Going global as of November 2019. Adrian began his guiding career in Pilanesberg National Park under the old-school
guiding mentorship of Andre Kruger. A year later he found himself conducting walks
and game drives in the Manyelethi Game Reserve – situated in the Greater Kruger
Biosphere. Within two years Adrian was asked to manage Tintswalo Manor House
Lodge in early 2008, whereupon his passion f
or story-telling and harmonica playing
fuelled the evening fireside chat. The opportunity to work as a specialist safari guide at Tswalu Kalahari Reserve
came about in mid-2009. This was to become his most memorable and most epic
four year stint to date. As part of the Tswalu Field Guide Team, Adrian and his
colleagues were passed and assessed as FGASA Level 3 Trails Guides in 2010. This also included a new mentor role to up-and-coming Field Guides. A year later
Adrian wrote a mini-dissertation on sexual selection in Lions for his BSc in Zoology
and Environmental Management. This led up to a yearlong behavioural research
paper on the introduction of 4 male lions into the reserve – which was completed in
2012. His passion for writing and story-telling has never ceased. To date he
“dabbles” (his words) in anecdotal writings and blogs for safari publications such as
Ranger Diaries.com and Safarious.com. In January 2013, Adrian’s individuality and creativity prompted him to head out on his
own. By initiating Adrian Bantich: Freelance – Safari – Expedition , He now serves as
specialist freelance /private guide for private game reserves across Southern Africa
and is affiliated with various high-end tailor-made Safari Operators. His unique
approach, scientific and yet authentic appreciation for the natural environment
certainly puts him into a very unique guiding category. Beginning with sincerity and ending off with a sneaky grin, Adrian states;
“The last seven years have been a journey that only few can have – A privilege. I am not ready to give up this lifestyle...playtime isn't over”.
