operations
SIRAAJ GARDNER AND CAITLIN WETZLAR - Head Guide and Head of Safari Planning
As a couple, Siraaj and Caitlin have spent all of their working lives in the bush. Having completed Zimbabwe’s renowned and rigorous five-year guide training program at a young age, Siraaj is one of the country’s pre-eminent guides. An excellent tracker, walking with Siraaj is an experience you’ll never forget. He’s an expert at interpreting animal behaviour and the signs of the bush and once you’ve been guided by him, you’ll be sure to return. In addition to his guide training, Siraaj is an expert fisherman, a keen birder, and a photography enthusiast.
Caitlin is also a bush-lover and passionate conservationist. Much of her time in the bush has been spent in roles such as logistics, planning, hosting and general management. As our key coordinator, Caitlin will help you plan the trip you’ve dreamed of. Whether it’s Gonarezhou to Mana Pools, Selous to Serengeti, or Kruger to Kgalakgadi, no trip is too much for her to organise.
Diwa Zambezi Conservation Fund - Board of Directors
JAMES BLEVIN - Chair (BBusAcc, CA)
As a co-founder of Diwa Zambezi James has overseen the establishment of both the Diwa Zambezi Conservation Fund and Diwa Zambezi Safaris. He continues to visit the countries of Southern Africa at least once a year and is responsible for fostering Diwa Zambezi’s networks both in Australia and overseas. James is an avid student of Africa’s politics and challenges, and hopes they can be overcome in protecting the continent’s foremost resource: the natural environment.
BRUCE SWAN - Director (BComm, CA)
With over 30 years of experience in professional services spanning Australia and the UK, Bruce provides invaluable contributions in the areas of governance, strategy and structuring. A current BDO partner, Bruce has served on the conservation fund board for more than four years and has a desire to see Diwa Zambezi’s vision of managing a wilderness concession realised.
GUY TAYLOR - Director (BBusMgt, DipFinServ, CFP, JP)
An experienced wealth advisor and current BDO partner, Guy is also well-travelled in Africa. Acutely aware of the difficulties facing wildlife and habitats on the continent, Guy has committed his time as a volunteer director to advocating for sustainable wildlife tourism and fundraising for the Diwa Zambezi Conservation Fund.
And, the rest of the crew!
SAMMY BLEVIN - Co-founder and Head of Design
Visionary, compositor, master graphic designer. Without Sammy, much of the Diwa Zambezi brand would still be just a dream. It took three long weeks of back and forth between Sammy and James for the 'Diwa kudu' to be perfected. Have another look at it and you'll see what we mean.
BENJI BLEVIN - Director and Fundraising
Mechanical engineer, mediator, master angler. We didn't have to search for long to find a good photo of Benji. This smile pervades everything he does and it goes without saying that you're likely to remember fondly, a tour led by him. Benji is also tiger-fishing mad and will lead our efforts to tag and research tigerfish movement patterns and behaviour in the Middle Zambezi.
NICK BLEVIN - Director and Fundraising
Naturalist, adventurer, master fisherman. The next adventure is always just around the corner for Nick, he thrives on the uncharted and is most at home in the wilderness. Your first conversation with Nick will reveal his passion for Africa's wilds and he can't wait to share them with you.
CORY SALMOND - Director and Wildlife Artist
We consistently say the Diwa Zambezi visuals wouldn’t be what they are without Sammy, but the same is true for Cory. A gifted wildlife artist, Cory embodies the Diwa Zambezi spirit in every way imaginable. He continues to put in the hours at board meetings, fundraiser planning sessions, and of course, drawing some of the wildlife and everyday scenes we love sharing with you.