Whether you’re a travel agent, tour operator or PCO with a very special client, seeking the best service, you know you can rely on Shaka Tours & Safaris for expert advice and quality service. Shaka Tours & Safaris was started in 1988 by the late Dino Koutouvidis. Over the years the company is has become a leader in the tourism industry primarily in KWAZULU-NATAL.
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DENISE BENTLEY – MANAGING MEMBER
Denise Bentley along with her late father, Dino Koutouvidis founded uShaka Tours & Safaris cc in 1988, when the tourism boom started for South Africa. In early 2000, she played a pivotal role in securing the company as Preferred Tour Operator and Concierge Management Contract at the Southern Sun Elangeni Hotel on the Golden Mile in Durban. Client satisfaction is always her top priority, and her personal dedication in achieving this has resulted in the growth of the business.KARIN VAN STADEN – MANAGER
After completing her studies in Travel & Tourism, at Pinetown Technical College, Karin joined the Caraville Resort Group as a travel consultant. In 1997 she joined Shaka Tours & Safaris at our Travel and Tour Desk situated at the Southern Sun Elangeni Hotel as a tour consultant. Her vast knowledge of this industry is an asset to our valued clientele. In 2007 Karin was promoted to group Operations Manager and managers a fleet of five vehicles and drivers with great precision.
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Nicholas Mhlongo, Graeme Howard Karin Van Staden, Themba Ntuli, Moses PillayShaka Tours & Safaris has a staff compliment of 20 people, ranging from Management, Concierge Services and Drivers. A pool of freelance tour guides are used for overland transfers and tours.
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THEMBINKOSI (THEMBA ) NTULI
Has been driving for uShaka Tours & Safaris since 2009. Prior to driving he was employed by the company as a porter and relief driver at their Concierge Desk at the Southern Sun Elangeni Tower.
NICOLAS NHLAKANIPHO
Has been driving for uShaka Tours & Safaris since August 2014 as a full time driver. Prior to joining uShaka Tours & Safaris he was employed as a point to point driver or Europcar, so brings a wealth of experience to our team.
GRAEME HOWARD
Has been driving on a casual basis for uShaka Tours & Safaris since June 2014. He also is very hands on with assisting with individual as well as group meet and greets.
MOSES PILLAY
Has been employed by uShaka Tours & Safaris since 2000. He is employed as Head Concierge, however due to his extensive knowledge of Durban & Kwazulu-Natal assists with meet & greets and driving.
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All guides carry the National Tourism Diploma and are registered with Tourism Kwa-Zulu Natal for the SA Tourism Authority Guide Certification. Valid drivers licences and PDP’s are checked every six months.
TIM BURN
Tim has been a freelance Tour Guide for the past 16 years. He is also a registered field guide, with his passion being ecology and wildlife. He has previously worked as a game ranger on a private game reserve. “Everyday is an exciting opportunity to meet new people and experience our wonderful diverse country” is his motto.
TOM DIERKSE
Started in the tourism industry in 1999, operating his own company, converting to freelance guiding a few years later. Tom has a passion for wildlife, thus has extensive experience in the tourism industry as well as conducting overland transfers and tours.
COLIN KING
Colin has been active in tourism since 1997 and guiding since 1999. Has travelled extensively through South and Southern Africa. Today an experienced, qualified and registered tour guide with a love and appreciation for all of South Africa and its people.
DICK MAREE
After being a history teacher & acquiring his MA in history, Dick started guiding 9 years ago. With a passion for KZN Wildlife and history, he is also a qualified Dive Master who has worked as an under water guide for several Dive Schools in Umkomaas.
BONGI THABEDE
Bongi has been guiding in the KZN region since 2012. She has an amazing knowledge of the area and South Africa in general. She has warm and welcoming personality.
ROB BROWN
Guiding within the Kwazulu-Natal province since 1994, he is also a Honorary Officer of Ezemvelo KZN wildlife, thus specialises in environmental and wildlife experiences.
PATRICK TEMBE
Patrick has an extensive knowledge of the Zulu Culture and Zulu History of Kwazulu-Natal. His outgoing friendly personality gains him great respect from our clients. Guide Badge # 1380.
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Shaka Tours & Safaris are proud of their fleet of 2 x 14 seater quantums, 2 x 7 seater H1 and 1 x Toyota Fortuner 2 x 4. All vehicles have the relevant Passenger Liability, road worthy certificates and permits. Insurance documents are available on request.
2 x Toyota Quantum 2.5 – 13 seaters, with aircon, PA System and shoulder seat belts. Factory fitted Tow Bar.
2 x Hyundai Diesel Automatic – 7 seaters, with Aircon and factory fitted Seat Belts and factory fitted Tow Bar.
1 x Toyota V6 4 x 2 Fortuner– 4 seater, with Aircon, factory fitted Seat Belts & Tow Bar