Like all &Beyond bush guides, Dylan Davies completed a demanding training program designed to prepare him for life in the African wilderness. The first phase, held at Phinda in South Africa, lasted six consecutive weeks with no days off. “If you have what it takes, you’re placed in one of the lodges,” Dylan recalls. This intensive foundation builds endurance, observation and practical field skills.
The second phase focused on competency assessments, including driving and firearm handling, and involved accompanying a senior guide on guided walks. During these supervised excursions, Dylan encountered leopards, elephants and lions in Ngala’s bush — close, controlled experiences that teach respect for wildlife and situational awareness. These guided exposures are essential for developing judgment and confidence before more independent tasks.
Following the supervised component, Dylan completed a 10-day solo walk across Ngala’s property. Unarmed and carrying only a radio, water and modest provisions, he relied entirely on his senses and training. “You learn to deal with animals on foot. You start hearing, smelling and seeing things you haven’t before. You become in tune with the bush,” he says. Extended unarmed walks hone subtle skills: reading tracks, noticing scents, interpreting sounds and recognizing changes in the environment.
The true value of walking unarmed is learning to manage situations without defaulting to force. “When you walk with a rifle, if push comes to shove, you can kill with an accurate shot. If unarmed, you’re more likely to listen to hear a branch breaking. You notice the dung. If you have only your wits and self to protect you, you’ll do it a whole lot safer; with a rifle, you might take chances.” In other words, the lack of a weapon encourages heightened awareness, patience and safer decision-making.
Overall, Dylan’s training combined rigorous physical conditioning, technical skills and deep field experience. The progression from intensive lodge-based instruction to guided exposure and finally to solo walking creates guides who are not only competent with equipment but profoundly attuned to the bush. This layered approach develops the judgment and humility needed to protect both guests and wildlife while delivering meaningful, responsible safari experiences.