Meet the Guide - Wilderness Safaris’ Kim Nixon

The Andrew Harper Traveler visits with Wilderness Safaris’ Kim Nixon.

What prior experience inspired you to become a guide in Southern Africa?

At the time I became inspired I was a schoolboy in the Drakensberg Boys Choir. The school is set amongst the majestic Drakensberg Mountains in South Africa. Here we explored hidden ravines, tabletop ranges, streams, lakes, dams and nature reserves. My interest in African conservation was at this point sealed…at the age of 10.

Those who have never visited Africa may have certain preconceived ideas and expectations. How does Southern Africa surprise and delight first-time and repeat visitors alike?

Diversity for me is the absolute attractor of Southern Africa. It pervades all areas for guests—culturally, our wildlife areas range from deserts with flowering daisy blooms, to whale migrations, arid savannas with the highest densities of elephants in the world, a swathe of more than 800 species of birds, the miracle of the Okavango Delta (my Garden of Eden), arguably the most beautiful city in the world—Cape Town—and all of these areas are within an easy reach of each other. This diversity creates and stimulates amazing interest among our guests; and some return many times over.

How do you personally continue to be surprised and amazed after all of your years in Africa?

The people amaze me. And the incredible diversity of culture here, coupled with their warm, friendly nature never ceases to amaze me.

What excursions do you recommend most to guests?

Safaris, no matter how short, allow guests to feel they are part of something bigger than them, something real, wild and very true. Amplifying your senses in this way is often life-changing. I have a great love of the hot-air balloon flight in Sossusvlei in Namibia over the sea of sand. The great white shark excursion by boat with marine experts (not the cage diving) really gives an amazing experience of this predator. The helicopter flight over Victoria Falls; sitting in a “woodpile” hiding and enjoying the wildlife coming to the waterhole to drink; and eyeballing an elephant at close range.

Is there an excursion where guests can snorkel or scuba dive?

Absolutely, we have two products for this, the Rocktail Beach Camp (rated as a top 10 dive site in the world with 80 percent of the Maputaland Marine Reserve located on the 15 reefs in which we dive). Snorkeling at Lala Nek is amazing too…a secluded, shallow series of corals from shore, with turtles at close range, incredible fish life and even eels, rainbow-colored lobsters and crabs. North Island in the Seychelles is heaven! Both have their own PADI dive centers.

Describe the “typical” safari experiences.

Safari experiences are tailored for each guest’s own desires. Based on the fact that our guests travel to many areas in different African countries, experiences and a ‘typical’ day can vary hugely. Mostly, there is a morning activity and an afternoon activity, with a midday siesta (in the heat of the day). Activities range from game drives, to nature walks, boat cruises, mokoro rides in the Okavango, heli and balloon trips, surprise brunches or bush dinners.

Which animals can guests expect to see while visiting Singita Kruger National Park?

Lion, leopard, rhino, impala, warthog, elephant, buffalo, hyena, kudu, steenbok, giraffe, zebra, and many more.

In addition to the main attraction of the animals, what other elements of life, the people and surroundings create the distinct experience that is Africa?

Africa is all about unique wildlife, vibrant cultures, expansive landscapes, unique oceans and beaches, culinary diversity, amazing arts and crafts and again…people only too willing to share a smile and their art.

What programs are offered to better preserve the land and support the local culture and people?

We created and envisioned the Wilderness Trust, a not-for-profit organization almost entirely administrated through Wilderness Safaris, so money raised and given by the company goes directly to the projects. Our projects range from rhino reintroductions in Botswana (and protection in Namibia) to researching new species, wild dog and parrots; and many more. We believe the world’s wilderness areas will play a significantly important role in saving humankind in the future. We also fund an amazing program called Children in the Wilderness, in which we host underprivileged children with the aim of giving the children a feel for their ancestral inheritance, learning and fun. It was envisioned and spearheaded by Paul Newman. Guests often support a project of their choice.