A Bug in the logo?
Our logo uses the sacred scarab, the dung beetle for two reasons. Firstly "Ngoko" - which translates as "dung beetle" in the local Shona language - is the African nickname of our co-owner and professional guide Benson Siyawareva, signifying “busy, industrious, conscientious”. Secondly it illustrates our closeness to nature. We like to show our guests the real Africa, up close, in detail and personal. Our safaris all emphasise the African experience, the best escape from city life - that life-changing adventure you've always wanted to take.
Dung beetles belong to the family Scarabaeidae and are better-known as scarab beetles. About 35,000 species of scarabs have been formally described by scientists so far, of which 7,000 are dung beetles. The dung-rolling scarab beetle was sacred to the ancient sun-worshipping Egyptians.
Client testimonials
During my past 26 years of guiding, I have come to know Benson well in the safari industry of Southern Africa. It has been most encouraging to witness his growth in the tourist industry of southern Africa, in which time he has managed some of the most renowned safari camps, designed unique animal viewing hides and built a name for himself as one of Africa's best safari guides.
One of Benson's greatest attributes, is his patience and wonderful rapport with all the guests that have come out for a genuine wildlife experience. His knowledge on wildlife is leagues ahead of many other safari guides.
Benson has put more back into the safari industry of Southern Africa than most guides, in the guide training he has done within Zimbabwe and Botswana to up and coming indigenous guides. He has been an inspiration and icon to them all.
Garth Thompson, Professional Safari Guide, Garth Thompson Safaris
I was very fortunate to spend a week being guided by Benson in Botswana and Zambia. Africa is always an exciting, adventurous and unexpected destination, but being in the expert hands of someone who truly knows the bush, understands the environment, has a vast knowledge and importantly a sense of humour, makes that experience one that will live with me all my life. Not only that, but I now appreciate just how many beautiful and interesting birds there are in Africa – an added and surprising interest to any safari – brought alive by Benson.
Alison King, MCI UK Ltd, United Kingdom
Incentive Travel Organiser
I have spent the past 16 years searching for the best that Africa has to offer in terms of wildlife and wilderness experience. I have been fortunate to have spent a lot of time with many of Africa's best guides...and even more fortunate to have spent time with a few who really stand out as simply the best guides in Africa - Benson Siyawareva is one of these guides! In terms of knowledge, both cultural and natural, and personality, Benson shares his Africa as only he can - with a big smile and warm heart...
Ian Proctor, Managing Director, Ultimate Africa Safaris, Seattle USA
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Ngoko Safaris originated as a joint venture between Benson Siyawareva, a professional Zimbabwean guide, and Fiona Thompson, an accountant from the UK with a passion for Africa, wildlife and travel.
Both Benson and Fiona have travelled extensively throughout Africa and wish to share their love of the wilderness with others.
Fiona now manages the reservations office in the UK, personally arranging itineraries to match the individual requirements of our guests, while Benson continues to provide an unsurpassed private guiding experience. Benson and Fiona work closely together to ensure that each guest receives a personal and professional service from the moment they first contact Ngoko Safaris to their return home with unbeatable memories of Africa. Every last detail of your wilderness adventure will be expertly taken care of, allowing you to relax in the knowledge that you are in safe hands.
We offer a range of safari styles to suit the differing preferences of our guests from luxury lodges to mobile tented camps, from vehicle to fly-in transfers. Whatever the safari style or the budget, however, we ensure that all of our guests experience a superior quality of professional guiding and detailed attention to individual requirements. (See Testimonials)
Ngoko Safaris is committed to fair trade and sustainable tourism. We have strong ideals in respecting the rights and interests of local communities and protecting wildlife and the environment, so that biodiversity and cultural diversity can be preserved for future generations.
We are all really creatures of the wild and the best escape from city life is to... Return to the Wild.
About Benson Siyawareva
 Benson Siyawareva is one of Africa’s top-rated professional safari guides. He is licensed as a Full Professional Guide in Botswana with the Botswana Department of Wildlife and in Zimbabwe with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife.
With many years of experience, an encyclopaedic knowledge of the wilderness and an unwavering passion and enthusiasm for wildlife and conservation, Benson is the ideal guide to accompany your safari. He knows where to find the animals you have come so far to see, and interprets the language and the signs of the wild, adding immeasurably to your enjoyment. Benson is also good company - with his cheerful, relaxed nature and great sense of humour you can look forward to an adventure of a lifetime.
Benson's worldwide reputation in the industry led him to be named as one of "The Best 15 Safari Guides" in the Condé Nast Traveler magazine. He also made an appearance on American live television as the Pro-Guide on the Today Show Where in the World is Matt Lauer? Benson is also featured in the authoritative book Licensed to Guide, written by Susie Cazenove.
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