Spike (Craig) Williamson
Spike was born into the world of ecology - his father worked as an ecologist in Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe. Thus, Spike experienced wildlife at close quarters at a very early age, often accompanying his father on field trips, camping at waterholes among the elephants or exploring the bush on his own searching for birds nests and eggs.
Spike achieved his professional guides licence in 1988 and since then has worked extensively throughout Zimbabwe, managed a private wildlife estate, run mobile tented safaris and rebuilt a lodge in southern Tanzania where he was head guide and manager for five years. Spike has visited several major safari regions, such as Zambia’s Luangwa Valley, most of the national parks in Tanzania, several parks in Kenya, Northern Namibia and Rwanda to name a few.
Spike’s knowledge of wildlife, his reputation as a birder and his personable nature are well known. He often advocates that safaris are as much about people as about the wildlife and he is never happier than when he is in his beloved African bush showing people Africa’s rich diversity.
Peter Tetlow
Peter was born in Northern Zambia close to the Congo border. All his free time was spent exploring the thick forest that encompasses the area, an avid interest in the bush developed which persisted to adulthood. Like most of his peers, Peter signed up as a learner safari and canoe guide after college. He passed his full Professional Guides License in 1988 (scoring the highest points of his year) and immediately began doing walking safaris in wilderness areas. Peter eventually was responsible for fifty guides in various areas, in nine separate lodges and bush camps and ultimately went on to become a key member of the examining board of the Zimbabwe Professional Hunters and Guides Association.
In 2006 Peter moved to Tanzania to pursue a post as a Guide Trainer, specialising in walking safaris in Tarangire. Peter is a valuable member of the team, having travelled extensively through Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, South Africa, Malawi, Uganda, Mozambique and Tanzania. His unique sense of humour complements his in-depth knowledge and professionalism.
Michael Pelham
Michael Pelham has the ultimate ‘safari pedigree’ – his family were amongst the first English settlers to arrive in Africa in the late 1800’s. His grandfather was a district commissioner in Botswana and Zimbabwe and it was at his grandfathers knee he heard wonderful stories of the bush, travel and adventure.
Michael began his guiding career in 1990, as apprentice to a qualified Professional Guide, and by 1992 had passed his Professional Guides Licence and was awarded ‘Guide of the Year’. Since then, Mike has lived and worked in 9 African countries and has guided safaris to some of the most remote and beautiful regions. His knowledge and expertise has led to his participation in training of park rangers and safari guides and he was heavily involved in rhino protection programmes in Zimbabwe.
Mike married Tracey in 1997 and together they managed a safari camp in Zambia and ran a canoeing safari operation. Mike loves to walk in the bush or gently canoe down a river, believing this to be the best way to awaken your senses and get in touch with nature.
With over 15 years experience as a guide, Michael Pelham was the founder member of Michael Pelham Safaris, now Ardan Safaris Ltd, and continues to be full of energy and humour, with a deep sense of professionalism and safety.
Behind the scenes......
Tracey Pelham and Rita Harvey were both born and raised on farms in Zimbabwe and began their careers in the 1980’s working as safari consultants for Tour Operations. With safari guides as partners, both Rita and Tracey have a vested and genuine interest in Ardan Safaris. Both ladies have experience in administration and working at ground level in the bush in safari lodges, giving them valuable insight into ‘the other side of the coin’ which contributes to a better understanding of planning safaris and meeting peoples needs. While Rita and Tracey have their priority roles in the company, they work together, constantly cross referencing with each other on ideas and advice.
Rita Harvey has been in the safari industry for 20 years and whilst consultancy has been her strength, she has also done basic ticketing, marketing, trouble-shooting, logistics, worked in a safari lodge and was operations & administration manager for a mobile tented operation. Rita lived for many years in Victoria Falls, worked as a safari consultant both in Africa and London, and had the opportunity to visit Tanzania, Kenya, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique. After a few years running a safari lodge in southern Tanzania with her partner Spike, Rita is once again based in southern Africa. Rita loves planning holidays for people and takes care of the majority of consulting, planning and bookings of safaris, while also assisting in other aspects of the company such as the marketing.
Tracey Pelham was born in Zimbabwe and, after leaving college, joined a leading travel consultancy in Harare, gaining valuable experience selling, planning and booking safaris. Tracey’s portfolio includes logistics and consultancy for a private canoeing and walking safari company, working in the Matusadona National Park (where she met and married Mike in 1997), running camps in the lower Zambezi, and raising a family. Tracey has lived in several countries in Africa and also in London, during which time Michael Pelham Safaris (now Ardan Safaris Ltd) was formed. Tracey is based in Nairobi and primarily takes care of the administration and legal matters, including accounts, collating of the picture library, database information and also assisting with consulting on the safaris, to name a few of the vital roles she plays in Ardan Safaris Ltd.
