Who in the World is Benson Siyawareva?

You may remember him from 2004 as the Pro-Guide on The Today Show’s “Where in the World is Matt Lauer” but nine years later Benson Siyawareva has risen to the top as one of the top 15 Legendary Guides on Condé Nast Traveler’s 25 Best Safari Guide List. As a favored group leader for Road Scholar participants, we couldn’t agree more with Benson’s well-deserved placement on this esteemed list.

Benson has led numerous Road Scholar adventures to Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia, and is an expert at providing participants with the thrill of spotting an array of wildlife, especially the majestic Big Five. Born in the remote village of Zaka in southern Zimbabwe, Benson’s love of nature started when he joined Boy Scouts, where he experienced camping, wildlife tracking and viewing. Now after 20+ years of experience in professional guiding and tracking, Benson has an uncanny ability to read the bush and continuously does everything he can to conserve Africa’s wildlife believing that “the education of African children is key to the salvation of the wilderness.” It is the combination of Benson’s excellent tracking skills, spectacular humor and personality, and his unparalleled enthusiasm for wildlife conservation that make safaris with him one of a kind. Take it from a Road Scholar participant who recently had Benson as their group leader and stated, “Benson was remarkable on every level. He was endlessly energetic, motivating, reassuring, and knowledgeable. I was stunned by his level of expertise combined with his warmth and interest in us travelers. A rare bird, this man.”

Interested in going on a safari with the talented Benson Siyawareva? He is slated to be the group leader on several Road Scholar programs in 2014, and starting in October 2014 Benson will be leading a brand-new Road Scholar program, #21528 Spectacular Southern African Birding Safari: South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe & Botswana Yeah, he’s a bird whiz too! Contact Elise Day at Road Scholar for more information or to find out which programs Benson is leading: elise@exploreinc.com.

Condé Nast Traveler’s 25 Best Safari Guides