Meet the Team

Andries Mathebula - Tracker

Andries has been part of the Chitwa team for the past three years. He grew up in Hluvukani, which is close to the Timbavati Game Reserve. Twenty three years ago, he decided to follow in his fathers experienced bush footsteps, and has gained experience working for other establishments such as Kwambili in the Thorneybush Game Reserve and Umlani in the Timbavati before joining taking up his position at Chitwa Chitwa. Andries particularly enjoys taking walking safari’s, where he will share his passion about the local flora and birds with you. He has an outstanding sense of humour and is a “must meet” when visiting us.

Hali Mnisi - Guide

Hali is an old member of the Chitwa team, who has recently, as he says "returned home". Hali grew up outside the borders of the Sabi Sands. At the age of 10 years old he became a herdsman for his father, and while out and about tending to the cattle took in all the sights and sounds of the surrounding area.

In 1995 he was given an opportunity to do a tracking course at Londolozi, which he passed with flying colours, and so his career in tracking and guiding began. Hali took up a position as a tracker in the Klaserie Game Reserve, before becoming apart of the Chitwa family in July 1997. When Hali arrived at Chitwa he could barely speak a word of English, and with the help of Charl and Maria Brink, lodge managers and books he is now fluent in not only English, but Italian too. With this keen enthusiasm it was not long before Hali became an expert tracker and was promoted to guide.

With a thirst for more knowledge, Hali left Chitwa for a short while to experience other areas in the south of the Kruger National Park and Sabi Sands, and has recently returned to us. This outgoing individual specialises in informing our guests about the diversity of the area in and around the Sabi Sands and as he says in his own words "exposing wildlife". He also has a keen interest in the geology of the area, and he has been known to tell some interesting folktales out on the deck after dinner.

Surprise Mathebula - Guide

Surprise grew up in a small village on the western boundary of the Sabi Sands, called Athol. In 2003 he started at Chitwa Chitwa as a bush clearer. It did not take long before we noticed that this young man was going to go far in life, and in 2005 he became one of our trackers. In 2007, Surprise completed his FGASA Level 1 field guiding course, and after showing much eagerness in the field, at the beginning of 2009 he was placed in the driving seat. Surprise has much knowledge to offer our visitors to Chitwa Chitwa, and he particularly enjoys taking bush walks, and teaching our guests about the dynamics of the lowveld.

Johan Botha- Guide

Johan has spent most of his life living and working in the Lowveld, and has been a professional guide for over 10 years. After completing school in Nelspruit, the capital city of the Mpumalanga Province, he took his first steps into the industry. After doing his entry-level guiding course, he accepted a position at Tau Lodge in Madikwe. After spending two years there, he moved to one of our close neighbour’s in the Sabi Sands, where he picked up his craze for the Sabi Sands.

He took a brief break from the field guiding industry and went to explore the world before going back to Madikwe for a short while, and then becoming apart of the Chitwa team in February 2009. When asked why he got into the industry, he simply says, “I grew up with it, I love it!”. If it’s birding that you are after, Johan is the right guide for you. His knowledge of ornithology is unquestionable; he has a very keen ear for birdcalls and identifying different species by habitat, enabling him to find our little feathered friends. Johan also specialises in photography, ensuring that you get that perfect shot during your time with him.

Moses Sithole - Tracker

Moses was born and bred in Thulamasha on the border of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. He spent his childhood dreaming of the day that he would follow in his fathers tracking footsteps. He has over twenty-four years of experience on the tracking seat, so need we say more! Moses gained extensive experience working at world famous lodges on the borders of the Kruger National Park, such as Motswari and Leopard Hills, but he has now called Chitwa Chitwa home since the 1st January 2003. Moses has a very gentle heart, and is totally dedicated to making sure that your safari with us is one that you will never forget.