WISE Executive Summary 2023–2025
Over the past two years, Women in Safari Excellence (WISE) has continued to blossom into a powerful, supportive, and deeply connected community for women across guiding, conservation, hospitality, and lodge operations. From November 2023 to December 2025, WISE strengthened its presence, expanded its reach, and created meaningful opportunities for women to grow, lead, and shine.
This period has been defined by connection, courage, and collective upliftment — the very heart of WISE.
A Stronger Voice in the Safari Industry
WISE proudly maintained its partnership with the Safari Guide of the Year (SGOTY) competition for the third consecutive year. By sponsoring the Second Runner-Up Prize and offering mentorship and visibility to female guides, WISE helped amplify women’s voices in a field where they have historically been underrepresented.
Representation across provinces ensured that women from diverse backgrounds were seen, heard, and celebrated.
Summits That Sparked Connection & Community
The 2023 and 2024 WISE Summits — along with the 2025 AGM Gathering — became anchor points for women seeking community, inspiration, and renewal.
These gatherings featured:
- Bush walks
- Conservation talks
- Team-building activities
- Reflection and wellness sessions
Each event reinforced the WISE mission: to uplift, empower, and connect women who are shaping the future of the safari and conservation industries.
The Launch of WISE Connect — A Global Sisterhood
2025 marked a major milestone with the launch of WISE Connect, a virtual platform designed to unite women across borders. With participants joining from South Africa, Kenya, Rwanda, Hawaii, and beyond, WISE Connect quickly became a safe and supportive space for:
- Mentorship
- Leadership development
- Shared learning
- International collaboration
Four online sessions, each featuring expert guest speakers, helped women feel less isolated and more inspired.
Local Impact Through Community Gatherings
The WISE Connect Hoedspruit event brought together guides, lodge staff, trackers, conservationists, and anti-poaching teams — including the Black Mambas and K9 Colbec.
The gathering was filled with powerful storytelling, shared experiences, and heartfelt connection. WISE also made donations to the K9 unit, reinforcing its commitment to supporting the broader conservation community.
Growing Membership & Expanding Visibility
WISE experienced a noticeable rise in membership applications, especially following strong social media engagement during Women’s Month and SGOTY coverage.
Across Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook, WISE highlighted:
- Women’s achievements
- Conservation stories
- Mental health awareness
- Industry insights
This visibility helped WISE reach new audiences and inspire more women to join the movement.
Eastern Cape Period Poverty Drive
During the Wild Women Wind-Down gathering, the Eastern Cape team hosted a small but meaningful Period Poverty Awareness & Donation Drive. The response from the community was warm and generous, with a collection of sanitary products that will be distributed ahead of the 2026 school year once the most suitable beneficiary school or organisation has been identified.
This initiative quietly reflects WISE’s ongoing commitment to dignity, education, and supporting young girls in our communities.
Beneficiary Impact
Across the reporting period, WISE supported a wide and diverse community of women and partners, including SGOTY contestants, WISE members and applicants, early‑career guides, lodge and hospitality professionals, anti‑poaching units, and international participants through WISE Connect.
The overall impact has been significant:
- Increased confidence and visibility for women
- Expanded access to mentorship and skills development
- Stronger networks locally and globally
- Greater recognition of women’s leadership in safari and conservation
Looking Ahead
WISE continues to grow as a platform of excellence, empowerment, and community — championing women who shape the future of guiding, conservation, and hospitality. As the quote reminds us:
“And gradually you’ll bloom. For — it takes time for a flower to bloom.” — Mairaj Fatima
WISE is blooming — and so are the women who make this community extraordinary.
Finally, our heartfelt thanks to every woman, partner, and supporter who has contributed to WISE over the past two years. Your time, energy, and belief in this community have created something truly meaningful. WISE thrives because of the collective strength, generosity, and courage of the women who continue to uplift one another.
Wishing you and yours a wonderful and blessed Festive Season! The future is a blank canvas, brimming with infinite possibilities. Let’s step into 2026 with courage, kindness, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Until then, be kind to yourself, live with passion, and never forget the strength that lies within your own story.
With love,
Candice
Candice Pretorius (Wise Secretary)
