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 traveling 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, Zambia 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. Anke used to take out the Safaris, as both Ron & Anke hold there Safari guide license, but these days most of Anke’s work is in the office taking care of reservations and marketing.
Lodge Manager
Mario Voss
Mario Voss was born in Germany in 1984. He spend part of his early childhood in Ghana, where his father was posted as a doctor.
Mario had a keen interest in nature and wildlife and enjoyed many family holidays to Africa, where he "discovered" Kafunta River Lodge in 2001 during their trip to Zambia. He returned many times as a volunteer during his summer break at the University and after he finished his degree in Biology, he joined us in April 2009.
Mario is well liked by all staff and has become part of the Kafunta family, his keen interest for the African bush and friendly nature make him a great host at the Lodge.
Bush Camp Manager
Bret Charman
Bret was born in the UK in 1988, he finished this studies in England before he followed his dreams to return to Africa.
During his studies he had the chance to spend some time working at the Inwenkwezi Game Reserve in South Africa and traveled in Namibia and Botswana.
Bret is a keen wildlife photographer and he is often seen with a camera as he does not want to miss a photo opportunity.
Bret has joined our team until the end of the season at the Bush Camp.
Head Chef
Irwin de Vries
Irwin has a great passion for cooking. He studied in Durban, South Africa and then moved to Johannesburg. Whilst working at Ten Bompas Hotel, he had an opportunity to became a head chef for a game lodge and fell in love with the bush and has been working in game lodges ever since. His last position in South Africa was for Sir Richard Branson's private game reserve - Ulusaba.
Irwin has joined Kafunta River Lodge for the 2010 season.
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.
Reservations
Wilson Malambo
Wilson was born in 1981 in the southern province and belongs to the Tonga tribe.
After completion of his tourism studies in 2001, he worked in different sectors of the tourism industry before joining Kafunta River Lodge in 2005. Wilson is in charge of the reception and front of house as well as reservations.
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 of 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.