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Ian’s passion for Africa, adventure, and safaris was ingrained in him from the moment he was born. As soon as he completed his education, he eagerly pursued his dreams, embarking on a journey that would take him across Tanzania and East Africa for fourteen years. There, he honed his skills as a guide and manager, overseeing private mobile tented safaris with unwavering dedication. In 2009, Ian’s path led him back to Zimbabwe, where he became a partner and shareholder in three thriving safari camps – one in Botswana and two in Zimbabwe. Although he sold his stake in the business in 2014, his love for guiding and photography remained unwavering as he continued to explore and capture the beauty of East and Southern Africa as a private guide. Ian is more than a guide, he is a well-qualified naturalist with an extensive understanding for Africa’s flora, fauna and it’s people. Ian’s special love of Hwange drew him to this unique and challenging opportunity.
Dr Mike Thorne is a fourth-generation Zimbabwean, born in Australia but raised in Zimbabwe. After graduating from University of Zimbabwe, he qualified as a veterinarian and went on to specialize in Large Animal Medicine and Surgery at Cambridge University, United Kingdom. In 2005, he established and continues to run a large veterinary practice based in the UK, specialising in dairy cattle and holding the RCVS Certificate of Cattle Health & Production. Mike now spends six months of the year living in Victoria Falls where he is involved with numerous local and rural wildlife projects. When not in Zimbabwe, Mike Thorne spends the rest of the time in the UK pursuing his veterinary interests. Dr Thorne is passionate about helping the animals and smallholders in rural areas of Zimbabwe. Mike speaks fluent Shona and has a passion for the wilderness and space of Hwange National Park. Mike loves to fly, and is a qualified helicopter pilot and holds the highly regarded dangerous drugs licence for working with wounded wildlife.
Fisher Ngwerume, born and raised in Zimbabwe, is currently a Professional Safari Guide and is a holder of the highly respected Zimbabwe Professional Guides Licence. Fisher brings many years of experience from previous roles with different safari lodges and companies throughout Zimbabwe. With a robust skill set that includes guiding and management, Fisher provides a high standard of Customer & Guest service with an understanding of our guests needs from many years of exposure to the International market. Fisher also guided through most of the Southern African countries including, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Malawi, and Zimbabwe. It’s a great story that Daka has reunited Fisher with Ian Batchelor both worked together in Mana Pools for years! We are very excited to have this dynamic duo of Private guides heading our activity team.
Growing up in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, Daina was always captivated by the world of Travel and Tourism. Her curiosity and enthusiasm for the industry motivated her to pursue a Degree in International Hotel Management at Stenden, South Africa and she graduated in 2013. Since then, Daina has gained a wealth of experience in both reservations and marketing, making her a valuable asset to our team. Joining us in February 2023, she has been a driving force ever since. In fact, Daina’s upbeat and friendly personality shines through as the face of our Social Media pages and emails. She is excited to continue growing and developing alongside our team, playing a significant role in shaping the identity of the Daka Plains brand. When she’s not working, Daina loves indulging in her other passion: cooking. You might even catch her whipping up delicious dishes during her free time and even when she is in camp!
Jeremy was born in Bulawayo and raised in the Lowveld of Zimbabwe near the Gona Re Zhou national park where he acquired a love for the bush at a young age. His main interests include African history, birding, photography and fishing. Educated at Murray MacDougall primary school in Triangle and later Falcon College for his secondary education.
A passionate cricketer and golfer saw him taking up a sports science degree in Pretoria, South Africa, graduating in 2011.
Between 2012 and 2015 Jeremy moved back to the serene Triangle bush, involved in land surveying projects across the sugar estates and the Malilangwe Trust, soaking up the relentless African sun which yields the most majestic sunrises and sunsets.
2015, a career change ensued, as Jeremy did a short stint in camp management in Kolwezi, Congo working for a mineral exploration drilling company, and discovering a whole new world of opportunity in the hospitality industry.
In 2016 a new venture took him across the pond to England where he worked in the lettings industry and took up playing premiere league cricket for Avebury Cricket Club for 8 years before returning home to the tranquil bush life to welcome guests to explore and experience the pure wonders nature has to offer in a small oasis of paradise at Daka Plains.
Terence’s roots lie in the breathtaking town of Victoria Falls where he was born and raised. His early years were spent at Chinotimba Primary, and later on, he attended a boarding school called Regina Mundi Sec. Located in the scenic Gwayi area near Bulawayo, this school has a reputation for academic excellence. As Terence grew older, he made the decision to venture into the hospitality industry, starting off as a waiter and barman at Elephant Hills Hotel. After diligently saving his earnings, he enrolled at Mushandike College to begin studying for his Professional Guide Licence. His skills in tracking and guiding were further honed during his time at Matetsi River Lodge. Terence has a wonderful way with guests, an intimate understanding and knowledge of the surrounding areas and community.
From Mashake Secondary School, Francis ventured into the dynamic world of hospitality. After starting his career at Hwange South Mining in 2017, he quickly found himself captivated by the alluring charm of Hwange National Park. There, he eagerly took on the role of a casual worker, sparking his interest and passion for the industry. He then seized the opportunity to join Machaba Safaris as a general hand in housekeeping, where he continued to grow and learn, moving up to a Front of House role. With a bright smile and a contagious energy, Francis eagerly looks forward to the chance to greet you with one of his famous welcome drinks.
Oren Sibanda was born in the rural area of Gwanda, Zimbabwe. He attended Bengo primary school. As a young man growing up in rural Zimbabwe he learnt to take of his father’s cattle and goats from a very young age. Oren had 4 dogs that used to accompany him on his daily walks and together they experienced many wonderful experiences. After primary school, he was transferred to Hwange government high school. Oren started his cooking training on a wildlife ranch in the West Nicholson area. He was given the opportunity to take a job in the kitchen where he learned so many interesting recipes and grew as a person and a chef. This is where his love for cooking started. He has since attended a number of training courses and thrives on the pressure and new experiences in the kitchen. In his words, “I am so blessed to be where I am today. I look forward to cooking for you all at Daka Plains!”
Born at Mpilo Hospital in Bulawayo, Freedom was enrolled into Ndimakule Primary school, this is where he excelled at athletics and continuing this throughout his High School at Mashake Secondary. Once he completed his schooling he returned home and helped to herd his father’s cattle, and they often lost their way especially during the rainy season. In 2011 Freedom moved to Victoria Falls to participate in a painting course, he was then offered a job in the Hospitality sector and is extremely grateful for the opportunity to meet people from all over the globe
