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Chobe National Park, in Botswana’s northeast corner, is famous for having the highest concentration of elephants in Africa. But its safari o ering also stands out for another reason: Chobe Game Lodge, the only permanent lodge within the park, is home to Africa’s first all-female guiding team, established with Florence Kagiso in the mid2000s, known as Chobe’s Angels.

What first sparked your interest in the natural world?

I grew up among wildlife, in the Okavango Delta. My mother and grandmother taught me to live with animals peacefully, and to respect and appreciate nature. I remember learning to stay downwind from elephants, to avoid detection and confrontation.

What obstacles did you face in the early stages of your guiding career?

I started back in 2004, when it was an entirely male-dominated industry. During training, the men said: “Ladies should do something else, women can’t do this!” I was scared that maybe they were right. But I soon realised that women can do it.

At first, I always had to do better than the men: find more animals, know more facts, change a tyre faster. But now, in our all-female team, we work together: there’s not so much pressure to prove yourself.

Do you find guests have preconceived ideas about safari guides?

Some of the guests expect the guides to be strong, confident men. So when a lady picks them up, they o“en think you’re just a transfer driver.

As soon as they see you can do your job well, they feel comfortable. It’s important to have confidence in your guide, and for us to have confidence in ourselves.

In Botswana, do safari companies help women juggle their career and their family responsibilities?

Here in the lodge, we have strong women making the decisions and we’re very successful. We need that everywhere. When women are empowered and earning, they invest this back into their communities much more than men. There’s no hunger, there’s no struggle.