Meet Your Mjejane Game Ranger: Renè van der Merwe

Rene van der Merwe Game Ranger Mjejane Game Reserve South Africa

René van der Merwe

Why did you decide to become a game ranger and how did you get into it?

First off, when I was young I started to come with my mother to Kruger as she was staying this side for work. So with school holidays when I visited we would always come. Over the years I started to fall in love with nature. After school I studied Hospitality in Tourism sector but after completion I couldn't find a job because they require experience when they want to hire you and I didn't have much yet.

Then a friend introduced me to this part if of the Tourism sector that I didn't fully know. When I saw what he did and how it's done I knew this was something that I would love to do, being out in nature everyday. Shortly after, I went for the courses and got started. From where I started until now, I still love and enjoy it.

What is the best part of your profession?

The best part is being out everyday in nature surrounded by all the animals and all nature sounds.

Why did you decide to become a game ranger and how did you get into it?

First off, when I was young I started to come with my mother to Kruger as she was staying this side for work. So with school holidays when I visited we would always come. Over the years I started to fall in love with nature. After school I studied Hospitality in Tourism sector but after completion I couldn't find a job because they require experience when they want to hire you and I didn't have much yet.

Then a friend introduced me to this part if of the Tourism sector that I didn't fully know. When I saw what he did and how it's done I knew this was something that I would love to do, being out in nature everyday. Shortly after, I went for the courses and got started. From where I started until now, I still love and enjoy it.

What is the best part of your profession?

The best part is being out everyday in nature surrounded by all the animals and all nature sounds.

...and the most challenging part?

Sometimes it is challenging if the animals decide to hide out on you!

Any interesting stories from your game drives that you would like to share?

Once, I was viewing a breeding herd of elephants with my guests. Peacefully enjoying, then in the distance I spotted a big bull elephant in musth attracted by the females. We were still standing and observing as he came closer. I told my guest's they had to be silent and not move. He stopped half a metre away from my vehicle, gave us a look, shaked his head wanting to attack but I calmy talked him away. He went off and joined the females. My guest's where very nervous and quiet. Then we left, with my whole body shaking.

Favourite destination in Mjejane and Kruger?

I love driving and stopping next to the river on Mjejane Game Reserve and in Kruger I love Lower Sabie and Sunset Dam.

What sets Jacana River Lodge apart from others?

It's a different 'family house' situated on the river, catering for kids too.

How do you handle a challenging wildlife encounter?

Calmly and clear minded.

What is your idea of the perfect game drive?

Seeing what you see with nature around you and enjoying a drink next to river being it morning or afternoon.

What is the best way to view the animals in your opinion, at Mjejane?

Going on a drive and spending some time with the animals and observing what they do and how they react in different scenes with each other, and opponents.

Meet Your Mjejane Game Ranger: Renè van der Merwe

Meet Your Mjejane Game Ranger: Renè van der Merwe

Why did you decide to become a game ranger and how did you get into it?

What is the best part of your profession?

Why did you decide to become a game ranger and how did you get into it?

What is the best part of your profession?

...and the most challenging part?

Any interesting stories from your game drives that you would like to share?

Favourite destination in Mjejane and Kruger?

What sets Jacana River Lodge apart from others?

How do you handle a challenging wildlife encounter?

What is your idea of the perfect game drive?

What is the best way to view the animals in your opinion, at Mjejane?

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