We recently brought you the story of Ross and Johnson, a field guide and tracker respectively, who have spent years working as a team to give guests the ultimate wildlife experience at Singita Sabi Sand. Today we continue the theme with Japhet (field guide) and Difficulty (tracker), a dynamic duo from Singita Pamushana in Zimbabwe. Here's their story from Japhet's perspective:

I have worked with my tracker, Difficulty, for two years. He is easy to work with, not only because he loves what he does and is so dedicated, but his tracking skills are second to none. In my opinion, he can track any living creature on earth! Difficulty is also very hard-working and we have great mutual respect for one another.

Meeting guests for the first time is one of the highlights of our job, because nobody believes that Difficulty is his real name! In African culture, children are traditionally named for their mother's experience while pregnant, and unfortunately Difficulty's mother had a hard time while she was carrying him. She suffered with ill health and the family also felt the effects of a bad drought, and that's how he got his name. Telling the story is a great way for us to bond with our guests and they always enjoy hearing it.

We particularly love to track the elusive black rhino, because it is both challenging and rewarding, and gives us an opportunity to improve our skills together. The best part of the day is often the end of a game drive or bush walk when we catch up on the day's events, or laugh about an amusing experience. A day spent in the bush with Difficulty is always enjoyable and always a learning experience.

Singita Pamushana Lodge, Zimbabwe

Singita Pamushana Lodge is the ecotourism arm of the 130,000 acre Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve, and its role is to help foster the sustainability of the wildlife and broader ecology, while enabling guests to share the magic of the lodge and the Reserve. Singita manages the lodge on behalf of the not-for-profit Malilangwe Trust and all proceeds from the lodge benefit the numerous conservation and community outreach and development programmes underway. Read more about this unique property on our website.