Mark Montgomery and Andrew Booth met on trail in 2019. Mark was the guide, and Andrew was the trailist. As the trail went on, Andrew realised that he wanted to become a trail guide to open up the transformative experience of being on trail to people who also need it.
It would take Andrew almost 4 years to make this dream a reality, but by the end of it he had attained his FGASA and lead rifle qualification. WildSide Trails and Training was founded in January 2023 by Andrew and Mark, and with the dedicated nurturing of Andrew and the support and guidance of Mark grew into a trail company with a uniquely wild trail offering.
In July 2024 Mark could see that Andrew had received enough of his guidance and support to make a success of WildSide. He left WildSide to pursue guiding in his private capacity and continues to train and mentor the next generation of guides.
The student has become the teacher and Andrew’s unique approach to taking people into Africa’s wild places was used to establish WildSide’s footprint in the area.
It’s becoming increasingly difficult to find real connection—both with the natural world and with the people around you. The noise of modern life has a way of following you everywhere. We see our trails as an antidote to that.
At WildSide, we use movement through wild spaces to strip things back. Walking in Big 5 country, carrying what you need, living simply for a few days—this is where perspective shifts. There are no shortcuts to it. You slow down, you pay attention, and over time, something settles.
Our approach is flexible, but the intent remains the same. You choose how you want to move through the experience—how many days, where, and how simply you want to live while you’re out there. Groups are kept small, between 6 and 8 people, to protect the integrity of the space and the experience itself.
From there, it’s a conversation. No overcomplication—just reach out, and we’ll shape something that fits.This is about being present. Dealing with what’s in front of you. Letting the wild do what it has always done. We create the space—nature does the rest.
The core of Wildside’s story is sharing wild African Trails with those who want to experience them. Let's engage so that we can show you the possibilities of what’s out there and what will suit you and your group the best.
