I was fortunate enough to grow up with both sets of grandparents working for National Parks, this meant the bush and wildlife has always been a huge part of my life and upbringing. After high school, I decided to follow my passion and furthered my studies by completing the first full year field guiding course at Ecotraining. ​ Following my studies, I was excited to start my career at Lukimbi Safari Lodge, one of the private concessions in the Kruger National Park. This 5-star lodge offered great walking safari opportunities in a big-5 environment, where my understanding and passion of the bush only grew under the mentorship of incredible head guides and trackers. I then moved to Sabi Sand Game Reserve to one the pioneering lodges in the famous Rattray’s Camp on MalaMala. Here my wife and I managed the camp logistics, operations and further developed my guiding skills in arguably the best game viewing area in Southern Africa. The next step in my career was Singita, the leading company in the safari industry. Right from the beginning, I set working here as one of my personal goals. Based originally at Singita Kruger National Park and ultimately Singita Sabi Sand, where in total I spent more than 10 years with the company. In 2014 I was invited to participate in the Safari Guide of the Year competition a competition with seven other of South Africa’s very best guides and I’m proud to say that I won the title that year. The final step in my career to date is the big move to the city, this move allowed me to gain vital experience as a private guide based in the Cape Town and winelands region. Golf I have always been an avid sportsman and supporter of almost all sport, but from a very young age I had a real passion for golf. I almost perused a career in golf at a collegiate level in the US, only to choose a path in field guiding instead. Photography Photography was always a way for me to keep track of the amazing sightings I got to experience, and it really grew as a passion and a hobby from there. Learning the technical side of photography and editing, combined with the amount practical experience, this skill set has become priceless. Ensuring to the best of my abilities that guests are not only able to capture some amazing moments, but also able to take them home to cherish forever.  For me a true safari experience is about combination of family, fun, laughter and exploration. Creating an experience that truly lasts a lifetime. Nick du Plessis Cell: +27 71 365 4324 Nick@captivatingafrica.com

I count myself to be fortunate in the sense that the bush has always been part of who I am today. My love for safari and the natural environment was initiated at an early age. Having spent a lot of my childhood growing up on a game reserve in Zimbabwe, the values and importance of the environment were instilled in me at a young age. I always knew that I would end up in the bush doing what I love. I often say that I have never worked a day in my life as I regard guiding and conservation as a way of life rather than a job. By spending time in different areas and countries throughout my career, I took the opportunity to gain unique knowledge and skill sets about animal behaviour as well as fauna and flora in various biomes across Africa. Once I had completed my education at the age of 19, I went straight into the lodge/safari industry. I started off in the Kalahari and was fortunate enough to call Tswalu home. This was an incredible reserve to kick start my career as it is a bespoke lodge that offers a unique biome and coaches one on various guiding and hosting skills. I then moved to the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, where I guided for two years before moving on to Singita, where I spent the majority of my lodge guiding career. I was initially at Singita Kruger National Park, followed by Singita Sabi Sand for eight years, where I grew to become a senior guide. I was fortunate that during this period, I got to experience and explore various properties in different countries, such as Singita Pamushana in Zimbabwe, which remains one of my favourite lodges. Botswana is another country that has made a dent in my heart, as it offers such unique and awe-inspiring experiences that one cannot help but love it. Following my time at Singita, my path was redirected to conservation as well as private guiding. I am proud to be heavily involved on the conservation front, working with several different species, from wild dogs and pangolins to larger species such as rhinos and elephants. Regarding the private guiding aspect, I am grateful that I can give my guests the experience of a lifetime and ensure that everyone is happy, laughing and getting the most out of their unique safari. I feel privileged in the sense that I am able to uplift a guest's experience and ensure that the memories from their safaris last a lifetime. Throughout my life, I have been fortunate to travel overseas to several countries. Aside from the travel experience, it has been a great opportunity to visit and reconnect with previous guests. This has allowed me to gain knowledge and insight about other countries. After my overseas travels, I can honestly say that I still get homesick for Africa as this is my home, and the bush is where my heart belongs. During my travels around the world, as well as in Africa, I have been exposed to a number of different cultures, religions, and ways of life. Travel is a great interest of mine, and I am continuously looking for new experiences to have, not only for myself but to share the natural wonders of our environment with my guests. PHOTOGRAPHY Photography has been a large part of my career, and it is something that I truly enjoy, not only for myself but for my guests. Capturing unique moments on a safari means my guests' memories will last a lifetime. During my lodge guiding career, I conducted several photographic safaris and was able to obtain a unique photographic skill set. Not only does this benefit me, but this skill set allows me to coach my guests through the various camera settings, ensuring they are able to make the most of their photography and understand their equipment. Post the safari, I edit and organize photos to create a personalized video for guests to cherish and bring back with them. Jonathan McCormick Cell: +27 76 040 9581 joffers18@gmail.com