ANNIKA SCHIMMEL

My name is Annika Schimmel, I am from Delmenhorst, Germany and I am about to graduate with my Bachelor´s Degree in English and Geography from the University of Vechta, Germany.

When I first came to South Africa in February 2011 to do an internship with a Game Reserve close to Rustenburg, I immediately fell in love with Africa, her people as well as flora and fauna.

I have been moving between Germany and South Africa since 2011 while I finish my degree, but South Africa is where my heart is and where I plan on settling.

I love being in the bush just sitting quietly by a waterhole, waiting patiently for whatever might come to drink. Walking safaris are also a firm favourite because you see nature from a totally different perspective, up close and personal. Africa’s colourful people and their happiness fascinate me and I enjoy every single day that I spend with them, learning more about their cultures and traditions or just having a braai (or otherwise known as a barbeque, I’m picking up South African-isms quickly) with good friends.

I started working for Sunway Safaris in June 2012 and I could not imagine any better job than guiding travelers through all the wonderful places all over Southern Africa. My goals on every tour are to make guests fall in love with Africa as much as I did, by sharing my passion, and to make sure that their experiences are unforgettable ones.

BOTSWANA WILD SIDE CAMPING: "Annika is/was the best and most competent guide I ever had. Personality and knowledge perfect. I would travel with Annika again anytime – Thank you.."

SOUTH AFRICA SCENIC ROUTE: "The best guides I've ever had...and this was my third trip."Carola Wieske, Germany

CAPE TO VIC GRAND EXPLORER: "Dear Sunway Safaris,We recently travelled from Cape Town to Vic Falls with your company. It was a unique experience that was very well organized and well managed by your staff. Our guides Annika & Kalunga were simply unique. They formed an excellent team with enormous knowledge about the country, nature and animals. Annika is an excellent cook and for us it was not the last journey with your company"Family Kainer, Austria

SOUTH AFRICA RAINBOW ROUTE SAa17: "But the best part of the tour was our guides – Annika and Zandre. The two are wonderful - the best you could wish for. Our guides told us all about the country, the landscape and the animals we saw. They got up early in the morning and went to sleep after us – meaning they are there for us almost around the clock. Have taken care of everything, answered all our questions. They were in a good mood the whole time. Annika translated everything in German for us – she even knows every bird’s name in both languages and Zandre drove us well and safely everywhere – he knows every inch of his truck. And he surprised us with his German language skills. They like to cook and so they have cooked many good dishes for us. The two love what they do and that is noticeable and that is why the journey has become so memorable. Briefly summarized: It was a really really amazing tour, but the two made it unforgettable. Thank you – it was my best holiday so far. I hope we’ll see each other again."Verena Eder, Austria

Back to Guides