"Kashula is an academic with unique people skills, making him one of the most impressive guides I’ve traveled with in recent years."
Graham Boynton, Conde Naste Traveller.
“A fourth-generation Zimbabwean he’s one of the country’s new young guides. A highly qualified and articulate scientist – he holds a master’s degree in tropical resource ecology. Kaschula’s preferred area is his home country’s lowveld region. Charming and entertaining.”
March 2014, Safari So Good: Ten safari guides who are always on the right track
“My association with Anthony Kaschula began over ten years ago when he was a learner guide in Mana Pools National Park. Even at that time, it struck me that here was a young man with great promise; someone who would go a long way in the world of professional guiding. I know Anthony to be enthusiastic, extremely knowledgeable, capable, organized and always well turned-out, which, in my book, is very important! I consider him one of the top guides of his generation.”
John Stevens, Professional Guide, Zimbabwe
"Savour, experience and internalize the beauty of this magnificent Zimbabwean wilderness in the company of a truly special host and guide, Ant Kaschula." Chalo Africa
“If only I could go on safari as I did the very firsts time I went into the bush. I’d like to have a tented camp set up just for me. I don’t mind stepping out of the tent for my shower and loo, as we used to do. How incredible it would be if I could see miles of Africa and its animals without seeing hordes of tourists. Just for a moment in time the world would be my oyster.”
Well you can. Anthony Kaschula, known as Ant, will see that you do; for a small group of four or six people, your wishes will come true.
Susie Cazenove, Legendary Safari Guides
Ant is The Shackleton & Selous Society’s Southern African Fellow, a small network of individuals who are leaders of exceptional journeys to the world’s wild places. They are committed to the highest standards of planning and guiding, as well as to supporting local communities and conservation. When travelling with a Fellow of S&S your comfort and safety is in the most capable of hands as you discover some of the most remarkable places on earth."
Meet Ant
Whilst Ant has numerous wildlife interests ranging from botany to entomology his particular area of interest is the complex interplay between animals and plants having done his master’s thesis on “The impacts of elephants on the woody component of sandveld vegetation communities in the Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve, South Eastern Lowveld, Zimbabwe.
On the guiding side, Ant underwent an apprenticeship period of twenty months during which time he qualified in one of the shortest ever known times as a fully licensed professional guide. This is no mean feat as the Zimbabwean guiding certification process is the most rigorous guiding qualification on the continent with an average pass rate of <5%. For the few who manage to stick it through, apprenticeships typically lasts a minimum of three to five years.
Since qualifying as a Zimbabwean licensed professional guide in 2000 he has led safaris into a dozen different African countries and from the experience and exposure he has gained from doing this is able to privately guide small groups of guests into some of the most interesting locations in each country.
Besides his academic and guiding qualifications he also holds a private pilots license and has spent two years as the head guide and lodge manager of Borana Lodge one of Kenya’s most upmarket safari lodges.
Ant lives in Harare, Zimbabwe with his wife and two young children and spends an increasing amount of time in Gonarezhou National Park in the south east corner of the country where they own and operate their own mobile tented camp.
Passions
Walking Safaris | Spending time in the presence of elephants on foot | Flying
Philosophy
pleasures
You only live once!
places
Ellies | Whiskey | My children | Fly Fishing | Exploring New Terrain | Botany
In the southeast corner of Zimbabwe, bordering the Mozambican frontier is a vast wilderness area traversed by wide sweeping sand rivers known as The Gonarezhou. It is an area steeped in history and legend talks of elephants taller than the trees, warring tribes, notorious ivory poachers and ancient vestiges of the slave trade.
Jeremy & Angela Foster, - New York
SEPTEMBER 2014
There is so much to say to you in thanks for all your work to make our visit so perfect – know that the simple word, thank-you, conveys a sincere and deep appreciation for every facet of our time with you, your family + crew.
Thank-you.
What Guests have to say
Garth Thompson - Harare
May 2014
Dear Ant & Rawana
Thank you very much for so many things from our recent safari together, most of all for re igniting a flame for The Gonarezhou which I am embarrassed not to have been back to for so many decades! Having heard so much about poaching in that Park I could not believe how much wildlife we encountered in the five days I was there with you! I can quite honestly say it was about twice as much as in Mana Pools at this time of year. I was quite astounded!
The successful partnership between the Frankfurt Zoological Society and the Department of National Parks in Gonarezhou is testimony to the volumes of wildlife we encountered, an obvious spin off from their anti poaching efforts. While some of the wildlife was slightly skittish it gave off a sense of wild and unhabituated, not something you find in many safari areas any longer.
I had forgotten how scenic that Park is and its diversity in mammal and bird species, habitat and stunning topography! Those cliffs with their ever changing light and colour displays make a perfect back drop for all that we encountered. Seldom was there a waking hour when we didn't have at least one elephant along the Runde River visible from your camp, not to mention all the other species we managed to spot when back at the mess tent. Talking of which your food and presentation was faultless and difficult to believe it came from such a modest kitchen. Your staff, so pleasant and efficient in all that they did for us. Your vehicle, reliable and very cleverly designed especially for photographers. Your vast knowledge and passion for the area is without equal.
Your earthy camp gave us all the comfort we could desire and went into making it a true wildlife experience where I felt we were not 'spectators' of the environment but 'participants'. However the highlight for me was seeing a maximum of only one other vehicle per day, seeing so few humans in a Park with so much is unheard of!
Congratulations for having the foresight and belief in opening up a safari operation in The Gonarezhou nearly a decade ago. I look forward to doing your Walking Safari there someday soon. I wish you and Rawana all the success you deserve!
Sincere thanks once again
Jim Brown - zimbabwe
october 2014
"An unforgettable walking Safari in Gonarezhou with Zimbabwe's up and coming premier guide. Ant is one of the most knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides I have ever met in many walking safaris throughout Africa, his dedication and respect for this amazing wilderness area is incredible and I look forward to our next adventure with him."
Ants recent pics
jeremy & Angela foster - usa
sept 2014
Ant,
There is so much to say to you in thanks for all your work to make our visit so perfect – know that the simple word, thank-you, conveys a sincere and deep appreciation for every facet of our time with you, your family + crew.
Thank-you.
jaqueline spiro-balderson-usa
sept 2014
Time has been flying since our return from the adventures of Zimbabwe. I cannot believe that I have not written to you since.
Our time with you in Africa was life changing. I cannot begin to tell you who has grown the most. I carry the open space of the African landscape with me in my heart to help create the space I need in our crowded country. Our hikes in the Colorado Mountains find us seeking spoor and naming plants, even though the variety is slim on all accounts. Wyatt and Gage's teachers are noticing the changes in these boys who look at things more closely than ever before. When we drive together, there is always mention of "wouldn't you love to see an elephant/kudu/ or even an impala right now". Yes, Africa is in our hearts every day.
We cannot thank you enough for sharing your talents and wisdom and love for the natural world. I am always impressed how you arrive steady and ready to deal with whatever awaits.... uptight grown-ups or cranky children. You make it look easy and I know that it is not.
Gage and Wyatt have high hopes of the Kaschula clan showing up in Colorado soon. We will all be pleased for such time.
Missing you and Rawana and Tassia and Hugo. Looking forward to another time together soon.
Lots of love from the Baldersons!
Cheers, Jacq
Catherine & john smith - usa
sept 2014
Dear Rawana, Ant, Tassia & Hugo,
Our stay with you at Gonarezhou Bushcamp has been the highlight of our visit to Africa. We are grateful to you and your staff for giving us such a beautiful & fascinating experience. Above all, we have enjoyed feeling like part of the family with all the delight of your great children, Tassia & Hugo plus the amazing conversations about our lives. Oh, those evenings under the stars & mornings filled with birdsong will get equal memory to all that we have seen & learned. Wow!
With great affection,
sangeeta prasaad - usa
aug 2014
Dear Ant,
Hope you're finally getting a little time to breathe after all your back-to-back safaris.
Niki & Nina join me in wanting to thank youfrom the bottom of our hearts for showing us this veryspecialcorner of the world through your eyes. Your deep respect and affection for the flora and fauna of the park were evident every minute we spent together and wholly transmitted to us by the time we said goodbye.
I am not sure where to begin listing all the special moments - there were so many - but even apart from our insane luck with the dogs, the moments that remain etched in my mind are those 2 ele interactions with the big bulls. The one big guy scratching himself on the tree by the pan while you spoke so gently to him. He was listening intently to your words and I could literally feel his soft rumbles in my chest. And then the other big fellow who trusted you enough to approach us without even breaking his stride. He was listening carefully to you too and he looked happy to say hello.
How remarkable were these moments, especially in light of all the stories we hear about the 'belligerent Gonarezhou elephants'. I loved the fact that you approach the eles with deep respect - leaving it to them entirely whether they wanted to interact or move away. It was fascinating to see that almost every time they chose to remain with us.
From the fresh cooked oatmeal on top of the Chilojo cliffs to teasing poor Scott about the perils of appropriating that last chocolate biscuit, from our warthog encounter on foot to the day of the 500 kudus - we have so much we can look back upon and enjoy. Not to mention that Nina has developed a Pavlovian response to the word 'baboon'. The moment we say the word or see a baboon photo, she wags her finger and says "Yaaa" and I feel like we're back in Gonarezhou with you, she imitates you so well :)
I have asked Rosemary to bring you the doggies from Chishakwe and she has promised she will. Your 'hounds' were magical. I still feel sorry for that poor impala ewe, though. Poor thing - she just waited too long. But that one dog jumping up and down like a pogo stick to keep an eye on the crocs was hilarious. As was that one fellow who was chasing the impala and turned to look at us mid-leap :))
Many thanks for all this and so much more. Our thanks also go to Scott who was a trooper throughout and such a valuable addition to our party. Not sure which one of you is having a better time with the other :)
Thank you, Rawana, for your superlative menus, though my scale at home wishes you'd done a horrible job. And of course, thank you to Steady & crew for their unstinting attention.
I have started my report on Safaritalk. Just finished the SVC portion but I will send you the link as soon as I get to you.
Take care and I am plotting the repeat already.
lloyd camp - united kingdom
may 2014
Hi Ant
I am now back in the UK after a bit of travelling and take this opportunity to thank you very much for the Gonarezhou experience.
Many thanks for a wonderful and extremely professional experience. That first sight of the Chilojo Cliffs was absolutely breathtaking, and I was quite overcome by the view as walked down the elephant-dung pathway into camp and the river opened up before us. I loved the walking: all of it, perhaps along the cliff tops the most, although that morning along the south bank was magnificent too. Moments engrained in my memory are the 09.20 civet (bizarre!), the leaping kudu, a glistening wet scorpion emerging from your mouth (nice trick!), and every single sunset. I thought that the game viewing, although perhaps a little sparse, was varied and interesting, and your knowledge of every detail wrt the wilderness is impressive and entertaining. It really took the pressure off me, which I appreciate: I always try to link up with guides who are masters of their domains, and you are certainly one of those. It is an absorbing and reflective place, and I am very glad that it has found people like you to love it and protect it.
The food, incidentally, was very good: please tell Rawana that. It is nice to find some healthy grub out in the bush and to get away from the lodge stodge that we so often find on safari. Given the fact that we were on a walking trip, I didn’t expect to encounter so much fresh food so well presented: nicely done!
Thanks also for your attention with Seba. I think particularly here of the baobab bangles. He is a young man who knows everything, but you showed him the attention he wanted in a professional and caring way, and he responded warmly to the braiding projects you encouraged him with. He was still showing them off when we reached ORT in Johannesburg.
The entire party loved Gonarezhou, and Charly wants to return there sometime; probably 2016. He was very complimentary about your operation, which says much given that he is not a man of many words. He is given to gentle wilderness walking where he can trust the guides to protect and occasionally entertain him while he muses upon things as he strolls along; and that is exactly what you gave him.
In summary: Gonarezhou Bushcamps and Gonarezhou ROCK!
Much appreciated.
gabrielle, todd, johnson & jacom emerson - usa
may 2014
Hi Ant -
I’m sorry you had to reach out first, I hit the ground running as we have a big event which started the day after we returned and I haven’t had two minutes to put my thoughts down.
First I want to thank you SO MUCH for making our experience in Africa unforgettable. It was the best trip we have ever been on, truly a trip of a life time. Your passion for Zimbabwe, the animals, birds and plant life was infectious, and we all loved learning what you were willing to teach. We had experiences with you that I know very few people get to have. It will never get old looking at the picture of Johnson having his morning coffee with Bull Elephants at the watering hole, sharing the beach with 60 Elephants as they came down for their evening drink while behind us a mother hippo and her new born ventured out of the river to eat, or standing close enough to a stampeding herd of Cape Buffalo that you could feel the ground shake. Todd’s favorite story to tell is when the cow elephant yelled at us on the beach; he always adds how he watched the moon go from one horizon to the next, not sleeping a wink protecting his family.
Thank you for listening when we spoke about what we wanted our vacation to look like, you were spot on with everything. Your camp couldn’t have been more perfect. I cried when we first arrived and I stood in the dining tent and looked out over the river and saw the beautiful place we would get to spend the next 5 days. The hospitality and attention to detail from your team was really appreciated. The other accommodations were perfect as well, all beautiful, intimate and unique. When I found out we were the lucky ones getting to have dinner poolside with candle light at Ivory Lodge I was touched that you made that happen. Every day was an experience, and we loved them all.
The kids will never forget this vacation it was perfect for them and have already said they’d like to go back and will definitely take their families when they have one, I’ll be tagging along.
Ant, I can’t say enough good things about you, you are known as the “Elephant Whisperer” around here and are a big part of our stories.
Lots of love and admiration,
emmma & richard honey - zimbabwe
april 2014
Dear Ant & Rawana
Sincere apologies it has taken this long to send you a thank you email following our amazing trip with you over Easter
We all had a fantastic time with both of you & your team. The camp was well set up in a beautiful spot catering for all our needs & with a great view. We know that a group of 6 adults and 6 children under 8 years old was a challenge but you and your team totally rose to the occasion. Our family, visiting from Europe, absolutely loved it despite it being a very new experience for them. The kids came back with lots of stories and life long memories of rolling in the mud, river showers, fishing, tracking the Easter bunny in the river bed searching for Easter eggs, piecing together an elephant carcass etc
Ant we all enormously enjoyed seeing your passion for this unique area of the country and thanks for your knowledgeable and engaging approach ensuring that all of us from the 4 year old upwards got the most out of this bush trip. The camp was comfortable, the food delicious and all your team very friendly and helpful.
We will send on some photos once our internet is up and running again properly.
Gonarezhou with you and Private Guided Safaris has been ticked off our 'bucket list'. Thanks for an amazing intro to a very special and beautiful part of Zimbabwe - we will be back!
We wish you, your family and team the very best for the future. Hopefully another opportunity will come up for us to stay with you again. We have been recommending you to friends near and wide.
Best wishes,