Exploring Africa’s Wildlife Wonders with Rich de Gouveia
Rich guiding in Africa with Sabi Sabi
Episode 171 - Exploring Africa’s Wildlife Wonders with Rich de Gouveia – A Guide’s Journey
My 171st guest episode on the Winging It Travel Podcast is with Richard de Gouveia, a safari guide, photographer, private guide, conservation advocate and founder of Arc Earth Travel.
Africa is a land of awe-inspiring landscapes, incredible wildlife, and rich cultures.
In this blog, we’ll explore an insightful conversation with Rich de Gouvia, founder of Arc Earth Travel, a passionate safari guide, photographer, and conservation advocate.
Rich's journey, insights into African travel, and his work in sustainable tourism provide a valuable guide for anyone dreaming of exploring the continent.
Rich takes us on a journey through his fascinating life, from growing up in South Africa and his early love for nature to his transition from the corporate world to becoming a ranger and safari guide, eventually founding his own travel company.
This is one of the most inspiring conversations you will find on travel and Africa specifically, click the links below to hear the full conversation on the Winging It Travel Podcast with the Voyascape Network.
Otherwise, let’s dive into a few topics!
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Checking out Tikal, a pretty muggy walk.
Rich’s Journey to Becoming a Safari Guide
Rich de Gouvia’s path to becoming a guide is as inspiring as the safaris he leads.
Growing up in South Africa, he was surrounded by nature and developed a deep connection with wildlife.
However, his early years followed a more conventional route, pursuing a corporate career.
A turning point came when he realized his true calling lay in conservation and guiding.
Leaving behind a stable life in the city, Rich embarked on a six-month training course to become a ranger.
He traded his modern comforts for shared accommodations and days spent learning about nature, guiding, and wildlife photography.
His passion and commitment soon turned into a fulfilling career.
From working in private reserves to starting Arc Earth Travel, Rich has dedicated his life to helping people connect with nature and understand the importance of conservation.
How to Travel in Africa: Tips and Insights
Traveling in Africa is often viewed as daunting, but Rich breaks down the misconceptions and highlights how accessible and rewarding it can be.
The continent is vast and diverse, with each country offering unique experiences.
Whether you’re planning a luxury safari or an adventurous trek, preparation and understanding are key.
Rich emphasizes the importance of safety and research. For example, while certain regions may have instability, neighboring countries can be incredibly safe and welcoming.
Partnering with experienced guides and companies like Arc Earth Travel ensures your trip is well-planned, stress-free, and tailored to your preferences.
Additionally, Rich highlights the importance of respecting local cultures and supporting conservation efforts during your travels.
By doing so, you not only enhance your experience but also contribute positively to the environment and local communities.
A Breakdown of African Countries and Their Unique Offerings
Africa’s diversity is one of its greatest strengths, and each country offers something distinct for travelers:
South Africa
Known as an ideal destination for first-time safari-goers, South Africa boasts world-class reserves like Kruger National Park. The ease of travel, excellent infrastructure, and a mix of wildlife and cultural experiences make it an excellent choice. Cape Town’s wine regions and coastal beauty add an extra layer of appeal.
Botswana
Botswana’s pristine wilderness is unparalleled. The Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a haven for wildlife and offers unique water-based safaris. With fewer tourists and a focus on low-impact tourism, Botswana is perfect for those seeking exclusivity and serenity.
Kenya and Tanzania
These two countries are synonymous with the Great Migration, a bucket-list experience for wildlife enthusiasts. While the migration is a spectacle, Rich warns about potential overcrowding and emphasizes the importance of experienced guides to navigate these bustling parks.
Rwanda and Uganda
The ultimate destinations for gorilla trekking, Rwanda and Uganda offer life-changing encounters with mountain gorillas. Rwanda’s clean and safe environment, coupled with its conservation success stories, makes it a standout destination.
Namibia
Namibia’s stark desert landscapes, including the iconic Sossusvlei dunes, make it a photographer’s dream. The country also offers exceptional opportunities to see desert-adapted wildlife and experience a quieter, more remote safari.
Zambia
Known for its walking safaris, Zambia provides a more immersive and adventurous experience. It’s a perfect destination for travelers looking to explore on foot and connect with nature on a deeper level.
Arc Earth Website
The Value of Arc Earth Travel and Rich’s Expertise
Arc Earth Travel stands out for its focus on personalized and conservation-driven safaris.
Rich and his team specialize in creating bespoke travel experiences that align with their core values: Authenticity, Responsibility, and Connection.
Rich’s expertise as a private guide adds immense value to any safari.
He not only plans every detail of your trip but also accompanies you to ensure a seamless and enriching experience.
Whether it’s teaching photography, sharing fascinating insights about wildlife, or helping guests feel at ease, Rich goes above and beyond to make every journey memorable.
Arc Earth Travel also integrates conservation activities into their itineraries, such as rhino de-horning projects or supporting local wildlife initiatives.
This approach ensures travelers leave not just with incredible memories but also with a sense of contributing to the preservation of Africa’s wildlife.
Rich's photography website
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Who is Richard de Gouveia?
His passion was the South African bush, nature, eco training and anything conservation related. His gut told him to cut ties and follow his passion. He quit his job, left his financial security behind for a life of passion in the African bush. After his formal ranger training, Richard spent 6 months working close to the Kruger National Park. After starting at the very bottom of the ladder, from digging holes to find leaks in sewage pipes, Richard found a dream job at the eponymous Sabi Sabi Game Lodge in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve.
It was here that Richard met the beautiful and bubbly Jenna (his now wife) who also is immersed in the tourism industry. Richard and Jen are parents to 2 little boys, Josh and Stevie, who are quickly learning to love the bush – just like their parents.
My Story
I started out my career as an environmental consultant, conducting environmental impact assessments for various companies. I had always been drawn to the bush and eventually, in 2009, decided to change direction and pursue a career in guiding.
I completed a 6 month live-in safari course with Bushwise and went to work at a lodge in the Kruger National Park for a year before moving on to Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve for the next 5 years.
My passion for the bush extends way past just viewing the animals and is cemented in exploring the connection between the living and non-living elements of the bush. My favourite bushveld creature is without doubt the leopard, followed closely by the termite – which can only be understood after listening to my in-depth explanation of both species.
My love of the bush is matched by my interest in photography and as a former Nikon Ambassador and now I am proudly a Sony Alpha Ambassador, I really want my guests to enjoy taking photos and help them make the most of their camera equipment. It is my goal to have guests leave with a deeper appreciation of all aspects of the bushveld, as well as with memorable photos of their time on safari.
I have spent the last 7 years guiding privately around Africa, seeing some of the most incredible places and experiencing some of the best wildlife activities on the continent. From the gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda, to the lemurs of Madagascar, each place brings with it its own majesty. Freelancing for Natural Habitat Adventures has allowed me to grow as a guide and photographer and I am now the director of and guide for Numinosity, a company specialising in privately guided safaris around the world.
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