Thornybush's Sarah Barratt Crowned Safari Guide of the Year 2026
Press Release by FGASA, 24 June 2026
After five days of intense competition, exceptional guiding and unforgettable wildlife experiences, Sarah Barratt of Thornybush Game Lodge has been crowned Safari Guide of the Year (SGOTY) 2026, while Otto Scribante of Singita was named runner-up.
Hosted at Klaserie Drift Amani, Klaserie Drift Safari Camps, in the heart of the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, this year's competition marked a significant milestone as SGOTY celebrated 15 years of recognising and elevating South Africa's professional safari guides.
Accepting the title, Barratt paid tribute to her fellow finalists, describing it as a privilege to compete alongside such talented and dedicated guides.
"It has been an incredible honour to share this journey with my fellow finalists. The level of knowledge, professionalism and passion on display throughout the week has been inspiring, and it has been a privilege to learn from and compete alongside them."
Her comments reflected the camaraderie that has become a hallmark of Safari Guide of the Year, where competition is balanced by mutual respect and a shared commitment to guiding excellence.
The five finalists were tested across a wide range of disciplines designed to evaluate the diverse skill set required of today's professional guides, including track and sign identification, birding, storytelling, guided walks, photographic guiding, hospitality, professionalism, advanced rifle handling and guided game drives.
The individual challenge winners were:
- Track and sign: 1st Samantha Snodgrass, 2nd Otto Scribante
- Birding: 1st Otto Scribante, 2nd Sarah Barratt
- Guided photographic experience: 1st Otto Scribante, 2nd Samantha Snodgrass
- Storytelling: 1st Patrick Kepe, 2nd Otto Scribante
- Guided walk: 1st Samantha Snodgrass, 2nd Otto Scribante
- Hospitality: 1st Jordan Davidson, 2nd Sarah Barratt
- Industry ambassador and professionalism: 1st Sarah Barratt, 2nd Samantha Snodgrass
- Advanced rifle handling: 1st Otto Scribante, 2nd Sarah Barratt
- Guided game drive: 1st Sarah Barratt, 2nd Otto Scribante
One of the competition's most engaging challenges was the track and sign assessment, which was opened to the public through an online quiz hosted by Latest Sightings. More than 2 000 participants took part, yet only 37% correctly identified the tracks presented, highlighting the remarkable level of expertise required of professional safari guides.
Photography once again proved to be one of the competition's toughest assessments. Judged with the support of Canon South Africa, the challenge evaluated how effectively guides assist guests in capturing meaningful wildlife images while delivering an exceptional safari experience.
Canon South Africa's Roger Machin noted that photography remains a vital component of modern safari tourism, helping guests preserve memories and inspiring future visitors to experience Africa's wilderness areas for themselves.
The competition concluded in spectacular fashion, with participants and guests treated to a memorable leopard sighting as the animal calmly walked through a drainage line just metres from the lodge.
Reflecting on the event's 15-year journey, SGOTY founder Mike Karantonis said the competition was built on a foundation of selflessness and a desire to recognise guides who often work behind the scenes.
"The foundation of this competition is selflessness and to show guides that we see them."
According to FGASA Managing Director Michelle du Plessis, each successive year raises the benchmark, with finalists continually demonstrating higher levels of professionalism, knowledge and guiding excellence.
Klaserie Drift Amani owner Andrew Pletzen commended both the guides and his team, acknowledging the important role guides play in connecting people to nature and fostering a deeper appreciation for conservation.
Long-time SGOTY partner Howard Rogerson of Ruggedwear reflected on the vision first imagined by Karantonis 15 years ago.
The vision perceived by Mike Karantonis 15 years ago has grown into a prestigious event. These are the faces of the individuals who will be remembered for our industry when guests have returned to the rest of the world."
With the title now awarded, Sarah joins an exceptional group of guiding professionals who have carried the SGOTY title over the past 15 years, continuing the competition's mission of celebrating excellence, professionalism and passion within Africa's guiding industry.
Enquiries and for more photos available on request:
Michelle du Plessis
Managing director: FGASA
