Our Wildlife Diary

Gus van Dyk is our Director of Conservation. As such, he holds personal responsibility for the care of Tswalu's 100,000 hectares. Gus studied Nature Conservation in Pretoria and then started his career at the University of Pretoria's Mammal Research Institute, where he contributed to new research and understanding of Southern Africa's diverse mammal species.

Five years later, Gus moved into the bush permanently as Field Ecologist in the Pilanesberg National Reserve to concentrate on the ecological management of large mammals in isolated conservation areas. There Gus co-authored numerous scientific papers and published articles which describe the challenges in dealing with the reintroduction and management of both predator and pachyderm (elephant and rhino) populations. Gus' primary academic interest remains the conservation of predators and he advises many projects across Africa on this critical issue.

A passion for wilderness attracted Gus to Tswalu over six years ago. Here Gus has overseen the development of our community as well as the restoration of this vast yet fragile landscape.

Recently appointed head guide Jo de Wilde has been at Tswalu for four years, having worked in the Kruger National Park in his first year of guiding, then Madikwe for four years, the Sabi Sands for a year and most recently, Manyeleti Game Reserve for a year and a half. He qualified as a guide after doing a short course in the Klaserie Game Reserve, and has done extensive courses while at Tswalu.

Jo’s duties include a certain amount of admin every day, but he still enjoys being with guests more than anything, especially the challenge of tracking the animals on their wish lists.