Meet the Wild Wings Safaris Team

Onne Vegter

Onne Vegter is the managing director and co-founder of Wild Wings Safaris. Born in Holland, he has travelled widely around the world and throughout Africa, but South Africa has been his beloved home for more than 40 years. Calm, steady, and meticulous, Onne is the "rock" of our team. His vast knowledge of Africa is second to none — if he's not in the office, you'll probably find him somewhere in the bush, exploring new destinations, building relationships, or researching the latest lodges. Onne's passion for wildlife and safaris is deeply personal; he often takes his family on safari, living the adventures he shares with others.

Simon Vegter

Our senior safari guide and co-founder, Simon Vegter, is something of a legend in the guiding world. Known for his encyclopaedic bush knowledge, sharp wit, and infectious enthusiasm, he has been described by one guest as "the fabulous barefoot guide" — a nickname that stuck! A keen birder, accomplished wildlife photographer, and master of the bush breakfast, Simon turns every safari into an unforgettable adventure. To travel with Simon is to be spoiled for any other safari guide. He has a rare gift for helping people fall in love with Africa's wild places, and for many guests, their safari with Simon becomes the highlight of a lifetime.

Clare van der Breggen

Clare van der Breggen was born in Zambia, raised in Botswana, and lived for many years near Kruger National Park before joining Wild Wings in 2008 as an Africa Safari Specialist. With such a rich background, it's no surprise that Clare has visited most of Southern and Eastern Africa's top safari destinations. She brings that wealth of experience — along with a calm, graceful presence — to every itinerary she designs. Known affectionately as the "momma-bear" of our office, Clare is intensely loyal, quietly wise, and deeply passionate about helping travellers discover Africa's magic. For our team and our clients alike, she radiates warmth and reassurance.

Magda Barnard

Magda Barnard keeps our London office humming, making sure every enquiry finds its way to the right safari specialist. With years of administrative and travel experience, she blends razor-sharp organisation with genuine warmth. Guests often remark on how quickly they feel at ease after speaking with her — she has that rare gift of making even complex logistics feel simple. Magda is also a natural connector: she loves learning about people's travel dreams and matching them with the planner best equipped to make them happen.

Esta Ncwangu

Esta Ncwangu has been part of the Wild Wings family for many years, and her presence is felt in every corner of the office. Energetic, upbeat, and endlessly positive, she keeps everything running smoothly while lifting the team's spirits with her trademark smile. Nothing ever seems to rattle her — challenges are met head-on with grace, good humour, and a determination that inspires everyone around her. Guests and colleagues alike often say that Esta embodies one of our core values: whatever you do, do it with excellence.

Elmarie Venter

Elmarie is the steady hand behind our accounts, ensuring that everything from invoices to taxes is handled with care and precision. A devoted mother of two, she balances family life and work with the same calm, professional grace she brings to the office. Colleagues value her as a kind, thoughtful presence — someone who always has wise advice and never lets pressure shake her composure. Outside the office, you'll often find Elmarie browsing food markets, baking something delicious, or camping and exploring South Africa's great outdoors with her family.

Mike Malan

Before joining Wild Wings, Mike was a senior ranger at the prestigious Earth Lodge in Sabi Sands Game Reserve. With a deep passion for walking safaris, he loves introducing guests to the bush on foot and sharing the fascinating details that bring the wilderness to life. A keen birder with encyclopaedic knowledge of wildlife and seasonal game viewing, Mike is equally at home guiding clients over the phone as he is designing the safari they've always dreamed of. Now based in George with his wife and two children, Mike brings his love of nature into family life — whether fishing, golfing, or heading out to explore the region's great outdoors. Around the office, he's famous for his generous teaching spirit. The "Little Wild Wingers" often rope him into impromptu wildlife lessons, knowing he'll drop everything to turn a chameleon sighting or bird call into a magical moment of discovery.

Cathari Johnson

Cat Johnson, our dynamic Reservations Manager, brings a wealth of experience from the tourism, hospitality, and DMC industries. Passionate about Africa — "I love her smell, her sunset and her beauty!" — Cat has worked in top South African hotels and even played a role in the 2010 FIFA World Cup, one of her career highlights. A qualified Prue Leith chef, she combines her love of food, travel, and art in everything she does. With unmatched organisational skills, she keeps the reservations process running smoothly. She's also the go-to person for insider tips on off-the-beaten-track eateries, roadside delis, hidden bistros, and local craft markets — a gift of her culinary background and creative spirit. When she's not crafting seamless safari itineraries, Cat can be found exploring the Garden Route with her husband and two young daughters, making the most of its beaches, forests, and farm stalls.

Nicky Firer

Warm, friendly, and full of enthusiasm, Nicky Firer is one of our full-time safari guides in Kruger. Born and raised in South Africa, she grew up in a nature-loving family and always knew she wanted to be a game ranger. Over the years, she's honed her bush knowledge on countless trips to national parks and private reserves across Africa, turning her lifelong passion into a career. Nicky is at her happiest on safari, sharing her love of all things great and small — from elephants and lions to birds, bugs, and tiny tracks in the sand. Her love of wildlife is infectious, and our guests adore her. One memorable couple got engaged during a safari with Nicky, returned for their honeymoon, and have promised to bring their little one along one day so she can introduce them to the wild. With Nicky as your guide, every game drive is more than just a wildlife experience — it's a heartfelt journey into the wonder of the bush.

Siviwe Pikelela

Siviwe Pikelela joined the Wild Wings team in 2018. With a strong background in community development and administration, he keeps our systems running smoothly and ensures the office hums efficiently. Siviwe is also an avid runner, having completed several marathons, and brings that same quiet determination to every task he takes on. His calm and friendly nature creates a welcoming atmosphere, making everyone around him feel at ease. He is one of those rare, old-fashioned gentlemen — reliable, thoughtful, and steady — and the first person you'd want by your side in an emergency. On safari, Siviwe discovered a deep love for rhinos, drawn to their calm sense of ancient wisdom and enduring strength — a reflection of his own character.

Dianne Kokkonidis

Dianne Kokkonidis is a wordsmith with a strong background in marketing and the hospitality industry, serving as Wild Wings' content manager. She oversees the website and social media accounts, bringing wit, creativity, and a keen storytelling sense to everything she touches. Dianne's love for Africa's people and wildlife runs deep, and it shines through in her writing — whether in blog posts, newsletters, or sharing our guides' latest safari sightings on social media platforms. For Dianne, Africa is a place of beginnings. Its landscapes, wildlife, and communities inspire her stories, and she delights in sharing that sense of wonder and connection with others. She swears that if you listen closely, the wind through the grass murmurs "Welcome home" in a language older than time, understood only by the soul.

Ilaria Semprini-Sara

Ilaria Semprini-Sara joined the Wild Wings family as a senior Africa Safari Specialist, and it quickly felt as if she had belonged here forever. Warm, bubbly, and endlessly passionate about travel, Ilaria brings deep knowledge of Africa and years of experience crafting dream itineraries for every type of traveller. Her love for the continent, coupled with a boundless curiosity to explore new places, is matched by her family, who are also well-travelled and share her enthusiasm for Africa's magic. Competent and committed, Ilaria has a special artistic side — a joy to see in everything from her thoughtful itineraries to the care she lavishes on her roses, nurturing them with the same attention she gives her clients. Guests agree: every safari with Ilaria feels seamless, personal, and effortlessly memorable.

Rufus Makwela

Rufus Makwela is one of Wild Wings' most popular and experienced safari guides. Known for his infectious laugh, boundless energy, and genuine heart for people, Rufus turns every safari into a memorable adventure. His deep love for the bush, friendly nature, and playful banter make him a favourite among guests — as one recent review put it: "If you're lucky to get Rufus, you're in for a treat. We loved Rufus' banter and genuine passion." Rufus takes immense pride in being part of the Wild Wings team, and it shows. He knows he's counted among the best, and he embodies the standard of excellence our clients expect — a guide who loves Africa, delights in sharing it, and inspires everyone around him.

Tanja von Kaschke

Tanja von Kaschke joined the Wild Wings team in early 2023 as a highly experienced Africa Safari Specialist. Having lived and worked in Botswana, she brings deep knowledge of the continent and a keen understanding of what makes every safari truly memorable. Her quiet German efficiency and meticulous attention to detail ensure every trip runs smoothly and seamlessly. Tanja also has a wonderfully dry sense of humour — as sharp and memorable as any fine gin — and she's full of captivating stories from her time in Botswana. Unbelievably competent and endlessly insightful, she brings both professionalism and a thoughtful, personable touch to every itinerary she designs.

Lauren Humphreys

Lauren Humphreys joined the Wild Wings team in early 2023, bringing a sunny disposition and plenty of positive energy to the office. With a background as an inbound tour consultant and experience in finance, Lauren found her way back to the safari industry, where her love of travel truly shines. Known for her radiant smile and easy-going nature, Lauren is both highly organised and exceptionally accommodating. Her clients appreciate her warmth, professionalism, and the genuine enthusiasm she brings to every interaction, making every step of the safari planning experience enjoyable and seamless. Lauren's thoughtful guidance and cheerful approach make planning a safari as enjoyable as the journey itself.

Kirstin Coetzee

Kirstin Coetzee is our friendly and reliable office whizz, seamlessly handling everything from answering phones to loading rates and preparing travel documents. With a National Diploma in Tourism Management and extensive experience in customer service, administration, and financial management, she keeps the office running like a well-oiled machine. Though new to the team, Kirstin fit in immediately, impressing everyone with her grace under pressure and quiet dependability. Her presence brings both efficiency and calm to the office, and we feel fortunate to have someone of her calibre as part of the Wild Wings family.