as a specialist photographic guide as well.
While most of us agree that Tyrrell should be in front of the camera once in a while, with that crooked smile and rugged beard under his brimmed hat, his passion and skill (not forgetting his natural ability to write) beckons him to be behind screens.
Good luck James with all future endeavours. We know you will make a success of whatever you pursue and look forward to many more wonderful photos and articles from you. To get in touch with James Tyrrell or view more of his awesome photographs, visit his Instagram account.