George is something of a local hero. Born and raised in the village of Mugurameno, some 40km upstream of Chongwe, he started his tourism career as a canoe guide before moving to Chongwe River Camp, where he has been since 1998.

Passionate about the safari industry, George completed his guide’s qualifications at Chongwe and steadily climbed the ranks, becoming Head Safari Guide in 2009.

“I always wanted to be a guide, and am proud to be a custodian of nature,” says George. “This beautiful place is not only my home, it is my classroom, because in this profession you never stop learning.”