Irvine
General Manager
Irvine joined Sanctuary Retreats as Lodge Manager in May 2017 and is now Chobe Chilwero General Manager.
Phinias Kuchicha
Executive Chef
Phinias joined Sanctuary Lodges in October 2008 as Executive Chef at Chief’s Camp. Originally from Shurugwi-Midlands in Zimbabwe, he began a chef apprenticeship in 1994 in RTG Hotels Group. After 3 years intensive training he graduated and started work in the Rainbow Hotel as a junior section chef, eventually working his way up the ranks to junior sous chef. He is now Executive Chef at Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero, where he has been since 2012.
Mushe Loveridge
Professional Guide
Mushe was born in Hwange, a coal mining town in the northern part of Zimbabwe. After working at a few Delta camps he joined the Sanctuary team and discovered that there was a lot more to learn as he embarked on the extensive guide training program. Mushe finds joy in being part of a team of guides regarded as the best in their field in the country. His free time is spent in the bush watching the wonderful intricacies of nature. Otherwise he is also quite content in front of the television watching cricket or soccer.
Poniso Shamakuni
Professional Guide
Poniso who was born and raised in Kasane is a true teacher and gentleman of the bush, and has a wonderful calming manner about him that puts his guests at ease, as well as a keen sense of humour that warms people to him, and instils great confidence in his guests through his calm, gentle manner. Poniso also has a special love for birds and birding and enjoys reading, listening to music, writing or kicking a soccer ball around. He has an incredible and intimate knowledge of the animals and birds of the bush.
Chika Kachana
Professional Guide
Chika joined the Sanctuary team in 2001. With twelve solid years of experience behind him, Chika stands out to be an invaluable asset for the lodge. In 2009 he was confirmed as an Honorary Wildlife Warden by the Botswana Government in recognition for his maturity and exemplary behavior in issues concerning wildlife conservancy in the Chobe National Park. His loves taking guests out on river cruises during the peak elephant viewing period (July to October) and enjoys sharing his knowledge and passion about these gentle giants of the African bush.
