From Guest to Head Field Guide: Kimberlee le Hanie's Inspiring Journey

We are delighted to announce the promotion of Kimberlee le Hanie to the position of Head Field Guide at Marataba Game Lodge. In line with her being the first woman to receive the commendation of FGASA’s Safari Guide of the Year in 2023, so too is her promotion is testament to her dedication, passion, and continuous growth.

Her path to leadership began with a moment of inspiration. In 2016, when she first visited Marataba as a guest, she found herself captivated by the knowledge, passion, and presence of her guide. This pivotal encounter sparked a decision that would shape her future career. Through her training at MORE Field Guide College, she was able to transform herself from an enthusiastic observer of the wild into a dedicated professional who calls it home.

"My love for nature and curiosity about animal behaviour initially drew me in," Kimberlee reflects, "but it was the deeper connection to conservation and the ability to create meaningful experiences for others that solidified my path." This dual commitment to both environmental stewardship and exceptional guest experiences has remained a cornerstone of her professional philosophy throughout her career.

In her new role as Head Field Guide, Kimberlee has a leadership philosophy built on three fundamental pillars: trust, consistency, and authenticity. These principles were in part shaped by Riaan Fourie, the General Manager of Safari Operations for MORE Family Collection. His influence on her professional development has been profound. "His growth mindset, ability to lead by example, and unwavering 'yes' attitude toward challenges have been incredibly inspiring," she shares. Riaan’s approach to embracing change and continuously pushing for improvement has provided Kimberlee a template on which to build her own vision for leadership in her new role.

Looking ahead to her first year as Head Field Guide, Kimberlee wants to implement a measured approach. "I want to take the time to truly observe, understand, and connect with my team," she explains. "Rather than rushing into changes, I believe in a steady and thoughtful approach – ensuring that every decision supports both individual growth and the team's overall success." Her enthusiasm for the role is particularly evident when discussing team development. "What excites me most is the opportunity to guide a team toward their full potential. Watching individuals grow in skill, confidence, and professionalism – both as guides and as people – is something I find incredibly rewarding. Being part of that transformation and creating an environment where they can thrive is what drives me."

When asked what single word she hopes her guides will use to describe her leadership, Kimberlee chose "dependable" – a choice that speaks volumes about her leadership style. "Trust is the foundation of any strong team and I want my guides to know that I have their backs – that they can rely on me for guidance, support, and fairness in any situation."

For any new or aspiring guides who might one day join her team she has the following to say: "Stay focused, keep the right attitude, and cultivate a deep love for what you do. This industry demands passion, resilience, and a willingness to keep learning. Accountability and a strong work ethic will set you apart. Most importantly, embrace every moment in the field – there's always something new to discover."

We would like to congratulate Kimberlee once again on her well-deserved promotion. MORE Family Collection is proud to say that we have watched her grow from a student at the MORE Field Guide College into her career as a field guide and her rise to the very top of her field. Her journey exemplifies our commitment to nurturing talent from within. We will always invest in our people's growth through mentorship, training, and creating opportunities for career advancement across our properties.

If you are feeling inspired by Kimberlee's story, then please take a look at the comprehensive training programmes that are on offer at MORE Field Guide College. Perhaps you too will transform your passion for wildlife into a professional guiding career.