At the young, impressionable age of seven, it was one particular private safari in South Africa’s Sabi Sand Game Reserve that sparked Roan’s lifelong passion for wildlife. On the final morning of their family adventure, their guide, Ian, asked if Roan would like to help him with the tracking. Without hesitation, Roan scrambled into the tracker’s seat and those 30 minutes, pointing out every animal he could see, changed his life forever.
Over the years, Roan’s father would ask him what he intended to study after high school. His answer never changed: Roan wanted to become a game ranger. And so, a father/son deal was made. Roan’s father committed to supporting Roan through a university degree of his choice, and following graduation, Roan could pursue career of his dreams, whatever that may be.
Roan completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Geographical Sciences at the University of Cape Town and during his study breaks, he completed as many wildlife courses as possible. In 2014, Roan joined &Beyond’s Inkwazi Ranger Training School at &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve and upon graduation, joined the &Beyond Ngala Private Game Reserve guiding team.
&Beyond Ngala is home to Roan and it is here that he truly discovered his passion for animal behaviour and wildlife photography. He has explored every corner of the reserve and continues to authentically live his motto: love the life you live.
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