Chris Machabe
Tracker
I grew up in a nearby village called Utah, close to the Gowrie Gate of the Sabi Sand. As a young boy I had the responsibility of herding my father’s cattle, however I spent most of the day playing with my friends and then, before dark, would track the cattle before I went home. While tracking the cattle I would see many tracks of animals and this is where I learnt to track. My father was a tracker at Simbambili Game Lodge and during school holidays I would go visit my dad and he taught me how to identify and follow tracks. I have now been tracking for 5 years, spending the last 2 years at Elephant Plains.
Colbert Khoza
Tracker
Growing up in Utah, I would help my father track his cows after school. He would teach me the differences between male and female tracks, the freshness and how the soil type would affect the tracks. He taught me that all tracks should be treated the same and that the only thing that changes is the animal’s footprint.
I started as a General Worker at Mala Mala in 1999 and was promoted to the position of Tracker in 2000. I gained my tracker certification at the Londolozi Tracker academy, and then continued to work at Mala Mala for a further 12 years.
Following my time at Mala Mala I worked as a tracker in Thornybush with our Head Ranger, Darryn. I am now fortunate enough to work in the Sabi Sand Wildtuin, where I can continue to pursue my passion.
I look forward to meeting new guests and teaching them some of what I know about tracking.
Darryn Gates
Guide
Qualifications: Lead Trails Guide, Level 2 Field Guide, Cybertracker Level 2, Special Knowledge Skills Birding, Special Knowledge Skills Wildflowers
Growing up in Kwazulu-Natal, I was surrounded by nature from a young age. I was raised by a family that would explore the wilder parts of South Africa, and when I completed my studies I naturally chose to become a Field Guide.
I began guiding in 2010 at Phinda Private Game Reserve and spent my formative years there. After working there for over 6 years, I moved on to Nambiti and Thornybush thereafter. My career has been varied, and in addition to this, I have managed and built eco-lodges and managed game farms and conservation centres.
I have an undeniable passion for the big cats of the Sabi Sand, and an in-depth knowledge of their genealogy, history and relationships.
I am a specialist birder and love finding “lifers” for guests. Sharing these special moments is life-changing, with guest experience my paramount concern. I believe that my passion and enthusiasm for our natural world create an energetic and electric atmosphere that will make any experience more personable.
It has always been a dream of mine to work in the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, and being Head Guide of Elephant Plains Game Lodge is both a privilege and an honour. The environment that we are in is second to none, and it is my greatest pleasure to share the beauty and raw nature with all who visit us.
Deon Mnisi
Tracker
I grew up in a village called Thorndale, close to the Manyeleti Reserve. I spent many hours tracking and following my family’s goats and cows. While out looking after the livestock, I passed the time by learning to identify tracks of small antelope, mongoose and other small mammals. When I first joined Elephant Plains, I was part of the maintenance team, but whenever a tracker was sick or on leave, I filled in as a tracker. About a year later I was promoted to be a tracker and have now been tracking at Elephant Plains for the past 5 years.
Doctor Mbhanyisi
Guide
Qualifications: Lead Trails Guide (VPDA), Level 1 Field Guide, Lodge Management Certificate, International Guiding Certificate.
I was born at Skukuza Clinic inside the Kruger National Park, where my father was a Field Ranger. My passion for wildlife and conservation began at a young age, and I feel as if nature runs through my blood. Growing up in a pristine natural environment fuelled my desire to share the beauty of Africa with whoever crosses my path.
I began my career in 2001 as a Tracker, before becoming a Field Guide in 2006. With over 22 years of experience, I have developed an extensive knowledge of the Greater Kruger ecosystem which allows me to share a life-changing perspective with my guests.
The adrenaline and excitement of tracking animals on foot is exhilarating, and finding a “favourite” animal for guests is always a special achievement. I am dedicated and devoted to creating the ultimate experiences for my guests, whilst always remaining ethical and considerate of nature.
Birding is a special interest of mine, and I am able to identify local and migratory species by sight, sound and in flight.
My greatest wish is to create an unbelievable, unforgettable experience for my guests. I hope to welcome them into nature and share the exquisite surroundings that I call home.
Dumisani Machabe
Tracker
I was born and raised in a village called Utah. I passed my matric during the year 2000. I grew up in a family where my parents had livestock – cattle, cows and goats.
I was the cattle herder and used to know and identify where they were going and if they were safe, by making use of the technique called tracking.
My ambition was to become a tracker. My dream came true when I started my training at Londolozi CC Africa Training Academy as a tracker. I received my certificate in 2002. I started my tracking career at Kapama Game Reserve and for more experience, I decided to move to Umkumbe Game Lodge.
I started at Elephant Plains Game Lodge in 2021 and I love working closely with the team. It is also close to my home. I enjoy it here!
Jordan Delvecchio
Guide
Qualifications: FGASA Level 1, Lead Trails Guide (VPDA), Tracker Academy Track and Sign Level 1, Tracker Academy Trailing Level 2, Tracker Academy Tracker Level 2, Advanced Birding Certificate
Originally from Johannesburg, I have always been passionate about animals and nature, so becoming a Field Guide was my natural career choice. My family would take holidays to the Kruger National Park multiple times a year and my love of the bush was fostered during these special trips.
I am a keen birder and an avid photographer, and I believe that this adds an extra element to my game drive experience.
I completed my guiding qualifications with Eco Training in the Makuleke, Mashatu, Karongwe, Pridelands and Selati Game Reserves. Following on from this, I was placed at Elephant Plains Game Lodge for my practical work experience. As a student here, I was exposed to the intricacies of working in a lodge which further developed my love for the industry.
After my placement, I began working at Nkomazi Private Game Reserve and gained valuable working experience.
When I was contacted to return to Elephant Plains I did not think twice and took the opportunity to re-join the team where my career began.
I am currently studying towards my Level 2 Guiding Qualification so that I am able to provide a more in-depth, detailed experience to my guests.
I love meeting people from all around the world and experiencing different cultures. I find great joy in showing guests the diverse beauty of our country and sharing a life changing experience with them. I hope to share my passion for many years to come.
Nicholas Greeff
Guide
Qualifications: Lead Trails Guide, Level 2 Field Guide, CyberTracker Level 2.
I was born in Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) in the Eastern Cape. I spent the majority of my childhood growing up on a small farm and always enjoyed the great outdoors. Spending time in nature showed me that my first love is nature, and I decided that the most fitting career would be one in the wilderness.
I began my training in Northern Kwa-Zulu Natal at Bhejane Nature Training, where I completed an in-depth two-year course. I began guiding in 2018 and spent 5 years in the Manyoni and Nambiti Reserves.
In late 2022 I decided to pursue my dream of guiding in the Lowveld and was fortunate to be offered a position at Elephant Plains Game Lodge in the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve.
I am a passionate birder and find great interest in the smaller, often unnoticed aspects such as botany, insects and reptiles.
My favourite animal is the majestic elephant. Experiencing this mega-fauna up close is a truly humbling experience which is incomparable. As the name suggests, Elephant Plains Game Lodge is the perfect place to see these gentle giants in their natural habitat.
Being able to live and work in the bush is always interesting as every day is different- you can never predict what’s going to happen. I hope that I am able to share these experiences with people for many years to come.
