WELCOME TO RUKOKO SAFARIS
Rukoko Safaris is a Safari Operator based in Victoria Falls ,Zimbabwe . It was founded by two Professional Guides with immense knowledge of the safari industry. Sam Mushandu and AB Mhlanga started the company after many years working experience in the tourism industry in
various capacities. Rukoko Safaris is mainly involved in eco- tourism because we believe that Africa’s last remaining wildlife frontiers needs local economic partnerships for long term sustainability.
Our main focus is operating Rustic Camps in areas that are underdeveloped . This gives all our guests unique experience in areas less travelled and less “known” We chose the name “RUKOKO” which means Bradfields Hornbill in local kwangwali language . It reflects our origins and pride .Our goal it to create products that will open up eco tourism in remote wilderness Areas Rukoko Safaris also organises customized itineraries for Zimbabwe and surrounding destination of Zambia and Zimbabwe..Should any guests require an experienced private Guide either Sam or AB can be booked .
Sam Mushandu is the founder ,CEO and Professional Guide at Rukoko Safaris. Sam has been involved in the tourism industry for over two decades . He worked for major Tour Operating companies that afforded him vast guiding experience across all major National Parks in Southern Africa
Sam qualified as a Professional Guide in 2013 and awarded Best Guide for class 2013.“Professional Guide “ title of Zimbabwe is a highly ranked guiding qualification in Africa. From a young and tender age , Sam, who was born in South Eastern Zimbabwe and grew up in a
rural part of the country ,has always loved animals and nature . He is an avid birder and passionate fisherman. He is also intimately involved in wildlife conversation activities . Sam is a family man and he lives in Victoria Falls where Rukoko Safaris is based.
We work hard to provide innovative, safe experiential journeys causing no harm to local cultures while inspiring humanity to protect the environment.
To be a leading Eco Tourism Company in Africa and Beyond .
We pledge to be honest, reliable, guest experience oriented and caring to the people and environment we operate our business.
Abraham Mhlanga known as ‘AB’ was born in a town called Hwange western part of Zimbabwe. Brought up in the Zambezi community between Matetsi and Dekasafari areas, which are about 50km from Hwange national park and about 80km out of the might Victoria Falls.
He did his primary education in the communal areas of Hwange district herding cattle after attending school which kept ‘AB’ in the pristine wilderness of Matetsi. He completed his ordinary level education in Hwange high school (Wankie by then). He spent most of his time in the bush between the might Victoria Falls and the famous Hwange national park.1994 made ‘AB’ to get his first job in one of the hotels where he started as a general hand. Because of his loyalty and being a hard worker, he was thus promoted to be one of the hotel supervisors. AB qualified as an asistant professional guide in 1998 and worked for different safari operators in mobile camping safaris in various southern countries. In 2004 to 2015 he worked as a lodge safari guide and assistant lodge manager.
In 2016 he got his final professional guide license having passion in tracking, walking, birding and mentoring young people. AB worked in different lodges in Hwange National Park and Pristine Upmarket lodge along Zambezi. Having acquired all this knowledge AB is now a partner at Rukoko Safaris. AB has immense knowledge in adventure safaris, flora, fauna and local culture . All his guests will enjoy his warm personality, kindness and humbleness. He enjoys birding and takes any possible opportunity to educate young and aspiring guides