Born in 1944 and educated at Eton.  He served with the Royal Scots Greys for a time before joining the SAS.  In 1968 he joined the Army of the Sultan of Oman and in 1970 was awarded the Sultan’s Bravery Medal.  In the same year he married his wife, Virginia. (In 1987 Virginia was the first woman to be awarded the Polar Medal.  She died in 2004.) Since 1969 when he led the British Expedition on the White Nile, Ranulph Fiennes has been at the forefront of many exploratory expeditions.

Simon is of Zimbabwean decendancy and grew up on a farm during the 1970’s. He then finished his schooling in England and continued on a corporate career in various locations in the UK. Feeling unfulfilled and missing an African lifestyle he returned to Africa to take up a position as a safari guide in Liwonde National Park, Malawi. It was here he developed a passion for natural African flora and fauna and found he could put his managerial skills to use whilst running both Mvuu Camp and Mvuu Wilderness Lodge.

Born in Botswana and spent his childhood in Blantyre (Malawi) named by David Livingstone after his hometown in Scotland. Malawi was one of the many countries explored in detail by Livingstone. Ian was captivated as a child by the adventures and legacy of this great explorer. Working at Mvuu Wilderness lodge (Liwonde National Park) as a safari guide he developed his knowledge and strengthened his passion for the African wildlife flora and fauna. Capturing the perfect image of the African bush became an obsession as a keen amateur photographer.

Russell Gammon traces his ancestry in Zimbabwe back three generations to John Meikle, a Scot who entered the country as a transport rider for the first time in 1897. His family’s prominent position in the formative years of the country inspired him to research this period, which quickly broadened to an interest in all African history. His passion for natural science combined with his love of the outdoors soon lead him into a career a Professional Guide which in Zimbabwe entails a stringent period of training over three years widely acknowledged as the most comprehensive and demanding on the continent

Guy has become, in a relatively short space of time, one of Zimbabwe’s leading wildlife artists, painting his subject matter from direct experience, resulting in a vibrant and striking style. His compositions evoke excitement and invite the viewer to step closer and share an experience with the artist.

As an expedition member Guy will be collecting material to capture scenes of the expedition on canvas. Paintings of the rekkie were displayed at the closing ceremony of the expedition. 

Guy is blessed with youth, health and a wanderlust for the African veld which culminates in extraordinary paintings which have an indisputable thread of truth to them.

Guys work can be found on http://www.guyhammond.com or contact him via email on guyhammond@africaonline.co.zw

All Expedition members will assist in paddling however the stern of each Mokoro (wooden canoe) will be manned by a local expert. Lemmy Nyambe, Saad Mweemba, Isaac Sitali, Victor Sikushaba (from left to right) are with out doubt the most vital Expedition members.

These men have grown up on the Zambezi and have been navigating these waters since they were old enough to hold the large paddles.

On the expedition we will encounter many hazards including rapids, hidden rocks, hippo and crocodile. Their ability to position the canoe with pinpoint accuracy, intimate knowledge of the multiple channels and back waters and their harmonious respect for wildlife is the most important element of the trip for our safety. Thanks guys for volunteering and making this expedition possible.