Tayla McCurdy

Born in Port Elizabeth on South Africa’s beautiful southeast coast, Tayla grew up surrounded by nature, with frequent safari holidays sparking her passion for the African wilderness. This love for wildlife led her to begin her career as a Field Guide at Kariega Game Reserve in South Africa.

Tayla’s career took her to Zambia, where she managed Anabezi Camp in the Lower Zambezi National Park, a region she remains deeply connected to. Upon returning to South Africa, she worked as a guide at the prestigious Earth Lodge in Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve, a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World, where she honed her skills in luxury safari guiding and conservation.

In addition to her guiding work, Tayla has trained guides at Ishara in Kenya and at Leopard Trails in Sri Lanka, passing on her extensive knowledge to the next generation of field guides through safari guide training. For nearly six years, she worked as a safari specialist and private guide, crafting bespoke safari experiences across Africa with a focus on ethical wildlife practices.

Tayla has also worked as a wildlife presenter for WildEarth during the company’s collaboration with Nat Geo Wild, sharing Africa’s incredible wildlife with a global audience. She co-hosted the series Ranger Exchange with Coyote Petersen of Brave Wilderness, showcasing the skills and insights of safari guides across the continent.

Her passion for ethical safaris, conservation and mentorship continues to drive her work, as she strives to create transformative wildlife experiences while ensuring the long-term preservation of Africa’s wild spaces.