August is Women’s Month in South Africa, a time to celebrate women who are breaking barriers, leading with purpose and inspiring others through their passion and resilience. Among them is Thornybush guide Sarah Barratt, recently crowned Safari Guide of the Year 2026. To mark the occasion, we sat down with Sarah to get to know both the woman behind the title and the exceptional guide who earned it. From a childhood fascination with African wildlife in the UK to becoming one of South Africa’s most respected safari guides, she shares the experiences that have shaped her career, what the award means to her, the connections she builds with guests, and why she hopes to inspire more women to pursue a career in guiding.
Congratulations on being named Safari Guide of the Year. What was your first reaction when your name was announced as the winner?
I genuinely couldn’t believe it when they called my name. It felt incredibly surreal. Now that it’s starting to sink in, I just feel unbelievably grateful and humbled to have received this award.
What does this achievement mean to you personally and professionally?
I have been following this competition since I started my career 15 years ago, dreaming that one day I might have the opportunity to participate. So, just making it through as a finalist was incredibly fulfilling. Winning the title feels like the journey has come full circle.
How did your nomination and selection come about? How is the award judged?
The process starts with a nomination, usually from an employer, friend or colleague. The applicants are then narrowed down until only five finalists remain. Those finalists take part in a week-long competition, where a panel of respected industry leaders evaluates them across a wide range of skills, including shooting, birding, track and sign, guiding techniques, and a variety of guest experiences.
Growing up in the UK, how did your passion for African wildlife develop, and what led you to become a safari guide in South Africa?
As a child, all I could think about was nature. From a young age, I was completely obsessed with the natural world, especially African wildlife. However, growing up in the UK, I had no idea that becoming a safari guide in South Africa was even a career option.
After studying Government and Politics, with the intention of working on the political side of conservation, I came to South Africa for what was meant to be a temporary conservation volunteer programme. It was during that time that I realised I could actually live out my dream of working in the wild.
Who have been your biggest mentors or influences along the way?
Throughout my career, many of my colleagues have been role models as we’ve continuously shared knowledge and experiences. More recently, however, Mike Karantonis, the founder of Safari Guide of the Year, has become a huge inspiration to me. The way he approaches guiding with such genuine passion, understanding and humility is something I deeply admire and aspire to.
The guiding industry has traditionally been male-dominated. What has your experience been as a female guide, and what were some of the biggest challenges you faced?
Being a woman in this industry has definitely come with its challenges. Historically, and often still today, guiding has been viewed as a profession better suited to men. This stems from the misconception that many of the skills required, such as shooting, vehicle maintenance or handling wildlife, are areas where only men excel. I’ve chosen to see those challenges as opportunities to keep learning, developing my skills and becoming the best guide I can be.
Do you think perceptions of female guides are changing?
While there are still challenges for women in guiding, I do believe perceptions are slowly changing. More and more people are recognising that women are just as capable as men, and that’s encouraging to see.
What unique perspectives or strengths do women bring to the guiding profession?
Every guide brings their own personality, strengths and style to the role, regardless of gender, and both men and women can be exceptional guides. One thing I have noticed is that many female guides naturally place a strong emphasis on empathy, communication and creating meaningful connections with both guests and the natural world. This often results in a safari experience that feels welcoming, authentic and deeply personal. Ultimately, greater diversity within the guiding profession benefits everyone, as guests are able to experience different perspectives and ways of interpreting the bush.
What advice would you give to young women considering a career in guiding, conservation or ecotourism?
My advice would be simple: remember who you are. You are capable of achieving whatever you put your mind to. Be strong. Know yourself. Keep growing. And never give up. You’ve got this.
What do you love most about being a safari guide? What are the most rewarding aspects of your job?
The aspect of guiding that I am most passionate about is finding the point of connection for each guest, where they can truly feel connected with the natural world. Seeing the moment they realise we are part of nature, not separate from it, is incredibly special. Being able to share that moment with someone is one of the greatest rewards of this job.
What are your goals following this achievement? Are there any additional qualifications, certifications or areas of expertise you’d like to pursue?
Receiving this title is an incredible honour. It also comes with a wonderful responsibility, not only to serve as an ambassador for the guiding profession but to help others succeed. I’m especially passionate about helping other guides, particularly women, find the confidence and support they need to pursue their own dreams, just as I did.
What have you learned about Africa, its wildlife and its people that has surprised you the most?
One of the things that has surprised me most is just how hospitable the bush can be when you understand it. We often think of the wilderness as a harsh and unpredictable place, and it certainly can be without the right knowledge. But through learning and understanding, we discover how to move through this environment with confidence and respect. Rather than simply surviving, we become part of it and in doing so, we truly thrive.
You and your husband were married at Thornybush. Why was it the perfect place to celebrate such a special occasion?
As guides at Thornybush, we had always dreamed of getting married in the bush. To celebrate such an important moment in a place that we are so fortunate to call home felt incredibly meaningful. Surrounded by the wilderness we both love made the day even more special, and it was a beautiful way to begin our next adventure together.
When you’re not guiding, how do you like to spend your time?
When we’re not guiding, we love spending time in other wild places, travelling and discovering new experiences together. We’re also huge foodies, so trying new restaurants is one of our favourite pastimes. Whether we’re with friends, family or it’s just the two of us, we’re always up for a new adventure.
Do you have a favourite restaurant in South Africa?
Cape Town has so many incredible restaurants that it’s almost impossible to choose, but if I had to narrow it down, my top three would be Salsify at the Roundhouse, Pier and The Pot Luck Club.
What’s your favourite dish to cook?
I’m not the best cook, if I’m honest – Rudi is definitely the chef in our household! If I do cook, I can make a pretty good spaghetti Bolognese or a delicious lemon chicken orzo, but it’s probably best if I leave most of the cooking to him.
Which destinations are still on your travel bucket list?
Asia is at the top of our bucket list. It’s a part of the world we haven’t had the chance to explore yet, and we’re really excited about it. In fact, we’re planning a trip there later this year for our delayed honeymoon, and we can’t wait to experience it together.
