A South African author, field guide, and illustrator with a lifelong passion for nature. Blending her artistic talent with years of field experience, she created Pathfinder an easy-to-use, diagram-rich guide that simplifies the complexities of wildlife and ecology. Now in its 6th edition, the book has sold thousands of copies worldwide, inspiring guides, students, and nature enthusiasts alike.
From an early age, Janesta dreamed of working with animals.
She began sketching wildlife as a child and by high school was already immersed in the natural world, working at the Transvaal Snake Park. After matric, she stayed on at the park for two more years, gaining invaluable hands-on experience.
Her creative spirit led her to study Commercial Art and Advertising, earning a diploma in the early 1990s, followed by further studies in Architecture and Draughting, which she completed in 2000. Yet it was her lifelong love of the bush that ultimately shaped her path.
In 2004, Janesta completed a game ranger course at Moholoholo in Hoedspruit, igniting her passion for guiding and conservation. Two years later she formally began field guide training, later freelancing for Limpopo Field Guiding Academy for eight years, where she specialised in birding.
Determined and dedicated, she also earned her Professional Tracker qualification, an achievement that required persistence and resilience. During this time, Janesta’s artistic talent merged with her guiding knowledge. She began sketching the many diagrams and illustrations needed for study and training. Encouraged by her husband, she compiled them into what would become Pathfinder a practical, beautifully illustrated guide to South African wildlife. After years of effort, the first edition was printed in 2016.
Today, Pathfinder is in its 6th edition (2025), with more than 5800 copies sold worldwide. Janesta continues to sketch, gather diagrams, and expand her work, driven by the belief that nature is endless and there is always more to learn. She and Willy, her husband of 43 years, spend much of their time travelling through South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana always with camera and binoculars at hand. Together they share the joy of family with their two children and two grandchildren.
Embark on a transformative adventure that will empower you to become the best version of yourself.
