Guides

What makes an
African Lynx Guide?

Meet the guides

Simon Smit Private Guide

view bio
For as long as he can remember, Simon’s always found solace in escaping to and exploring the great outdoors. It is this ‘first love’ and lifelong passion that has moulded him into the phenomenal guide he is today.

After growing up in the small East Coast town of George, Simon spent a number of years in the heart of the Cape Winelands, where he studied and attained his Bachelor of Commerce degree at the University of Stellenbosch. His love of the natural world then lead him to become a field guide at the prestigious Sabi Sabi Game Reserve and Londolozi Private Game Reserve, where he fine-tuned his guiding skills to a level of excellence.

Simon and his wife have since settled in Cape Town, which he now proudly calls home. Intelligent, adventurous and armed with an unbelievable set of photographic skills, Simon is an invaluable part of the African Lynx team.

Rodger Bowren Head Private Guide

view bio
Captivated by the African wilderness from a young age, Rodger always knew that he wanted to be a guide. To date, he has worked as a field guide in Kenya, Mozambique and most recently at Tswalu - a world-renowned game reserve in South Africa’s spectacular Kalahari. Settled back in Cape Town, Rodger has now also become a qualified Western Cape culture guide. He combines his private guiding skills with his love for photography and birding to provide his guests with an exceptional experience, unlike any other.

With the most discerning of palates, Rodger has developed a deep appreciation for fine wines, cuisine and coffee - with a particularly good nose for discovering hidden gems. He loves sharing stories and knowledge with his guests, and always ensures that they leave with a little piece of Africa in their hearts. Without fail, African Lynx’s guests find it a privilege to be hosted by Rodger - not only because he’s a brilliant guide, but moreover, a fantastic human being.

Ian Mey Private Guide

view bio
Ian’s originally from the bustling city of Joburg. His love for the outdoors was ingrained by his many family trips to the veld from a young age where he quickly discovered that he had a keen passion for the history of the earth and all things natural.

Ian’s guiding career began 12 years ago at Phinda and since then has worked at Tswalu Kalahari, Abu and Singita. Guiding and managing at these prestigious properties have given him the necessary guiding skills to a fine-tuned level of excellence. As a result, he is professional, personable and one to always take initiative when needed.

Ian now calls Cape Town home and is excited to showcase the unbelievable diversity the Western Cape has to offer and its abundant beauty with African Lynx guests.

Ian prides himself in having a varied palate, enjoying adventure, culture, exploration, history and above all else having good fun! He is an avid photographer, keen sportsman and has a very healthy appetite for food and wine. An exceptional African Lynx Guide who will add great value to any trip.

Amy Attenborough Wellness & Private Guide

view bio
Amy grew up in Durban, South Africa but for as long as she can remember, nature has called to her. So in 2010, after completing her Journalism and Media Studies degree, she followed that calling to the wilds of South Africa to become a game ranger. Amy had planned to stay for a year but it soon became eight. She worked at Phinda Private Game Reserve, Ngala Private Game Reserve and Londolozi Game Reserve, as well as travelled to Botswana, Namibia, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Israel, Jordan, Egypt, India and throughout South America in search of wildlife. Her greatest adventure was living in Gabon training local guides for the WWF and Smithsonian Institute, where they spent weeks at a time living like early nomads in the dense and remote coastal forests, fulfilling a life-long dream of tracking and habituating wild gorillas.

Amy has added to her guiding repertoire and is qualified as a vinyasa and yin yoga teacher as well as a certified life coach. She spent six months training with a Hatha yoga master in Boulder, Colorado, a teacher that profoundly changed her life and practice. Amy now calls Cape Town home and combines her passions, guiding people to greater connection with both themselves and the natural world.

Josh Searle Private Guide

view bio
An adventurous guide, whose love for the outdoors started at a young age. Raised in a small coastal town in South Africa, Josh developed a love and understanding of the ocean as well as the environment around him. After obtaining his BA degree in social sciences from Rhodes University, Josh went on to travel to 32 countries around the world learning about the cultures & environments of each. He has done extensive travelling throughout Southern Africa. His travels are what encouraged him to pursue a career in guiding.

Now living in Cape Town, he is a qualified cultural guide and surf instructor. Josh is incredibly knowledgeable when it comes to South African history, the surrounding oceans & mountains. A general outdoor enthusiast who will take you on an adventure of a lifetime. Josh has an approachable nature and good attitude making you feel at ease the moment you meet him. A wonderful asset to the African Lynx guiding team.

Our guides are inspired by your individuality. Let them create your tailored experience - authentic, exclusive and impossible to forget.

Get in touch