On-site training and short courses for nature guides
(and enthusiasts)
Enhance your guiding skills and boost your guests’ experience
“Inspirational learning that guides found really helpful and immediately started using with guests”
James Souchon
Head Guide – Londolozi
Our courses upskill and inspire nature guides, helping them grow professionally and enhancing their guests’ love of nature.
Through on-site training and short courses, we inspire and equip guides to help people understand, connect with and care for nature.
We also offer guided walks, tours and nature-based retreats for nature enthusiasts.
I grew up in the bush, was schooled in wild places, and developed a true love for nature and a deep appreciation for the outdoors. I never stop exploring, discovering and learning, and this passion keeps leading me to share my wonder with the world.
Beyond the beauty and delight of nature, my curiosity and need to explore has drawn me to include ecology, rocks and landscapes in my guiding. These narratives of how our earth has been shaped over millennia are what I love to tell, inspiring guests and guides alike with remarkable stories of our earth.
As a guide trainer, I love to support the growth of fellow guides through mentoring, visiting lodges and running training courses for guides.
I hold a National Certificate in Tourism: Guiding (NQF 4) and a Certificate in Environmental Interpretation and Education from Rhodes University (NQF 6). I am a registered Specialist Nature Guide with the National Department of Tourism, a FGASA Field Guide, a registered CATHSSETA Assessor, and an affiliate of The Geological Society of South Africa.
John
Learn more about John, his work, services, passions, and his purpose from this interview on The Singita Podcast
A Gentle Return to Ourselves in the Wild
Safari Conversations – the Singita podcast
Take a moment to connect with nature – wherever you are. In this episode, mentor and advanced guide trainer, John Roff, speaks to Bernard Stiglingh, a field guide at Singita Kruger.
30 min 29 sec
Our Courses
Geology for nature guides
Bring rocks and landscapes to life.
Advanced interpretation
Add depth, clarity and inspiration.
Storytelling
Using narrative power to connect and move people.
Nature Therapy
Include personal restoration and well-being.
Insect guiding
Make invertebrates intriguing and meaningful.
Ecology guiding
Use it to boost understanding and connection.
The responses we get…
John’s style of both guiding and guide training is empathetic, clear and easy to follow, well thought-out, yet easily adapted to the discussion and audience at the time. John doesn’t overwhelm one with information but uses his wealth of knowledge to tell the story of what’s being discussed, highlighting what is relevant, interesting and special about it, while placing it in context and helping one understand the bigger picture. Good to rub shoulders with a fellow guide trainer of such high standard!
Bryan Olver
Manager, &Beyond Inkwazi Ranger Training School
The guide training and the time we spent with John were unlike anything I’ve experienced before. He carried an aura of calm yet enthusiastic energy that was truly contagious. He listened intently and had a unique way of translating the wonders of nature that resonated on a deeper level.
Monika Malewski
Field Guide, Singita Lebombo
It felt like I was a tourist in my own place of work… I learnt a lot more than I thought I could in 3 days and have not stopped talking about your course since.
Every day I use the knowledge you have passed on to me in my practical guiding. It is incredible to see how using all the knowledge about the small things gets guests engaged and wanting to know more.
Matt Lailvaux
Head Guide. Feedback received 2 months after an Advanced Guiding course for Marataba Conservation camps.
In this wilderness with John we learned to listen, to read the land, and to guide others through nature’s wisdom with heart and purpose.
Garry Bruce
Head Guide, Singita Lebombo
Our guiding team at Marataba conservation camps had a three day course with John Roff with a focus on plants, geology and all the small species one easily overlooks on a game drive. I personally learnt so much.
I was “re-inspired” to grow myself as a guide and that everyone can master their unique guiding style. The course was a real motivator for all the guides as it also opened our eyes and reminded us of why we do what we do.
Nienke Du Preez
Senior Guide, Marataba Conservation Camps
John’s love and understanding of ecology is deeply embodied in his teachings. Through his carefully designed principles, reconnecting with the Earth and self becomes a whole new experience, one that encompasses curiosity, awareness, and the utmost respect for our environment.
Kerry Baytopp
Deputy Head, Kamoka Bush School
Upskilling your guides is just 3 steps away
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Contact John
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We design the guide training plan you need
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Greatly increase the value your reserve offers guests
Contact us using the details below to book or find out more
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