Meet the team
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John Sobey - Managing Director
John has a farming background, growing up near Liskaerd in Cornwall, he came to Africa and has never looked back. He worked with Sarah-Jane Gullick, who founded African Horseback Safaris in 1995, as Head Guide at the first camp Macateer and then moved with the company to our present camp Macatoo. In 2004 he moved on to broaden his guiding experiences, leading riding safaris in Kenya and Tanzania. John’s love of the Delta bought him back to Macatoo in 2007, taking over the company as Managing Director. He now divides his time between camp, our office in Maun and the UK. -
Riana Fourie - Sales & Marketing
Riana joined African Horseback Safaris in 2010, having grown up in South Africa, she graduated from the University of Pretoria in 2000 with a Bachelor of Commerce degree. Riana, her husband and two children moved to Maun, Botswana, in 2006 to get closer to the bush. Horses have always been part of her life and she still owns a few horses both at her parents’ farm in South Africa and at her farm in Maun. She is able to combine her loves of Africa, horses and travel working for us and though her opportunities to ride are limited now, both of her children are keen riders and we do let her come to camp! -
Katie Hodges - Camp Manager
Katie grow up in the Hampshire countryside, and has ridden all her life, she first came to Macatoo as a guest in July 2005 and after a number of return visits started working for African Horseback Safaris in May 2013. Her background is a little unconventional for tourism, with an engineering degree and 13 years working in investment banking, however she fell in love with the bush on her first visit to Botswana, thoroughly enjoys meeting all of our guests. When time allows Katie still loves to join the rides. -
Wabongwa "Bongwe" Makate – Head Guide
Bongwe has been our Head Guide since 2004, he joined African Horseback Safaris in 1999 as a back up guide. He was born in Gweta on the edge of the Makgadikgadi Pans in north-eastern Botswana and moved to Maun as a child. He has always had a passion for wildlife and was even an active member of the wildlife club whilst at school. Bongwe has an unrivalled knowledge of the Okavango Delta, particularly the birdlife, with his keen sense of humour and tales of life in the bush you can guarantee that riding, driving, boating or walking with him is not only an education but a great deal of fun! -
Thabo Mothanke – Lead Guide
Thabo grew up in Etsha on the pan handle in north-western Botswana, he joined African Horseback in 2015 as a lead guide. Thabo quickly fitted into the team, he loves to gallop through the flood waters, but is equally happy painstakingly tracking to find that elusive leopard. He seems to have an affinity with the cheetah in the Delta, which are hard to find even in dry season. Thabo will ensure that you have unforgettable rides through the Delta, just follow the dreadlocks! -
Bernard Ngundera – Lead Guide
Bernard began his career as a groom with African Horseback Safaris in 2005, he started backing up on horseback in 2007, and became a full lead guide in 2018. Bernard is an expert tracker, if anyone can find a lion in thick bush it’s Bernard! His boat safaris are always a highlight, in flood season you have to experience one of “Bernie’s Boat Rides” With his ready grin he will do his utmost to find everything, and more, than your wish list. -
Modley Manyema - Horse Manager
Mod has been part of the African Horseback Safari’s team since 1998, he was involved in building the camp on its present site at Macatoo, before starting work in the barn and becoming our Horse Manager in 2009. His priority is the welfare of the horses and with his calm nature and quiet way of working with the horses they are exceptionally well cared for. Mod is particularly good at matching guests and horses, and with a ready smile will send you out full of confidence on your adventures through the Delta. -
Chief
Chief joined African Horseback Safaris in June 2020. He started his riding career as a boy at the cattle post on donkeys as is the norm in Botswana. Chief grew up in Tubu which is about 70km west of Macatoo, so he really is a local! He began guiding in 2018 having previously worked as a horse manager. He really enjoys showing his guests the variety in the Delta, and he loves to find the Wild Dogs. Chief is looking forward to taking you on your adventure into the Okavango Delta.