Field Guide
luke@yourpilanesberg.co.za
Luke Hirst’s love for the bush started when he was 8 years old and visited Pilanesberg for the first time.
Instantly hooked to Pilanesberg National Park and the open plains rolling hills.
Later in his 20’s he decided a change was in order and started research on FGASA’s level 1 in guiding.
Jared Reid (former head guide at Bakubung) would mentor Luke though the requirements.
The journey was a vast challenge and great knowledge was gained from experienced guides.
Luke would later become good friends with guides like Steven, Muzo and Joel (all from Bakubung).
During this time he started to gain a passion for photography which came naturally when doing game drive’s.
As his keen eye developed he started to purchase bigger lenses needed to take better pictures.
His favorite animal to photograph and view is the rosettes of a leopard.
View the gallery here for the pictures he has taken.
In February 2019 the theoretical test was completed and passed (the pass mark is 75%).
After passing the test items like a PDP and first aid were completed as per FGASA requirements
Brain Colling would be contacted to help with the assessment on the practical requirement.
Fast forward to July 2019 when the practical would be completed successfully in Pilanesberg.
The wait for guiding action would have to wait until December 2019 due to CATHSSETA issues.
The first change was taken in December with Bakubung needing the services.
Since then Luke would get other work from lodges like Ivory Tree Game Lodge.
He is starting to work towards Level 2 and backup trails as the next qualification objective.
If you would like to hire Luke as a guide please visit the contact page and send him a message.
