Carol Coppinger was born and raised in South Africa. She is a qualified Radiographer and subsequently attained a Computer Science degree. First introduced to the bush in 1981 when she joined John on an extended safari through the region, Carol moved to the Luangwa with John in 1984. Their children were born and raised in the Valley where Carol home schooled them until 2001 when they entered boarding school. Carol is responsible for the company accounts and manages the Mkasanga School Fund, which supports the local community, school and clinic. She has recently qualified as a teacher for the Diana Cooper School of Angels and Ascension and offers workshops and retreats at Tafika.

Bryan Jackson, a New Zealander by birth, came to Africa for a visit in the seventies and never left. An audiologist by training, he set up his own practice in Durban until he joined the Coppingers in the Luangwa in 1989. He is highly regarded as a wildlife guide, known for his friendly, easy going nature. His Photographic Tips and images used throughout the website (images with BJ on the label) are very much appreciated. Bryan is based at Tafika as the Safari Manager, but travels worldwide during the off season months of December to May, turning his hand to tasks as varied as guiding on the glaciers in New Zealand, managing camps in Gabon or teaching art to Christine and Jenny Coppinger during their days of home schooling!

Stephen Banda, a local Zambian of the Ngoni tribe has worked in the safari business since 1984. A sense of humour, excellent wildlife knowledge and observations, combined with his insight into local customs and folklore, make him a valuable and popular member of the team. Stephen guides at both Tafika and on the Chikoko Walking Trails.

Isaac Zulu is one of the most experienced guides in the Luangwa Valley. He schooled in Zimbabwe and then moved to Lusaka in Zambia with his parents, where he trained as an Agriculturalist. Whilst working in Lochinvar as an Assistant Ecologist he met Norman Carr who persuaded him to join Norman’s safari operation in the Luangwa in 1974. Isaac guided at Chibembe in South Luangwa for 15 years, then moved to the Zambezi Valley, worked and guided at Tongabezi for 6 years, spent time in the northern Kafue and finally returned to the Luangwa in 2001. He has a wealth of knowledge and is an extremely personable character.

Ernst Jacobs joined Remote Africa Safaris in May 2002. Originally from South Africa where he was Head Ranger at the Zulu Nyala Reserve in Zululand, he spent 4 years guiding in the northern Kafue National Park, where he developed a passion for the Zambian bush. His broad knowledge, combined with a quiet manner and quick wit make him a very popular guide. He has been the manager/guide of Mwaleshi Camp in the North Luangwa National Park since 2005.

Rona joined Remote Africa in 2002 and is responsible for the excellent cuisine and purchasing throughout the camps. She has many years of experience running safari operations in Zambia as she set up Lunga River Lodge in the Kafue with her ex-husband in 1992. Prior to life in Zambia, Rona taught Biology at Durban Girls High in South Africa. Her knowledge of the night sky is endless.

Francisco joined Remote Africa Safaris in 2005 to assist Carol with the company accounts. He had recently completed a two year Zambian accredited accounting course on a self study basis. He is a very committed student, waking at two am every night to study until dawn to upgrade his qualification to a global ACCA accredited one. Born in 1981 in Kabwe, Central Province, Francisco’s family moved to Chasera on his father’s retirement from the Zambian Railways in 1989. He completed high school in 2000, overcoming many financial problems along the way. He is now responsible for the day to day accounts and plays a large role in the day to day operation of the Tafika Fund, helping other aspiring students with their budgets and following up on their progress.

A Malawian by birth, Heather has spent 24 years living in Australia. She was Western Australia’s State Manager for WALT DISNEY COMPANY - Buena Vista Home Entertainment, the leading supplier/ distributor of videos, games and DVD's in Australia. She joined Remote Africa Safaris in 2007 as a reservations and marketing consultant. During the season Heather is also responsible for house keeping at Tafika and assists with logistics.

Alex Phiri is a Remote Africa Safaris trained guide, who has worked through the ranks since 2003, learning bush skills as a tea bearer on the walking safaris until he successfully completed his Luangwa Valley guiding exam at the start of 2007. Alex, born a member of the Bisa tribe in Mkasanga Village, has a buoyant personality. His father, Anderson Phiri, worked as an electrician and Mr. Fixit for John at Chibembe for many years, and it is with pleasure that we welcome the next generation as a promising safari guide.

Cameron, who guided on a freelance basis at Tafika over the last few years, is an old hand in the Valley. He started guiding in South Luangwa in 1995 with Phil Berry and then spent 5 years with Norman Carr Safaris. Over the years he has worked on Busanga Plains in the Northern Kafue National Park, in the Lower Zambezi and North Luangwa. He is a keen birder who has birded extensively in Zambia and throughout southern Africa. In his off season, he pursues his love of art by painting landscapes in acrylics and carving in natural woods. In 2008 we welcome Cameron back to Remote Africa Safaris to join the Tafika and Chikoko Trails team.

Linda Shenton joined the Remote Africa Safaris team in June 2008 as a reservations consultant. Born and raised in Zambia, Linda lived in Lusaka until 2007 when she emmigrated to Sweden with her husband and family of four children. She is therefore based in Sweden and communicating with us through cyberspace on a daily basis. Lindas parents had strong connections with the Luangwa and the Wildlife Department, so she was a frequent visitor to the Luangwa as a child. She herself worked at Kakuli and Mchenja camps in 1988 with her husband Rolf. They later owned and operated Bridge Camp on the Luangwa River, just two hours drive from Lusaka. Linda also assisted the Zambian Tourist Board for a time. Her knowledge and love of Zambia is a great asset.