Guiding with Purpose: Peter Gava, Zimbabwe Guide of the Year 2025

Born in Gweru, Zimbabwe, Peter spent his early years between his place of birth, Bulawayo, and the villages of Gokwe and Gwanda. From a young age, he was drawn to wildlife and the natural world – fascinated not only by large animals, but by the smaller ones too. That curiosity quietly set the direction of his life.

He began his career teaching Environmental Science, before spending many years working with Zimbabwe’s Department of National Parks Terrestrial Research, where he developed a deep understanding of ecosystems and animal behaviour. A scholarship later took him to the College of African Wildlife Management in Tanzania, where he earned a Diploma in Wildlife Management. Returning home, he completed Zimbabwe’s demanding professional proficiency tests to qualify as a Professional Guide.

Since then, Peter has guided across Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Rwanda, building a reputation for calm leadership, depth of knowledge, and an instinctive ability to read both landscapes and people.

Peter’s influence extends well beyond Hwange. As a respected mentor and trainer, he has played a key role in developing the next generation of guides, including during a secondment to Wilderness Magashi in Rwanda’s Akagera National Park, where he served as Senior Guide and Trainer.

Alongside guiding guests, he focused on training junior Rwandan guides, helping them develop confidence, technical skill, and professional discipline. For Peter, mentorship is about far more than knowledge alone. “Patience, perseverance, humility, and prudence”, he says, are essential qualities to pass on.

“Our motto is to pass on the stick to the next generation”, he explains, “so the gene of Wilderness guiding excellence is passed on to generations – and generations to follow”. His experience, he believes, only has value if it inspires others.

After decades in the bush, Peter’s motivation remains rooted in people. “Just the feeling of getting up early in the morning, packing my guiding equipment and meeting excited, fired-up guests stimulates my conscience”, he says. “Their questions are like lubricant – helping deliver satisfaction and a memorable safari”.

Whether guiding on foot or by vehicle, he carries the responsibility of leading guests through what is often a lifetime dream – a responsibility that continues to inspire him every day.

“A Wilderness guide believes in Wilderness culture”, Peter explains – a culture grounded in being genuine, professional, ethical, humble, and real. Representing the company, one’s country, and the African continent with diligence is central to that identity. “A Wilderness guide genuinely feels part of the Wilderness family”, he adds. “I once left, but I came back to Wilderness to stay. Proudly Wilderness”.