Kim Nixon is the new Managing Director for Wilderness Safaris Botswana. In turn, previous Botswana MD, Grant Woodrow, will officially take on his new role as Wilderness Safaris Chief Operating Officer, managing the group’s Southern Africa operations and playing a role in assisting and mentoring the company’s regional MDs.  

“I am thrilled to welcome Kim back to the Wilderness family and I am looking forward to giving him the same exceptional support that I have received from everyone throughout the business during my tenure in Botswana,” said Woodrow.

Nixon started his career as an overland guide in Botswana in the mid-1990s, and is now based in Maun as MD with immediate effect.

According to Keith Vincent, Wilderness CEO, Woodrow’s new position will enable the company to redouble its focus and efforts on innovation and service excellence across its operations in Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Nathaly Ahrens has joined the Wilderness Safaris Namibia team as General Manager for its reservations team and Travel Shop as of September 2016.

Ahrens has over 22 years’ experience having held positions at Westair Wings Charters, Namib Sun Hotels, and Air Namibia. Ahrens is also currently the treasurer for Tour & Safari Association of Namibia (Tasa).

“I hope to motivate and lead my team in such a way that they become service excellence experts in all areas of the business whilst remaining happy and loyal members of the Wilderness family,” added Ahrens.

Ryan Reid has been appointed the new Director of Sports and Recreation at Fancourt, replacing Lloyd Martindale.  Reid has been running the Serengeti Golf and Wildlife Estate in Johannesburg as Operations Director for the last seven years.

Georgie Davidson, Fancourt CEO, is confident that Reid will run Fancourt’s Outeniqua, Montagu and The Links golf courses with the necessary expertise. Reid’s responsibilities at Fancourt will include all sport and leisure venues on the estate (Sports and Leisure Centre which includes the Kidz Club and Teen Lounge, as well as the Academy at Fancourt), as well as the grounds and gardens. Reid will also sit on the Board of the Fancourt Master Homeowners Association.