Meet the Guides at RiverBend

Jed Bird

After joining RiverBend Lodge in 2005, Jed's incredible knowledge and passion for nature has ensured that he sets high standards for the rest of the team. Jed's quote to success in life is "don't let your dreams be dreams". He has a great passion for birding as well as photography - they don't call him mister Bird for nothing! Jed's favourite animal and absolute passion in life is black rhino. Jed is also involved with researching these incredible animals in the Addo, so if one would specifically like to learn more about these charismatic animals, Jed will be more than willing to share his passion with you. Jed has after almost 4 years of guiding at RiverBend, taken the position of Reserve Manager at the Intsomi Reserve, RiverBend's Private Game Reserve and is now focusing his efforts more towards Wildlife Management, yet can still be requested to be your guide. Jed is also involved with keeping the other guides on their toes and assists with training of new guides.

Charl Gammelin

After completing his training at the Bush Academy, Charl obtained a lot of experience while working at other reserves around the country. He then joined us here at RiverBend where he has been a driving force, filling the rest of the guides with enthusiasm and passion. He has an unrivaled passion for snakes as well as the night skies, topics on which he is always willing to explain and if the chance arises, to demonstrate.  Charl also has a sense of humor that is as big as he is.

Justin Davies

While studying game ranch management at the NMMU, Justin helped out with the running of our private game reserve Intsomi. On completion of his course he joined us at RiverBend as a guide to establish himself as a full-time guide at RiverBend.  He is a humble person with an unmistakable passion for the bush and a great knowledge that he loves to share. Justin is fluent in Xhosa which makes him an integral part of the RiverBend team.  Being raised on a farm in the Addo area he understands the local people and their culture. It is truly a pleasure be out in the bush with Justin as you can learn so much in a very short period of time.

David Parker

Growing up in Namibia, David was exposed to wildlife from a young age.  After spending two summers in the USA as summer camp counselor, his love for people and nature grew and he decided to study a 2-year course in Game Ranging and Lodge Management, with field courses in the Kruger and Selati Game Reserves.

David started his career as a guide working in a private reserve adjacent to the Kruger Park.  His manner with people, especially children is outstanding and any trip into the bush with David is always filled with excitement and excellent knowledge that leaves you with a deepened understanding of all that dwells here at RiverBend.

Chris Stamper

After joining RiverBend as a freelance guide for a few weeks, Chris was captured by the exquisite beauty of the Eastern Cape, with the Addo Elephant National Park in particular and all it had to offer.  He decided to join the guiding team at RiverBend and now heads the department, whilst continously sharing his unquestionable knowledge and enthusiasm with his fellow guides.

Chris grew up in a nature-loving family, which unveiled his love for the outdoors.  After University he decided to move out of the city and into the bush, where he has spent the last eight years guiding in a private game reserve adjacent to the Kruger National Park.  Over the years Chris has built up an understanding of nature that will keep you captivated as he imparts his knowledge with guests here at RiverBend.

Mike Cowie

Mike started off in the hospitality industry and ended up studying International Hotel Management for 2 years.  He did his in-service training at a local game reserve. Mike decided to follow one of his passions - learning about our natural beauty and wonders that Mother Nature has to offer.  He then studied Field Guiding on a 1 yr intense training course and started guiding full-time in 2006.

His interests lie in birding, looking for insects and spending more time on the smaller things often overlooked.  He loves being out in the bush.

Mike lives by his motto:  "Rather try and fail than fail to try at all."