About Us
Jenman Island Safaris, a division of Jenman African Safaris, is a family-run business with brothers Garth, Brendan and Andrew Jenman having grown up in Southern Africa and spending well over a decade exploring Africa whilst travelling and working in the hospitality industry. Their camping division, Campwild Tours and Safaris, was created in 1993. Since then the company has grown at a steady pace and has achieved a reputation for reliability, safety, high service levels and excellent value for money. With time, the brothers diversified their product range and, catering to their customers’ needs, began to run scheduled as well as tailor-made lodge-style safaris. Thus in 1998 Jenman African Safaris was founded. Now, Jenman Island Safaris is embarking on further exploration to Madagascar.
Their philosophy: To provide comfortable, more personal and interactive, holidays. Jenman Island Safaris has positioned itself to be able to provide their customers with the product they require, whether it’s a budget or an upmarket holiday to Madagascar, catering for those who are looking for a value-for-money experience.
If you would like to be a part of the Jenman team, then please feel free to have a look at the employment opportunities.
What makes Jenman Island Safaris different:
- A small-group policy (max 10 clients) on scheduled tours.
- Leaders in tailor-made travel throughout Southern and East Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands. (No matter how little or great your needs may be)
- Cater for larger groups on customised itineraries.
- Specialists in family holidays (discounts for children on request).
- Cater to everyone's needs from camping, lodge, family, scheduled, tailor-made and special-interest travel.
- More focus on the wilderness and culture.
- A pledge to minimise the intrusion on local cultures.
- A more personal atmosphere than larger group safaris and tours.
- Committed to eco-friendly and sustainable, responsible tourism in all our operations.
- Make use of local qualified guides from the specific regions in which we operate.
A few reasons to Book with Jenman Safaris: (click here to find out more reasons 'why you should book with us')
1. Encompassing travel arrangements; we will take care of all your travel arrangements right down to the last detail! You wont need to book and arrange your safari travel with multiple companies… we will do it all!
2. We make sure our prices are competitive while promoting value for money! We only offer the best rates and best safaris….
3. We are located in Africa and have travelled around most of the destinations thoroughly; with first-hand experience you can rely on us, we know what we are talking about.
4. We offer scheduled safaris as well as tailor-made travel – just let us know the dates, countries and your budget and we will make it happen
5. Our consultants are friendly, eager to help and knowledgeable… We also have a high response time meaning you will get your safari answers as soon as possible
6. Every product on our websites has being tried, tested and researched - ensuring that you have the very best Island Safaris possible
Jenman Safaris has extensive experience in the safari industry – you can feel rest assured that all of your travel arrangements will be taken care of in the best possible manner at all times…
Managing Director
Garth Jenman
“I founded Jenman African Safaris in 1993 with one vehicle, guiding walking safaris in the lower Zambezi, Mana Pools. Since then Jenman Safaris has expanded into 14 African countries, we have employed many more staff, and today most of our partners know me personally around the globe.
Travel in Africa has always been a passion of mine, and fortunately my personal interest and work life are combined. Nevertheless, my team and I never forget that we are arranging your holiday – often a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you have looked forward to, for years in some cases. Hence our company slogan is; Africa: Your Adventure, Our Expertise.
Every season the positive feedback from our clients and agents around the world overwhelms me and motivates all of us at Jenman Safaris to carry on, setting our quality standards higher each year. Today, we not only offer affordable solutions for your once-in-a-lifetime Africa experience, but operate lodge safaris, custom-made honey-moon packages and most other travel related arrangements in Southern Africa, East Africa & Madagascar.”
I look forward to many more years of welcoming you on an African experience you will never forget.”
Sales Department
Reservations Manager
Johan Pfahl
Special Subject:Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia and Tanzania
Languages: English and Afrikaans
Qualifications: Post graduate diploma in business administration
History and Experience: After spending time exploring the vast plains of East Africa, the deserts of Namibia and the hidden gems of Mozambique (to name a few), I decided that I wanted to help other people experience Africa in the exciting and authentic manner that I enjoy. This meant relocating to East Africa to explore its natural wonders... Having grown up close to nature, and spending a significant part of my early years in the vicinity of the famous Kruger National Park the likes of the Serengeti and Selous proved irresistible… After a few more years I moved to South Africa and found Jenman Safaris where I became the Reservations Manager for a team of enthusiastic consultants… And so a new journey begins
Favourite African Destination: Travelling around East Africa and Southern Africa offers so much diversity that it’s hard to choose. However, if you are interested in Botswana, Namibia, Tanzania or anywhere else to go… I can tell you where the gems are and the best places to go in each country… Favourite African Destination? All over!
Senior Sales Consultant
Elana Tong
Special Subject: Southen Africa, Madagascar, Zambia and Botswana
Languages: Afrikaans, English
Qualifications: Bachelor of Social Science Degree in Industrial Psychology and Labour Studies, and Postgrad diploma in Tourism and Leisure Management.
History and Experience: I have been very fortunate to work with a reputable Inbound Operator for 3 years before having the opportunity to work and learn at Jenman African Safaris. After completing my degree, I decided I needed to be in a field that is completely different to what I had studied and decided to pursue a career in tourism. It was the best decision that I could have made! Not only have I learnt more about South Africa and our neighbouring countries, I have also met a diverse number of people from all over the world.
Read about my exciting holiday to Madagascar...
Sales Consultant
Tarisai Mhishi
Special Subject: Southern Africa
Languages: English and Shona
Qualifications: Diploma in Travel and Tourism and Certificate in Customer Care
History and Experience: I grew up in Harare, Zimbabwe and after high School l went to study for a Diploma in Travel and Tourism at private college in Harare. After completing my studies in 1998 l have been working in the Tourism industry and had a great opportunity to work for a reputable International Tour Operator for 4 years until l decided to come to South Africa and joined Jenman.
Sales Consultant
Hilka Voges
Special Subject: Madagascar, South Africa
Languages: German, English, Afrikaans
Qualifications: BA (English Language and Literature)
BHCS Honours (Heritage and Cultural Tourism)
First Aid Certificate
History and Experience: I was born and raised in South Africa. After finishing my post-matric at the German School in Pretoria I left for Germany in order to study. I spent a few years in Regensburg, near Munich, after which I had my Bachelors Degree and then returned to South Africa, where I obtained my Honours Degree in Heritage and Cultural Tourism. I am excited to have got the opportunity to work for Jenman African Safaris, which enables me to show interested people from all over the world our unique continent that is so abundant in its diversity.
My Favourite Destination in Madagascar: Definitely Nosy Iranja – I cannot recommend this place enough! The island must surely be one of the most unspoilt destinations around, where the beaches are simply idyllic & the ocean is warm and crystal clear.
Read about my wonderful holiday in Madagascar...
Sales Consultant
Nadia Ismail
Languages: English and Afrikaans
Qualifications: Tourism Management Diploma from Cape University of Technology
History and Experience:I fell into tourism completely by accident. I dabbled in other unrelated things before that. I studied Medicine at the University of Cape Town. However the appeal of the Tourism Industry was too strong and I was completely drawn to it. I then went on to study Tourism Management at the Cape University of Technology. My tourism career started at our National Carrier SAA. I also had a two year stint at 1 Time. I then decided to pursue a career as a travel consultant. I can truly say it a great job, where I learn something new everyday…not many people can say that. But I am happy to say I can!!
Sales Consultant
Rehana Gordon
Languages: English & Afrikaans
Qualifications: BA (Honours) Tourism & Geography (UWC)
History and Experience: I started my first job in the tourism industry at Jenman Safaris in January 2010 as an intern. I have previously worked as a bank teller and a promotions consultant.
Sales Consultant
Aline Baensch
Special Subject: South Africa, Botswana and Namibia
Languages: English & German
Qualifications: Diploma Hotel Business Management, Tourism Tour Guide Certificate
History and Experience: After completion of my hotel management diploma in Munich, my passion for travel drew me to South America. Once arrived, I got introduced to the country and its inhabitants on extensive journeys throughout. In 2008 I ventured to the wonderful city of Cape Town, where I made use of my acquired hotel management knowledge by running a guest house. I realised that I found great pleasure in conveying my travel suggestions to the guests and therefore decided to try my luck at travel consulting. After completing several trips as well as a very interesting tour guide course, I worked at 2 local travel agencies in Cape Town. Now I am part of the Jenman Team and am looking forward to extend my knowledge and experience to my colleagues and our clients.
Sales - New Zealand
Claire Vial
Special Subject: Botswana, Namibia, Kenya and Tanzania
Languages: English
Qualifications: BSC Zoology, PG Dip Wildlife Management
History and Experience:Claire is an experienced wildlife photographer, zoologist, and a children's author of international children's books. Claire's passion for wildlife started at a very young age. Her photography developed while working as a volunteer in Africa, for two years. During this time Claire conducted her two of her own wildlife research projects, worked as a conservation volunteer and assisted in several other wildlife research projects. Using her knowledge and experience, Claire leads groups of people from New Zealand on wildlife safaris to Botswana Namibia, Kenya and Tanzania. Claire is also an accomplished children's author. She has co-authored, and contributed photography to more than 65 non-fiction children's educational books. These books are on a variety of mammals, amphibians, reptiles, invertebrates and birds. The books are available in the United States, Australia and New Zealand.
Groups Department
Senior Sales Consultant
Silke Bullerdiek
Special Subject: South Africa, Namibia and Botswana are my main areas of expertise. Although I would not limit it to that. Kenya, Tanzania, Madagascar and Zimbabwe are strong runner ups.
Languages: German, English, Afrikaans.
Qualifications: A diploma in Tourism Management and a Degree in Business Administration.
History and Experience: I have happily been involved in Tourism for the past 10 years. During my studies in Tourism Management, I managed a guesthouse part time. Then whilst studying Business Administration in the evening, I began as a junior tour consultant at one of the local tour operators. Jenman African Safaris is the 3rd tour operator I have been employed with. I am happy to be here and to expand my knowledge and experience to the greater Southern Africa.
Sales Consultant
Candice Muller
Special Subject: South Africa and the Garden Route
Languages: English & Afrikaans.
Qualifications: Matriculated from Harold Cressy High School in 2001
History and Experience: I started in the car rental sector of the industry and worked there for 2 years and then moved into operations division as a Scheduled tour consultant for 3 years. In March 2009 I was offered a tour consultant position and have been enjoying the challenges ever since.
Favourite African Destination: I would love to visit and explore Botswana. I do think Cape Town is the most beautiful city.
Product Assistant
Zaida Khan
Special Subject: Scheduled Tours for Southern Africa.
Languages: English, Afrikaans.
Qualifications: Matric, studied Travel & Tourism Management at Cape Technikon for 3 years.
History and Experience: I did my internship at an Adventure Travel company in my third year of studying; I was then offered a full time position there. I started off as an administrator/consultant, and worked my way up to office manager. After 3 years, I left the adventure side of tourism to branch out into the ever-popular safari side of tourism at Jenman Safaris at the start of January 2010.
Marketing Department
Marketing Manager - European Market
Katja Quasdorf
Special Subject: Marketing
Languages: German, English, French
Qualifications: Tourism Management Studies (different seminars in presentation, rhetoric, personal, project and airline management, Group Leader seminar)
History and Experience: Growing up in Germany, and having a love for travel and meeting different people, I decided to study tourism management. During my studies I worked in promotional and sales jobs throughout Germany. My breaks and free time were spent working in France, Spain and Austria. In July 2003, my studies brought me to South Africa for 8 months to do an internship at Jenman African Safaris. After my internship, I completed my studies in Germany, and returned to South Africa to work for Jenman Safaris.
My Favourite Destination in Madagascar: Madagascar is in general my absolute favourite destination, but if I have to pick an area or two I would say Amber Mountain National Park – what a stunning rainforest and Kalakajour island – feels like you in the Bacardi advert!
E-Marketer & Web-Editor
Lisa Ronaasen
Special Subject: Marketing
Languages: English and a little bit of Afrikaans
Qualifications: IMM Diploma and a BBA Degree in Marketing Management.
History and Experience: After School I decided that Marketing was for me and went to Varsity College and completed my IMM in Marketing and my BBA Degree in Marketing Management. With all my qualifications I was ready to get started in the working world. I started working for an IT company – marketing and managing their travel websites… This started my fascination with travel and tourism and before I knew it I was given the great opportunity to join the Jenman Team!
Marketing Assistant
Sarah Sadler
Special Subject: Marketing
Languages: English and a little bit of Afrikaans
Qualifications: A degree in LOPHRM (Labour, Organisational Psychology and Human Resource Management) and a Post Graduate Diploma in Marketing Management, both completed at the University of Cape Town.
History and Experience: After studying I worked as a research assistant for several months, and then this amazing opportunity presented itself at Jenman African Safaris. I’m loving every second of it!
Favourite African Destination: I couldn’t possibly choose one place, but I definitely love my home town – Cape Town.
Product Department
Product Manager of Madagascar, East Africa & Angola
Rebecca Marshall
Special Subject: East Africa & Zanzibar, Madagascar & Angola
Languages: English and Traveller's French
Qualifications: Batchelor of Music - University of London; Fitness for Industry qualification - Gym instructor
History and Experience: I fell in love with Africa from the minute I plonked 2 feet on her soil – coming from London, what could be more different! 5 years on & I have travelled intensely through 23 of her 54 countries, enjoying the glorious red earth of Kenya, the turquoise seas in Zanzibar & diving with the colourful fish in Egypt. I’ve driven from London to Cape Town through North; West & Central Africa over 8 months and Africa’s hold just gets stronger. Cape Town has become my new home where I am exploring the joys of South Africa’s weekend getaways. I adore Africa and take every opportunity to help others experience her unrivalled wonders!
My Favourite Destination in Madagascar: My favourite destination in Madagascar has got to be the east coast. I love the tropical feel with all the lush trees & orchids, and the non-commercial feel of the area. Ile aux Nattes is so idyllic & I truly feel as though few people have experienced the complete remoteness it offers. I ate record breaking & very delicious giant prawns (known as Camaron) at Le Petite Traversee, & that memory will stay with me forever!
Read about my wonderful trip to Madagascar and my experience at the DSTV Getaway Show.
Human Resources and Other
General Cleaner
Valentia Poswayo
Languages: English and Xhosa
History and Experience: I have worked at Wembley Foods as a kitchen assistant serving clients and preparing foods. I then worked at IBO Islands as a cleaner and then moved to Jenman Safaris in 2008!
Accounts
Accounting Manager
Jennifer Galley
Special Subject: Accounting and Administration
Languages: English, Afrikaans and French
Qualifications: BA (Honours) Hotel and Hospitality Management, Pitman Computer Keyboard, First Aid & CPR Certificate
History and Experience: Born in Botswana and educated in South Africa, I decided I wanted to travel and work in the Hospitality Industry, so I went to study Hotel & Hospitality Management in Scotland. During my breaks I worked in various areas and gained valuable experience in hotel operations. Upon graduating I obtained a job in Florida working at a 5 Star resort as a Trainee Manager. I then went on to become an Assistant Front Office Manager, where after I was promoted to Hotel Controller. In 2006, after sailing the Bahamas, my husband and I decided to return to Africa and haven’t looked back since!
Junior Bookkeeper
Sandy Rosianne Johnson
Special Subject: Accounts
Languages: English, Afrikaans
Qualifications: BA Degree (Tourism), Some subjects in Environmental Management (BA Honours) and a course in Accounting.
History and Experience: : I love the Tourism Industry and working with people. I worked at a Tourism Info Centre and a Guest House where I gained a lot of experience about this industry and our fabulous country.
Favourite African Destination: I’ve never travelled outside out South Africa but if the opportunity would come I’ll definitely go to Mozambique and Botswana.
Junior Bookkeeper
Lizette Olivier
Special Subject: Accounts
Languages: English, Afrikaans
Qualifications: Matric; Pastel accounting Certificate
History and Experience: I love meeting new people from different Cultures and experiencing new things and travelling. I would like to experience more about Africa that is why I chose to work in travel. I like doing Photography and Reading in my spare time
Jenman Operations
Operations Manager
Wayne Powell
Special Subject: Southern and East Africa
Languages: English, Afrikaans, some Swahili, some Shona, some Ndebele.
Qualifications: Licensed Professional Hunter and Safari Guide Zimbabwe. Licensed Canoe guide Zimbabwe. Launchmaster Zimbabwe. Coxwain Kenya.
History and Experience: After having grown up in the Zambezi Valley in Zimbabwe, and finishing school in South Africa, I spent the next ten years as a Professional Hunter and Safari Guide operating mostly in the Zambezi Valley in Zimbabwe. I eventually reformed - gave up hunting and turned my hand to Game Ranching, but due to political turbulence in Zimbabwe, I moved up to East Africa where I spent the next seven years; initially running lodges in both Tanzania and Kenya and finally running a small Tourism Company in Kenya.
Operations Manager Zimbabwe
Charles Brightman
Special Subject: Zimbabwe
Languages: English
Qualifications: Zimbabwe Professional Safari Guide
History and Experience: Having been born and bred in Zimbabwe and thus developing a passion for the bush, I chose to pursue a career involving the outdoors and wildlife of our unique region. To date, I have been involved in the safari industry for the last 23 years and have guided and explored many of the national parks in Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana and Namibia. As an obligation to put something back into what one loves, I founded the Victoria Falls Anti Poaching Unit in 1999. Working together with other stakeholders, we combat the menace of poaching in the region for the benefit of generations to follow.
Jenman Workshop
Workshop Manager
Frans Coetzee
Special Subject: South Africa
Languages: English, Afrikaans
Qualifications: Code 14, PDP (Professional Driver’s Permit)
History and Experience: I’ve been a long-distance driver, a fitter and an electrical operator, and helped with maintenance of vehicles. I’ve travelled throughout South Africa and I love the outdoors.
Equipment Maintenance
Alse (Ocean) Mhlanga
Special Subject: Equipment Maintenance
Languages: English, Xhosa, Zulu and N'debele
History and Experience: I have worked for Jenman African Safaris since its inception in the early 1990's. I am originally from Zimbabwe, but have lived in South Africa for many years. My principal duty at Jenman African Safaris is to take care of all the equipment used on our safaris. Before each tour starts, I prepare the vehicle and equipment and make sure that everything is in order before our guides go on safari. Making sure our guiding teams have the right equipment on safari is what is important to me.
Driver
Muchanyara Kufandada
Special Subject: Zimbabwe.
Languages: English, Shona, Ndebele, Zulu.
Qualifications: National Diploma and Higher National Diploma in Accounting, class 4 driving licence and international driving permit.
History and Experience: Finished college in Zimbabwe 2004 and worked for the dairy industry as an accountant for a period of two years. Moved to South Afrika and joined Jenman African Safaris.
Favourite African Destination: Mozambique.
Contact Us
Click here or call us:
Within South Africa:
0861 JENMAN
(0861 536 626)
UK: 0871 284 5010
US & Canada Toll Free:
1866 487 4323
Rest of the World:
+27 21 683 7826
Australia Toll Free:
1800 140 835
New Zealand Toll Free:
0800 528 101
Click here to view map
Tailor-made Travel in Madagascar
Jenman Island Safaris specialises in individual or group holidays and will gladly design tailor-made tours for your special interests and needs.
Click here for more information on your tailor-made getaway.
