5 minutes with a game ranger

Ruan van der Westhuizen, aka Ranger Ruan, is a 25-year-old ranger from Shepherd’s Tree Game Lodge in Pilanesberg National Park. He chats to Clinton Moodley

What got about his career, game drives to 3pm to read, their trip memorable. you into this during the pandemic and edit my wildlife And the most rewarding? profession? the most challenging photographs or It’s seeing the smile on guests

My parents part of his job take a nap before the faces when they see an animal for introduced me to the sunset safari that starts at the first time. All the hard work wildlife setting as a little 4.30pm. The safari lasts for is worth it when a guest is happy boy. I remember spending time three hours. with their game drive experience. with them in the bush and feeling What are the safari Where do you see yourself at absolute peace with myself. I protocols in place for Covid- in 10 years? guess my love for animals and my 19? I hope to run a game lodge. I passion to educate people about Before departure, we screen foresee being very hands-on and nature sparked my interest in and sanitise all guests and make will go the extra mile to ensure being a ranger. sure everyone wears their masks. that my guests have the best

Can you describe a typical We make use of disposable coffee experience. day in your life? cups and individually wrapped What advice would you

I wake up at 4am to start snacks for game drives. We follow give a first-time safari prepping the safari vehicle, wake all Covid-19 protocols throughout traveller? my guests for the morning safari the journey. Appreciate everything, from and prepare their morning coffee. What is the most the smallest to the tallest creature.

We are on a game drive for challenging part of your job? From experience, I have noticed about 3 hours, which runs later It is juggling different interests that high expectations lead to if we spot a rare sighting. When from different guests. For example, disappointment and relaxed guests the guests are indulging in their a couple may want to learn about lead to leopards. *Laughs* breakfast, I do maintenance birds while a family enjoys more The motto you live by? checks and clean the vehicle. wildlife sightings. My mentor taught me to

The rest of the morning is While we can’t predict which “Take only pictures, leave only spent welcoming new guests animals we will see on a game footprints”. and bidding farewell to others. drive, I still want to give my Respect the bush, and she will I use my free time from noon guests the best sightings and make reward you.