Ishmael Nyathi

Ishmael Remember Nyathi was born in the western side of Kruger Nation Park close to the boundary with Timbavati game reserve. His father and grandfather were both Guides at Kruger National Park, making Ishmael the third generation in the family to follow in the Guiding profession.

And so, it is no surprise that from a young age Ishmael gained great knowledge of the bush from his father and grandfather – both of whom played a very important role in his decision to go into his career as a Field Guide. They taught him a variation of lessons such as the medicinal uses of different types of trees and also about his traditional beliefs.

Ishmael started working in 2002 as a Tracker at Imbali Safari Lodge until 2003. He then moved to Thornybush Game Reserve to be a Guide in 2004. He left Thornybush in 2010 to join Lion Sands in the Kruger as a Senior Guide until 2017, and was offered a Management position at Timbavati Safari Lodge in 2017 where he worked for a year.

In his year at Timbavati Ishmael found himself missing the bush so much that he made a decision to apply for a Field Guide position at  Singita Lebombo Lodge.

Ishmael has a big interest in trees and tracking animals out in the bush!