The Kafunta Safaris Team
Directors and Owners
Ron and Anke Cowan
The directors of Kafunta Safaris met in 1988 during a trip to Australia, they spent some time travelling in Asia before they crossed into Africa from Europe in a Land Rover in 1990/1991. Their love for the bush and the challenge of an adventurous lifestyle made them settle in Africa.
They first worked in Malawi as tour guides and during this time they made their first trip to the Luangwa Valley and fell in love with the area and its wildlife. In June 1993 they had the opportunity to move to the Luangwa Valley and helped build the Wildlife Camp which they managed for several years. Ron and Anke got married in the valley in 1995 in the open wild under a large Acacia Tree and went on to build their own lodge in 1997 called Kafunta River Lodge were they reside to the present day.
Their son Luke was born in 1999.
Ron and Anke both work at the lodge and you will meet them during your stay. Ron has a great passion for the bush and, in the many years guiding in the Valley, has accrued a vast knowledge of the flora and fauna with a special interest in raptors.
Our Managers
Michael and Merle Bucknall
Both are from South Africa, where they spent their lives on different paths before they met and married in 1995. They share their passion of the wildlife and the African bush. Merle has a deep connection to animals and has cared for many injured animals before returning them to the wild where they belong.
Mike’s background is in the military. When he retired from the military he opened his own company specialising in corporate development, 4 x 4 training and conducted safaris in Africa. Mike accepted the challenge to spend one year in Sudan building camps for the AU troops, possibly the biggest challenge of his career!
Merle’s passion is catering and she loves the challenge of producing cuisine in the bush. Merle ran the bush kitchens when they took clients out on safaris into Africa, there is nothing nicer that a roast in the pot under the stars in Africa! She also used to organize team-building dinners in the bush for corporate companies, which used to be in great demand, once organized a banquet in Swaziland for a large corporate company from Japan for 1,000 guests including the King of Swaziland, this was shown on CNN. Her passion with food has taken her to many interesting, unusual places. Merle’s way of thinking with food is most foods we eat are not invented; they evolve!
Mike and Merle owned the very popular Bagdad Pub and Country Restaurant in Whiteriver, South Africa. They were the original organisers of the “Pub Run” between Nelspruit and Whiteriver, which was very successful and popular. They took the opportunity to work in Bulgaria for two years before joining us in Kafunta.
Both Mike and Merle have a life-long passion for nature; they love traveling and bush camping. Mike is a very keen photographer especially when it comes to wild dog.
Safari Guides
Our local guides are extremely well trained and knowledgeable. They have all passed the high level Grade 1 safari exams. Our guides are qualified to escort walking and driving safaris and will ensure your trip is both safe and interesting. With their extensive knowledge they can provide insight into the complex and fascinating world of the African wildlife and habitat as well as local traditions, beliefs and bush remedies that only a traditional, local guide can relate.
Staff
We are proud to say that a high number of the local staff that helped us build Kafunta are still working at the lodge and many of them have had the opportunity to train in professions like room attendants, barmen, waiters and cooks.
We employ more then 30 permanent workers and many more during the season, most our staff are from the local tribal villages in the area and we are always happy to offer young Zambians the opportunity to train in different professions and further their careers.
About Kafunta Safaris
Our Guides
Josephat Msoni
Josephat was born in 1964 and is from the Ngoni tribe. He joined the company before the completion of Kafunta River Lodge and has been working here as a guide at Kafunta from day one! His vast experience and knowledge as a safari guide make him a valuable asset and a great host for our guests.
Martin Mbewe
Martin was born in 1965 and is from the Kunda tribe, Martin has followed his lifetime dream to become a Safari guide. Martin and his wife Lydia joined Kafunta in 1997, Martin's pleasant nature and attention to detail have earned him a very good name as a safari guide and he is very well liked by our guests.
Charles Nkoma
Charles Nkoma was born in 1978 in Kabwe (Copper Belt) but is from the local Kunda tribe. Returning to his place of origin he started work at Kafunta River Lodge as a barman and developed a keen interest in wildlife, through hard work and determination he passed his guides exam with flying colours in May 2005 and has worked as a safari guide since. His knowledge of the bush and charming character are well liked by the guests.
Kennedy Nkhoma
Kennedy Nkhoma joined Kafunta in 2007, he is from the Kunda tribe and was born in Kazyaoka Village in Mfuwe area in 1979. Kennedy has enjoyed wildlife studies from his school days and he joined the Wildlife Conservation Society of Zambia. During his employment at one of the safari lodges he had the opportunity to take up studies to become a safari guide. He passed his license in 2003 and has worked as guide ever since.