Mukambi did not begin as an investment. It began as a passion.
In the late 1990s, our parents, Edjan and Robyn, chose to step away from conventional life in the Netherlands and pursue something different — to spend more time together as a family, and a bold opportunity in Zambia. What started with rebuilding a home in Zimbabwe quickly expanded into exploring tourism ventures across 5 national parks in Zambia.
Mukambi as we know it was established in 2001. At the time, it was a modest and struggling lodge. After stepping in to resolve operational challenges during the solar eclipse in 2001, our parents took on management responsibility and committed to rebuilding it.
In May 2002, our family moved to Africa. By July 2003, we were living at Mukambi full time. The decks you see today at the main lodge, the villa, the luxury tents, and later Busanga Plains Camp and Fig Tree Bush Camp — none of these existed then. They were built step by step, year by year.
The early years were not easy. A failed partnership, limited resources, and young children growing up in a remote national park meant the only way forward was perseverance.
Over time, that perseverance created stability. Stability created growth. Growth created opportunity — for generations of staff, for local communities, and for all of our guests discovering Kafue National Park.
Today, Mukambi Safaris stands as one of the longest-operating safari companies in Kafue.
Still family-run.
Still independently owned.
Still evolving.
And above all, still Unique by Nature.
The story is not about creating a legacy. It is about making a difference by protecting and sharing the real Africa for generations to come.
Originally from Lusaka, my connection to the wild began just six weeks after birth when my family moved to the Okavango Delta. Growing up immersed in that landscape, I knew early on that the bush was where I truly belonged. After university, I spent years in the corporate world of Lusaka, but the "call of the wild" was constant. In 2014, I finally traded the suit and tie for khaki, and I haven't looked back since. Today, Kafue National Park is more than just my workplace—it is my home. I find my greatest fulfillment in the soothing sounds and remarkable biodiversity of the heart of the bush. Favorite Wildlife: The African Hunting Dog (Painted Dog).
A Lusaka raised and hospitality professional since 2012, I manage the vital balance between supply chain logistics and administrative precision at Mukambi. I thrive on the challenge of end-to-end operational control—keeping our lodge stocked, compliant, and profitable. Beyond the numbers, my work has deepened my own connection to nature. There is immense fulfillment in seeing guests arrive as tourists and depart as lifelong ambassadors for the wild. Favorite Wildlife: The Cheetah—fascinating for its speed and its unique spots which are like human finger prints, ”no two cheetahs have the same pattern."
Originally from Livingstone, my journey with Mukambi began in August 2023, but my connection to this land goes back much further. Born right here in Kafue National Park, returning to work in the heart of the bush is a lifelong dream realized. For me, this role is more than just a profession; it is an extension of who I am. I have carried a deep love for nature and wildlife since childhood, and I feel most at home when surrounded by the wilderness. Favorite Wildlife: The Honey Badger—I admire its unmatched bravery and fearless spirit.
Proudly Zambian, I began my professional journey in the hospitality industry with a deep-seated passion for guest experience and service excellence. I was drawn to this field by a genuine love for connecting with people and the rewarding challenge of creating truly memorable moments. What started as an interest has grown into a lifelong commitment to high standards. I find immense joy in sharing the rich culture and natural beauty of Zambia with visitors from around the globe, building meaningful connections through every guest interaction. Favorite Wildlife: The Elephant—for its profound intelligence, strength, and unwavering sense of family.
Born in Kitwe to a family of accountants, Henrie chose a different path, trading the ledger for the landscape. An outlier with a deep love for the outdoors, she began her journey as an intern in Kafue National Park—a place she has now returned to as a seasoned professional. At Busanga Plains Camp, Henrie combines her natural gift for hospitality with a lifelong passion for the Zambian bush. She embodies the soul of the wilderness, drawing inspiration from the wisdom of the Elephant and the fierce determination of the Leopard. Spirit Animals: The Elephant and the Leopard.
A bush baby through and through, I am a fourth-generation Zambian with deep roots in this landscape. I’ve been part of the Mukambi family on and off since early 2018, recently hitting the nine-year mark. My journey here began when the lodge needed someone to step into the office, and I’ve been managing the administrative side of the wilderness ever since. The best part of the job? The front-row seat to the wildlife — specifically the hyenas. While I’ve recently developed a fascination for the banded mongoose, nothing beats a hyena encounter in the heart of the park. Favorite Wildlife: The Hyena (with an honorable mention to the Banded Mongoose).
Hi, I’m Aaron Shambotu. I’m originally from the Itezhi-Tezhi area in the south of Kafue National Park, and I’ve been guiding since 2017. My connection to the bush goes back to my childhood — I used to walk seven kilometers to school right through the heart of Kafue, spotting wildlife every step of the way. Today, being a guide is a dream come true because it allows me to share that same magic with people from all over the world. There is nothing quite like the excitement on a guest’s face when they see their first Lion or witness a Zambian sunset; it makes every bit of hard work worth it. While I love all our wildlife, the Leopard is my favorite. To me, those sleek cats are the ultimate bush stalkers.
Hi, I’m Albert Manda. I was born in the Mambwe District of eastern Zambia, right in the heart of Mfuwe near South Luangwa National Park. My journey into conservation started early—way back in Grade 4, when I joined a conservation club under the Chipembele Wildlife Education Trust. That spark grew into a lifelong passion, leading me to start my professional career at Flatdogs Camp in 2014. Since then, it has been an incredible journey transitioning from the landscapes of South Luangwa to the vastness of Kafue National Park. Having experience in Zambia’s two premier parks has been a privilege. While I appreciate all of nature, the Lion is my favorite—their social dynamics and the way they interact as a pride are truly incredible to witness.
Hi, I’m Boyd Longwani. I’m originally from Chief Mulendema’s village in the Mumbwa District, and I’ve been calling the bush my office since 2004. I first got into this profession simply because I love nature, but over the last two decades, I’ve discovered that the best part of the job is the people. Guiding gives me the chance to meet guests from all over the world, sharing ideas and stories while we explore the wilderness together. If you see me out on a drive, you’ll likely find me looking for the Leopard—they are my absolute favorite animal to track.
Hi, I’m Brian Habeenzu. Originally from Zambia’s Southern Province, I now call Lusaka home. My journey at Mukambi began in 2014 as a barman, but being immersed in the Kafue’s landscape changed everything for me. Watching the wilderness every day sparked a deep respect and passion for the bush, leading me to join the guiding industry in 2019. Since then, my career has been an incredible adventure filled with new friendships and meaningful connections. While I have a soft spot for the Leopard and Eland, the true reward of guiding is the time it gives me to interact with the natural world and share its beauty with others.
Hi, I’m Dean Farao. I was born and raised in Chirundu, and my inspiration for wildlife guiding started in childhood. Watching my father identify birds, amphibians, and everything in between sparked a love for nature that has stayed with me ever since.After finishing school, I completed an internship at Gwabi River Lodge before heading to Londolozi in South Africa to sharpen my skills in tracking and signs. I eventually returned to the Lower Zambezi, where I spent over three years guiding with Classic Zambia. Today, I’m truly enjoying my life in the bush. While I love the variety of the wild, the African Elephant is my absolute favorite.
Hi, I’m Evans Chimwanga. Originally from the Chibombo District, my path into guiding began in 2019 at a reserve north of Lusaka. To be honest, I initially started guiding as a way to make ends meet. However, after two years in the industry, I realized this wasn't just a job—it was a calling. Mother Nature began teaching me lessons I couldn't ignore, and I fell completely in love with the beauty of the wild. Today, I am so grateful I chose this path. While I find all animals amazing, if I had to pick favorites, the speed of the Cheetah and the vibrant colors of the Malachite Kingfisher stand out the most. Guiding allows me to truly be myself, sharing the incredible interactions of the bush and showing my guests just how beautiful our natural world is.
Hi, I’m Harrison. My guiding journey began in January 2020 in South Luangwa National Park, a place that truly shaped my passion for the wild. I have a deep appreciation for the Baboon and the Impala—their social dynamics and resilience are endlessly fascinating to observe. For me, guiding is about much more than just spotting animals; it’s about the interpretation of our wildlife, history, and culture. I find my greatest satisfaction in being an ambassador for both my country and my company, sharing the rich stories of Zambia with guests from around the corner and around the world.
Pumba and Piglet, now that was a troublesome pair, which some guests may remember. We received these two ladies when they were the tiniest of squealing newborns, brought to us by park scouts in hopes we could hand-rear them. And so we did. They had the biggest personalities, and had behaviour almost like that of a dog. Fiercly loyal and protective, social, loved attention and scratches, and huge gluttons (much to our kitchen staffs’ dismay).
Now for some good news: We do have another cat who popped onto the Mukambi premises! We call her by the name of ‘Mauw’, as she has quite the iconic and booming meow. She is not tame nor is she officially a ‘pet’, but she does make appearances around the lodge every now and again. She doesn’t like to be stroked, but if she really likes you, she may decide to approach you. We suspect that she may be one of Simba’s kittens from years ago, and she is a lovely sight to have about, as African Wildcats are terribly elusive. She’s quite a special sighting!
