A History of Natureways
Natureways Safaris (Pvt) Ltd was established back in 1987 by the legendary guide Garth Thompson who had over 20 years experience in canoeing and walking safaris. His protégée James Varden then bought Natureways in 1997, James who is still a Director and guide of Natureways has established himself as one of Southern Africa’s leading guides. In an effort to offer the best African wilderness experience Natureways Safaris merged with Shearwater Canoeing Safaris in 2004. This merger enabled Natureways to offer both our luxury mobile safari camps ‘Odyssey Safaris’ and our expeditionary style canoe safaris ‘Explorer Safaris’.
Natureways Safaris has always been and will continue to be an owner run company, offering the hands on dedication and commitment of all its owners. We pride ourselves on offering personalised Safaris that can be tailored to each and every guest’s desires. We have support teams in Harare, Kariba and Mana Pools National Park.
Our team is diverse but we all have the same passion for the African bush and its wildlife. Natureways Safaris has a strong belief in sustainable, eco-friendly tourism and conservation, which will allow our guests to continue to experience the real flow of Africa for many years to come!
Our Team
You are in safe hands with over 30 years of experience in Safari & Canoe tours
Safari Guides
All Natureways Safaris guides have passed the rigorous examination set by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Management and hold either a valid Canoe or Professional Guides’ License. All guides carry a licensed weapon on the River. They have all studied and passed a MARS (Medical Air Rescue Services) first aid course and take a refresher course annually. If any problems should occur during the Safari there are various contact points along the River, these will be covered in safety briefings conducted before and during the Safari. Each guide also carries an ‘Emergency Safety Manual’ with a map and comprehensive instructions of what to do if a situation arises.
Odyssey Safaris have the benefit of a Professional Guide who is able to conduct canoeing safaris as well as walking safaris. Explorer Safaris are lead by a fully qualified Canoe Guide who is usually accompanied by a Learner guide. A learner guide must have at least 1000 hours of canoeing experience just to be able to site the Canoe Guides exam!
James Varden – Director and Professional Guide
James is Zimbabwean born and raised. From a very young age he showed a keen interest in the outdoors, preferring to play with skeletons and birds nests rather than toys. This love of nature was developed at school and upon leaving he started his safari career in Hwange National Park with Touch the Wild Safaris. James joined Natureways in 1991 under the tutelage of Garth Thompson. He attained his Canoe License in 1992 and his full Professional Guide status in early 1993. James has been in Mana Pools for 13 years and countless guests have benefited from his knowledge and passion for the bush.
Sumera Millar – Managing Director
Sunera (aka Sunny) is our Managing Director based in Kariba at our operations office. With Natureways canoe safaris being one of her family’s favorite holidays she was a fan long before becoming involved in the business back in 2011. Sunera obtained an Honors BAA Degree in Hospitality and Events Management from the prestigious Swiss Hotel Management School in Switzerland. She also runs Hornbill Lodge in Kariba town.
Kelly-Anne Tavares - Reservations
Kelly-Anne is a born and bred Zimbabwean – in 2006 she joined the Safari Industry as a Reservations Assistant where she learned the ins and outs of the business, and has been in the Industry since, she is now our Reservations Manager. Her true passion is making each client’s trip a life time memory, sharing with them the beauty of Zimbabwe. Although our Operations Department is based in Kariba Town, Kelly-Anne lives and works in Harare, despite living in the hustle and bustle of the City this doesn’t dispel her passion for Safaris and the bush life in Zimbabwe.
