| Your Hosts & Guides |
Your HostsJason Mott left Australia and his business degree in 1996 on a one year around-the-world trip. While surfing the coast of South Africa, Jason was asked to help build a new safari camp in Zambia - Sausage Tree Camp. During the course of building the camp, Jason fell in love with the beauty and game of the area. He stayed and became a qualified guide and then manager, finally achieving his dream of making Sausage Tree his own in 2000. Jason’s business partner is Paolo Solari Bozzi, an Italian lawyer and investment banker with a long-time passion for Africa.
The camp is managed and hosted by Alan and Nicci Bonella. Alan and Nicci joined Sausage Tree Camp in 2008 following 13 years of experience managing safari camps in Botswana and Namibia. They share a passion for the bush, professionalism and enthusiasm for training that ensures Sausage Tree Camp maintains the highest of standards. Joining the Management team this year are George and Merle Bell. Having spent 2009 and 2010 at Kulefu Lodge, they are joining Sausage Tree to add their skills and experience to our camp. George will join the guiding team as well as being part of the hosting and management team. Merle will be using her chef experience to run our kitchen, improve our chefs’ skills, bringing fresh ideas into our menu and thereby enhancing guest’s stays. The GuidesSausage Tree Camp runs its own very successful in-house guide training programme, through which the guides gain the experience and knowledge necessary for the Lower Zambezi's stringent guide examinations.Alan Bonella leads the guiding team and is himself an expert fly fisherman. Still enthusiastic to learn after 13 years in the bush, Alan recently came first in a 21 day field guiding training programme focused on the ecosystem of the Lower Zambezi. George Bell joins the guiding team in 2011and is currently studying to pass his walking and canoeing licence. The move to Sausage Tree Camp was mainly fuelled by his desire to be more involved in guiding and to be out in the bush he loves. Sebastian Sakala rejoins the Sausage Tree Camp team after a few years further expanding his guiding knowledge. Qualified in all guiding aspects except boating Sebastian knows the National Park and its wildlife like the back of his hand. His easy going personality allows him to pass on the secrets of this hidden gem in Zambia. Charles Chanetsa comes from a village close to the Lower Zambezi National Park and has been working at Sausage Tree Camp since the earliest days. His anecdotal stories of the river, the valley, its’ people and the relationships between them are inspirational. Charles was the first guide in the Lower Zambezi to spot the wild dogs this season. Chris Musonda is a fully qualified guide. He enjoys game walks and game drives and is known in camp as the “Leopard King” as he has the most sightings of leopard. He obtained the highest marks in his class in his guide’s exam and passed his canoeing, boating and driving licences in the first year. He is known for his calm and quiet nature. Marshall Karafa originally a barman and then became a trainee guide. He is now qualified for all water activities and has now obtained his driver’s licence and is qualified in all guiding aspects except walking. He is renowned for his good fishing instincts and his outgoing personality. James Mweemba previously a Muchinda, James has worked his way up and is expanding his knowledge by joining the guiding team. He enjoys taking game drives and canoeing trips where he is able to share his knowledge with our guests. He is currently studying for his walking and boating licence this year. Sausage Tree's team of boat men is led by Tryford Chiaba, with composure that comes from his regal lineage - being brother to the local Chieftainess. He is joined by Sam Taundi, and Mike Malako. All our boatmen are from local villages on the banks of the Zambezi, giving them local knowledge of the river that few ever amass. Mike Malako is our new trainee guide. Mike used to be one of our camp chefs and is now expanding his knowledge about the bush, wildlife and river around him. The MuchindasDuring your stay at Sausage Tree Camp you will be looked after by your own personal butler or 'Muchinda' which means 'Attendant to the Chief'. Your Muchinda will go out of his way to ensure your stay is truly special and will be happy to share his experience of life in Zambia and the bush with you. Our team of Muchinda’s is made up of Clever, Arnold, Shepard, William, Laston, Chris K, Phillip and Nixon. |
