In Pursuit of Excellence: The MORE Field Guide Way

Field Guides form an important educational aspect on a safari, one that encourages our guests to care about our wildlife with ripple effects into conservation initiatives. General Manager of Safari Operations, Riaan Fourie, shares with us the ethos that fuels the field guides at MORE Family Collection.

What makes a MORE Field Guide?

In our relentless pursuit of excellence, what truly defines a MORE Field Guide? It goes beyond the typical checklist of skills and qualifications—it's about embodying a unique blend of curiosity, passion, and an unwavering commitment to our MORE Family Collection purpose: “We create opportunities and experiences for people to enrich their lives”.

Becoming the gold standard in the guiding industry

Setting ambitious goals is part of our DNA. Back in 2023, we aimed for the stars, establishing a set of FGASA qualifications as our gold standard. None of our guides met all of these standards initially, but that didn't deter us. Fast forward a year, and we're celebrating the achievement of our first guides who reached these lofty benchmarks, with many others hot on their heels, fuelled by a mindset of growth and improvement.

But it's not just about collecting certificates—it's about delivering exceptional experiences. Guest feedback is our compass, guiding us towards continual growth and refinement. Every review is carefully analysed and integrated into our long-term strategy for success.

To nurture excellence within our ranks, we established the MORE Field Guide Standards Board, comprising industry stalwarts dedicated to fostering growth and inspiring our guides to reach their full potential.

We thrive on competition and are always eager to test our mettle against the best in the industry. Each year, we make it a goal to have a MORE Field Guide represent us at the prestigious Field Guides Association of Southern Africa Safari Guide of the Year competition. For us, this event serves as a true litmus test of our standing among our peers. It's a source of immense pride for us to have achieved three top-two finishes in recent years—a testament to the unwavering determination of our guides.

Growing from within

Our journey often begins at the MORE Field Guide College, a breeding ground for future safari stars. Here, aspiring guides not only receive top-notch training and mentorship but also imbibe the ethos of the MORE Field Guide culture, a culture that is rooted in constant learning, growth, and a relentless pursuit of improvement.

It’s who we are

Ultimately, being a MORE Field Guide isn't just a job—it's a way of life. It's about embodying our values, embracing our passion, and making a difference in the lives of those we serve. It's not what we are, but who we are—a community dedicated to creating opportunities and experiences that enrich lives.