South African safari guide Sarah Barratt has made history by becoming only the second woman to win the prestigious Safari Guide of the Year (SGOTY) title in the competition’s 15-year history.
SGOTY 2026 winner, Sarah Barratt from Thornybush Game Lodge/Supplied
Barratt, a guide at Thornybush Game Lodge, claimed the top honour following a demanding five-day competition held at Amani Safari Camp in the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve in Limpopo. Otto Scribante of Singita was named runner-up.
The 2026 edition marked a milestone year for SGOTY, which celebrated its 15th anniversary and continues to be regarded as one of South Africa’s most rigorous tests of professional safari guiding.
The competition challenges finalists across nine disciplines designed to assess the broad range of skills required by modern field guides. These include track and sign identification, birding, storytelling, guided walks, photographic guiding, hospitality, professionalism, advanced rifle handling and guided game drives.
Barratt excelled in some of the competition’s most important categories, securing first place in both Industry Ambassador and Professionalism, as well as the Guided Game Drive challenge, widely considered the discipline most closely linked to the guest safari experience.
SGOTY 2026 winner, Sarah Barratt from Thornybush Game Lodge/Supplied
Speaking after her victory, Barratt praised her fellow finalists and reflected on the experience.
“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,” she said.
The competition concluded with a fitting wildlife encounter when a leopard was spotted moving quietly through a drainage line just metres from the lodge, a reminder of the wild spaces and species that safari guides help protect and interpret every day.
One of the most talked-about challenges this year was track and sign identification. An online quiz hosted by Latest Sightings attracted more than 2,000 participants, yet only 37% correctly identified the tracks, highlighting the specialist knowledge required of professional guides.
Photography also proved one of the toughest categories. Supported by Canon South Africa, the challenge focused on helping guides create meaningful photographic experiences for guests. According to Canon’s Roger Machin, photography has become an increasingly important component of the modern safari, allowing travellers to take home lasting memories while inspiring future conservation-minded travel.
Reflecting on the competition’s growth, SGOTY founder Mike Karantonis said the event was established to recognise the often-unsung professionals who play a critical role in the safari industry.
Long-time sponsor Howard Rogerson of Ruggedwear noted how the competition has evolved over the past 15 years.
“The vision Mike had 15 years ago has grown into a prestigious event. These guides are the faces our industry will be remembered by long after guests have returned home,” he said.
FGASA Managing Director Michelle du Plessis added that each year brings a higher standard of guiding, with finalists consistently demonstrating deeper knowledge and professionalism.
Klaserie Drift Amani owner Andrew Pletzen highlighted the wider impact guides have on conservation, noting their ability to connect people with nature and inspire long-term environmental awareness.
Barratt’s victory marks an important milestone for South Africa’s safari industry and reflects the growing diversity within the profession. As only the second woman to earn the SGOTY title, her achievement signals a changing landscape for safari guiding while celebrating excellence in one of Africa’s most respected wildlife careers.
Individual challenge winners
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
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