From the 26th of November to the 4th of December, Maloba had the privilege of welcoming Kukama Collage for their practical FGASA assessments. For many of the students, this was their first time guiding in a landscape like Maloba’s, a place where thornveld Kalahari meets Nama Karoo, where new animal species, unfamiliar trees, and changing landscapes ask for quick thinking and adaptability.

The first two days were dedicated to exploring the reserve together. Driving through open plains, thick shrublands, and rocky outcrops as the students familiarized themselves with the land. Each new sighting from cheetah tracks to trees they had never encountered before, became part of their preparation. And it did not take long for them to find their way.. By the time assessments began, they had grown confident, observant, and ready.

During the assessment drives, every student had the chance to show what they had learned over the past months at Kukama: their knowledge of the bush, their interpretation skills, their awareness, and their ability to create a safe and memorable experience for guests. Their professionalism noticeable in the smallest moments, from vehicle positioning to thoughtful, arranged drinks setups overlooking the landscape.

The bush offered them more than enough material to work with. Across the week, we were spoiled with sightings such as: dangerous game; herds of antelope; tracks and signs of predators; and a variety of smaller species that completed the picture of a healthy ecosystem. One night drive became a highlight as we started the evening following the cheetah borthers then encountered multiple aardvark, an aardwolf with her pups and several nocturnal species, a night that offered the kind of encounters guides never forget.

Having Kukama here at Maloba was more than an assessment process. It was a reminder of why training matters, and why the next generation of field guides carries so much importance. These students are stepping into a profession that is rooted in respect for nature, understanding of ecosystems, and a sense of responsibility. Watching them grow, adapt, and succeed felt like contributing to a future in which conservation continues to be guided by people who care.

Kukama’s approach aligns beautifully with Maloba’s vision. Their passion, mission, and commitment to ethical guiding reflects our own values, making this collaboration not only meaningful but natural. We are proud to play a small part in shaping guides who will one day protect, interpret, and champion the wild spaces we are working so hard to restore.

We look forward to welcoming many more groups in the years to come, and to watching their journeys unfold.

Anlea Du Plessis: “What a Beautiful Reserve. Amazing people. I really did enjoy it to be able to do my Final Assessment Drive at Maloba Private Game Reserve. Was a big opportunity for me to be able to do my assessment in such a well-developed lodge and reserve. It really just showed what me as a guide can work myself up to be able to work at such an amazing place. Setting my goals. I don’t have a specific “highlight”, how can you just have one in such an amazing place; the whole experience was my highlight”

Lizette Smith: “It was such a privilege to be able to do my practical assessment at Maloba Nature Reserve! It is a beautiful reserve and its strong ethical principles make it a highly respectable foundation. This picture was taken the morning after I did my practical assessment guided experience, and in that moment I felt so proud of myself as well as my fellow students who all really did our absolute best to show off everything we have learned during the course and to hold the Kukama name high! Go Pango’s!”

Noemi Iseppi: “ Maloba reflects the power of people wanting to make the world a better place. If you go alone you go faster, but if you go together, you go further”

Amalia Borsdorf : “Pin pointing a single highlight presents as quite difficult to me. The entire time we spent at Maloba I can only describe as a phenomenal experience and I am beyond grateful to have been granted the privilege of completing my practical assessment in Maloba. If I absolutely had to choose an experience which I found most memorable I would turn towards the night drive that was graciously offered to us. I never took part in a night drive before and I was honoured to be allowed to have my first on Maloba. We were blessed with so many rare and truly outstanding sights (like the aardwolf with young). I feel truly grateful for the opportunity handed to me and the experience which bloomed from it, especially considering the uncertainty of if/when I will see these unique animals again”

Cameron Boucher: “During a night drive we found 2 cheetah brothers. We followed them for a bit and on the tree it the picture they both marked their territory. It was a once in a lifetime experience and was an amazing sighting. To have experienced this had me so emotional and grateful to Maloba”