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.

Managing Director

Garth Jenman

Born in Durban, South Africa, Garth has lived in Cape Town as well as Harare, Zimbabwe. After studying economics at university, Garth travelled abroad for two years through South East Asia and Australasia, and upon his return to Southern Africa he realised the many opportunities the tourism industry had to offer. He started a lodge in Harare, Zimbabwe, and from there, he ran safaris around Zimbabwe, mainly to the Lower Zambezi Valley and Mana Pools areas. He expanded his area of operations to include Botswana and Namibia, and at the beginning of 1998 his brother Brendan joined him, and Jenman Safaris (then Campwild) was born. Quite simply, Jenman Safaris offers something unique, and caters for previously unmet needs of a market; small-group scheduled tours as well as tailor-made travel.

Sales Department

Sales Manager
Bettina Wiederkehr

Special Subject: Southern Africa
Languages: English, Afrikaans & German
Qualifications: Diploma in Hotel Management, Horse Riding Instructor
History and Experience: After studying and much travelling through Europe, I worked in a few hotels in Austria and South Africa. I still had the travel bug and seized the opportunity to sail to the US where I carried on working on various boats as stewardess and chef until I missed the “braaivleis, rugby and boerewors” too much. Back in SA I was employed by a large Tour Operator because of my German speaking abilities and am still in this industry 11 years later.

Deborah Stanbridge

Special Subject: Southern Africa
Languages: English, Afrikaans
Qualifications: Diploma in PC Engineering
History and Experience: After I finished studying in Cape Town, I headed overseas for almost five years. I worked for various tour companies in Ireland and Scotland, where I found that I love the interaction with people from all over the world when working in tourism. I have now returned back home to Africa as it’s definitely the place to be!

Bernelle Strauss

Special Subject: Madagascar, Victoria Falls, South Africa
Languages: English and Afrikaans
Qualifications: Certificate in Travel & Tourism and Tour Guiding
History and Experience: After completing my studies I travelled abroad for what was supposed to be a year, and returned about 8 years later. Upon my return I became involved in the travel industry, dealing mostly with overseas destinations… But with all my travels realised that my heart lay in South Africa and the African Continent, and this passion has led me to Jenman Safaris.

Elana Tong

Special Subject: Southen Africa
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...

Monica Muzhona

Special Subject: Victoria Falls
Languages: English
Qualifications: National diploma in hotel management, Lcci diploma in public relations, Certificate in hospitality supervision, Certificate in hospitality sales & marketing
History and Experience: After school, i worked for the largest hotel group in Zimbabwe – rising from sales manager, to divisional sales manager and eventual group reservations manager. I have worked both in hotel sales and in marketing and my passion lies in the tourism industry. There is so much to show the world about africa!!!!

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.

Amina Akleker

Special Subject: South Africa
Languages: English, Afrikaans
Qualifications: First Aid and BTech Degree in Tourism
History and Experience: I grew up in Cape Town, South Africa. After High School I went on to do my studies through Cape Peninsula University of Technology, where I completed my degree in tourism. I have done my internship and worked for 3 years at various airlines. I then realised it was time for a change, September 2007 I joined the Jenman Team.

Laurina Vercueil

Special Subject: Namibia and Botswana
Languages: English, Afrikaans
Qualifications: BSc Honours Zoology FGASA
History and Experience: I started off studying Zoology and my passion for animals, travelling and people led me to become a guide. Jenman Safaris employed me as a tourguide on various occasions which gave me the opportunity to see quite a few of the African countries. Now I am enjoying putting my knowledge to practice in the office environment. I have best of both worlds!!

Janina Janas

Special Subject: South AfricaLanguages: German, English, some French, basic Spanish
Qualifications: State recognised certificate in Tourism
History and Experience: I grew up in Germany and after working in Hotels and Guesthouses in London, Berlin and Cape Town I knew that I wanted to work in the travel industry and decided to study tourism. During an internship in a travel agency I discovered that I wanted to step “behind the scenes”. After finishing my studies in Germany, I returned to South Africa and started as an intern at Jenman African Safaris, which gave me the wonderful opportunity to join the Jenman Safaris Team.

Hilka Voges

Special Subject: 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...

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!!

Marketing Department

Marketing Director
Brendan Jenman

After completing his Bachelor of Science degree, with Zoology and Environmental and Geographical studies as majors, Brendan spent two years travelling abroad. On his return to Southern Africa he undertook a botany project in Mozambique for 8 months and later joined his brother at his lodge in Zimbabwe. It was here that the Campwild concept was born. It would allow him to combine his passion for with its environment and its ability to share all of its wonders. He returned to South Africa to do a postgraduate course in Business and Marketing Management, and Jenman Safaris (then Campwild) has not looked back since.

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!

USA Marketing Representative
John Moody

Special Subject: Marketing
Languages: English
History and Experience: I was born in Zimbabwe and grew up in South Africa. Currently I am living in the U.S. where I assist others in the pursuit of an incredible holiday experience in Southern or East Africa. I have followed my passion to assist others in planning the trip of a life-time to a destination that is so beautiful and diverse that it will take you back again, and again... Go see for yourself!

Local Sales and Marketing Representive
Patti Brockmann

Special Subject: Southern Africa
Languages: English, German, Afrikaans, (Kitchen) Xhosa and a smattering of French.
Qualifications: Secretarial and Public Relations Diploma, Travel Agents Certificate
History and Experience: … it all started 32 years ago as air hostess for SAA and I’m still going strong! From SATOUR London and Frankfurt to amongst others managing a lodge in Botswana, marketing camping safaris, doing client liaison and more – so much to do and so little time …the cliché that life is a journey is so true and I hope this journey never ends!!
My Favourite Destination in Madagascar: … expect the unexpected … although my experience is limited to Tana, Andasibe NP and the north western part of Mada, I’m sold! Warm & friendly people, quirky lemurs, fascinating chameleons, unspoilt beaches & coral reefs, turtles, orchids, great sea food, colorful markets … The list is endless and I cannot wait to explore the rest of this fascinating and beautiful island!

Marketing Assistant
Zaheera Ismail

Languages: English & Afrikaans
Qualifications: BA Degree in Tourism, Geography & Anthropology
History and Experience: I was born and brought up in Cape Town, South Africa. After I completed school I studied at the University of the Western Cape for three years. Once I finished at UWC i was fully qualified with a Bachelors Degree in Tourism, Anthropology and Geography. I then worked for an airline company for more than a year. After the airline company I was given the great opportunity to join the Jenman African Safaris team.

Product Department

Product Manager
Wiebke Priilaid

Special Subject: South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zambia
Languages: German, English and Afrikaans
Qualifications: National Diploma Marketing Management, Btech: Tourism Management
History and Experience: I grew up in Namibia and moved to Cape Town in 1999 to study at the Cape Technikon. Throughout my studies I helped out at travel companies, which made me decide to work in the tourism industry. I have been in the tourism industry ever since and have been loving every moment for the last 6 years.

Product Manager of Madagascar & Angola
Rebecca Marshall

Special Subject: Angola, Namibia, Zanzibar and Madagascar
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...

Database Admin
Leah Mukundu

Special Subject: Madagascar
Languages: English
Qualifications: Secretarial Diploma, Fares and Ticketing, Amadeus.
History and Experience: I was born in Somerset West, South Africa. We then moved to Zimbabwe in 1979, where I did my schooling from primary to professional qualifications. I have just returned to Cape Town and currently studying Travel and Tourism.

Human Resources

HR Manager
Angela Bryant

Languages:

English / AfrikaansQualifications: Human ResourcesHistory and Experience: Born and bred Capetonian! I found my passion for HR about 10 years ago. HR positions held: Branch Manager for a leading recruitment company, HR Manager for a large retail company, Freelance HR/Recruitment consultant. I joined Jenman African Safaris in August 2007 as their HR Manager, in a half day position. I thoroughly enjoy working with people and it gives me great pleasure knowing that I touch people’s lives in a positive way. I am by nature a curious person and love to travel to new places.

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
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 Assistant
Candice Henry

Special Subject: South Africa, Botswana, Namibia
Languages: English, Afrikaans
Qualifications: Diploma in Tourism Management, NAUI level 1
History and Experience: I grew up in a 4x4, outdoor, adventure family which instilled in me a deep respect for nature, wildlife and other cultures. I love the outdoors and my hobbies include diving, mountain biking and kayaking.
After working in the tourism industry for two years as a tour guide I completed my degree in tourism management. I joined the Jenman Safaris team in December 2007. Working in operations combines all my acquired strengths and experiences and I apply my knowledge to my work everyday

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.

Operations Driver and General Hand
Yamikani Dzaipa

Special Subject: Malawi
Languages: English and Chewa
History and Experience: I was born and raised in Malawi and completed High School in Blantyre. After some extra studies (Marketing) I worked with my father in the family transport business. I moved down to South Africa where I took up work with a delivery company in Johannesburg. I also worked with a chain of boutiques as an assistant stock controller. I’m delighted to join Jenman African Safaris.

Management Team

Managing Director
Garth Jenman - email

HR Manager
Angela Bryant - email

Marketing Manager - European Market
Katja Quasdorf - email

Product Manager
Wiebke Priilaid - email

Product Manager of Madagascar & Angola
Rebecca Marshall - email

Accounting Manager
Jennifer Galley - email