Fred Sirieix has revealed how a safari guide saved his life after the First Dates star found himself caught between an elephant and two rhinos during a terrifying bushwalk in South Africa.
The TV favourite opened up about the frightening encounter as he explained why he chose guide Ernie to receive his Hospitality Hero Award in his new Channel 4 series, Fred's Ultimate Hotels.
Behind the scenes of luxury hotels
The brand new travel series sees Fred journey around the world in search of extraordinary hotels, going behind the scenes at some of the most luxurious and unusual destinations. Rather than simply showcasing lavish rooms and spectacular locations, the programme focuses on the people who make the hospitality industry special, with Fred meeting staff and discovering the stories, food and experiences that set each hotel apart.
The series also sees Fred put the spotlight on the individuals who go above and beyond for their guests, with his Hospitality Hero Award recognising people who have made a lasting impression on him during his travels.
The terrifying safari encounter
One of those people was Ernie, who Fred credits with keeping him and the rest of the group safe during their safari experience. Fred had been staying at The Royal Madikwe Lodge, a luxury retreat close to the border between South Africa and Botswana, where he took part in a range of wildlife and hospitality experiences.
But it was during a walking safari that the trip suddenly became potentially life-threatening.
“Well, we went on a bush walk, and basically what happened is we got sandwiched between one elephant and two rhinos,” Fred explained. “It’s not a good place to be, let me tell you that.”
The presenter said the situation demonstrated just how important the knowledge and experience of safari guides can be when dealing with wild animals. He explained that animals such as elephants and rhinos are territorial and can react aggressively when they feel threatened or when humans enter their space.
Guide Ernie's heroics
“Anyway, Ernie came into his own, the guide, because it's all about their training and knowing how to read an animal,” Fred said. “They don't want you there, the animals, they don't think that you should be there and they are very territorial. So if you're in front of the water or there or whatever, they just charge.”
According to Fred, Ernie managed to scare the animals away without using a firearm. “So he managed to scare them. Without using a gun or anything, just his arms and whatever he was doing, and they left,” he recalled.
The experience clearly stayed with Fred, who became emotional when remembering the moment Ernie received his award. “Ernie in South Africa - the guy who saved my life in the bushwalk, where we had the near miss,” he said. “He was crying like a baby. He’s a mountain of a man, strong like an elephant, the heart of an elephant, he was crying, big tears, it was beautiful.”
Fred's South African adventure is just one part of Fred's Ultimate Hotels, which promises to combine luxury travel with the human stories behind the hospitality industry. Fred's Ultimate Hotels airs on Channel 4 on Monday, August 31 at 8pm.
