Thornybush is proud to announce that Sarah Barratt of Thornybush Game Lodge has been named Safari Guide of the Year 2026, one of the most prestigious accolades in the southern African safari industry.
With 15 years of guiding experience and a background in anthropology, Sarah has built a reputation for creating meaningful moments in the bush, helping guests forge deeper connections with nature through knowledge, storytelling and a remarkable ability to connect with people. Her passion, professionalism and dedication were recognised at this year’s Safari Guide of the Year competition, where she emerged as the overall winner after a series of rigorous challenges designed to test the very best in the industry.
Held annually in the Greater Kruger region, the competition celebrates exceptional field guides who demonstrate outstanding knowledge, skill, leadership and professionalism. Over five demanding days, finalists are assessed across multiple disciplines that reflect the realities of life as a professional guide, including guided game drives, bush walks, birding, storytelling, hosting, tracking and advanced rifle handling.
Competing against some of the region’s most respected guides, Sarah delivered an exceptional performance throughout the competition, earning top honours in both the Guided Game Drive and Industry Ambassador & Professionalism categories before being crowned the overall winner. She is the second woman to win the title in history of the award.
“I genuinely couldn’t believe it when they called my name. It felt incredibly surreal. But now that it’s starting to sink in, I just feel unbelievably grateful and humbled to have received this award” said Sarah. “I have been following this competition since I started my career, dreaming that one day I might be able to participate. So just making it through as a finalist was incredibly fulfilling. It really felt like the journey was coming full circle.”
For Thornybush, Sarah’s success reflects the values that define both the organisation and the guiding profession itself.
“At Thornybush, we believe great guides do far more than interpret the bush; they create meaningful connections between people and nature,” said Melanie Parker, Head of Operations, Thornybush. “Sarah embodies everything that makes guiding such a special profession. Her knowledge is exceptional, but it is her warmth, passion, professionalism and ability to inspire others that truly set her apart. We could not be prouder to have her representing Thornybush and the guiding industry as a whole.”
The Safari Guide of the Year competition shines a spotlight on the dedication, training and expertise required to excel as a field guide. Beyond creating unforgettable guest experiences, guides serve as ambassadors for conservation, helping foster a deeper appreciation for the natural world and the landscapes they are privileged to protect.
“It is such a huge honour to receive this title,” said Sarah. “I now have a wonderful responsibility, not just as an ambassador for the industry, but also to help others succeed, and that’s something I’m really excited about. I want to help other guides, especially women, set themselves on a path to achieve their dreams, just like I did.”
Sarah’s achievement is not only a proud moment for Thornybush, but also a celebration of the guiding profession and the positive impact passionate, dedicated guides have on both people and conservation.
The entire Thornybush family congratulates Sarah on this remarkable and well-deserved achievement and looks forward to seeing her continue to inspire guests, fellow guides and future generations of guides and conservationists for years to come.
For more information contact: Thornybush Game Lodge.
