Phalaborwa safari guide inspires love for African wilderness
LIMPOPO – Elias Shai's heart beats loudest in the African wilderness. Shai, the safari guide and founder of Shane Royal Safaris, has spent the last 20 years turning unforgettable safari experiences into lifelong memories for visitors from across the globe.
He has made a name for himself in the ecotourism industry by turning routine game drives into animal encounters that people will never forget. Today, he is not just guiding tourists but inspiring a new generation to see the wild with wonder and care.
'Guiding is more than just showing animals to tourists. It is about connecting with people, protecting nature, and sharing knowledge about the wild,' he said.
He holds a BA degree in administration from the University of Venda and never imagined that his future would lie deep in the African bush.
'I never got a job in my field of study. That led me to pursue opportunities in the hospitality industry, where I eventually worked at a lodge. I found myself fascinated by the guests' safari stories, and it made me fall in love with guiding,' he explained.
In 2005, he qualified as a professional tour guide specialising in birds and mammals. However, he is not only an expert in that, but a passionate educator, helping tourists understand and appreciate South Africa's rich wildlife heritage.
Moreover, in 2020, he launched his company to educate and share the love for wildlife.'We are here to create environmental awareness. A responsible guide ensures that guests respect nature by not polluting and protecting the animals. We must protect this ecosystem,' said Shai.
He also mentioned that strong interpersonal skills are required to become a successful safari guide. 'If you have strong interpersonal skills, a love for nature, and the ability to share knowledge entertainingly, then you can truly give your guests the best experience of their lives,' he added.
Over the years, Shai said that he has witnessed some of nature's most thrilling moments: lions taking down buffalo, leopards hunting baby impalas, and even a crocodile ambushing a porcupine, which he described as an unusual and unforgettable sight.
However, even after 20 years of his experience, it is still difficult to see some animals. 'The brown hyena and the pangolin are the most difficult to find. Only the spotted and striped hyena can be easily seen,' he stated.
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