Like all &Beyond bush guides, Dylan Davies went through a rigorous training program. The first phase took place at Phinda, South Africa, and lasted six consecutive weeks without a day off. “If you have what it takes, you’re placed in one of the lodges,” Dylan says. The second phase included competency assessments in driving and shooting as well as accompanying a senior guide on exposure walks. On these, Dylan was introduced to leopards, elephants and lions in Ngala’s bush. After that, he spent 10 days walking Ngala’s property on his own — unarmed and carrying only a radio, water and some food. “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. The value of the walks is that you learn to deal with situations. “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.”