Getting to know Ernie: The eyes, ears & heart behind the game drives
Every great guide gives more than a game drive. They help guests to see the wild differently. In honour of World Ranger Day on 31 July.
Every great guide gives more than a game drive. They help guests to see the wild differently.
In honour of World Ranger Day on 31 July, we celebrate the passion and extraordinary knowledge of safari rangers around the world including our beloved head guide, Ernest Maetla, affectionately known as Ernie!
With a heart of gold and a treasure trove of knowledge, Ernie has a way of making every safari feel personal and meaningful. He knows Madikwe’s landscapes and species like the back of his hand, but what guests usually remember most is the way he shares that knowledge: through fascinating facts, riveting stories, a winning smile and just the right amount of humour.
Ernie’s journey at The Royal Madikwe is also a special one. Before becoming the experienced guide so many guests know and love today, he started out working in a lodge kitchen. Through dedication, curiosity and an inherent love for the wild, he worked his way up to become our head guide, building a career rooted in passion and care.
“My whole duty is to immerse guests in nature and to engage them with the wildlife,” Ernie shares. “I would like to welcome everybody to come and join us at The Royal Madikwe to experience the most beautiful wildlife and nature.”
For many guests, time with Ernie becomes one of the defining memories of their stay. Over on Tripadvisor, one recent guest described him as “one of a kind”, adding that he “goes the extra mile literally.” Another shared that their game drives with Ernie were “extraordinary”, praising the way he tracked elusive animals with patience and skill.
While most of us experience the magic of a game drive, far fewer see just how much happens behind the scenes. The early wake-up calls, the late evenings spent cleaning dust and mud from the game viewer, the constant communication between rangers to share sightings responsibly, and countless other small details that help every safari unfold as naturally as possible…
For first-time safari-goers especially, a guide like Ernie can make all the difference. He brings reassurance and an easy warmth to every drive, answering questions with patience no matter how small they may seem. Ernie is also quite the pro at lining up the game vehicle just right for the perfect photo! Even so, he leaves guests with far more than just great photos, but also a deeper awareness and appreciation for the African wilderness and often, the sense of having made a lifelong friend.
So today, we say thank you to Ernie and to every ranger who opens up the wild with such generosity, skill and care. Thank you for sharing your world so freely and leaving us with memories we’ll carry long after the safari ends.
What is your fondest memory of Ranger Ernie? We'd love to hear it over on Tripadvisor, Facebook, Instagram or TikTok.
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