Eric Barnard

With five years of guiding experience and a natural flair for connection, Eric brings a refreshing blend of humour, warmth and curiosity to every safari. Trained to NQF4 level, he believes guiding is as much about sharing joy as it is about sharing knowledge. His approach is relaxed yet attentive, often led by the mood of the bush and, if you ask him, the occasional quiet conversation with the animals themselves.

Eric joined WildEarth in 2024, inspired by the chance to reach a global audience and pass on a love of nature to both guests and future generations. One of his most cherished moments was meeting the leopard Tsipondo in September 2024, a quiet encounter that left a lasting impression.

Guests often remember Eric for his easy sense of humour and the light-hearted energy he brings to the drive. His favourite animal is the elephant, admired for their intelligence, deep social bonds and, as he puts it, their ability to “communicate with us if we take the time to listen.”

When he’s not guiding, you’ll likely find him out on the water, wakeboarding — another way he connects with nature, just at a different pace.