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Kafunta Safaris Team
DIRECTORS AND OWNERS
Kafunta began many years ago with the Cowans… In 1988, Ron and Anke met in Ron’s native Australia when Anke was travelling. Ron joined her on her adventure, continuing through Asia and on to Germany, Anke’s home, where they planned the next leg. In 1990, in their trusty Land Rover, they journeyed through Africa, spending time in Malawi before falling in love with the Luangwa Valley in Zambia. Kafunta River Lodge was built in 1998 and has been their home ever since.
Read Ron & Anke’s story here.
MANAGEMENT
SAM NKHOMA CHIWAYU
Operations Manager
Sam was born in Chipata and attended school in Mfuwe. His safari experience started at Mfuwe Lodge, where he qualified as a grade 2 guide in 1998 and a couple of years later he was the first indigenous Zambian to top the Walking exams. He spent several years conducting mobile trips from Nairobi to Cape Town before returning to Zambia, holding senior positions with Wilderness Safaris as well as Sanctuary Retreats, along with managing boutique hotels such as Latitude 15 in Lusaka. Along the way Sam completed a diploma in Hotel Operations followed by a baccalaureate in Hospitality Administration and Business Administration. But the appeal of the bush (and wearing khaki shorts again) was too strong. We are delighted to have Sam as our Operations Manager since December 2021.
LEVY CHULU
Maintenance Manager
Born in Kitwe in the Copperbelt, Levy came with his parents to the Eastern Province when he was still a young child.
Following in his father’s step, he became a mechanic and was one of the first staff members hired at Kafunta over 27 years ago.
Ever since he has worked closely with Ron & Anke Cowan to build and to constantly improve all our properties.
Although you are more likely to find him under the hood of a vehicle, Levy oversees the overall state of the lodge and camps as our Maintenance Manager.
MARTIN MBEWE
Island Bush Camp Manager & Senior Guide
Martin was born in 1965 from the Kunda tribe and has fulfilled his lifetime dream of becoming a safari guide. Martin joined Kafunta in 1997 when we first built the lodge and has been with us all along! His pleasant nature, incredible knowledge and irresistible sense of humour have made him one of most respected guides in the Luangwa Valley. Since 2022, Martin has been managing Island Bush Camp, his all time favorite, during the 5 months of operations. He is also guiding there, and at Kafunta the rest of the year.
RONA POTGIETER
Lodge Manager
Originally from South Africa, Rona first visited South Luangwa 23 years ago — and it clearly left a lasting impression. After more than two decades in the food and beverage industry, she now brings her wealth of hospitality experience, creativity, and attention to detail to her new role as Lodge Manager.
Her background in F&B has shaped her deep appreciation for service, teamwork, and guest satisfaction. Whether she’s coordinating operations, supporting her team, or ensuring every guest feels right at home, Rona combines warmth and professionalism with a passion for creating memorable safari experiences — both at the table and beyond it.
BETTY MWABA
Guest Relations Manager
Betty was born in Mpika and raised in Lusaka, growing up in a big family filled with daily challenges. That’s exactly why working in the tourism industry reminds her of home! A graduate from the Zambia Institute of Tourism & Hospitality, she started her career at The Quorum, an exclusive boutique hotel in Lusaka.
Seeking a bush experience, Betty joined Kafunta in April 2022 and was immediately smitten! Her enthusiasm and cheerful nature make her a brilliant host for our guests.
She was promoted to Guest Relations Manager in 2024.
ANNA RICHARDS
Kafunta Host
Anna (Annelize) is a true child of the bush, with a love for the wilderness ignited at just two weeks old when she first set foot in South Luangwa.
Born in Zimbabwe but raised in Zambia, Anna grew up with the tourism industry as her playground, spending countless hours on game drives and developing a deep connection with Africa’s wildlife. With a lifetime of experience in the bush, she’s as comfortable in the wild as she is in her own skin. Having previously worked in South Luangwa, Anna’s passion for the land and its creatures drew her back, and she’s excited to continue sharing her expertise and love for the bush with others.
PAIGE SWANEPOEL
Reservations Manager & Social Media Coordinator
Born in Zimbabwe and having lived in Zambia for almost 20 years, Paige brings a rich background and a deep connection to the region. She pursued her studies in Cape Town, receiving degrees in Event Management and in Marketing Management.
Her experience is diverse, having worked for one of Zambia’s top travel agencies and gaining some hands-on experience in the Kafue National Park.
Paige’s dream of working in the bush has come true at Kafunta, where she can combine her love for social media with her deep passion for the wilderness. She’s a massive elephant lover!
You’ll find Paige all over the camp, whether welcoming guests, answering reservations in the office, or running around taking photos to post on social media.
IZZY DEFOURNY
Sales & Marketing Manager
Izzy is a French-speaking Belgian who has been roaming the world working for high end hotels and resorts for over 25 years.
In 2009 she landed in Southern Africa and fell in love with the African bush.
With an exceptional background in customer service and marketing, she joined us in 2015 as Sales & Reservations Manager.
Nowadays, Izzy works mostly remotely from her home in Belgium, looking after our sales and marketing duties. She’s the face of our company for many of our trade partners and our voice behind our newsletters.
In her spare time, Izzy enjoys photography, hiking, and crisscrossing Europe by train!
NATHAN SUNKUTU
Finance Manager
SAFARI GUIDES
Our guides are extremely well trained and knowledgeable. The majority of them have passed the high level Grade 1 safari exams and are qualified to escort walking and driving safaris. They will ensure your trip is both safe and memorable. 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 as only a traditional, local guide can.
Kelvin Zulu
Joseph Zulu
David Tembo
Jon Kasonga
Chilumba M Lungu
Solomon Tembo
Nedy Simfukwe
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. Many of them have had the opportunity to train in professions like room attendants, barmen, mechanics, waiters and cooks. We employ more than 30 permanent workers and many more during the season. Most of our staff are from the local tribal villages and we are always happy to offer young Zambians the opportunity to train in different professions and further their careers.