Meet the team behind Robin Pope Safaris

Otherwise known as ‘The President’ Daudi has been guiding in the South Luangwa since 1990, joining Robin Pope Safaris in 1997 as a guide at TenaTena. He later became manager of the camp and since 2004 has been the proud and steady manager of Nsefu Camp before moving to Luangwa River Camp. Growing up with his father being in National Parks he always had an interest in wildlife – joining the wildlife conservation club at school. However it was not until after his apprenticeship with Bill Astler, a botanist, that he made the decision to become a guide. Daudi’s honest and gentle way of managing has resulted in a very united and enthusiastic team.

One of our newest members of our guiding team but fast becoming a firm favourite for many guests Perry’s enthusiasm and respect for the bush is undeniable.  Perry first started being interested in becoming a guide all the way back in primary school when with his classmates they were taken out on game drives by professional guides and were taught about the bush.  With the interest blooming he spoke with his uncle (Rocky – some of you will remember him from his time with us at Tena Tena) who advised him to finish school first and then once that was finished he could then focus on studying to become a guide.  Having been given a lot of books to go through Perry started studying in ernest and in 2015 he sat and passed his guides exam.  Working his way up through different positions in various lodges it was always his dream to work for Robin Pope Safaris and in 2019 he joined the team and will soon be sitting for his walking exam and we can’t wait to see his career flourish.

From working as a grounds man at Nkwali, Bertrame’s bright nature and interest in the wildlife became ever more apparent. Starting him off in the workshop during the rainy season of 2004/2005, getting him used to all manner of vehicles and learning some basic mechanics, it was not long until he became involved with more and more guest transfers. This interaction with guests came as a natural transition and having spent a year doing this and absorbing huge amounts of information, he sat and passed his guides exam in 2006. Starting his guiding career that same year at Tena Tena, Bertrame has become a very rounded and knowledgeable guide. He is now the manager at our Tena Tena Camp.

Hailing from the Western Province near the Liuwa Plain National Park, Nyambe explored Zambia in search of employment after completing his secondary education. Upon arrival in Mfuwe he found a job as a stores-man in one of the camps. Being surrounded by the Luangwa Valley Nyambe was inspired to start training for his guide’s license. He has been with Robin Pope Safaris since 2007 but a resident of the Valley since 1995. Everyone always enjoys his quiet enthusiasm and quirky sense of humour.

Born in Mfuwe and looking up to his father who worked as a ranger in National Parks. After finishing his schooling he soon found a job with RPS working in the office and learning the ropes. However, keeping him behind a desk after 15:30 became rather trying as he somehow managed to disappear most evenings as a spotter on game drives. It soon became apparent that his huge personality and infectious laugh was not going to remain confined to the office. Keyala started guiding full time in 1997, becoming the manager of Nkwali Camp in 2002. In 2006, with the company expanding further, Keyala became the overall manager of Nkwali and both safari houses as well as Senior Safari Manager.

Born and brought up in the Copper Belt, Northern Zambia, Obi started his journey here through the hotel industry. Having completed a Food and Beverage course he started working for a chain of hotels which eventually brought him to the South Luangwa. Once here he became enamoured by the wildlife around him and so took every opportunity available to get out in the park, from being a tea bearer on walks to spotting on evening game drives. He soon realised that this was where his passion was and so changed his career, becoming a full time guide in 1992. Joining RPS in 2002 Obi has become the guide for Robin’s House. Here he has created his own fan club of young followers as he draws both parents and especially children into his world. After game drives with the whole family he has often been seen turning a simple walk to the garden with the children into their own private walking safari.

Chilumba started his RPS career working at the pontoon (used for acccessing the park from Nkwali and the safari houses). His witty comments and eagerness however soon put him on the radar and it was not long before he was quickly snapped up and brought into camp. Working his way up through grounds, waitering and then finally joining the Luangwa Bush Camping team as her tea-bearer. He simply absorbed all the information handed out to the guests during walks and then during siesta time he poured through guiding books. It was not long till he was ready and raring to go for his guides’ exam. Passing first time was no surprise to the team and under the watchful eye of Daudi he is fast becoming one of our young stars out in the bush.

Having been born and brought up in the Luangwa Valley Willie was taught all there was to know about the bush from a very young age.  However, as soon as he finished school he decided to leave the Luangwa and head to do a course to become an electrician.  3 years of training later and 3 hard years away from the Luangwa he soon came scampering back with just one target in mind – spending time in the bush and the best way to do that was to become a guide.

Willie is in the safari industry since 1996 and has incredible knowledge and experience of all the bush has to offer.  Willie took a brief timeout from guiding in 2015 and joining Biocarbon Partners as a Conservation Manager in a role which involved liaising with community members and local chiefs to preserve over 300,000 hectares of woodland.  However, it was not long before he wanted to be back out in the park sharing the wonders with our guests and to our great joy he joined the RPS team in 2018 and can now be found up at Nsefu – his second home.

Born and brought up in Mfuwe, surrounded by nature and with a role model like his uncle Kiki, how could he not become enthralled by wildlife and what it had to offer… With a genuine love for nature and steadfast passion to conserve it, Yona felt that becoming a guide really was the best route for him. Being loud and gregarious, he loves meeting new people, the interaction of it all and making new friends. What better place for Yona to be than behind the wheel of a game viewer showing everyone the magic of the Luangwa.

Born in Zambia but with his Italian roots bursting out through his enthusiasm and passion for the bush Jason has been guiding in the South Luangwa since his gap year in 1984 which never ended. Falling in love with the area he decided that this was where he was staying. An astute conservationist and formidable guide, Jason has been with Robin Pope Safaris since 1991. He is a member of the Zambia Ornithological Society and has a keen interest in Africa’s fantastic bird life. He also belongs to a local astronomy club, and his knowledge of the night skies of the Southern Hemisphere makes stopping in a large open area on a night drive far too tempting. Having abandoned the role of camp manager Jason adopts a very relaxed approach and can mostly be found leading our walking safaris up on the Mupamadzi River.

‘Kanga’ was first inspired to become a guide at school where he was an active member of the wildlife and conservation club for four years. After completing school he studied automotive mechanics and moved to the Valley to be a mechanic. Upon arrival he spent every spare moment studying and in 2007 joined Luangwa Bush Camping as a tea bearer. Spending every day in the bush Kanga learnt a lot and passed his exams first time at the top of the class. Kanga is fast becoming one of our guests’ favourite guide for his enthusiasm and love of the bush.

Becoming a guide because “It just seemed like the natural thing to do”. He passed his guiding exam in 1998 and joined Robin Pope Safaris in 2004. Sebastian can occasionally appear a little quieter than some of our other guides. However with an incredibly dry sense of humour and gentle manner, his absolute enjoyment of his profession is evident. Since achieving his walking license in 2005 Sebastian has been concentrating on honing his walking skills and examining the smaller details the bush has to offer.

Emily Haynes, with almost 20 years at Robin Pope Safaris she knows the camps and the teams inside out and will make sure that everything is ship shape in Zambia.

Rob Clifford, born and brought up in Africa and spending his entire life in the bush he has handfuls of experience within the safari industry.  Believing in a hands on approach and working with the staff he will make sure that he guides us in the right direction.

Eneson’s journey with Robin Pope Safaris started back in 2011 as security guard at Mkulumadzi’s famous footbridge. Before long, it became apparent that the hours spent at the footbridge were not idle, but that Eneson enjoyed learning about the trees and birds (and the odd elephant) on the shores of the Mkulumadzi River. His talent and eagerness to learn soon resulted in him being promoted to waiter and a storeman. Yet, Eneson kept on studying and during the quiet Covid years could spend every waking hour pursuing his dream of becoming a guide. Today, he guides fulltime at Mkulumadzi.

Mali was born and brought up (“like Tarzan” he likes to say) in different National Parks in Malawi. For many years, his father & his two elder brothers worked for the National Parks & Wildlife Department so being in the bush is second nature to Mali.

After school he worked as a driver for various Non-Governmental Organizations, mainly in the Machinga area but his heart remained in the wilderness. Inspired by an old friend with whom he grew up with in Liwonde National Park, Mali decided to try his hand at guiding and ended up at Mkulumadzi Lodge in Majete Wildlife Reserve where he still guides today. Mali is married to a teacher and has recently started a beautiful family.

Godfrey grew up in Thyolo, southern Malawi. According to him, “there were no big rivers for me to learn how to swim, or how to drive a speedboat and certainly no telescope to enjoy the stars!” Godfrey joined the team at Pumulani in 2009 and was originally assigned a driving position. Soon he started taking more responsibilities on his broad shoulders, learnt to swim and yes, taught himself all about our grand telescope and the stars and planets above. Today he is the Assistant at Pumulani Lodge and his calm demeanour means he is also the general go-to guy for whatever needs to get done, whether in the lodge, in the local community or on the busy streets of Blantyre or Lilongwe.

Black Yusufu started working at Pumulani in July 2008 when we had just ‘opened our doors’ and has been with us ever since.  He started off as a gardener for one and a half years before being promoted to beach attendant.  Black is very passionate about  all the activities offered at Pumulani and will entertain guests for hours with his wonderful stories.

Hailing from Monkey Bay – a village on the Southern shores of Lake Malawi, Precious joined the Pumulani team in 2017 as a beach attendant. Having grown up by Lake Malawi, he naturally loves being out on the water, taking guests on snorkelling excursions and more!

Toni heads up the Malawi operation as Country Manager while Noline manages Mkulumadzi Lodge in Majete Wildlife Reserve. Originally from South Africa, they were based in Kenya over the last few years before deciding to settle in the Warm Heart of Africa.

Michael is no stranger to Liwonde National Park as he grew up in Malawi before enrolling in hotel school in Switzerland,  Once he graduated the call of Africa was hard to deny. Jenn grew up in South Africa and is also no stranger to the bush, having spent a great deal of time exploring the South African wilderness. Together they manage our intimate and exclusive Kuthengo Camp.

Our journey has led us here to the Lake of Stars… Christo has many years of maintenance experience and a keen interest in birding.  I have vast experience in service industry and my heart beats for Africa. With our various skills we hope to make a difference at Pumulani.

Tawanda helped open the very first camp in 2009 and took on the role of assistant chef, but has flown through the ranks over the years being promoted to head chef, Operations Manager and now Camp Manager.

Born and raised in Harare, Tawanda’s love of the bush (especially fishing!) is what led him to meeting John Stevens and forming a life-long friendship with the Stevens and Harrups. Tawanda’s positive outlook and infectious smile, coupled with his incredible stories and a clear passion for wildlife make him an absolute hit with guests and staff alike.

Tawanda can definitely be described as a jack of all trades undertaking all sorts of tasks around camp including cooking, operations, maintenance and he is currently studying to get his walking guide licence, and has aspirations of getting his pilot’s licence in the future too.

Mark is Zimbabwean born and bred, and has over 30 years of experience of leading safaris in Mana Pools, Hwange and further afield in Zimbabwe. His knowledge of Zimbabwe’s wildlife and vegetation is a testament to the many years of guiding walking safaris and undertaking canoeing expeditions all along the lower Zambezi river.

Mark’s passion for conservation and respect of the animals is immediately clear from the moment you meet him. His clear, calm and humorous briefings bring comfort to your walking safaris, and his approach to guiding is clearly centred around ensuring that the wildlife remains as undisturbed as possible.

A gifted storyteller, Mark is known for his sharp wit and sense of humour. Sitting at the dinner table, under a sky of stars, after an excellent day of morning and evening game drives, you will find yourself enthralled and transported by Mark’s tales of personal adventure and close encounters with the incredible wildlife of Zimbabwe.

Sarah and Milo (daughter and son-in-law of the extraordinaire safari guide John Stevens) have been operating John’s Camp since 2009. Milo splits his time between the office in Harare and in Mana Pools, doing what he loves most, looking after guests. Sarah, with their two children, Imogen and Max, are based full time in Harare.  Sarah helps operate the camp remotely and makes sure nothing gets left behind before it’s 7 hour journey into Mana Pools National Park.

First one in and last one out… Munyama heads up our reservations team and is one of the longest standing members of the RPS family. Hailing from Livingstone, Zambia, he has been in the travel industry for over 20 years, and his knowledge and experience is unparalleled. He revels in the challenges thrown at him on a daily as he strongly believes that there is no such thing as a ‘problem without a solution’.

Munyama is ably assisted by: Mubu Simpson and Sakhile Mudaala.

Geno Chikwiri grew up in the small resort town of Kariba in Zimbabwe, and so her love for nature and safari was established at a young age. She started off in the Robin Pope Safaris’ reservations team, living and working in the Luangwa Valley back in 2004. Geno is at her happiest sharing her knowledge and passion for Southern Africa and most especially the Robin Pope Safaris circuit, from her home base in South Africa and at tradeshows.

Steph’s love for wildlife and the great outdoors started at an early age while growing up in Zimbabwe, where she was fortunate enough to experience a great deal. In 2008 after finishing school she moved to Malawi, and landed a job in a travel agency by chance. Although she had never considered a career in travel, she soon realized that it is exactly where she wanted to be and the rest is history…

Ton and Margaux met each other in 2001 in Groningen, The Netherlands where both of them were studying. They were keen on setting something up together and to become entrepreneurs. Their African adventure started in 2006 with a move to Malawi. Robin Pope Safaris was taken over in the years after, whilst new lodges & camps were built and more properties were added to the RPS family. After 13 wonderful and rewarding years in Malawi, Ton and Margaux and their three children moved back to The Netherlands. Their work and love for RPS, the bush and the African people remains and they continue work on strenghtening the company.