In Conversation with Ian: Sashwa’s Head Guide

If you’ve spent time at Sashwa, you’ve likely crossed paths with Ian – our Head Guide and a cornerstone of the guest experience here. Calm, thoughtful, and endlessly fascinated by the natural world, Ian embodies the philosophy of slow safari. His approach to guiding isn’t about rushing from one sighting to the next, but about pausing, observing, and allowing the bush to reveal itself in its own time. We sat down with Ian to hear more about his journey, his philosophy, and some of the moments that have stayed with him along the way.

Q: Can you tell us a little about what led you to Sashwa?
Ian: I was drawn to Sashwa because of its connection to Koru Camp. That community outreach component was the hook for me – I wanted to be part of something that gave back while still allowing me to live and work in the bush. Add to that the food gardens and the permaculture systems we’re building here, and it felt like the perfect place to bring my love of nature, guiding, and community together.

Q: What do you find most fulfilling about living and working in the bush every day?
Ian: No two days are ever the same. Guests sometimes ask if I get bored, but the bush is never repetitive. Seasons, rainfall, droughts – everything changes. And animals don’t read the textbooks; they don’t follow the rules we’ve written down for them. I love that. The more time you spend out here, the more you realise how little you know, and how endlessly adaptable and intricate nature really is.

Q: If you had to describe your guiding philosophy in one sentence, what would it be?
Ian: Observe first and don’t rush to have all the answers – allow space for mystery.

Q: What do you think sets a Sashwa safari apart from a traditional “Big Five” experience?
Ian: We put the emphasis on the whole of nature, not just racing to tick animals off a list. We walk, we meditate, and we set out into the bush with a calm energy. That changes the way people see things. A slow, unhurried safari lets nature reveal itself – whether it’s insects, plants, or predators, it’s about connection rather than chasing.

Q: You often talk about “slow safaris.” What does that mean to you, and why is it important?
Ian: Slow safari means slowing down to really observe. It’s not about rattling off facts, but about interpreting what’s happening in front of us, right now, and relating it back to wider picture. It’s observation, interpretation, and feeling – giving people the time to absorb it, not just see it.

Q: Can you share a favourite moment from a recent safari that perfectly captures the Sashwa ethos?
Ian: Recently we had a retreat where the whole group came with the same intention: to rest and connect with nature. That energy made all the difference. We had incredible elephant encounters – mothers and calves in the mud, a big bull in musth who came right up to investigate us. You don’t always get those moments. I believe elephants feel the energy of the vehicle, and when it’s calm and respectful, they choose to come close. That was unforgettable.

Q: How do you help guests connect not just with wildlife, but with the smaller details?
Ian: I like to cover everything – from geology and soils to plants, birds, and mammals. Sometimes you just sit watching a lilac-breasted roller, and then suddenly someone spots a leopard. It’s about patience and paying attention to the little things, because the little things often lead to the big ones.

Q: If you could teach every guest one lesson to carry home from the bush, what would it be?
Ian: That we are always part of nature. We’re in it and on it, whether in the city or the bush. Everything we could ever want or need – cars, clothes, food – comes from it. Spend unhurried time in nature and you’ll see how it changes you.

Q: Which animal holds special meaning for you personally, and why?
Ian: Elephants. I’ll never get enough of them. They’re always doing something fascinating, interacting with one another, busy with their lives. They’re endlessly interesting.

Q: What excites you most about the future of Sashwa?
Ian: I can feel we’re on the right path. What we’re building here is a model others could follow – a lodge that funds conservation and community outreach in a sustainable way. Some places can feel lifeless, but here there’s an energy, a sense of purpose. We’re creating something truly meaningful.

Ian’s calm presence, depth of knowledge, and genuine love for the bush shape so many of the experiences our guests cherish here. Whether he’s pointing out the smallest tracks on a sandy path or guiding us through unforgettable elephant encounters, Ian’s passion is truly infectious – and we couldn’t be more grateful to have him as part of the Sashwa family!