Meet The Team

THE ASKARI TEAM

Katie and Joe

Katie and Joe organise and lead the Askari activities, and guide the volunteers around the reserve to experience the amazing array of wildlife.

As an 11 year old girl living in the UK, Katie decided that she wanted to work as a guide in the African bush ….. and 17 years later, here she is, living her dream. In 2005 Katie graduated with a BSc in Zoology and Marine Biology, then moved to South Africa to start her field guide training. At Bush Academy she qualified as a field guide with FGASA Level 1 (Field Guides Association of Southern Africa) and then went to Entabeni Private Reserve. Here she happily took guests around and taught them about the bush. During this time she gained her Level 2 award, and then her Trails Guide qualification.

Moving to the Lowveld, Katie started working as a science officer with volunteers on a predator research programme. In 2008 she was offered a chance to move to Askari, and, in her own words, “I didn’t hesitate for a second!”

Katie has a real soft spot for lions. She is currently taking a master’s study with Bristol University, incorporating research done on Pidwa. When not in the bushveld, Katie loves travelling (more than 38 countries on 6 continents so far), sport and snowboarding (although the latter not in sunny South Africa!).

Joe also qualified from the Bush Academy in 2006, and became a guide at Entabeni Reserve. A fun loving people’s person, he excelled in organising special events for the guests, such as amazing bush dinners. He quickly obtained his Level 2 FGASA and then moved to the Lowveld. He became the founding member of Askari. He was here from the very beginning, when the Askari house was still being renovated and was just a shell. During his first year at Askari he gained his Trails Guide qualification with one of the highest marks in the country.

Joe has a passion for reptiles and will happily go hunting for all sorts of reptiles and insects. He is a huge sports fan, and is always looking for volunteers to kick a football around with in the Askari garden.

Joe and Katie are supported by the Pidwa Reserve management team to ensure that Askari is involved in every aspect of the reserve. As part of Askari, you really do become an extension of the reserve staff team, so much more than a volunteer.

Joe and Katie look forward to welcoming you and sharing some great experiences with you.