Alweet Hlungwani, who likes to be called Ali, has been a guide for over ten years.
He has studied a Nature Conservation Diploma through UNISA as well as a skills programme, aimed specifically at guiding. He also worked on a training project at Makuleke Village, sponsored by the Endangered Wildlife Trust. Finally, an Eco-training course has given the informative Ali all the skills required to be completely hands on in his favourite environment – the bush.
“I don’t really have a best wildlife experience, but I can say that being able to enjoy the bush everyday is a winner for me.”
“I also love the people. Their fascination with nature is just so enriching and inspiring for me. I have learnt so much from people I have met through guiding.”
Ali says that if he were not a guide he would like to be a life coach.
“Animals have taught me a lot about life and I would like to weave those lessons into human experiences.”
Ali’s favourite animal is the leopard. He is also extremely interested in birds because of their different habits and fascinating beauty.
“My choice bird is a Pygmy Kingfisher. I like its good looks and the fact that this little thing migrates as far as Nigeria from South Africa. How clever is that?”
Ali likes both the game drives and walks in the bush.
“On drives we can travel further, into different habitats, while on walks we get to explore and experience the small stuff.”
Photographs: Gabriele Birkenmayer
