STEPHEN MAKONI

Stephen is a true Zimbabwean, born and raised in Harare, the capital city of Zimbabwe. Being in a large and bustling city, he was not exposed to much wildlife as a youngster, but he had a great desire to one day become a nature guide. One day he was introduced to his friend's brother who was a nature guide and this was Stephen's first introduction to someone in the industry. He made up his mind and attended a college in Zimbabwe then did his Professional Tour Guiding with the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority. He initially worked for a small overlanding company that did safaris for a mission group, followed by being a tour guide at a game park. He then decided he needed to explore more and learn the whole of Southern Africa...which took him further afield to South Africa where he joined Sunway. With Sunway, Stephen has been able to fulfil his dream of seeing the whole of Southern Africa, doing what he loves best. He has recently added the South African FGASA  level 1 qualification to his Zimbabwean one and wants to continue improving his knowledge and guiding skills. His favorite animal is a "Dagga Boy", one of those huge lone male African Buffalo that one sees often lying on the river banks. He believes the best job to have, is one you also have as your hobby and he loves to share his hobby with tourists from around the world. He looks forward to welcoming you to Sunway Safaris and this beautiful continent!

CAPE TO NAMIBIA:  Hi I just wanted to drop a note to say how much I enjoyed the trip I did (12-24 June 2024). The organisation was excellent and everything ran very smoothly. The standard of the accommodation was very good and the food was great. Some of the long drives on the rough roads were challenging at times, but there were always suitable stops to break it up a bit. I loved Namibia and hope to visit again some time. What really made the trip so enjoyable was our great guides Stephen and Mayi. Nothing was ever too much trouble for them. They were both very knowledgeable and made the trip great fun. My thanks to Stephen and Mayi and the whole Sunway team. Jan, UK

SOUTHERN CIRCLE: A great adventure on your amazing continent. Our guides Maxwell and Stephen explained Africa is not a holiday or safari and it sure was an adventure. Their professionalism, knowledge, culinary skills and a basic willingness to share were more than we expected. Guides are swapped each tour and we were exceptionally lucky to experience the skills of these two guys. On one occasion safety was an issue but Stephens cool calm manner made us feel comfortable when the hippo tried to join our makoros. Also Maxwells handling of an injured Black Mamba on the road showed his empathy with animals in general. As the "oldies" in our tour group we were very well looked after. Going beyond the requirements of the tour when my husbands suitcase failed to arrive in Livingstone before the tour left, they made sure we stopped at the appropriate shops to purchase another wardrobe!! When the bag finally arrived in Livingstone they collected it and had it waiting at the finish of the tour for us. Well done Sunway. Ewen & Sue, UK

BOTSWANA WILD SIDE "My wife and I just returned from the Botswana Wildside trip that began in Johannesburg on May 19. We wanted to thank you and your staff for providing us with one of the best experiences of our lives! The trip was well organized and led well by all of our guides. Stephen was organized, gave us a solid understanding of what to expect for each day at the evening briefings, and was always gracious in answering any of our questions. Shandle was always joyous, smiling and had an infectious laugh. But he also had a tremendous level of knowledge and understanding of the area, animals and culture that he shared. Kenny was similarly enthusiastic and knowledgeable about being in the bush and did a fantastic job in leading the game drives. And even though he did not do any guiding, we also appreciate the support of our follow-vehicle driver, I.T., who quietly shared his own knowledge by identifying the different sounds of the animals at night. We both came away from this trip with a deeper understanding and love of the land and people of Southern Africa. We would definitely recommend your company and these guides to anyone who wants to experience the wilds of Botswana."David & Kristin, Colorado USA

BOTSWANA WILD SIDE "We Hello Sunway Safaris. We have just returned home after our trip "Botswana Wildside". It was the best trip of my life. Absolutely fantastic. Our guides Stephen, Kenny and the  super  great Shandle. The organisation was absolutely perfect. Many thanks & greetings from Germany to the Sunway Team."Ulrich Hauber, Germany.

SOUTH AFRICA RAINBOW ROUTE: "We had a very great tour with Sunway Safaris from Johannesburg to Cape Town. It was an awesome adventure where we had the possibility to explore the beautiful wildlife of South Africa. We had the best guides ever. Thanks Clinton and Stephen for the great time: you were awesome with us; everytime ready to answer questions and to cook for us a delicious dinner. I hope we see us again on the next tour with Sunways. Thanks a lot guys! His ability to handle different personalites, his organisational skills, his general knowledge, his passion for his environment, his driving is instinctive (it was a pleasure to be in the truck when he drove), the way he planned the menu, its variety and deliciousness, his sense of humour and his quiet confidence as a man made my trip one that I will always remember. He is an asset to your company and I just had to send this note to let you know my thoughts as there really was not the opportunity on the review form. This was my first trip with Sunway Safaris and I would not hesitate to recommend your company in the future."Michelle, Australia

SOUTH AFRICA RAINBOW ROUTE: "Hello Again, I wanted to say that I have just returned from my holiday in South Africa with your company. Our guides were Clinton and Stephen, and the holiday was the best by far that my friend and I have ever been on - and we have travelled extensively! Clinton and Stephen, were just the most excellent and well informed guides you could wish to have. Their knowledge of the animals, birds, flowers and insects was astonishing. They were kind and patient throughout the holiday, and I really don't think we could have had two better guides running the show. As for the holiday itself, it was amazing. Whoever dreamed up the itinerary did a great job. We saw so much of your beautiful country, and did so many varied things. So a big 'Well Done' to your company, and to Clinton and Stephen. You have two great members of staff there."Pauline Hill and Diana Albery, United Kingdom

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