Rod Huck
Rod has spent most of his life in the Zimbabwe bush, having been brought up on a farm, then running his own farming operation until 2002. His great passion is the conservation of the flora and fauna within this beautiful country and Rod has been a participant and organiser of the Mana Pools Game Census since its inception by the Zimbabwe Wildlife Society 16 years ago. He was also instrumental in the construction of the refuse disposal unit at Mana Pools National Park. Rod plays an integral part in the company with regards to staff and camp management and was the driving force behind the formation of Kavinga Safaris.
Clyde Elgar
Having been brought up in Zimbabwe, Clyde spent much of his time in the bush with his family, which led to a great love of the outdoors. With only a few hundred kilometres separating him and some of Africa’s greatest wildlife sanctuaries, Clyde had the privilege of being able to explore and learn about the diverse flora and fauna that Zimbabwe had to offer. In time, the need to capture these amazing scenes of nature led to his passion for photography and filming. The formation of Kavinga Safaris together with his partners has long been a dream of his. At the moment, Clyde divides his time between filming and photography and looks forward to sharing his knowledge of the bush or exchanging ideas about wildlife photography with you, your friends and family.
Andy Smith
Andrew has worked in the safari industry for the past twelve years. He specialises in guiding mainly in Zimbabwe but he also has a broad knowledge of neighbouring regions and has guided in Zambia, Mozambique and South Africa.
Andrew grew up in Harare, Zimbabwe and after leaving school he was keen to pursue a career in the safari industry and his first job was as a trainee at a private camp in Hwange National Park. Over the next four years, Andrew expanded his knowledge of Zimbabwe’s Parks by also working in Matusadona and Mana Pools, where his love, respect and knowledge of the African bush grew.
Andrew’s guiding has taken him through varying wildlife sanctuaries in the sub-region but his passion lies in Mana Pools – a home away from home you could say! He continues to expand his horizons and his vast knowledge of Mana Pools, coupled with his understanding of its diverse species and their day-to-day interactions, will ensure that your safari in the African bush with Andrew will be one that you will never forget.
Clea Bridges
My love for the bush came from my father. From a very early age my parents took my brother and I on holidays to many of the beautiful areas in Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe. When my parents were unable to get away from work, my brother and I would be dropped off in the Lowveld on Chihondo Ranch. This is where I fell in love with all the wild creatures in the African wilderness. During my final years of school I decided that I would become a river guide and walking guide. Unfortunately by the time I finished senior school, the tourism industry had taken a plunge with the economic situation in Zimbabwe.
Instead I went to Art College in Cape Town & after working there for a few years I started to miss Zimbabwe and its beautiful countryside, so I decided it was time to come home. When I got on the aeroplane homeward bound, I promised myself I would do whatever I could to become a guide. So here I am now, working in Mana Pools National park where every day is an adventure with Kavinga.
Our Partners
Clare, Lou and Leah
We cannot forget to mention our partners who play an extremely integral part of the mechanism behind Kavinga Safaris. Lou, Clare and Leah have been behind us every step of the way and if it was not for their support Kavinga Safaris would not be functional today. Their commitment to detail is what gives Kavinga Safaris that extra special touch, with their master skills in the culinary department our clients can be assured that this will just add to their experience on a safari with us. Their combined love of the bush and knowledge of what goes into providing a comfortable camp ensure that your stay with us is unforgettable and like us they hope that you leave Kavinga Safaris with fond memories and a desire to come back soon.
Our Camp Staff
It takes many people to provide a comfortable camp and Kenneth, Jim, Kayo, and Patrick are our camp technicians. Their combined skills have our camp erected and ready to go whilst you are enroute to the camp.
Patrick and Kenneth
Kenneth, Jim & Kayo