Our Team

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Greg Tepper

Founder
Founder

Greg Tepper

Greg Tepper

Founder

Greg’s love for Africa started the moment he first set foot on the continent in 1983. Since then, he’s returned nearly every year, chasing the Great Migration in Tanzania, trekking with gorillas in Rwanda, and sampling every safari style imaginable.

After building Exeter International into an award-winning luxury travel company that focuses on Central and Eastern Europe, Greg followed his heart back to Africa and launched Exeter Safari Company. His mission: show travelers that safaris can be extraordinary whether you’re floating over the savanna in a hot-air balloon or discovering the magic of perfectly curated mid-range camps.

Today, Greg splits his time between Europe, Latin America, and Africa, constantly exploring, always learning, and frequently leading intimate Founder’s Tours for those who want to see the world through his expert, and endlessly enthusiastic eyes.

Scott Simpson

Co-Founder & General Manager
Co-Founder & General Manager

Scott Simpson

Scott Simpson

Co-Founder & General Manager

Scott grew up in South Africa, where weekends meant hopping into a Land Rover, boarding a tiny bush plane, or catching a train to explore yet another corner of the continent. From Cape Town’s vineyards to the wild Okavango Delta, Africa was his backyard and indeed his classroom.

After university and a stint working on cruise ships through Europe, he launched his luxury-travel career in the UK as a Southern Africa specialist, helping travelers experience the safari magic he already knew so well. Countless research trips, lodge visits, and bush adventures later, Scott returned home to manage one of Zambia’s top lodges in the Lower Zambezi.

Eventually, life (and love) brought him to Tampa, where he and Greg quickly discovered their shared passion and vision. The result: Exeter Safari Company - born from decades of experience, a deep love of Africa, and a desire to share its wonders with the world.

Christi Guild

Senior Safari Expert
Senior Safari Expert

Christi Guild

Christi Guild

Senior Safari Expert

Christi may be Texas-born, but with more than 30 countries stamped in her passport, she’s truly a citizen of the world. And of all her adventures, Africa has captured her heart the most - its people, culture, music, wildlife, and those wild landscapes that ignite every sense.

On safari, she has mastered it all: the Big Five, unforgettable primate treks, golden-hour game drives, soulful bomas, incredible food, and perfectly timed sundowners. Ask about her favorite memories and you’ll hear stories of close wildlife encounters, breathtaking horizons, and sunsets she swears can’t be matched anywhere else on Earth.

Her passion for Africa fuels her work helping travelers craft their own dream journeys. Christi loves taking the stress out of planning so you can start enjoying your vacation from the very first conversation.

Zach Tate

Senior Safari Expert
Senior Safari Expert

Zach Tate

Zach Tate

Senior Safari Expert

Zach, a proud Florida native with a serious travel streak, spent his college years chasing adventure around the globe. But it was his conservation work across Africa that changed everything - sparking a deep love for what he now calls the planet’s greatest wonder.

In recent years, he’s returned to Africa multiple times annually, exploring everywhere from Zambia and Zimbabwe to Botswana, Rwanda, and Kenya. Standing before Victoria Falls, navigating the Okavango Delta, and immersing himself in remote wilderness areas cemented his connection to the continent.

That passion now fuels his career in luxury African travel. Zach loves helping fellow adventurers experience the magic he knows so well, guiding them toward hidden gems, unforgettable moments, and the kind of journeys that stay with you forever.

Jeanie Fundora

Senior Safari Expert
Senior Safari Expert

Jeanie Fundora

Jeanie Fundora

Senior Safari Expert

Jeanie’s love for wildlife, culture, and conservation has fueled a 25-year career in luxury travel — and with over 30 African journeys under her belt, she’s exactly who you want crafting your dream safari. Africa truly is her second home.

Her adventures span meeting the Masai and Samburu in Kenya, watching the Great Migration thunder past, standing beneath Kilimanjaro, exploring Ethiopia’s ancient churches, and sharing unforgettable moments with mountain gorillas in Rwanda and Uganda. She’s equally at home in Southern Africa, with extensive travel through South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique, and Namibia.

Jeanie’s wanderlust began during a study-abroad program in Northern Italy and has only grown stronger. Today, she’s beloved by loyal clients and travel advisors for her meticulous planning and VIP-level care. She especially enjoys designing honeymoons and family safaris — inspired by her own travels with her young daughter across Africa and India.

Abigail Gable

Senior Safari Expert
Senior Safari Expert

Abigail Gable

Abigail Gable

Senior Safari Expert

Abigail’s love for travel sparked during a semester abroad in the UK, where weekends meant hopping around Europe, tasting new cuisines, and soaking in local culture. In 2017, she joined the travel industry - and one three-week journey through East Africa changed everything. By the end of her very first safari drive, she knew Africa would become her lifelong passion.

Since then, she’s explored far and wide across the continent: wandering acacia-studded savannas, tracking lions, connecting with village communities, and embracing each destination’s rhythm. On a recent Botswana trip, she even discovered a budding obsession with birding - thanks to countless lilac-breasted rollers.

Abigail now channels her deep love for Africa into crafting unforgettable itineraries. Whatever your dream destination, she’s excited to help you experience the magic for yourself.

Monica Kowalski

Safari Expert
Safari Expert

Monica Kowalski

Monica Kowalski

Safari Expert

Monica has been chasing adventure since childhood - hopping between the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean, and summers in Switzerland with her grandparents. Every plane ride felt like magic, a promise that something exciting waited on the other side. That sense of wonder never left her.

Her career in travel took her to more than 50 countries, but Africa is the place that captured her heart completely. From the moment she first arrived, she knew safaris would forever be part of her life.

Her journeys span South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Madagascar - with a soft spot for the lesser-visited gems like Namibia’s vast dunes, Botswana’s Makgadikgadi pans, and Tanzania’s southern parks. Monica’s passion for Africa fuels endless return trips and a trove of unforgettable stories about wildlife encounters, warm hospitality, rich cultures, dramatic landscapes, and of course - incredible food.

Kim Henkel

Safari Expert
Safari Expert

Kim Henkel

Kim Henkel

Safari Expert

Kim’s love for travel started young, fueled by a family that believed the world was meant to be explored. Growing up in a small Florida town didn’t slow her curiosity - she’s now visited more than 50 countries, but none captured her heart like Africa.

From the wild beauty of safari landscapes to the ancient mysteries of Egypt, she’s endlessly inspired by the continent’s people, cultures, and history. Today, she spends substantial time on the ground in Africa, building relationships and deepening her knowledge with every visit.

With a special passion for both safari and Egypt, Kim is devoted to helping travelers experience the magic she’s found there. She believes travel can transform lives, and she approaches every itinerary with one goal: make it unforgettable, authentic, and filled with wonder.

May May Heath

Safari Expert
Safari Expert

May May Heath

May May Heath

Safari Expert

May May has always felt the pull of the wider world. Growing up in a small coastal town in South Carolina only fueled her curiosity, and studying abroad, along with countless family trips which opened the door to a lifelong love of exploring new cultures, traditions, and landscapes. She believes travel is the most meaningful way to connect, learn, and grow.

Her recent journeys to Kenya, Tanzania, Egypt, and South Africa left a lasting mark, especially the warm communities, vibrant cultures, and unforgettable wildlife encounters. Meeting local people and immersing herself in their daily lives has become her favorite part of traveling in Africa.

Now, with her heart firmly anchored to the continent, May May is passionate about helping others experience its magic. Whether you’re dreaming of a thrilling safari or a rich cultural adventure, she’s ready to guide you through an unforgettable journey.

Katherine Kuntz

Safari Expert
Safari Expert

Katherine Kuntz

Katherine Kuntz

Safari Expert

Katherine Kuntz’s connection to Africa began in 2015, when a charity climb of Mount Kilimanjaro sparked a profound shift in her personal and professional path. The experience deeply moved her, inspiring a desire to give back to the people, wildlife, and landscapes that left such a lasting impression. What began as a short journey quickly evolved into a deep and enduring relationship with the continent, reshaping her perspective and guiding her toward a career rooted in Africa.

In 2016, Katherine completed a year-long Professional Field Guide training program in South Africa and Botswana, where she immersed herself in the rhythms of the bush, learned from leading experts in the field and ultimately qualified as a safari guide. From there, she transitioned into travel design, building her career as a travel advisor through her own company while traveling extensively to gain firsthand insight into the destinations and experiences she now curates. Over the past decade, Katherine has lived in Africa for six of those ten years, developing a deeply personal, on-the-ground understanding of its cultures and landscapes.

Katherine is passionate about creating journeys that are transformative on a deeper soul level. Her work centers on shifting mindsets, expanding perspectives, and fostering meaningful cross-cultural exchange that positively impacts both travelers and the communities they visit.

Maya Waide

Sales Assistant
Sales Assistant

Maya Waide

Maya Waide

Sales Assistant

Maya has always been fueled by curiosity and a desire to understand the world. Growing up in a multicultural family inspired her early interest in exploring cultures beyond her own - a passion that has taken her to 25 countries and helped her become multilingual. Among all her travels, discovering Africa’s lush, adventurous landscapes left the biggest mark.

Her love for wildlife and conservation soon grew into a calling. With a background in psychology and medicine, Maya is fascinated by the connection between humans and animals, and she brings that insight into her work in the sustainable African safari industry.

Today, she blends her travel experience, academic background, and deep passion for conservation to help others appreciate the beauty, complexity, and life-changing magic of Africa.

Miriam Heckler

Sales Assistant
Sales Assistant

Miriam Heckler

Miriam Heckler

Sales Assistant

Miriam boarded her first international flight at eight years old, but it wasn’t until she set foot in Africa that her passion for exploring the world truly ignited. In 2015, she embarked on a trip that would forever shape the way she saw travel, wildlife, and her connection to nature. Immersed in the sweeping landscapes of Tanzania and Kenya, she found herself in the heart of the Great Migration, witnessing dramatic river crossings and the raw, breathtaking movement of thousands of animals across the plains. It was there, surrounded by the rhythm of hooves and the thrill of the unexpected, that her love for safaris and wildlife took root.

However, that unforgettable adventure was only the beginning. On her third trip to Africa, Miriam traveled to Rwanda, drawn by the allure of the mist-covered mountains. In Volcanoes National Park, she experienced one of the most profound moments of her life: standing just an arm’s length away from a family of mountain gorillas. Observing these beautiful animals in their natural environment left a lasting impression, deepening her appreciation for conservation and the beauty of the world.

These journeys—each filled with discovery, awe, and a sense of deep connection—continue to inspire Miriam’s travels. Africa didn’t just awaken her adventurous spirit; it shaped her into someone who seeks meaning, wonder, and authenticity in every corner of the globe.

Melanie Simpson

Head of Philanthropy
Head of Philanthropy

Melanie Simpson

Melanie Simpson

Head of Philanthropy

Melanie brings a rare mix of operational expertise, creative flair, and genuine heart to her role as Head of Philanthropy at Exeter Safari Company. After years in live entertainment — orchestrating large-scale logistics and delivering unforgettable experiences — she discovered her true calling: using those skills to create meaningful impact across Africa.

Today, she builds powerful partnerships with local communities, ensuring every safari experience supports long-term conservation and development. She leads our charitable initiatives with purpose, focusing on protecting wildlife, uplifting communities, and strengthening the connection between travelers and the places they visit.

Driven by a deep love of travel and cultural exchange, Melanie is passionate about making a real difference — helping people, preserving wild spaces, and enriching the safari experience in lasting, transformative ways.

Nicky Morgan

Senior Africa Operations Manager
Senior Africa Operations Manager

Nicky Morgan

Nicky Morgan

Senior Africa Operations Manager

Nicky grew up in a small town in northern South Africa, surrounded by the wild beauty of the bush. Her family’s love for “Bush Holidays” meant countless adventures across Southern Africa — from Namibia’s towering dunes and Botswana’s lush Delta to Victoria Falls and the beaches of Zanzibar. Those early journeys sparked a lifelong connection to Africa’s landscapes, wildlife, and cultures.

After years spent exploring the continent’s most iconic destinations, Nicky now brings unmatched personal insight and genuine passion to supporting travelers on the ground. Living just two hours from Kruger National Park, she often slips away for spontaneous bush escapes, finding calm and inspiration in the wilderness.

For Nicky, the African bush is restorative, thrilling, and unforgettable — and nothing makes her happier than helping guests experience that same sense of wonder.

Sarah Schoeman

Africa Operations Manager
Africa Operations Manager

Sarah Schoeman

Sarah Schoeman

Africa Operations Manager

Sarah’s love for the wild began in the heart of Zimbabwe. Growing up on the country’s eastern edge, she spent her childhood roaming Gonarezhou’s vast landscapes, hiking the Eastern Highlands, and splashing along the Zambezi — adventures that shaped her deep connection to nature.

After studying in Johannesburg, she and her young family moved to the edge of Botswana’s Okavango Delta, where she dove even deeper into the wilderness through work in the wildlife film industry. There, she experienced Africa’s raw beauty up close.

A passionate fly-fisher, Sarah finds peace and purpose on the water, where she’s constantly reminded of nature’s delicate balance. Her travels have carried her across Southern Africa and to the islands of East Africa — from Mozambique’s untouched beaches to the soaring Drakensberg mountains.

Wherever she goes, Sarah draws inspiration from Africa’s wild places, rich cultures, and remarkable biodiversity.

Gaby Giraud

Africa Operations Manager
Africa Operations Manager

Gaby Giraud

Gaby Giraud

Africa Operations Manager

Originally from the sun-kissed island of Mauritius, Gaby has carried a lifelong love of travel wherever she goes. Ten years ago, that journey led her to South Africa — and from the moment she arrived, she was swept up by its dramatic landscapes, vibrant culture, and warm, welcoming people.

Since then, she’s explored the country from coast to coast, constantly amazed by the sheer variety of experiences South Africa offers. Her adventures have also taken her to Botswana, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe, each adding new layers to her connection with the continent. The bush is her happy place, where she feels most grounded and inspired.

With parents who once lived in Africa, Gaby’s bond to the continent runs deep. Today, she brings that passion — along with years of travel experience — to helping others discover the true spirit and beauty of this extraordinary region.

Sandra Leichum

East Africa Operations Manager
East Africa Operations Manager

Sandra Leichum

Sandra Leichum

East Africa Operations Manager

Sandra grew up on Kenya’s gorgeous coastline, where adventure was practically a way of life. Her path soon carried her to Germany for her studies, and later across Southeast Asia as a sailor and kitesurf instructor — a chapter filled with travel, discovery, and nonstop exploration.

She’s wandered East Africa, Europe, Southeast Asia, Australia, the USA, and Latin America by just about every means of transportation imaginable: driving a 26-seater school bus across Central America on a surf trip, cycling 500 km through Spain, riding horses on safari, floating in balloons, hopping between helicopters, and sailing on every type of boat she could find.

For the past decade, Sandra has managed luxury safari lodges, coastal escapes, and wellness retreats across East Africa and Asia. She thrives in nature, creating unforgettable experiences for travelers. And wherever she goes, her beloved dogs go too — making every adventure even richer.

Chantell Faasen

Travel Logistics Manager
Travel Logistics Manager

Chantell Faasen

Chantell Faasen

Travel Logistics Manager

Born and raised in Johannesburg, Chantell has always been drawn to Africa’s wild spaces. Childhood trips to the bush and Cape Town sparked a lifelong love of nature, travel, and the power of tourism to protect the continent’s most precious places. With wilderness and coastline right at her doorstep, she spent her weekends exploring and deepening her connection to Africa’s remarkable diversity.

With more than 13 years in the safari industry, Chantell brings extensive experience and genuine passion to her role as Travel Logistics Manager. She has explored Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa — building the foundations needed to craft seamless, meaningful journeys for travelers.

Chantell delights in every aspect of safari life, from the drama of a lion on the hunt to the quiet charm of a dung beetle rolling along. A lover of golden-hour light, she believes there’s no better end to a day than a peaceful sunset in the bush, where nature’s rhythm speaks for itself.

Nikki Van Jaarsveld

Systems & Process Lead
Systems & Process Lead

Nikki Van Jaarsveld

Nikki Van Jaarsveld

Systems & Process Lead

Nikki is a seasoned hospitality and tourism professional with more than a decade of experience in live entertainment, operational logistics, and event coordination. Organization, efficiency, and seamless execution are her superpowers — qualities that have shaped her wide-ranging career.

Raised in the beautiful mountains of New York, she developed a love for nature and adventure from the start. That spirit eventually led her to a career at sea, where she found the perfect mix of travel, culture, and dynamic, fast-paced operations. Her years in the cruise industry took her across the globe and taught her the value of adaptability, communication, and cross-cultural teamwork.

After transitioning into a shoreside leadership role, Nikki continued to refine her operational expertise. Along the way, she met her South African spouse, ultimately trading ocean life for Cape Town living.

Today, she brings her global experience and passion for travel into everything she does, ensuring every project runs smoothly and leaves a lasting impact.

Mel Kaunda

Lead Travel Logistics Expert
Lead Travel Logistics Expert

Mel Kaunda

Mel Kaunda

Lead Travel Logistics Expert

With family roots in Zambia and Malawi and a childhood spent in Zimbabwe, Mel grew up surrounded by some of Africa’s most spectacular landscapes. Living in a country celebrated for its natural beauty and iconic tourism experiences sparked her passion for travel from an early age.

Now based in Cape Town for the past 20 years, she brings extensive experience across events, hospitality, and travel, combining strong operations knowledge with a genuine love for crafting meaningful journeys. Her travels have taken her throughout Southern and East Africa — from Namibia’s vast deserts to Tanzania’s savannas and the forests of Uganda and Rwanda.

These firsthand experiences shape her work as a Travel Logistics Expert at Exeter Safari Company. Mel ensures every behind-the-scenes detail is seamless, allowing guests to enjoy a safari that feels effortless, authentic, and truly unforgettable.

Rumbi Taru

Travel Logistics Expert
Travel Logistics Expert

Rumbi Taru

Rumbi Taru

Travel Logistics Expert

Rumbi is a seasoned travel specialist with a wealth of experience in the safari and tourism industry and a lifelong passion for discovering new places and connecting with people from all walks of life. Based in South Africa, she brings both professional expertise and a heartfelt connection to the African continent a place that continues to inspire her every day.

Her journey has taken her across the world, having travelled extensively through many other continents, but it is Africa with its raw, untamed beauty and deep cultural richness that truly feels like home. From the towering dunes of Namibia and the cascading power of Victoria Falls to the serene beaches of Mozambique, the lush spice islands of Zanzibar and the vibrant cities and wild reserves of South Africa, She has explored some of the most iconic and hidden corners of the continent. With years of hands-on industry experience, Rumbi is passionate about crafting safaris that are not only seamless and well-planned but also deeply meaningful. She believes that travel should be personal , a chance to connect with the land, its people, and yourself. Her warm and insightful approach helps travelers go beyond the ordinary and into the heart of Africa.

Every journey is an opportunity to share the magic of this incredible continent. She believes everyone should experience Africa at least once in their lifetime to stand beneath its vast skies, feel its wild spirit and return home forever changed.

Nikita Wichtmann

Travel Logistics Expert
Travel Logistics Expert

Nikita Wichtmann

Nikita Wichtmann

Travel Logistics Expert

Growing up in Cape Town, surrounded by sweeping beaches, rugged mountains, and an extraordinary diversity of wildlife, Nikita developed a deep and enduring connection to the natural world from an early age. Weekend hikes, ocean swims, and time spent exploring the region’s wild spaces nurtured her appreciation for the landscapes and animals that make this part of South Africa so unique. These formative experiences shaped her belief that conservation begins with connection. She understands that it is only through direct, immersive encounters with nature that people truly develop the desire to protect it.

This philosophy now guides her professional path. Nikita is passionate about creating journeys that allow travelers to experience Africa in meaningful and transformative ways, fostering genuine connections to place, people, and wildlife. She believes that well-designed travel can inspire awareness, responsibility, and long-term stewardship of the environments guests explore. By helping craft thoughtful safari experiences, she plays an active role in encouraging conservation-minded travel. As part of the Exeter Safaris family, Nikita has found a space where her love for nature and her commitment to environmental appreciation align with purposeful work.

Anthea Meda

Travel Logistics Expert
Travel Logistics Expert

Anthea Meda

Anthea Meda

Travel Logistics Expert

nthea grew up on the coast of Mombasa, where childhood meant salty air, ocean tides, and regular trips into Kenya’s national parks. Feeling at home both by the sea and deep in the bush, she developed an early love for wildlife, wilderness, and the quiet magic of Africa. These landscapes shaped her long before she ever joined the industry.
Her early connection to nature naturally led her into hospitality and safari work. She spent years in luxury camps across Kenya and Tanzania, welcoming honeymooners, families, and travelers discovering Africa for the first time. Her time in the bush taught her how people connect to place, how memories are made, and how important it is for travelers to feel safe, understood, and cared for, especially in remote corners of the continent.

At the heart of her work is purpose. As a mother to Achille, she is intentional about building a career rooted in integrity, community uplift, and high service standards. She aims to contribute to hospitality that is not only memorable and beautiful, but also responsible, sustainable, and people-centered.

Today, Anthea brings her lived experience into every itinerary she supports. She understands how safaris flow, how camps and lodges operate behind the scenes, and how to ensure journeys feel effortless to the traveller while being grounded in strong planning and timing. Her goal is simple: to help guests experience Africa the way she has known it her whole life, with wonder, connection, and the magic feeling of coming home.

Naftali Wasiru

Travel Logistics Expert
Travel Logistics Expert

Naftali Wasiru

Naftali Wasiru

Travel Logistics Expert

Born and raised in Kenya, Naftali’s connection to Africa’s landscapes, cultures, and rhythms began early and has shaped both his personal journey and professional career. Wildlife was part of everyday life, gazelles moved freely around the homestead, fireflies and crickets filled the evenings, birds provided the wake up alarm each morning, and the river was where the day ended, swimming freely before heading home refreshed. Feeling at home in nature from an early age, he developed a deep love for wildlife, wilderness, and the quiet magic of Africa.

Naftali brings several years of hands-on experience in luxury safari operations, logistics, and guest experience across East Africa. His career has been rooted in supporting the creation and management of complex itineraries, coordinating multi-country safaris, and ensuring seamless execution behind the scenes for travelers. With a background in both tour guiding and operations coordination, he understands the safari experience from the ground up, from the first enquiry through to the final farewell.

Having worked closely with lodges, guides, air services, and ground operators throughout East Africa, Naftali has developed a reputation for attention to detail, calm problem solving, and an unwavering commitment to guest satisfaction.

Today, Naftali brings his lived experience into every itinerary he supports. He understands how safaris flow, how camps and lodges operate behind the scenes, and how to ensure journeys feel effortless to the traveler while being grounded in strong planning and timing. His goal is simple, to help guests experience Africa the way he has known it his whole life, with wonder, connection, and the magic feeling of coming home.

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