In 1994, Shaun and I (Bruce Taylor) started with a minibus, one itinerary and a huge amount of enthusiasm for travel in Africa. Today we are running more than 300 safaris each year on 29 different routes in 11 countries. We have a fleet of custom built safari trucks, offices in both South Africa and Botswana, and are a young, growing company with over 70 employees, all as enthusiastic and passionate about Africa as we are. Bruce Taylor Shaun Waring-Jones Sunway Safaris operates affordable, adventure tours and safaris for the young at heart. We specialise in holiday tours for small groups, whether you love camping or prefer to stay in lodges, throughout Southern Africa. Our travel experiences are filled with adventure, incredible wildlife, scenic beauty and cultural interactions. We work hard to make your adventure holiday dreams come true, leaving you with memories that’ll last a lifetime. Our itineraries have been perfected over 25 years of touring Southern Africa with an emphasis on “getting out and doing things”. We offer several easy to moderate walks, mokoro and canoe trails, dhow sailing, game drives, swimming and other activities throughout our range of exciting, small group African adventure tours. Sunway strives to provide you with a unique, in-depth experience of Southern Africa, whether you are a first time traveller or a veteran explorer. The Sunway team is confident of making your adventure holiday the enjoyable, fascinating and amazing experience that only Africa can provide. WHY CHOOSE SUNWAY? Why should you choose Sunway for your next African safari tour? We understand that there are several options available to you when booking your African safari. We also know that you want to make the most informed decision about your safari, what you get, what's included and what you see and experience. So these are just a few of the Sunway qualities and facts: small groups that welcome solo travellers, two experienced Sunway tour guides as crew, guaranteed departures, all inclusive prices, plus the fact that we’re based in Africa. Absolutely no one knows Southern African safari tours like us!
Every guide is trained, certified, and passionate about East African wildlife
Adolf VenternewI am a South African by birth and grew up in Rustenburg South Africa, the heart of the South African bushveld. I was first introduced to the great outdoors on my father’s game farm where I spent my time walking through the bush, fishing and climbing trees. My love for the outdoors grew from there and it has been with me ever since... motivating and inspiring me so much so that when I was 16 years old, I earned my first field guiding qualification. Once I had left university after studying Nature Life Management, I worked as a field guide at a game reserve in the bushveld. It was there that Sunway Safaris discovered me and soon after I started to guide their adventure safaris and I have been happy ever since! I spend most of my free time honing my culinary skills at home preparing dishes that I would normally prepare on tour and experimenting with new dishes to always keep my menus interesting and delicious.
Alois GumponewAlois grew up in a small wilderness town in the northern part of Zimbabwe. The town of Kariba, named for the famously huge Lake Kariba is a lively and well known tourist destination. Having been brought up in this town inspired him to be passionate about conservation and the protection of wildlife. As many Zimbabweans do, he longed to be involved in helping visitors to Africa experience the incredible continent that he calls home. He began his career in 2008 as a canoe guide on the mighty Zambezi River, just one of the many highlights of visiting Zimbabwe and Zambia. This mighty river offers many wonderful adventures to be had, not only with the mighty Victoria Falls, but all the way along the Zambezi valley as it flows towards Malawi. Alois is now a professional Sunway field guide and is often to be found travelling around different national parks and cultural social places, sharing his experiences and knowledge of his beautiful Africa. Besides his interest in wildlife he also enjoys socialising with people from different cultures, traditional backgrounds and from every corner of the world. Alois will always ask "What are you waiting for? Come along and join the most awesome journey of your lifetime... a safari in Africa!"
Annika SchimmelMy name is Annika Schimmel, I am from Delmenhorst, Germany and I am about to graduate with my Bachelor´s Degree in English and Geography from the University of Vechta, Germany. When I first came to South Africa in February 2011 to do an internship with a Game Reserve close to Rustenburg, I immediately fell in love with Africa, her people as well as flora and fauna. I love being in the bush just sitting quietly by a waterhole, waiting patiently for whatever might come to drink. Walking safaris are also a firm favourite because you see nature from a totally different perspective, up close and personal. Africa’s colourful people and their happiness fascinate me and I enjoy every single day that I spend with them, learning more about their cultures and traditions or just having a braai (or otherwise known as a barbeque, I’m picking up South African-isms quickly) with good friends. I started working for Sunway Safaris in June 2012 and I could not imagine any better job than guiding travelers through all the wonderful places all over Southern Africa. My goals on every tour are to make guests fall in love with Africa as much as I did, by sharing my passion, and to make sure that their experiences are unforgettable ones.
Brian Zunzanew1Brian tells us a little more about himself and why he decided to join Sunway Safaris. "My name is Brian Zunza,and I am 27 years old. I have been guiding for 4 years now and I became a guide because my main passion in life is wildlife and being in the bush. My other hobbies are playing soccer, photography, swimming and watching movies. Being able to be in the bush when I am on safari, has allowed me to work on my photographic skills and constantly improve them and I am always on the look for fantastic photo opportunities... I have been guiding for Sunway Safaris for the past year and love my work. I enjoy giving people from all over the world, the greatest African adventure of their lives and it a true honour to share my passion and experiences with them. My greatest wish is that they will love it as much as I do and I always hope to see them on another of my trips."
christopher-zChris was born in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe and nicknamed ‘animal’, for his love of wildlife! He spent 20 years of his life in the African bush and admits that he can more easily find his way in the bush than in the streets of towns! Whilst traveling through Southern Africa, he gained valuable knowledge of fauna, flora and all the different cultures in Southern Africa, he has been guiding tours for 17 years and is always ready to share this knowledge and his love for nature. He believes to always give his best in everything he does. Chris is interested in working within a multicultural environment and being in the bush ‘touching nature’. He encourages participation on tour and motivates those around him to conserve nature for the future generations. Chris is a wonderful person, always friendly and caring.
CloudMy name is Cloud Tshuma born in a place called Hwange, Zimbabwe. I went to School at Nechilibi High which is situated along the Hwange National Park . I finished my secondary level in 2007, because my parents could not afford to take me further with my studies I stayed home looking after my parents livestock in the bush until 2010. They decided to send me to South Africa. When I arrived in SA I worked as a Camp assistance at a private game lodge. Here I had the opportunity to study nature because we stayed on the property with the wild animals. I did my nature studies here. I progressed and achieved my guiding qualification and worked as a nature guide for 4 years. I then joined Sunway Safaris because of a diversity of experiences which the company offers as well as to expand my knowledge.
Edwin is another great Zimbabwean from Harare. After finishing high school he studied Tourism & Hospitality Management and worked for a number of hospitality establishments in Zimbabwe. Edwin has always been passionate about nature and while working in the hospitality industry he started looking for ways to stay within the tourism and hospitality industry but find work where the focus was on nature and conservation. Safari guiding was the natural progression in his career and brought him to work as a Safari guide doing photographic, horseback and canoeing safaris in private safari lodges. Still yearning for more and desiring further travel opportunities and knowledge, Edwin found his way to Sunway Safaris. Here all of his passions are met!
Farai BikausarunewMeet Farai Bikausaru - he is a proudly Zimbabwean-born, Southern Africa Field Guide. He grew up in the bustling tourist town of Kariba (onthe shores of the very famous Lake Kariba), surrounded by the beauty of nature and fabulous African landscapes. Farai studied for his Field Guide course in 2012 with the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority of Zimbabwe. Farai knew from childhood that he wanted to work in Field Guiding, being driven by the zeal to conserve, preserve and share Africa's beautiful wildlife, people and diverse culture. Not one to sit idly by, he is currently still studying towards his full professional course. He believes that the little things in life make all the difference and and this sparked his love of insects!
FaraiChigwadaI was born in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Cape Town, the Mother City. But, growing up my family and I travelled through several African countries and finally settled in Kariba, Zimbabwe. This is definitely where I caught the guiding bug! After my guides training I started out as a canoe guide where I spent many years. I then made my way back down to South Africa where I worked as a rafting guide, in both South Africa and Namibia. I’m always after a new challenge and so after a number of years as a rafting guide and found my way into the group safari industry. I began working as a cook for an overland company slowing increasing my knowledge and skill till I was finally made a tour leader and made my way to Sunway, small group travel. As a tour leader I could combine all my skills and passions. I love working with people, cooking and teaching about wildlife, environment and our African cultures. I love working at Sunway because the groups are small and I can really get to know our clients. This is important to me as I love sharing what Africa has to offer and learning from our clients at the same time.
I was born in England to a South African mother and to an English father and I used to come to South Africa every year to visit family and friends. This is how my love for the bush began. After finishing school in England I travelled extensively before realising that my heart belonged to Africa. I moved here permanently 12 years ago and studied through FGASA (Field Guides Association of Southern Africa), this is where my guiding career began. My passion is for the bush and this is where I feel truly happy. I previously guided in lodges for 10 years and loved it, however as I was only in one region at a time and I missed the traveling to far and varied places. Therefore I made the decision to join Sunway Safaris where I could combine my two passions, being guiding and traveling. Together it was a fantastic decision!! When I am not on tour I enjoy spending my time in the bush with friends and love nothing more than socialising around the braai.
Hi there, my name is Innocent Siajeya, born in a rural area of kariba called Mola, close to Matusadonda National Park, one of the animal rich national parks in Zimbabwe. My passion doe conservation of flora and fauna started showing at school. I was a emeber of PEAK (Programme for Environment Awareness Kariba). The club helped me to learn and understand more about wildlife and nature at large. I got my guiding licence in 2011 and worked under a professional guide as an apprentice and travelled around Zimbabwe doing game drives in different national parks. I had a passion to trvale around Africa, that is why today I am here at Sunway Safaris.
My name is lshmael Dube. l was born and bred in Zimbabwe in a small tourist town called Victoria Falls. Being raised in the Falls boosted my passion and love of nature. After completing my studies in nature, l started my career by joining a company called Dingani Tours as a guide. Realising that I have a need to expand my knowledge on the diverse culture across the globe, I joined mobile safari operator Sunway safaris.finally my dream came true..
Iton MagayanewIton Magaya is a fun loving guide, who enjoys lawn tennis and darts, as well as travelling and meeting new people. He is a Zimbabwean who is a natural comedian and he enjoys entertaining his groups with his great sense of humour and amusing stories. Iton is passionate about guiding and the goals he has of advancing his level of guiding certification. He is a very handy person and is often nicknamed “Magyver” - one of his favorite TV characters besides Bill Cosby. Iton loves being a Sunway guide and looks forward to every tour where he can introduce people from all over the world to his beloved Africa. CAPE TO VIC GRAND EXPLORER : "Iton was a great all rounder, with a brilliant knowledge of the cultures, flora and fauna." Rob and Lyn, Australia
Jacques Van Der MerweMy name is Jacques I am from a small town called Hoedspruit in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. I lived in Hoedspruit for 9 years, then moved to Pretoria for 10 years, back to Hoedspruit for 3 years and now in Pretoria. I am a keen wildlife photographer and adore the Natural life. In my spare time I do Bike Riding, Ice Skating and spending time with friends and family. Nothing makes me happier than to meet with new people and to share my knowledge with them and telling stories. So come and join me and experience Africa at its best. You never know what lies around the next corner.
Jame TapeI was born in Serowe, Botswana, a little village on the edge of the Okavango Delta. I started guiding in 1985 and worked for a couple of places, all around Botswana. I have been with Planet Okavango since 2009 and loving every moment of it. I love reading newspapers/magazines and listening to gospel music and news.
James Motapele Botswana guideJames Motapele is one of our Botswana guides. James was born in Maun, and attended school in Pandamatenga. He left school in 1992 and started out his working career as a driver for a transport business before joining Pandamaenga Rest Camp, where he took on safari duties and was introduced to the industry. He joined Sunway Safari's Botswana operation, Planet Okavango in 2009.
jeffJeffrey was born in Newcastle in Kwazulu Natal (South Africa), the home of the Zulu, a proud African culture with a rich history. He moved to Johannesburg where he studied logistics and worked as a receiving clerk and stock controller. During this time Jeff attended management courses where he gained valuable knowledge in regards to human relations. Whilst working in Johannesburg Jeff never forgot his roots, and missed being close to nature. He read many books and watched nature programs on television, he learned more and more about nature. He realized that he should be working close to nature and not in the city! Jeff started off with Sunway as a tour driver and has learned even more tour leading and the tourism industry. You meet him leading groups for Sunway. While on tour, sit around the fire in the evening with Jeff and you'll find he has many firm opinions and some interesting local insights. He believes that he belongs in the overlanding business!
JoeMy name is Joe Pirimukai. I was born and bred in Zimbabwe's ancient capital of Masvingo. Being raised in the country side gave me the passion and love of nature. After completing my studies in nature, I began my career at a private game reserve as a nature guide. Realising the need to expand and face new challenges I decided to venture into overlanding safaris and Sunway was the best company to join. My experience so far has been a complete turnaround!
Hi, my name is Jonas Langa. I was born in Mokopane, situated in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. I am the second born in a family of ten. From an early age I have always been dreaming of becoming a tourist guide because I really enjoy meeting and talking to people of different cultures from all over the world. During my free time I catch up on my knowledge by reading up about the wilderness. In the future I would truly enjoy studying wildlife videography.
kalungaKalunga was born in 1979 and grow up in the northern part of Zambia (Ndola). He started school in 1986 and completed in 1998. After school he moved to Lusaka the capital city of Zambia where he did a course in clearing and forwarding customs freight business. Because of his love of nature he started studying guiding in 2003 and learnt animal behaviour, reptiles, birds and vegetation .In 2005 he joined Susi and Chuma lodge as guide and did game drives, walking safaris and boat cruises on the Zambezi river for four years. Thereafter Kalunga worked at Tongabezi lodge as a guide before joining bush truck Africa (Zambia). Once Kalunga decided that he wanted to move to South Africa he joined Sunway Safaris. He loves guiding for Sunway because he get to see different countries and see how other Africans live. He loves sharing this with the clients as it is fun and enjoyable. When home in Zambia, Kalunga plays midfield in his local football team. Kalunga supports Arsenal and his national side, the Chipolopo team that recently won the Africa Cup of Nations.
kenny jacobsMy name is Kenny Jacobs, I was born in Maun, Botswana. I was inspired by my Uncle, Motlamedi David Kabuku, to be a guide. I love his passion and respect for the bush. In 2004, I started my training on Professional Guiding. I love every minute of being a guide and love learning new things each day.
Lloyd MafudzinewI was born Tichaona Lloyd in Harare, Zimbabwe. I attended Munyaradzi primary school in Buhera and then moved to “City of Kings” Bulawayo for my secondary education at Hamilton Boys High. After school I trained as a mechanic but did not finish my studies as the African bush was calling. I did my learner hunter guides licence in 1997 and started to work at Hwange Safaris, Jwapi Lodge where I guided for 3 years. After my first stint in the bush I decided to leave the bush and went to work at the Central Bank of Zimbabwe in 2001 for 10 years. The bush called again and after taking a package from the bank I started with overlanding tour to Kariba and Mana Pools. In 2013 I moved to Inyati eco Game Park and worked as a guide and sales & marketing executive. In 2013 I decided to move south of the Limpopo River and joined Sunway safaris, with a rich diversity of tours that Sunway offers I find myself at peace where I am and enjoy every aspect of guiding through Southern Africa.
MarcusMy name is Marcus Ndereki. Born in Zimbabwe in the city of Kings and Queens called Bulawayo, a place of rich history and surrounded by popular heritage sites. I however did my primary and secondary school including my tertiary education in Kariba. I love dancing (though I’m bad at it), I love nature - taking photos and game rides, am a good listener, observant and keen to learn. I see myself as a team player. I possess a personality that enables me to interact respectfully across different cultures, race, creed and backgrounds. Most importantly I value the preservation of nature and its history. I believe every plant and animal specie depends on the human species for its survival, this made me take on nature guiding professionally. Therefore I am taking baby steps towards informing the world about the beauty of its nature, through Sunway safaris.
Maxwell MaisiriMy name is Maxwell Maisiri and I am 36 years of age. I was born on the 8th of March in Nyazura, a couple of kilometers from the beautiful and lush Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe. After my education was completed, I moved to Victoria Falls (one of the seven natural wonders of the world) where my love of nature grew even more. I love to travel around different places of interest and of course, mostly where I have the chance to view animals in the wild and those incredible landscapes of Africa... I love my chosen profession guiding clients for Sunway Safaris, because it affords me the opportunity to travel and see all those wondeful places. Africa is truly beautiful and I would never take for granted that I get to see lion, zebra, elephant, hyena, jackal, rhino, leopard, cheetah buffalo and many others all "up close and personal"... not on a screen, but being able to experience it for real!
Meike UngerMy name is Meike, born in the small town of Espelkamp in Germany. But now I call Cape Town my home and this beautiful country we live in my back yard. When I first came to Namibia in 2010, I fell in love with southern Africa at first sight. It didn't take me long to return to this wonderful place, while studying Landscape Architecture in Höxter. After I spend 5 months in Cape Town in 2012/13 doing an internship at a Landscape Architecture company in Kalk Bay, it became clear to me that this is where I want to be. This diverse country, its super friendly people, the breathtaking landscapes and animals took my heart and soul. After finally moving to Cape Town in 2017, finding a Job as a Landscape Architect in this drought riden part of the country turned out to be very difficult. That is how I started filling gaps in my schedule with Overland Tours which I joined as a German Translator. I can say that right after my very first Tour, the fascination of showing people this amazing part of the world, I am lucky enough to call my home, grabbed me, and Overlanding became part of my life. After working on and off for another Overlanding company for about 1.5 years, while still returning to my Office Job in Cape Town, I joined Sunway Safaris in July 2018. This was the point in my life when I decided that being a Tour Guide is what I want to do most, leaving the Office and my Computer behind, now calling the sky my roof, the wonderful people around me my family and the Southern African Nature my home.
I was born in Limpopo province in South Africa on the 10th April 1982 at the village of Motsephiri in the Sekhukhune district. I grew up looking after my grandmother’s live stock in the countryside with my 6 siblings. That is when my passion for the bush started. After I complete my high school I then received a leanership for the tourism industry and studied tourism management and hospitality. I later studied at the ABA College doing Computer Management. After my studies I then trained as Camp coordinator on youth development at the Lead Africa Institution. With my studies and experience combined with my passion for culture and nature I took the decision to join Sunway Safari’s as a tour guide. I now get to travel all over Southern Africa and experience the different cultures and sceneries in each beautiful country.
ngande mosepeleMy name is Ngande Mosepele. I was born a little Village called Jao in the Okavango Delta. I decided to become a guide because I love nature. I have been with Planet Okavango for more than 4 years now, I love showing our clients how beautiful Botswana is.
Norman ZivengwanewNorman Zivengwa comes from the fascinating town of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. He is 46 years old and a great lover of nature and conservation. Norman says this of himself: "I have always had a huge passion for nature and I have been fortunate enough to follow my passion for more than 10 years now, guiding safaris around Southern Africa. The diversity of the African people and their history has always been fascinating to explore. Living next to the world heritage site of the Victoria Falls and being able to regularly visit many national parks opens your eyes to view the environment in a different light. This abundance of wildlife inspired me to study environment management and nature guiding when I was much younger. This together with the zeal to know more about the history of the Southern African peoples and their kingdoms has given me a very large book to work with and I really love to share my knowledge of this great continent.
Patrick FonsecanewPatrick was born in Landstuhl in the state of Rheinland Pfalz, Germany. His mother is German and his father an American with Mexican roots. He was raised in Germany, and traveled a lot with his parents as his father was a U.S soldier. Patrick worked for several years as a travel agent, sending clients all over the world. He realized that he needed a change from the office environment. Patrick has loved the nature for as long as he can remember. Patrick came to South Africa on holiday, and it was love on first sight. Once he set his mind to it he moved here and the best thing that happened to him was becoming a safari tour guide. Close to nature, learning new things about it every day, and sharing this knowledge with those of with the same interests. So here Patrick is, enjoying and adapting this new lifestyle. Come and join him, on this
Petros KapoyaMeet Petros Kapoya - he is a Zimbabwean Southern Africa Field Guide and comes from the bustling city of Harare, Zimabwe's capital. Petros writes: "From an early age, nature, wildlife and travelling were always my greatest passion so naturally after I finished high school I went straight away to study guiding and canoeing. After completing my studies, I joined a small game park which was an interesting experience... but my heart was not content on working in one place! That's when I joined Sunway Safaris and it is a perfect match for the nomad inside of me. The moments I spend on journeys to the deepest parts of Southern Africa, the vibrant cities and wild parks are imprinted on my mind forever. I also enjoy photography and when not guiding I enjoy doing wildlife art, reading and spending time with friends. NAMIBIA BOTSWANA SOUTHERN CIRCLE: Shandle and Petros gave us a great gift for these 3 weeks. We always felt safe in their hands. This journey will say in our minds forever. Thanks from the bottom of our hearts.
phumzilePhumuzile was born and grew up in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. At 21, Phumuzile moved to South Africa and worked in the construction and hospitality industries. In May 2009 he joined Sunway Safaris to learn more about his love and passion for wildlife and nature. Phumuzile revels in the beauty of nature at every opportunity that he gets and grows more with each outing to the bush. His spare time, Phumuzile loves supporting local football.
Sfiso, our experienced guide from Northern KwaZulu Natal tells us a little bit more about his upbringing and why he joined Sunway Safaris. I grew up in a very rural area called nHlonhlela mKhuze village, which is the small villiage that is facing a hill called Tshaneni or ghost mountain. In 1984 the battle of ghost mountain took place right here, where I grew up. When I was at high school at Lifalethu high, we as the students decided to form an environmental club, because local people were doing a lot of poaching and so as the youth we decided to tell them about the importance of saving wildlife. mKhuze Game Reserve helped by providing us with the relevant training for this. That is where I started to really enjoy guiding after seeing guides at mKhuze telling guest about wildlife, but that was not enough for me since I am more a cultural person and I always wanted to share my culture with people. I then received a learnership to study guiding that included culture and wildlife. After finishing that I worked for a cultural tour company to improve my knowledge. After 5 years of seeing my progress in guiding I had decided to approach Sunway Safaris owner, Shaun Jones, since I use to do village tours for their groups. My qualification was not enough, so I had to do another guiding course with The Gield Guides Association of South Africa, and get registered with Department of Environmental Affairs And Tourism. So now I am happy to work as a mobile safari guide.
ShadreckNcubeI’m Zimbabwean (Zimbo) through and through and my passion is travel. I grew up in Victoria Falls not only one of Africa’s most popular tourist destinations and with one of the natural wonders of the world (The smoke that thunders) on my doorstep. It is no surprise that I ended up guiding! I studied in Zimbabwe and when I completed my guiding course I started guiding locally. 5 years into guiding I felt I needed to expand my horizons and came to Sunway Safaris. My office is without a doubt the best in the world and nothing makes me happier than sharing my office, my passion for travel, nature and the environment. When you are with travelers you can share your ideas, thoughts and dreams and be part of making their dreams come true. Guiding is a very rewarding experience.
shandleShandle, has a place of honour at the front of the list, as the longest serving guide at Sunway Safaris. He hails from Mpumalanga province close to Kruger National Park and has guided tours for Sunway in South Africa for over 11 years. Shandle's knowledge of indigenous languages and cultures gives fantastic insight into every day South African lifestyle. His knowledge of the fauna and flora in Kruger National Park is excelent.
My name is Simbarashe Mubvindi. It is quite a mouthful, so everyone calls me Simba, but I was actually nicknamed "Zhula" after becoming a great swimmer at the river when I was growing up. I was born and raised in the dusty streets of Kariba on the shores of the great Lake Kariba. I spent all my younger years in Zimbabwe with its huge concentration of wild animals roaming freely in the Kariba area. I joined a conservation club in primary school because of my love for nature and its beauty and this was the beginning of my chosen career. I actually did well in studying Marketing after school to earn a diploma, but nature called me back to obtain my guiding licence. I then joined an Elephant Sanctuary before becoming an overland safari guide. Working with Sunway was a dream come true and I enjoy travelling, swimming and watching basketball games when I am not busy guiding one of the safaris.
speedySpeedy was born in a town called “I Dutywa” pronounced I-doo-tja and grew up in Umtata in the Eastern Cape (a beautiful part of South Africa). Speedy’s interest at home is soccer, and in the bush he enjoys bush walks and game drives. When Speedy is not on tour we are greeted in the mornings by the buzzer at the gate with a “Good morning. It is Speedy. Please can you open the gate for me. Thank you”. You will be able to recognise Speedy as he is always wears a cap (and enjoys making hotdogs for lunch).
Stephen Makoninew2Stephen is a true Zimbabwean, born and raised in Harare, the capital city of Zimbabwe. Being in a large and bustling city, he was not exposed to much wildlife as a youngster, but he had a great desire to one day become a nature guide. One day he was introduced to his friend's brother who was a nature guide and this was Stephen's first introduction to someone in the industry. He made up his mind and attended a college in Zimbabwe then did his Professional Tour Guiding with the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority. He initially worked for a small overlanding company that did safaris for a mission group, followed by being a tour guide at a game park. He then decided he needed to explore more and learn the whole of Southern Africa...which took him further afield to South Africa where he joined Sunway. With Sunway, Stephen has been able to fulfil his dream of seeing the whole of Southern Africa, doing what he loves best. He has recently added the South African FGASA level 1 qualification to his Zimbabwean one and wants to continue improving his knowledge and guiding skills.
Tanaka RangwaniA young and energetic young man who is passionate about nature and people. He was born in Zimbabwe in a small town called Kwekwe. He did his Bachelor in Psychology at the University of Zimbabwe were he also studied German language at the same institution. He went to Victoria Falls after graduating for a holiday as young graduate looking forward to a rewarding career in human resources management but ended up falling in love with the travel industry. Tanaka went on to acquire a guiding and guest relations certificate from the University of Zimbabwe and then joined African Eagle Victoria Falls in 2013 as a German guide/reservations coordinator. He then moved to something challenging and more adventurous 1 year later by joining Nomad Africa Adventure tours doing over landing trips for 2 years. The inner drive to excel within the travel industry has led Tanaka to join the Sunways safaris team. A “true travel enthusiast” is the best way to describe this young African adventurer.
Tawanda NdlovuI am a 32 year old nature guide, who was born in Bulawayo and grew up in the most beautiful small town, that has one of the seven wonders of the world - Victoria Falls. This town is also in a national park and growing up being surrounded by wildlife and tourists, I was inspired to be a nature guide. I went to boarding school and saw other children from other parts of my country being surprised by our encounters with wildlife. Some of them thought I was just telling fairy tales... Also, seeing many people travel across the world to see the place I called home, made me realise how blessed I was to grow up in such a place. I took an interest in showcasing our wealth of wildlife and beautiful natural wonders to people who came to visit. My dream expanded from a desire to showcase Victoria Falls to showcasing beautiful Africa and I then received the opportunity to start working for one of the game farms, just enjoying being around wildlife. I then studied towards being a nature guide and became a conservationist. Hence being a firm believer in nature conservation, I joined Sunway to showcase Africa ( animals, landscapes, plants, people and culture) to travelers from all over the world. Sharing my experience and knowledge with our esteemed guests,
wayneWayne was born on 21 Aug 1982 in Ndola, Zambia. He moved to Lusaka at the age of 13 and finished school there. Wayne joined the Youth Alive Zambia to get involved with caring for animals and ended up staying with them for 7 years working on volunteer programs. In 2005 driven by his ambition to become a tour guide he decided to come to South Africa and follow a guiding course to learn all the intricacies of the bush. After joining Sunway Safaris and spending some time on the road Wayne believes that he is finally living out his dream of being a tour guide. He also has a great love for football and passionately supports Manchester United.
My name is Willard Siamugware. I am 36 years old and come from the lake side town Kariba on the shores of Lake Kariba. I started my guiding career as a skipper for one of the 5 Star cruises on the lake being Lady May for 13 years. I gained my interest for wildlife being on the boat as many of my clients asked questions all the time so I started studding fauna and flora whilst on the boat and gained lots of knowledge from the guides that used to do the boat game drives. I then decided it was time and left the boat and did a guiding licence. I took up the job as a nature guide and haven’t looked back since. I love meeting new people and sharing my knowledge of Africa, her people and its cultures. In my spare time I enjoy going fishing and birding with my friends on the lakes shores.
William is another home grown and proudly South Africa Sunway guide. He was born and raised in the small town of Groblersdal situated in Mpumalanga in the Eastern part of South Africa. Here he spent many school holidays with the family that his mother worked for. They often spent time exploring the stunning, and World famous Kruger National Park. This is where (like many South African's) his love affair with the bush started and it has simply grown from there. His formative years exploring Kruger National Park have grown into a full blown passion for the bush which inspired William to make his passion his career. As William says “To this day I love being in the bush, sharing our beautiful continent, my passion and knowledge with my clients. Working as a guide brings me great joy and I am privileged to be able to work in the field of my passion”.
My name is Wouter van Spijker, I’m 25 years old and I’m from “Alphen aan den Rijn” in the Netherlands. I was born and raised in The Netherlands, in a typically Dutch environment and I’ve lived there until I was 23, so me being a guide for Sunway Safari’s and travelling Southern Africa for a living sometimes still makes me feel like I’m living in my own dream. I’ve always been interested in everything about Africa; the people, the many different cultures and languages, and of course her beautiful nature and wildlife. So the job I’m having now really is a dream job, I’m loving it! I only visited South Africa for the first time in 2012, after having finished my bachelor in Environmental sciences. I took part in a three-month field guide training course, which I absolutely loved. I had the best time of my life doing this course. I really enjoy working for Sunway Safari’s. The places and countries we visit are amazing and will never bore me, the amount of rare and endangered animals we see are unbelievable and working with people and making their holiday special is really rewarding to me.
Zandre MaraisMy name is Zandre and I am proud to be South African. I grew up mostly in the Free State and Mpumalanga provinces but also have been a temporary resident of Namibia. With a big passion and love for the fauna and flora, I feel it’s part of my job to share this with people and inform them about the value to be found in a nature adventure like a safari in Africa. Africa is my home and the "down to earth" living experience it gives you, is something we as people need to see and use more. We always make jokes about "Africa time" but the people that live according to "Africa time" are the happiest of all!
Adolf VenternewI am a South African by birth and grew up in Rustenburg South Africa, the heart of the South African bushveld. I was first introduced to the great outdoors on my father’s game farm where I spent my time walking through the bush, fishing and climbing trees. My love for the outdoors grew from there and it has been with me ever since... motivating and inspiring me so much so that when I was 16 years old, I earned my first field guiding qualification. Once I had left university after studying Nature Life Management, I worked as a field guide at a game reserve in the bushveld. It was there that Sunway Safaris discovered me and soon after I started to guide their adventure safaris and I have been happy ever since! I spend most of my free time honing my culinary skills at home preparing dishes that I would normally prepare on tour and experimenting with new dishes to always keep my menus interesting and delicious.
Alois GumponewAlois grew up in a small wilderness town in the northern part of Zimbabwe. The town of Kariba, named for the famously huge Lake Kariba is a lively and well known tourist destination. Having been brought up in this town inspired him to be passionate about conservation and the protection of wildlife. As many Zimbabweans do, he longed to be involved in helping visitors to Africa experience the incredible continent that he calls home. He began his career in 2008 as a canoe guide on the mighty Zambezi River, just one of the many highlights of visiting Zimbabwe and Zambia. This mighty river offers many wonderful adventures to be had, not only with the mighty Victoria Falls, but all the way along the Zambezi valley as it flows towards Malawi. Alois is now a professional Sunway field guide and is often to be found travelling around different national parks and cultural social places, sharing his experiences and knowledge of his beautiful Africa. Besides his interest in wildlife he also enjoys socialising with people from different cultures, traditional backgrounds and from every corner of the world. Alois will always ask "What are you waiting for? Come along and join the most awesome journey of your lifetime... a safari in Africa!"
Annika SchimmelMy name is Annika Schimmel, I am from Delmenhorst, Germany and I am about to graduate with my Bachelor´s Degree in English and Geography from the University of Vechta, Germany. When I first came to South Africa in February 2011 to do an internship with a Game Reserve close to Rustenburg, I immediately fell in love with Africa, her people as well as flora and fauna. I love being in the bush just sitting quietly by a waterhole, waiting patiently for whatever might come to drink. Walking safaris are also a firm favourite because you see nature from a totally different perspective, up close and personal. Africa’s colourful people and their happiness fascinate me and I enjoy every single day that I spend with them, learning more about their cultures and traditions or just having a braai (or otherwise known as a barbeque, I’m picking up South African-isms quickly) with good friends. I started working for Sunway Safaris in June 2012 and I could not imagine any better job than guiding travelers through all the wonderful places all over Southern Africa. My goals on every tour are to make guests fall in love with Africa as much as I did, by sharing my passion, and to make sure that their experiences are unforgettable ones.
Brian Zunzanew1Brian tells us a little more about himself and why he decided to join Sunway Safaris. "My name is Brian Zunza,and I am 27 years old. I have been guiding for 4 years now and I became a guide because my main passion in life is wildlife and being in the bush. My other hobbies are playing soccer, photography, swimming and watching movies. Being able to be in the bush when I am on safari, has allowed me to work on my photographic skills and constantly improve them and I am always on the look for fantastic photo opportunities... I have been guiding for Sunway Safaris for the past year and love my work. I enjoy giving people from all over the world, the greatest African adventure of their lives and it a true honour to share my passion and experiences with them. My greatest wish is that they will love it as much as I do and I always hope to see them on another of my trips."
christopher-zChris was born in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe and nicknamed ‘animal’, for his love of wildlife! He spent 20 years of his life in the African bush and admits that he can more easily find his way in the bush than in the streets of towns! Whilst traveling through Southern Africa, he gained valuable knowledge of fauna, flora and all the different cultures in Southern Africa, he has been guiding tours for 17 years and is always ready to share this knowledge and his love for nature. He believes to always give his best in everything he does. Chris is interested in working within a multicultural environment and being in the bush ‘touching nature’. He encourages participation on tour and motivates those around him to conserve nature for the future generations. Chris is a wonderful person, always friendly and caring.
CloudMy name is Cloud Tshuma born in a place called Hwange, Zimbabwe. I went to School at Nechilibi High which is situated along the Hwange National Park . I finished my secondary level in 2007, because my parents could not afford to take me further with my studies I stayed home looking after my parents livestock in the bush until 2010. They decided to send me to South Africa. When I arrived in SA I worked as a Camp assistance at a private game lodge. Here I had the opportunity to study nature because we stayed on the property with the wild animals. I did my nature studies here. I progressed and achieved my guiding qualification and worked as a nature guide for 4 years. I then joined Sunway Safaris because of a diversity of experiences which the company offers as well as to expand my knowledge.
Edwin is another great Zimbabwean from Harare. After finishing high school he studied Tourism & Hospitality Management and worked for a number of hospitality establishments in Zimbabwe. Edwin has always been passionate about nature and while working in the hospitality industry he started looking for ways to stay within the tourism and hospitality industry but find work where the focus was on nature and conservation. Safari guiding was the natural progression in his career and brought him to work as a Safari guide doing photographic, horseback and canoeing safaris in private safari lodges. Still yearning for more and desiring further travel opportunities and knowledge, Edwin found his way to Sunway Safaris. Here all of his passions are met!
Farai BikausarunewMeet Farai Bikausaru - he is a proudly Zimbabwean-born, Southern Africa Field Guide. He grew up in the bustling tourist town of Kariba (onthe shores of the very famous Lake Kariba), surrounded by the beauty of nature and fabulous African landscapes. Farai studied for his Field Guide course in 2012 with the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority of Zimbabwe. Farai knew from childhood that he wanted to work in Field Guiding, being driven by the zeal to conserve, preserve and share Africa's beautiful wildlife, people and diverse culture. Not one to sit idly by, he is currently still studying towards his full professional course. He believes that the little things in life make all the difference and and this sparked his love of insects!
FaraiChigwadaI was born in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Cape Town, the Mother City. But, growing up my family and I travelled through several African countries and finally settled in Kariba, Zimbabwe. This is definitely where I caught the guiding bug! After my guides training I started out as a canoe guide where I spent many years. I then made my way back down to South Africa where I worked as a rafting guide, in both South Africa and Namibia. I’m always after a new challenge and so after a number of years as a rafting guide and found my way into the group safari industry. I began working as a cook for an overland company slowing increasing my knowledge and skill till I was finally made a tour leader and made my way to Sunway, small group travel. As a tour leader I could combine all my skills and passions. I love working with people, cooking and teaching about wildlife, environment and our African cultures. I love working at Sunway because the groups are small and I can really get to know our clients. This is important to me as I love sharing what Africa has to offer and learning from our clients at the same time.
I was born in England to a South African mother and to an English father and I used to come to South Africa every year to visit family and friends. This is how my love for the bush began. After finishing school in England I travelled extensively before realising that my heart belonged to Africa. I moved here permanently 12 years ago and studied through FGASA (Field Guides Association of Southern Africa), this is where my guiding career began. My passion is for the bush and this is where I feel truly happy. I previously guided in lodges for 10 years and loved it, however as I was only in one region at a time and I missed the traveling to far and varied places. Therefore I made the decision to join Sunway Safaris where I could combine my two passions, being guiding and traveling. Together it was a fantastic decision!! When I am not on tour I enjoy spending my time in the bush with friends and love nothing more than socialising around the braai.
Hi there, my name is Innocent Siajeya, born in a rural area of kariba called Mola, close to Matusadonda National Park, one of the animal rich national parks in Zimbabwe. My passion doe conservation of flora and fauna started showing at school. I was a emeber of PEAK (Programme for Environment Awareness Kariba). The club helped me to learn and understand more about wildlife and nature at large. I got my guiding licence in 2011 and worked under a professional guide as an apprentice and travelled around Zimbabwe doing game drives in different national parks. I had a passion to trvale around Africa, that is why today I am here at Sunway Safaris.
My name is lshmael Dube. l was born and bred in Zimbabwe in a small tourist town called Victoria Falls. Being raised in the Falls boosted my passion and love of nature. After completing my studies in nature, l started my career by joining a company called Dingani Tours as a guide. Realising that I have a need to expand my knowledge on the diverse culture across the globe, I joined mobile safari operator Sunway safaris.finally my dream came true..
Iton MagayanewIton Magaya is a fun loving guide, who enjoys lawn tennis and darts, as well as travelling and meeting new people. He is a Zimbabwean who is a natural comedian and he enjoys entertaining his groups with his great sense of humour and amusing stories. Iton is passionate about guiding and the goals he has of advancing his level of guiding certification. He is a very handy person and is often nicknamed “Magyver” - one of his favorite TV characters besides Bill Cosby. Iton loves being a Sunway guide and looks forward to every tour where he can introduce people from all over the world to his beloved Africa. CAPE TO VIC GRAND EXPLORER : "Iton was a great all rounder, with a brilliant knowledge of the cultures, flora and fauna." Rob and Lyn, Australia
Jacques Van Der MerweMy name is Jacques I am from a small town called Hoedspruit in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. I lived in Hoedspruit for 9 years, then moved to Pretoria for 10 years, back to Hoedspruit for 3 years and now in Pretoria. I am a keen wildlife photographer and adore the Natural life. In my spare time I do Bike Riding, Ice Skating and spending time with friends and family. Nothing makes me happier than to meet with new people and to share my knowledge with them and telling stories. So come and join me and experience Africa at its best. You never know what lies around the next corner.
Jame TapeI was born in Serowe, Botswana, a little village on the edge of the Okavango Delta. I started guiding in 1985 and worked for a couple of places, all around Botswana. I have been with Planet Okavango since 2009 and loving every moment of it. I love reading newspapers/magazines and listening to gospel music and news.
James Motapele Botswana guideJames Motapele is one of our Botswana guides. James was born in Maun, and attended school in Pandamatenga. He left school in 1992 and started out his working career as a driver for a transport business before joining Pandamaenga Rest Camp, where he took on safari duties and was introduced to the industry. He joined Sunway Safari's Botswana operation, Planet Okavango in 2009.
jeffJeffrey was born in Newcastle in Kwazulu Natal (South Africa), the home of the Zulu, a proud African culture with a rich history. He moved to Johannesburg where he studied logistics and worked as a receiving clerk and stock controller. During this time Jeff attended management courses where he gained valuable knowledge in regards to human relations. Whilst working in Johannesburg Jeff never forgot his roots, and missed being close to nature. He read many books and watched nature programs on television, he learned more and more about nature. He realized that he should be working close to nature and not in the city! Jeff started off with Sunway as a tour driver and has learned even more tour leading and the tourism industry. You meet him leading groups for Sunway. While on tour, sit around the fire in the evening with Jeff and you'll find he has many firm opinions and some interesting local insights. He believes that he belongs in the overlanding business!
JoeMy name is Joe Pirimukai. I was born and bred in Zimbabwe's ancient capital of Masvingo. Being raised in the country side gave me the passion and love of nature. After completing my studies in nature, I began my career at a private game reserve as a nature guide. Realising the need to expand and face new challenges I decided to venture into overlanding safaris and Sunway was the best company to join. My experience so far has been a complete turnaround!
Hi, my name is Jonas Langa. I was born in Mokopane, situated in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. I am the second born in a family of ten. From an early age I have always been dreaming of becoming a tourist guide because I really enjoy meeting and talking to people of different cultures from all over the world. During my free time I catch up on my knowledge by reading up about the wilderness. In the future I would truly enjoy studying wildlife videography.
kalungaKalunga was born in 1979 and grow up in the northern part of Zambia (Ndola). He started school in 1986 and completed in 1998. After school he moved to Lusaka the capital city of Zambia where he did a course in clearing and forwarding customs freight business. Because of his love of nature he started studying guiding in 2003 and learnt animal behaviour, reptiles, birds and vegetation .In 2005 he joined Susi and Chuma lodge as guide and did game drives, walking safaris and boat cruises on the Zambezi river for four years. Thereafter Kalunga worked at Tongabezi lodge as a guide before joining bush truck Africa (Zambia). Once Kalunga decided that he wanted to move to South Africa he joined Sunway Safaris. He loves guiding for Sunway because he get to see different countries and see how other Africans live. He loves sharing this with the clients as it is fun and enjoyable. When home in Zambia, Kalunga plays midfield in his local football team. Kalunga supports Arsenal and his national side, the Chipolopo team that recently won the Africa Cup of Nations.
kenny jacobsMy name is Kenny Jacobs, I was born in Maun, Botswana. I was inspired by my Uncle, Motlamedi David Kabuku, to be a guide. I love his passion and respect for the bush. In 2004, I started my training on Professional Guiding. I love every minute of being a guide and love learning new things each day.
Lloyd MafudzinewI was born Tichaona Lloyd in Harare, Zimbabwe. I attended Munyaradzi primary school in Buhera and then moved to “City of Kings” Bulawayo for my secondary education at Hamilton Boys High. After school I trained as a mechanic but did not finish my studies as the African bush was calling. I did my learner hunter guides licence in 1997 and started to work at Hwange Safaris, Jwapi Lodge where I guided for 3 years. After my first stint in the bush I decided to leave the bush and went to work at the Central Bank of Zimbabwe in 2001 for 10 years. The bush called again and after taking a package from the bank I started with overlanding tour to Kariba and Mana Pools. In 2013 I moved to Inyati eco Game Park and worked as a guide and sales & marketing executive. In 2013 I decided to move south of the Limpopo River and joined Sunway safaris, with a rich diversity of tours that Sunway offers I find myself at peace where I am and enjoy every aspect of guiding through Southern Africa.
MarcusMy name is Marcus Ndereki. Born in Zimbabwe in the city of Kings and Queens called Bulawayo, a place of rich history and surrounded by popular heritage sites. I however did my primary and secondary school including my tertiary education in Kariba. I love dancing (though I’m bad at it), I love nature - taking photos and game rides, am a good listener, observant and keen to learn. I see myself as a team player. I possess a personality that enables me to interact respectfully across different cultures, race, creed and backgrounds. Most importantly I value the preservation of nature and its history. I believe every plant and animal specie depends on the human species for its survival, this made me take on nature guiding professionally. Therefore I am taking baby steps towards informing the world about the beauty of its nature, through Sunway safaris.
Maxwell MaisiriMy name is Maxwell Maisiri and I am 36 years of age. I was born on the 8th of March in Nyazura, a couple of kilometers from the beautiful and lush Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe. After my education was completed, I moved to Victoria Falls (one of the seven natural wonders of the world) where my love of nature grew even more. I love to travel around different places of interest and of course, mostly where I have the chance to view animals in the wild and those incredible landscapes of Africa... I love my chosen profession guiding clients for Sunway Safaris, because it affords me the opportunity to travel and see all those wondeful places. Africa is truly beautiful and I would never take for granted that I get to see lion, zebra, elephant, hyena, jackal, rhino, leopard, cheetah buffalo and many others all "up close and personal"... not on a screen, but being able to experience it for real!
Meike UngerMy name is Meike, born in the small town of Espelkamp in Germany. But now I call Cape Town my home and this beautiful country we live in my back yard. When I first came to Namibia in 2010, I fell in love with southern Africa at first sight. It didn't take me long to return to this wonderful place, while studying Landscape Architecture in Höxter. After I spend 5 months in Cape Town in 2012/13 doing an internship at a Landscape Architecture company in Kalk Bay, it became clear to me that this is where I want to be. This diverse country, its super friendly people, the breathtaking landscapes and animals took my heart and soul. After finally moving to Cape Town in 2017, finding a Job as a Landscape Architect in this drought riden part of the country turned out to be very difficult. That is how I started filling gaps in my schedule with Overland Tours which I joined as a German Translator. I can say that right after my very first Tour, the fascination of showing people this amazing part of the world, I am lucky enough to call my home, grabbed me, and Overlanding became part of my life. After working on and off for another Overlanding company for about 1.5 years, while still returning to my Office Job in Cape Town, I joined Sunway Safaris in July 2018. This was the point in my life when I decided that being a Tour Guide is what I want to do most, leaving the Office and my Computer behind, now calling the sky my roof, the wonderful people around me my family and the Southern African Nature my home.
I was born in Limpopo province in South Africa on the 10th April 1982 at the village of Motsephiri in the Sekhukhune district. I grew up looking after my grandmother’s live stock in the countryside with my 6 siblings. That is when my passion for the bush started. After I complete my high school I then received a leanership for the tourism industry and studied tourism management and hospitality. I later studied at the ABA College doing Computer Management. After my studies I then trained as Camp coordinator on youth development at the Lead Africa Institution. With my studies and experience combined with my passion for culture and nature I took the decision to join Sunway Safari’s as a tour guide. I now get to travel all over Southern Africa and experience the different cultures and sceneries in each beautiful country.
ngande mosepeleMy name is Ngande Mosepele. I was born a little Village called Jao in the Okavango Delta. I decided to become a guide because I love nature. I have been with Planet Okavango for more than 4 years now, I love showing our clients how beautiful Botswana is.
Norman ZivengwanewNorman Zivengwa comes from the fascinating town of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. He is 46 years old and a great lover of nature and conservation. Norman says this of himself: "I have always had a huge passion for nature and I have been fortunate enough to follow my passion for more than 10 years now, guiding safaris around Southern Africa. The diversity of the African people and their history has always been fascinating to explore. Living next to the world heritage site of the Victoria Falls and being able to regularly visit many national parks opens your eyes to view the environment in a different light. This abundance of wildlife inspired me to study environment management and nature guiding when I was much younger. This together with the zeal to know more about the history of the Southern African peoples and their kingdoms has given me a very large book to work with and I really love to share my knowledge of this great continent.
Patrick FonsecanewPatrick was born in Landstuhl in the state of Rheinland Pfalz, Germany. His mother is German and his father an American with Mexican roots. He was raised in Germany, and traveled a lot with his parents as his father was a U.S soldier. Patrick worked for several years as a travel agent, sending clients all over the world. He realized that he needed a change from the office environment. Patrick has loved the nature for as long as he can remember. Patrick came to South Africa on holiday, and it was love on first sight. Once he set his mind to it he moved here and the best thing that happened to him was becoming a safari tour guide. Close to nature, learning new things about it every day, and sharing this knowledge with those of with the same interests. So here Patrick is, enjoying and adapting this new lifestyle. Come and join him, on this
Petros KapoyaMeet Petros Kapoya - he is a Zimbabwean Southern Africa Field Guide and comes from the bustling city of Harare, Zimabwe's capital. Petros writes: "From an early age, nature, wildlife and travelling were always my greatest passion so naturally after I finished high school I went straight away to study guiding and canoeing. After completing my studies, I joined a small game park which was an interesting experience... but my heart was not content on working in one place! That's when I joined Sunway Safaris and it is a perfect match for the nomad inside of me. The moments I spend on journeys to the deepest parts of Southern Africa, the vibrant cities and wild parks are imprinted on my mind forever. I also enjoy photography and when not guiding I enjoy doing wildlife art, reading and spending time with friends. NAMIBIA BOTSWANA SOUTHERN CIRCLE: Shandle and Petros gave us a great gift for these 3 weeks. We always felt safe in their hands. This journey will say in our minds forever. Thanks from the bottom of our hearts.
phumzilePhumuzile was born and grew up in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. At 21, Phumuzile moved to South Africa and worked in the construction and hospitality industries. In May 2009 he joined Sunway Safaris to learn more about his love and passion for wildlife and nature. Phumuzile revels in the beauty of nature at every opportunity that he gets and grows more with each outing to the bush. His spare time, Phumuzile loves supporting local football.
Sfiso, our experienced guide from Northern KwaZulu Natal tells us a little bit more about his upbringing and why he joined Sunway Safaris. I grew up in a very rural area called nHlonhlela mKhuze village, which is the small villiage that is facing a hill called Tshaneni or ghost mountain. In 1984 the battle of ghost mountain took place right here, where I grew up. When I was at high school at Lifalethu high, we as the students decided to form an environmental club, because local people were doing a lot of poaching and so as the youth we decided to tell them about the importance of saving wildlife. mKhuze Game Reserve helped by providing us with the relevant training for this. That is where I started to really enjoy guiding after seeing guides at mKhuze telling guest about wildlife, but that was not enough for me since I am more a cultural person and I always wanted to share my culture with people. I then received a learnership to study guiding that included culture and wildlife. After finishing that I worked for a cultural tour company to improve my knowledge. After 5 years of seeing my progress in guiding I had decided to approach Sunway Safaris owner, Shaun Jones, since I use to do village tours for their groups. My qualification was not enough, so I had to do another guiding course with The Gield Guides Association of South Africa, and get registered with Department of Environmental Affairs And Tourism. So now I am happy to work as a mobile safari guide.
ShadreckNcubeI’m Zimbabwean (Zimbo) through and through and my passion is travel. I grew up in Victoria Falls not only one of Africa’s most popular tourist destinations and with one of the natural wonders of the world (The smoke that thunders) on my doorstep. It is no surprise that I ended up guiding! I studied in Zimbabwe and when I completed my guiding course I started guiding locally. 5 years into guiding I felt I needed to expand my horizons and came to Sunway Safaris. My office is without a doubt the best in the world and nothing makes me happier than sharing my office, my passion for travel, nature and the environment. When you are with travelers you can share your ideas, thoughts and dreams and be part of making their dreams come true. Guiding is a very rewarding experience.
shandleShandle, has a place of honour at the front of the list, as the longest serving guide at Sunway Safaris. He hails from Mpumalanga province close to Kruger National Park and has guided tours for Sunway in South Africa for over 11 years. Shandle's knowledge of indigenous languages and cultures gives fantastic insight into every day South African lifestyle. His knowledge of the fauna and flora in Kruger National Park is excelent.
My name is Simbarashe Mubvindi. It is quite a mouthful, so everyone calls me Simba, but I was actually nicknamed "Zhula" after becoming a great swimmer at the river when I was growing up. I was born and raised in the dusty streets of Kariba on the shores of the great Lake Kariba. I spent all my younger years in Zimbabwe with its huge concentration of wild animals roaming freely in the Kariba area. I joined a conservation club in primary school because of my love for nature and its beauty and this was the beginning of my chosen career. I actually did well in studying Marketing after school to earn a diploma, but nature called me back to obtain my guiding licence. I then joined an Elephant Sanctuary before becoming an overland safari guide. Working with Sunway was a dream come true and I enjoy travelling, swimming and watching basketball games when I am not busy guiding one of the safaris.
speedySpeedy was born in a town called “I Dutywa” pronounced I-doo-tja and grew up in Umtata in the Eastern Cape (a beautiful part of South Africa). Speedy’s interest at home is soccer, and in the bush he enjoys bush walks and game drives. When Speedy is not on tour we are greeted in the mornings by the buzzer at the gate with a “Good morning. It is Speedy. Please can you open the gate for me. Thank you”. You will be able to recognise Speedy as he is always wears a cap (and enjoys making hotdogs for lunch).
Stephen Makoninew2Stephen is a true Zimbabwean, born and raised in Harare, the capital city of Zimbabwe. Being in a large and bustling city, he was not exposed to much wildlife as a youngster, but he had a great desire to one day become a nature guide. One day he was introduced to his friend's brother who was a nature guide and this was Stephen's first introduction to someone in the industry. He made up his mind and attended a college in Zimbabwe then did his Professional Tour Guiding with the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority. He initially worked for a small overlanding company that did safaris for a mission group, followed by being a tour guide at a game park. He then decided he needed to explore more and learn the whole of Southern Africa...which took him further afield to South Africa where he joined Sunway. With Sunway, Stephen has been able to fulfil his dream of seeing the whole of Southern Africa, doing what he loves best. He has recently added the South African FGASA level 1 qualification to his Zimbabwean one and wants to continue improving his knowledge and guiding skills.
Tanaka RangwaniA young and energetic young man who is passionate about nature and people. He was born in Zimbabwe in a small town called Kwekwe. He did his Bachelor in Psychology at the University of Zimbabwe were he also studied German language at the same institution. He went to Victoria Falls after graduating for a holiday as young graduate looking forward to a rewarding career in human resources management but ended up falling in love with the travel industry. Tanaka went on to acquire a guiding and guest relations certificate from the University of Zimbabwe and then joined African Eagle Victoria Falls in 2013 as a German guide/reservations coordinator. He then moved to something challenging and more adventurous 1 year later by joining Nomad Africa Adventure tours doing over landing trips for 2 years. The inner drive to excel within the travel industry has led Tanaka to join the Sunways safaris team. A “true travel enthusiast” is the best way to describe this young African adventurer.
Tawanda NdlovuI am a 32 year old nature guide, who was born in Bulawayo and grew up in the most beautiful small town, that has one of the seven wonders of the world - Victoria Falls. This town is also in a national park and growing up being surrounded by wildlife and tourists, I was inspired to be a nature guide. I went to boarding school and saw other children from other parts of my country being surprised by our encounters with wildlife. Some of them thought I was just telling fairy tales... Also, seeing many people travel across the world to see the place I called home, made me realise how blessed I was to grow up in such a place. I took an interest in showcasing our wealth of wildlife and beautiful natural wonders to people who came to visit. My dream expanded from a desire to showcase Victoria Falls to showcasing beautiful Africa and I then received the opportunity to start working for one of the game farms, just enjoying being around wildlife. I then studied towards being a nature guide and became a conservationist. Hence being a firm believer in nature conservation, I joined Sunway to showcase Africa ( animals, landscapes, plants, people and culture) to travelers from all over the world. Sharing my experience and knowledge with our esteemed guests,
wayneWayne was born on 21 Aug 1982 in Ndola, Zambia. He moved to Lusaka at the age of 13 and finished school there. Wayne joined the Youth Alive Zambia to get involved with caring for animals and ended up staying with them for 7 years working on volunteer programs. In 2005 driven by his ambition to become a tour guide he decided to come to South Africa and follow a guiding course to learn all the intricacies of the bush. After joining Sunway Safaris and spending some time on the road Wayne believes that he is finally living out his dream of being a tour guide. He also has a great love for football and passionately supports Manchester United.
My name is Willard Siamugware. I am 36 years old and come from the lake side town Kariba on the shores of Lake Kariba. I started my guiding career as a skipper for one of the 5 Star cruises on the lake being Lady May for 13 years. I gained my interest for wildlife being on the boat as many of my clients asked questions all the time so I started studding fauna and flora whilst on the boat and gained lots of knowledge from the guides that used to do the boat game drives. I then decided it was time and left the boat and did a guiding licence. I took up the job as a nature guide and haven’t looked back since. I love meeting new people and sharing my knowledge of Africa, her people and its cultures. In my spare time I enjoy going fishing and birding with my friends on the lakes shores.
William is another home grown and proudly South Africa Sunway guide. He was born and raised in the small town of Groblersdal situated in Mpumalanga in the Eastern part of South Africa. Here he spent many school holidays with the family that his mother worked for. They often spent time exploring the stunning, and World famous Kruger National Park. This is where (like many South African's) his love affair with the bush started and it has simply grown from there. His formative years exploring Kruger National Park have grown into a full blown passion for the bush which inspired William to make his passion his career. As William says “To this day I love being in the bush, sharing our beautiful continent, my passion and knowledge with my clients. Working as a guide brings me great joy and I am privileged to be able to work in the field of my passion”.
My name is Wouter van Spijker, I’m 25 years old and I’m from “Alphen aan den Rijn” in the Netherlands. I was born and raised in The Netherlands, in a typically Dutch environment and I’ve lived there until I was 23, so me being a guide for Sunway Safari’s and travelling Southern Africa for a living sometimes still makes me feel like I’m living in my own dream. I’ve always been interested in everything about Africa; the people, the many different cultures and languages, and of course her beautiful nature and wildlife. So the job I’m having now really is a dream job, I’m loving it! I only visited South Africa for the first time in 2012, after having finished my bachelor in Environmental sciences. I took part in a three-month field guide training course, which I absolutely loved. I had the best time of my life doing this course. I really enjoy working for Sunway Safari’s. The places and countries we visit are amazing and will never bore me, the amount of rare and endangered animals we see are unbelievable and working with people and making their holiday special is really rewarding to me.
Zandre MaraisMy name is Zandre and I am proud to be South African. I grew up mostly in the Free State and Mpumalanga provinces but also have been a temporary resident of Namibia. With a big passion and love for the fauna and flora, I feel it’s part of my job to share this with people and inform them about the value to be found in a nature adventure like a safari in Africa. Africa is my home and the "down to earth" living experience it gives you, is something we as people need to see and use more. We always make jokes about "Africa time" but the people that live according to "Africa time" are the happiest of all!
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