When the bush steals your heart from an early age...
Jan was born and raised in a town called Vereeniging. His parents were wildlife enthusiasts, and from his earliest memories, they were always visiting game reserves and national parks.
Their longtime involvement in conservation fueled Jan’s burning passion for wildlife and nature.
During those frequent visits to all the different parks and reserves, Jan got to know many of the staff members personally.
So, when he presented himself to the Golden Gate National Park team during school holidays with a willingness to volunteer his help in their activities, his parents recognized and understood his deep passion for conservation and encouraged him to make his passion his career, and to live his dream.
Jan subsequently pursued a career in guiding and studied nature conservation for 2 years. During his career of 25 years in the African Bush, he has worked at private reserves, as well as national parks, and his constant hunger to learn more and serve the wild better, has resulted in the following qualifications:
. Trainer, assesor and moderator.
. THETA (Tourism, Hospitality, Sport, Education and Training Authority)
. SASSETA (Safetyand Security Sector Education and Training Authority).
. ETDP/SETA (Education, Training and Development Practices Sector Education and Training Authority).
. National Certificate in Tourism (NQF 4).
. Accommodation Services (NQF4).
. South African Fundi
. South African Host
. South African Specialist
During Jan’s employment with SANParks, he has been awarded the Chief Executive Awards 3 times, as well as the Central Region Achievement Award 2003 in Kruger Park, and in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in 2007.
But for Jan, the magic of the wild is not a job – it’s a way of life. One which he is excited to share with his students through his training, and his children, Stefan and Saskia. In this, he has clearly succeeded, as is evidenced on their platform, Kruger Nature Kids. Now, this wild family invites you to become a part of their exciting journey of living, loving and learning from nature in the greater Kruger National Park.
