Being a safari guide in Liwonde National Park in Malawi

Malawi safari holidays are brought to life by the exceptional guides who you will meet. Stanley, has years of experience guiding in Liwonde National Park and we asked him a few questions to find out what he most likes about guiding.

What do you think is one of the biggest misconceptions about being a safari guide?

People think it’s a simple job of just taking tourists and showing them animals. There is a lot more to it than people anticipate.

What is your go-to wildlife fact to tell when aiming to impress guests?

A brief ecology of the area, a focus on wildlife bush experience of the safari trip. I also often show the guests the difference between elephant dung and impala droppings and explain the different digestive systems.

What is the most common question you get asked on safari?

How did you learn about all the wildlife?

Where is the coolest place you've ever been and why?

Vamizi Island in Mozambique - remote, exotic wildlife, beautiful beaches, rustic.

If you could be any animal which would it be and why?

Fish eagle. Its beautiful and loved by many. Even other birds are relaxed in its presence.

What did you want to be when you were 5 years old?

Biologist or Zoologist.

What is your biggest fear?

To come back from a game drive and find out that the guests were not happy with my services.

How long have you been a guide with Robin Pope Safaris?

I've been at Kuthengo Camp for 6 months.

How many flat tyres have you had to change in the bush?

5 flat tyres!

What does a typical day look like on your day off?

Relaxing in the sun and listening to the bird songs.

You've just been on a game drive for 4 hours straight. What is your favourite meal to come back to?

Beef fillet medallions.

What are you most thankful for as a guide?

Working close to home. I have been in East Africa for the previous 12 years, so it's good to be back home.

What is your favourite RPS camp and why?

Kuthengo Camp. Its situated in a park that I know very well. RPS provide a comfortable working environment.

Tell us your favourite sundowner cocktail to enjoy on a warm summer's day.

Gin and tonic.

What is your favourite way to safari: wildlife hide, river safari, game drive, walking safari?

Walking safari and game drives especially with birders

What has been the highlight of your guiding career so far?

The sensation of interacting with different guests around the globe.

Which is more entertaining to watch - Big 5 or Little 5?

Little 5 (ant lion, buffalo weaver bird, leopard tortoise, rhinoceros beetle, elephant shrew).

Sunrise or sunset?

Sunset. The hues and colour patterns of the sky and everything looks beautiful at a sunset.

What has been your best wildlife encounter?

There have been three.

1. Close encounter with a breeding herd of elephants was exceptional.

2. I was rescued by dolphins amongst sharks in the Indian Ocean when our tiny boat capsized.

3. Witnessing the Great Migration in the Serengeti

Sum up Africa in 3 words...

Captivating, enchanting, and timeless.

For more inspiration, take a look at our 26 favourite safari holidays, our best African honeymoon ideas or our top family safari holidays.

To arrange your safari holiday, call our team of experts on 01768 603 715 - we'd love to help!