After starting their Wilderness journey as relief managers for Bisate and Magashi, Jaco and Tataum are excited to settle into their new roles at Magashi, confident that their previous experience, coupled with the support of the Rwandan operations team, has provided a firm foundation for them to succeed. “Being part of the Wilderness Safaris family, has meant an amazing journey so far”, says Tataum. “It has been such a learning experience, starting off by being part of both the Bisate and Magashi teams, to now being settled at Magashi”, explains Jaco.
Jaco, who was born and raised in a small farming town in Limpopo, South Africa, always knew he wanted to work with animals – to take care of and conserve as much of the natural beauty the world has to offer. His guiding career started at a large lodge in the Waterberg where he was soon promoted to Assistant Manager and remained working there for a few years.
Still in Limpopo, he moved to the Lowveld, specifically Kruger National Park, where he further progressed as a guide by gaining his Advanced Rifle Handling and Full Trails Guide certifications. Working in Africa’s pristine wilderness areas is a dream come true for Jaco, who cannot imagine being based anywhere else.
On the other hand, Tataum, grew up in the city of Johannesburg in South Africa. After finishing her studies in hospitality management, she began her career at a prestigious luxury hotel in the heart of Sandton. When the opportunity came for Tataum to move to the Lowveld she jumped at the chance to try something new. While working in the Lowveld she met Jaco – and the rest is history.
“Even though our home country is so beautiful – the people and, of course, the landscapes – I have never experienced humility, friendliness and warmth like that of the Rwandan people”, says Tataum, “Magashi is a one of a kind in Rwanda. It offers the laid-back lifestyle of lodge living, in a unique part of the world, where the wildlife is still, for the most part, undiscovered”.
“The atmosphere that surrounds Magashi... it’s calm and quiet – but you can also see some amazing sightings once you jump on the vehicle and head out onto our beautiful concession”, says Jaco, “We hope that by being part of a dynamic company, dedicated to positively impacting biodiversity conservation and empowering local communities, we can continue making a difference to the world we live in”.
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