The Wild Wings Safaris team is a small, enthusiastic bunch of people who absolutely love what we do. Meet the amazing people who have helped Wild Wings Safaris become one of the most highly rated safari operators in Africa.
Onne Vegter is the managing director and co-founder of Wild Wings Safaris. Born in Holland, Onne has travelled extensively around the world and throughout Africa, but he calls South Africa home. He has lived in South Africa for more than 40 years and would not want to live anywhere else. Onne and his family love wildlife and safari travel, and he often takes his family on safari. He has visited all of the safari destinations Wild Wings sells.
Simon Vegter is our senior safari guide and co-founder of Wild Wings Safaris. He is known for his legendary knowledge of the bush, infectious enthusiasm, and friendly and witty personality. Simon is a keen birder and wildlife photographer, and he can cook up a storm, too – you have not had a proper breakfast until you have enjoyed Simon's bush breakfast, prepared with prime ingredients at a picnic site somewhere in the African bush!
Clare van der Breggen was born in Zambia, grew up in Botswana and then lived near the Kruger National Park for many years prior to joining Wild Wings Safaris as an Africa Safari Specialist in August 2008. Passionate about wildlife, Clare has visited most of the top safari destinations in Southern and Eastern Africa. Her many years of experience make Clare the much-loved momma-bear in the office!
Magda Barnard heads up our London office. Friendly, efficient and meticulous, Magda has the mammoth task of keeping our booking system, rates, files and booking calendar up to date. She also receives and distributes all incoming enquiries. Like all the moms on our team, she is an expert at multitasking and juggling multiple demands simultaneously – always with a smile!
Esta Ncwangu has been a member of the Wild Wings family for many years. Bubbly, friendly and energetic, she keeps the office in top shape and always has a smile and an encouraging word. She really lives one of the values we hold dear - whatever you do, do it with excellence!
Ever-friendly and efficient, Elmarie Venter is our in-house accountant. A mother of two of the cutest little Wild-wingers, Elmarie juggles the joys of family life and work like the pro that she is. When she's not handling invoices, payments or taxes, Elmarie enjoys browsing food markets, baking, camping and enjoying South Africa's great outdoors with her family.
Before joining Wild Wings, Mike Malan was a senior ranger at the prestigious Earth Lodge in Sabi Sands Game Reserve. Mike's first love is walking safaris, on which he can share his experience and knowledge of the bush in all its fascinating detail. He's also a keen birder. Now settled in George, Mike enjoys family life with his wife and two kids. Together, they share his love for the great outdoors: fishing, golfing, and exploring the natural beauty of the region.
Cathari Johnson is our Reservations Manager and is well versed in the DMC, tourism and hospitality industries. Cat, as we know her, is passionate about Africa: “I love her smell, her sunset and her beauty!” A qualified Prue Leith chef, Cat has worked in top South African hotels and was involved with the 2010 FIFA World Cup, one of her career highlights. On weekends, Cat, her husband and two young girls enjoy exploring the Garden Route.
Warm, friendly and enthusiastic, Nicky Firer is one of our full time safari guides in the Kruger Park. She has always wanted to be a game ranger. A South African by birth, Nicky grew up in a nature-loving family and honed her bush knowledge on many a trip to national and private reserves in some of Africa's top safari destinations. Nicky is happiest on safari, sharing her love of all things great and small.
Siviwe Pikelela joined the Wild Wings team in 2018. He has a strong background in community development and administration, and helps to keep our systems up to date. Siviwe loves running and has completed a number of marathons. His calm and friendly nature brings a wonderful atmosphere to the office!
A wordsmith with a strong background in marketing and the hospitality industry, Dianne Kokkonidis is our content manager. She looks after our website and social media accounts. Witty and creative, you can see a bit more of Dianne's writing style by reading her blog posts on our site or by subscribing to our monthly newsletter! Dianne has a deep love for Africa's people and wildlife.
When Ilaria Semprini-Sara joined the Wild Wings family as a senior Africa Safari Specialist, it immediately felt like she'd belonged here forever. Always friendly and bubbly, she is passionate about travel and deeply knowledgeable about Africa. Ilaria has many years of experience in crafting dream itineraries to Africa. She and her family are very well-travelled and share a deep love of Africa.
Rufus Makwela is one of our most popular and experienced safari guides. Rufus loves life and smiles a lot! His infectious laugh, his heart for people, his deep love for the bush, and his friendly and outgoing nature make him well-loved by everyone who has the privilege of having Rufus as their guide. From a recent review: "If you're lucky to get Rufus, you're in for a treat. We loved Rufus' banter and genuine passion."
Sam Mhlanga is one of our freelance guides. He has been guiding for many years and is one of the most respected and experienced guides in Kruger. His services are in high demand so he does not guide for us all the time, but this legendary guide leads a fair number of Wild Wings trips every year, and guests always rave about his incredible knowledge and guiding skills.
Tanja von Kaschke is a highly experienced Africa Safari Specialist who joined the Wild Wings team early in 2023. Having previously lived and worked in Botswana, she knows Africa and understands what makes a safari special. Her quiet German efficiency and attention to detail means your safari is always in good hands with Tanja.
The ever-smiling Lauren Humphreys joined our team early in 2023 and brings a lot of positive energy to the office. Lauren loves travel and has previously worked as an inbound tour consultant. After a stint in finance, she has decided to return to the safari industry in an administrative capacity.
Why not chat to one of our safari experts who can answer all your questions and help you design your dream trip to Africa.
