Ranch Staff

Abo Shamani Wildlife Ranch is a small, highly motivated group of dedicated conservationists.

This highly qualified and experienced team has over three decades of wildlife and conservation experience between them. The complement includes hands-on-administrators, marketers, guides and rangers- all of whom are highly qualified in their fields.

Their commitment to the environment is evident in the pride they show in their work and the enjoyment they get from sharing their world with others.

Thomas Sibanda, Senior Ranger

As the Senior Ranger, Thomas has several responsibilities at the Ranch but his favorite is taking guests on game drives and sharing his knowledge and love of the veldt with them.

Thomas has nearly 10 years experience in guiding, much of it gained in Zimbabwe. In Zimbabwe, he worked as a Zambezi River Guide and had several narrow escapes with Hippos in the river.

Working at Abo Shamani Wildlife Ranch has lead to several memorable moments including seeing the baby giraffe just minutes after its birth. He has also gained insight into the behavior of Cheetahs and sees them as one of the most intelligent animals.

Thomas is busy completing a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Communications. He loves learning new languages and is fluent in 5 already.

Johnson Mkosana, Ranger

A shy, retiring man, Johnson comes alive in the bush. He is an excellent tracker and has an extensive knowledge of the plants and animals. Johnson grew up near Paterson in the Eastern Cape and worked for the Nelson Mandela Municipality doing Nature Conservation for 5 years. He then decided to working as a ranger for private reserves.

Johnson has become experienced in working with lions over the years. One of Johnson’s most vivid memories is the time a lion attacked him in an enclosure. On his way out a lion bit him in his calve and grabbed his one boot and other calve. His manager pulled the lions tongue out and between its teeth until it let go.