Meet the trackers on safari at Morukuru Family Madikwe

The safari guide and tracker are like the Batman and Robin of the bush, using their senses and stories to delight guests and bring the African wilderness to life. They have a symbiotic relationship, complimenting each other’s strengths and knowledge to deliver the types of experiences that African safari dreams are made of. The guide is the expert naturalist and storyteller who’s also responsible for guest safety, while the tracker is the master of his/her senses, picking up on subtle signs left behind by the bushveld’s inhabitants. As a keen observer often with deep roots in the region, the tracker can trace and spot an animal that might otherwise have been elusive or invisible to guests. The guide and tracker communicate with each other through a combination of spoken language, hand signals, and understated cues. The tracker sits in front of the vehicle, scanning the terrain for signs of wildlife and directing the guide towards potential sightings while the guide interprets the tracker’s findings, sharing their knowledge with guests and providing context for the experience. The spotlight’s often on the guides, but trackers are far from sidekicks. They know the secrets to ensuring amazing sightings, from analysing the size, shape, and depth of footprints to listening out for vocalisations and examining scat to learn more about an animal’s diet, health, and how long it has been since they were in the area. We'd love to introduce you to our trackers at Morukuru Family Madikwe. Meet Molefe, Gummy, Shimmy, Sonnyboy, and Boiky.

Molefe

• How did you become a tracker?

When I was young, I worked as a herd boy at our cattle post after school, on weekends, and during holidays. We would put bells on some of the cows, especially the dominant females, so we could easily locate the herd. But the cows would sometimes wander off in different directions, and it was my job to track them down. This is how I learned to identify the unique tracks of our cattle and distinguish them from the tracks of predators like leopards and hyenas, which posed a danger to the herd. My passion for tracking animals and birds grew, and it became a daily part of my life. Eventually, I began working at Morukuru Family, where my enthusiasm for tracking was recognized. They provided me with formal training in trails, track, and sign, which further developed my skills and knowledge.

• What do you love most about your work? 

What I love most about my work is sharing my tracking knowledge with clients and guests. We venture into the bush, searching for the Big Five animals, and helping our guests experience these incredible creatures firsthand. Walking through the bush, following animal tracks, fills me with excitement, especially when we find what we’re looking for. It's an incredibly rewarding feeling.

• What is your most memorable experience as a tracker during your time at Morukuru Family Madikwe?

My most memorable moment was when we were tracking a male lion through the bush. We found him feasting on a kill, hidden behind thick brush, yet we were incredibly close, only about 30m away. The most amazing thing was when he growled at me; the sound resonating in my ears was exhilarating.

• Do you have a favourite animal and why? 

My favourite animal is the buffalo. I love it because it reminds me of how I first started tracking, bringing back memories of the cattle I cared for back home. Buffalos are incredibly protective of each other, always uniting against threats. They demonstrate a powerful example of how unity ensures survival, a lesson that we humans can learn from.

Gummy

• How did you become a tracker?

I started learning how to track animals when looking after my grandparent’s livestock. I quickly figured out how to identify certain animals by their footprints and unique calls.

• What do you love most about your work? 

Feeling connected to nature and learning everything there is to know about animal behaviour.

• What is your most memorable experience as a tracker during your time at Morukuru Family Madikwe?

When I was tracking lions once and found them faster than expected.  They were 5m away from me. They stood up, looked at me, and then just lay back down.

Shimmy

• How did you become a tracker?

I became the tracker that I am today with the support of my General Manager, Armand Steyn, and the other rangers I work with.

• What do you love most about your work? 

I like everything about my work. I love following animal tracks, and especially enjoy tracking lions.

• What is your most memorable experience as a tracker during your time at Morukuru Family Madikwe?

It was my first day as a tracker and undoubtedly the most exhilarating. I was sitting in the tracker seat for the first time when elephants started approaching us. They got closer and closer until they were right in front of us. A thrilling welcome to my new role!

• Do you have a favourite animal and why? 

Yes: lions. They’re simultaneously cute and dangerous.

Sonnyboy

• How did you become a tracker?

My love for animals started when I was working as a security guard at Twasa Water Scheme from 2019. I became very interested in animals’ tracks from there and applied for a Tracking Course in 2021 in Madikwe Game Reserve. My course was funded by Morukuru Goodwill Foundation (as a sponsorship). After I qualified, I was then appointed as “Stand in Tracker” in March 2022. I was promoted to permanent tracker this year (2024).

• What do you love most about your work? 

Spending most of my time out in the bush. This gives me the opportunity to learn even more about nature, animal behavior, and animal tracks.

• What is your most memorable experience as a tracker during your time at Morukuru Family Madikwe?

Definitely learning about elephants and their behaviour towards humans, which was scary and amazing at the same time.

• Do you have a favourite animal and why? 

I love leopards. They’re the most beautiful of the African big cats, and they’re masters of camouflage, making them a real challenge to track. It’s always so special when you spot one.

Boiky

• How did you become a tracker?

I wanted to learn more about the animals, so I signed up for the tracking course. Since then, I have also completed my field guide course whilst with Morukuru Family.

• What do you love most about your work?

I enjoy what I do and am alert to my tracking duties. I enjoy working with, and educating guests, which is why I also love the guiding aspect of safari. I look forward to growing more in this role – I’m learning more every day.

• What is your most memorable experience as a tracker during your time at Morukuru Family Madikwe?

There’s nothing like following lion tracks - on foot – and then finding them. It always makes me happy and gives me a sense of accomplishment.

• Do you have a favourite animal and why?

Buffaloes, especially with their iconic heads. My grandfather and father have cattle, and they remind me of them in their behaviour, especially the way they drink water. They look beautiful to me. Our Morukuru Family trackers look forward to sharing special safari moments with you at Madikwe Game Reserve.