Who We Are

Greg TepperFounder

Greg’s love affair with Africa began with his very first visit in 1983. He quickly discovered the joys of an African safari and has returned almost every year since experimenting with different lodges and styles of safaris across the continent. From witnessing the great migration across the Serengeti of East Africa, to trekking with Gorillas among the volcanic mountains of Rwanda, Greg has experienced almost all Africa has to offer.

Having founded Exeter International, an award-winning luxury tour operator focusing on Eastern and Central Europe, over 30 years ago Greg decided it was time to use his wealth of travel industry experience and passion for Africa to create a similar company focusing on Africa, and so Exeter Safari Company was born. In founding Exeter Safari Company Greg wanted to demonstrate that while safaris can be an opulent affair complete with hot air balloons and luxury lodges this does not always have to be the case. With a great knowledge of Africa’s many mid-range and more down to earth safari options it is a goal of Greg’s to open the world of African Safaris to a wider audience.

As the Founder of both Exeter International and Exeter Safari Company, Greg now spends his time traveling between Europe and Africa as he continues to explore both destinations while often inviting small groups of travelers along with him as part of his signature Founders tours!

Scott SimpsonCo-Founder & General Manager

Originally hailing from South Africa, Scott has over the years experienced the Safari industry from every possible angle. Growing up every vacation and weekend away was spent exploring the African continent. By train, plane and Land Rover, Scott explored all that Africa has to offer from the idyllic winelands of Cape Town to the swampy expanse of the Okavango Delta.

After completing university, and following a year exploring Europe while working in the Cruise industry, Scott ended up in the UK where he began his career in luxury travel. Working as a Southern African Safari expert for a leading luxury travel company Scott helped hundreds of travelers discover the joys of an African Safari. During this time, he traveled frequently to and from the continent exploring different lodges, meeting local contacts and generally keeping abreast of all the new developments in the ever-evolving world of African Safaris.

Scott then returned to Africa where he took up the position of General Manger at one of Zambia’s top safari lodges located in the Lower Zambezi National Park. Scott then remained in the Safari industry managing different safari operations for several years before immigrating to the US with his American wife whom he had met while working on cruise ships many years previously. Having arrived in Tampa, Florida Scott and Greg quickly realized that their shared love of Africa and Safari travel made the launching of Exeter Safari Company an idea whose time had come.

Jeanie FundoraSenior Africa Safari Expert

Jeanie’s passion for wildlife, culture, local communities and conservation have been the cornerstone of her 25 years in the travel industry. With no less than 27 trips to the continent, when planning a luxury safari experience Jeanie’s who you want in your corner!

Jeanie often refers to Africa as her second home as she has traveled to the continent more than anywhere else on the planet. A few highlights of her travels include meeting the iconic Masai and Samburu people of Kenya; seeing the great migration and Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania; visiting the Orthodox churches and the famous fossils of Lucy in the National Museum of Ethiopia and spending time with the mountain gorillas of Rwanda and Uganda. Her experience in Southern Africa is no less impressive with countless trips to such iconic destinations as South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique and Namibia.

Jeanie’s passion for travel ignited over 25 years ago when she participated as an exchange student in a study abroad program to Northern Italy and the fire has not been quelled since. With a loyal following of longtime clients and partner travel advisors who have trusted her with every detail of their safari and travel planning, she offers each client a VIP experience. Jeanie particularly loves planning honeymoons and family travel, especially multi-generational family travel, having many first-hand experiences traveling with her young daughter on several trips and safaris to both Africa and India.

Christi GuildSenior Africa Safari Expert

Although she was born in Texas, Christi considers herself a citizen of the world, having already travelled to over 30 countries across the globe. Out of all of her travels, experiences from Africa have by far been her most treasured. From the people, their culture, and the warmth of their song and dance, to the wildlife and the untamed surroundings that envelop her senses with pure excitement, she loves all that Africa has to offer! In addition to the Big 5, Christi always has great food, sundowners, and Bomas on her safari to-do list! Ask her about her memorable travel moments and she will surely tell you about her up-close encounters Primate Trekking and on safari drives, or the mesmerizing sunsets and landscapes that have given her memories to last a lifetime.

Her love for Africa has led her to assist a wide variety of travelers in fulfilling their dream vacations to the continent, and she would be thrilled to help you in creating your perfect journey. Let Christi take the stress off of your plate, so that you can enjoy every aspect of your vacation, even before it starts!

Zach TateAfrica Safari Expert

Zach, a Florida native with an insatiable appetite for travel, spent his college years exploring the world in search of thrilling adventures. It was during his extensive travels through Africa for conservation work that he developed a deep love for what he considers the true wonder of our planet. Now, armed with a profound appreciation for Africa’s unique beauty, he has chosen to focus his career on luxury travel to Africa. Over the last few years Zach has continued to travel to Africa multiple times a year, with recent trips including destinations as diverse as Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Rwanda, and Kenya.

His experiences traveling throughout Africa were particularly influential, as he encountered the mesmerizing beauty of iconic landmarks such as Victoria Falls and the expansive Okavango Delta. Having forged a profound connection with much of Africa, Zach is now committed to sharing his firsthand knowledge and passion with fellow adventurers, guiding them to uncover hidden treasures and extraordinary experiences in this captivating part of the world.

Monica KowalskiAfrica Safari Expert

Monica has always had an innate sense of adventure and a love of travel. Throughout her childhood, she traveled in the US, Canada and the Caribbean with her parents, and in the summers, often traveled to Switzerland to visit her grandparents. Getting on an airplane back then was always exciting, with a chance to explore unfamiliar territory, and that meant “adventure is waiting on the other end”.

Today those feelings still hold true, no matter the destination. Her career in the travel industry gave her the opportunities to visit more than 50 countries, but as soon as she landed on the continent of Africa, it captured her soul, and she knew she could never get enough safari in her life!

Monica’s adventures to Africa have taken her to South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Madagascar. Some of her favorite places are also the less visited, such as the sand dunes in Namibia, the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans in Botswana, and the game parks in southern Tanzania. Her insatiable passion for Africa keeps her returning as often as possible, and she loves to share her stories of unique animal encounters, genuine hospitality, fascinating cultures, incredible landscapes, favorite activities, and the delicious food!

Kim HenkelAfrica Safari Expert

Kim’s lifelong passion for travel began early, sparked by a family that loved exploration and discovery. Though she grew up in a small town in Florida, her curiosity about the world has taken her to over 50 countries, and counting. Among all her travels, Africa captured her heart in a way no other place has. From the raw beauty of a safari to the ancient wonders of Egypt, Kim is endlessly inspired by the continent’s landscapes, cultures, and people.

She now spends a significant amount of time in Africa, deepening her understanding and building meaningful connections that she brings back to her work. With a particular passion for both safari and Egypt, Kim is driven by a commitment to help others experience the magic of Africa firsthand. She believes travel has the power to transform, and she’s dedicated to making sure every journey she helps plan is unforgettable, authentic, and filled with wonder.

Abigail ChildersAfrica Safari Expert

Abigail’s passion for travel began in college when spending a semester abroad studying international event management and tourism in the UK. Her weekends were spent traveling throughout Europe, all the while experiencing different local cultures, landscapes, and unique cuisines. In 2017, Abigail transitioned into a career in the travel industry, and immediately fell in love with Africa and all it had to offer. Beginning with a three-week adventure through East Africa, Abigail was hooked by the end of the first safari drive and decided to make Africa her full-time passion!

Since that first trip, Abigail has traveled the African continent where she has witnessed vast savannah plains dotted with acacia trees, tracked a pride of lions, and spent time in local villages where she immersed herself in this different way of life. On a recent trip to Botswana, Abigail fostered a newfound love for birding, enjoying the many lilac breasted rollers. Abigail looks forward to helping you create the perfect itinerary to Africa, whatever the destination may be!

May May HenryAfrica Safari Expert

May May has always been captivated by the endless possibilities the world has to offer. Growing up in a small coastal town in South Carolina, she often felt that there was so much more to explore beyond the familiar shores of her hometown. Whether it was through studying abroad in college or embarking on countless family trips, May May quickly developed a deep passion for discovering new cultures, traditions, and landscapes. She believes that travel is not only the best way to meet new people, but also the most enriching way to learn from the diverse beauty of our planet.

Always eager for the next adventure, May May is constantly seeking new opportunities to expand her horizons. On recent travels to Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa, she developed a profound connection with the wildlife and vibrant local cultures. Her favorite part of traveling to Africa has been the chance to meet the local people and immerse herself in their unique customs and way of life. With her heart deeply touched by these experiences, she is excited to help others embark on the trip of a lifetime to her most cherished destination – Africa! Whether you’re seeking a thrilling safari or cultural exploration, May May is ready to guide you every step of the way.

Nicky MorganSenior Africa Operations Manager

Growing up in a small town in the North of South Africa, Nicky was immersed from a young age in the awe-inspiring beauty and adventure of the African wilderness. Her family’s passion for “Bush Holidays” led to countless explorations across Southern Africa, from Namibia’s striking sand dunes and Botswana’s lush Delta to the magnificent Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and Zanzibar’s pristine beaches. These experiences shaped her deep connection with Africa’s landscapes, wildlife, and diverse cultures.

With years spent exploring Africa’s most spectacular destinations, Nicky brings a wealth of personal insight and genuine passion to ensuring seamless operations with guests are in Africa. Living just two hours from Kruger National Park, Nicky frequently enjoys spontaneous trips to the bush, finding solace and inspiration in the wilderness. She believes there’s something profoundly rejuvenating about the African bush, and nothing brings her more joy than helping traveler’s discover that same magic.

Sarah SchoemanAfrica Operations Manager

Sarah’s passion for the wild was kindled in the vast expanses of Zimbabwean National Parks. Born on the Eastern edge of Zimbabwe, she spent her childhood exploring Gonarezhou’s landscapes, trekking the Eastern Highlands, and embracing the Zambezi River’s waters.

Following her studies in Johannesburg, Sarah embarked on an adventure with her young family to the edge of the Okavango Delta in Botswana. Here, she delved into the heart of nature through her work in the wildlife film industry, experiencing the untamed beauty of the African wilderness.

Her interest in fly-fishing allows her to commune with the natural world but also fosters a profound appreciation for the delicate balance of ecosystems and the creatures that inhabit them.

Her wanderlust has led her across Southern Africa and the East African Islands, where she cherishes tranquil beaches and rugged bush landscapes. From Mozambique’s pristine shores to the Drakensberg’s majestic mountains, Sarah finds inspiration in the continent’s diverse ecosystems and vibrant cultures.

Gaby GiraudAfrica Operations Manager

Originally from the beautiful island of Mauritius, Gaby’s love for travel has been a constant throughout her life, and ten years ago, her journey brought her to South Africa. From the moment she set foot in the country, Gaby was captivated by its diverse landscapes, vibrant culture, and warm people.

Since then, she has explored South Africa and is continually amazed by the incredibly diverse experiences that this amazing Country is able to afford travels who are lucky enough to be able to visit it.

Living in South Africa for the past decade has only deepened her affection for the continent. Gaby has explored the wonders of Botswana, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe, immersing herself in the unique experiences each country offers. Her passion for adventure often leads her to the bush, where she feels most connected to the natural beauty of Africa.

Gaby’s connection to Africa runs deep; her parents lived on the continent many years before her, instilling in her a profound appreciation for its rich heritage. This natural attraction to Africa, combined with her extensive travel experience, fuels her dedication to helping others discover the true essence of this incredible region.

Sandra LeichumEast Africa Operations Manager

Sandra, originally from the beautiful coast of Kenya, has always had a spirit of adventure. Her journey took her to Germany for her studies, and from there, she embraced life as a sailor and kitesurf instructor in Southeast Asia for several years , travelling all over.

Over the years, Sandra has traveled extensively, exploring East Africa, Europe, SE-Asia, Australia, the USA and Latin America on every mode of transport imaginable – from driving a 26 seater school bus across Central America on a surf trip, a 500km bicycle trip through Spain, Horseback Safaris in East Africa, every kind of aircraft imaginable from balloons to helicopters, as well as every kind of boat imaginable!

For the last decade, Sandra has managed luxury safari lodges, coastal properties and wellness retreats in East Africa and Asia immersing herself in the heart of nature while curating unique experiences for travelers. Her love for exploration is matched only by her bond with her dogs, who accompany her on every adventure, making her journeys even more special.

Melanie SimpsonHead of Philanthropy

As the Head of Philanthropy at Exeter Safari Company, Melanie brings a unique blend of experience in live entertainment and operations, combined with a deep passion for travel and cultural exchange. With a successful career in the entertainment industry, she has managed large-scale logistics and operational elements necessary to deliver world-class experiences. This expertise has seamlessly translated into a passion for community development, as she now leverages her skills to create meaningful partnerships between the company and local African communities, ensuring that our safari experiences go beyond tourism to foster long-term, positive impact.

Melanie leads our charitable initiatives, focusing on conservation, and empowering local communities. With a deep understanding of the global entertainment landscape and a genuine passion for travel, Melanie is committed to making a difference through initiatives that connect people, protect the environment, and enhance the safari experience for all.

Maya WaideSales Assistant

From a young age, Maya has always had a curious personality and a strong desire to see & understand the world. Coming from a multi-cultural background, she began finding an interest in exploring cultures different than her own. Fast forward 30 years, and Maya has been to 25 countries, is multi-lingual, and has had the wonderful privilege to explore many small corners of the world. During her travels, she had the privilege in discovering the beauty of the lush and adventurous content of Africa.

Maya wanted to turn her passion & love for animal conservation efforts into a career in the sustainable African Safari Industry. With a previous background in Psychology & Medicine, she is enthralled by both human & animal interactions. She enjoys incorporating her background and travel experience with her goals in helping those around her understand the wonderful experiences to be had throughout Africa.