Born in Ndola, Zambia into a family of nine children, six boys and three girls, Arnold went to school in Livingstone, where his father worked for an electronics manufacturing company. He repaired TVs and radios, which, soon, Arnold too developed an interest in. Though a big family, his parents ensured that their children were educated and healthy. During his secondary school years, Arnold often spent his weekends assisting his neighbour, a mechanic, inspiring him to further pursue a career in auto mechanics at Livingstone Trade School.
His journey with Wilderness Safaris began in 2006 – in a single office in Lusaka, with Dave Bennett, Rob Walker, and Philip Nichols – as a mechanic in construction, building Shumba and Busanga Bush camps. As the projects drew close to completion, he was tasked with rebuilding eight Land Rover 109s to be used at the new Kafue camps, in time for their opening. Later, in 2007, he became Head Mechanic and then Technical Services Manager the following year. He left Wilderness for a time, returning in 2016 as General Manager for Lufupa River and Tented camps, and as a relief manager at Shumba.
“Having spent a long time at Lufupa Camp right on the Lufupa River, which runs in front of Shumba Camp’s main area, I marvel at the beautiful open floodplains packed with antelopes all day; also, the sounds of hippos calling, bushbucks barking and lechwes whistling – and many frog sounds at night. The ability to get to see so much game within a short time makes Shumba a very special place for guests – and us employees too”, explains Arnold.
“It’s the dedication, respect and relationship the company has with other operators, and, most importantly, the areas we operate in. We revere nature, and resuscitate areas that have been depleted over time, by planting trees and managing the environment”, says Arnold. “As one of the pioneers of Wilderness Safaris Zambia (now Zambezi Region), I am proud to be with this company that has endured so much competition, and transformation, over the years, is still standing and remains true to its cause”.
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