Guides who bring
the Bush to Life
Our rangers know Madikwe like no one else. With years of experience and deep roots in the reserve, their knowledge and instinct transform every drive into an unforgettable adventure.
Ranger Laz
Lazarus “Lazzy” Nokane
Born in 1976, Lazarus Nokane, affectionately known as “Lazzy”, has a deep-rooted connection to the land that is now the Madikwe Game Reserve. Raised on a farm in the area before it was proclaimed a reserve in 1991, Lazarus experienced firsthand the transformation of this landscape into one of South Africa’s premier wildlife destinations. When the former Bophuthatswana government, under the leadership of Kgosi Lucas Mangope, established the reserve, local families relocated, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the land and eventually for Lazarus himself.
In 2002, Lazarus returned to the reserve, beginning his journey in the safari industry in housekeeping. Laz started as a tracker in 2006, drawing on the deep knowledge passed down from his parents during his childhood lessons in reading the stars, understanding plants, and interpreting animal tracks and movement.
His passion and natural ability led him to guiding in 2009, a role where his connection to the bush truly comes alive. In January 2011, Lazarus joined Jamala Madikwe, where he continues to share his experience and love for the wilderness with guests from around the world.
With over 25 years in the industry, Lazarus brings authenticity, wisdom, and a profound respect for nature to every safari. For him, the magic of the bush lies in fully immersing oneself: touching, smelling, and feeling the environment while also connecting with people and learning from the diverse stories they bring.
Ranger Sam
Samuel “Sam” Thapelo Nameng
At the heart of every unforgettable safari experience at Jamala Madikwe is a guide whose journey into the bush is as authentic as it is inspiring. Samuel Thapelo Nameng’s (Sam) story is one rooted in passion, dedication, and a deep connection to the natural world.
Sam began his career in 2011, starting out as a tracker. It was during these early years that his love for the bush truly took shape, a passion sparked by long days in the field, reading the land, and understanding the movements of wildlife. What began as a role quickly evolved into a calling. Originally aspiring to become a wildlife veterinarian, Samuel soon realised that his path lay in guiding: sharing the wonders of the bush with others.
Driven by this passion, he continued his journey by immersing himself in the study of guiding. While working, he dedicated himself to learning, growing his knowledge of animal behaviour, ecosystems, and the intricate balance of the wilderness. Over the years, he steadily progressed, eventually qualifying as a guide while continuing to refine his skills in the field.
With over a decade of combined experience as both tracker and guide, Samuel developed a unique and intuitive approach to safari guiding. His background allows him to interpret the bush with exceptional depth, from tracking elusive species to understanding subtle behavioural cues that bring each sighting to life.
Determined to keep evolving, Sam advanced his qualifications further, working towards becoming a walking guide. This step marked a new chapter in his career, allowing him to offer guests a more immersive, on-foot experience of the African bush, one that deepens connection, awareness, and respect for the environment.
Today, as a qualified walking guide at Jamala Madikwe, Sam brings his wealth of experience, calm presence, and genuine passion to every safari. His guiding style is both insightful and engaging, creating meaningful moments that go beyond sightings, inviting guests to truly feel and understand the rhythm of the wild.
For Sam, the bush is more than a workplace. It is home. And through his guidance, each guest is given the opportunity to experience its magic through his eyes.
Ranger KG
Kagiso “KG” Letshwiti
Born and raised around the reserve, Kagiso’s love for nature was sparked at an early age. In 1991, when the park was established, he was still in pre-school. Through a fortunate school sponsorship, he and his classmates were given the rare opportunity to visit the lodges within the reserve, experiencing the beauty of the wilderness firsthand rather than seeing animals in a zoo. It was during these formative visits that his fascination with nature took root, and his path quietly began to unfold.
In 2003, Kagiso took his first official step into the safari industry through an internship, where he trained as a tracker. This hands-on experience deepened his understanding of the bush and solidified his passion for wildlife. By 2005, he was offered a permanent position as a tracker, marking the beginning of an 11-year journey spent learning, observing, and mastering the art of tracking. During this time, he not only developed an exceptional ability to read the land and its wildlife but also gained invaluable exposure to people and cultures from around the world.
Driven to grow further, Kagiso advanced his studies and transitioned into guiding and walking, bringing together years of field experience with a natural ability to connect with guests. In 2018, he joined the Jamala Madikwe team, where he continues to share his knowledge and passion as a guide.
For Kagiso, being a guide is far more than a profession. It is a way of life. His approach is rooted in genuine pride and a deep sense of place, as he introduces guests to what he considers his own backyard: the remarkable Madikwe Game Reserve. His warm personality, authentic storytelling, and lifelong connection to the land create a safari experience that is both personal and memorable.
Through Kagiso’s eyes, guests don’t just witness the bush. They become part of it.
Or read about
Conservation &
Community
What Operation Phoenix achieved and Jamala Madikwe’s ongoing commitment to the reserve.
Know the Reserve
Madikwe
Game Reserve
Why this reserve, why these plains, and what makes Madikwe different from everywhere else in South Africa.
