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why did we create wildly connected?
Wildly Connected Safaris was created from a shared passion for Africa’s wilderness and a desire to offer guests more than just a safari but a meaningful connection to nature.
After years of working in the tourism industry, we saw the need for a more personal, flexible, and guest-focused safari experience where people are not just passengers, but part of the journey. We wanted to create something that reflects our love for wildlife, storytelling, and genuine hospitality.
As parents and family-oriented guides, we also understand how important it is for children to experience nature in a safe, engaging, and educational way. That is why we proudly offer kid-friendly safaris and transfers, designed to spark curiosity in young explorers and create lasting family memories in the African bush.
Meet Sonny Mkhatshwa
Co-Founder | Professional Safari Guide & Tourism Specialist
Born and raised on the border of the world-renowned Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, Sonny’s connection to the African bush began at an early age. Growing up surrounded by wildlife sparked a lifelong passion for nature, conservation, and sharing the wonders of the wilderness with others.
As a qualified safari guide with more than 10 years of experience in the tourism industry, Sonny has guided guests through some of South Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations, including Pilanesberg National Park, the Waterberg Biosphere, and the Greater Kruger region. He has also worked within the prestigious Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, gaining valuable experience in luxury safari operations and wildlife guiding.
Known for his enthusiasm, storytelling, and keen eye for the smaller details of the bush, Sonny believes every animal has a story worth telling. While guests are often captivated by lions, leopards, and elephants, he has a special appreciation for one of Africa’s hardest-working creatures the dung beetle. His passion for these remarkable insects reflects his belief that every part of the ecosystem plays an important role in nature’s balance.
Through Wildly Connected Safaris, Sonny’s goal is to create authentic, educational, and unforgettable safari experiences that inspire a deeper connection with Africa’s wildlife, landscapes, and people.
This version gives you a unique personality on the website. Mentioning the dung beetle is actually a great touch because guests tend to remember guides who are passionate about the small things, not just the Big Five.
Meet Lisa de wet
Co-Founder | Nature Guide | Professional Nurse
Born and raised in Johannesburg, Lisa de Wet is a qualified Professional Nurse whose passion for caring for others has been the foundation of her career. With a special love for working with children, she has dedicated much of her professional life to healthcare, developing skills in observation, compassion, mindfulness, and putting the wellbeing of others first.
Alongside her nursing career, Lisa has always had a deep connection to nature. From as young as six weeks old, she visited the Greater Kruger region annually with her family, creating a lifelong love for the African bush, wildlife, and conservation. Kruger National Park quickly became her favourite holiday destination, and those early experiences planted the seeds for a future she could never have imagined.
In 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Lisa relocated to Hoedspruit with her then four-year-old son. Living on a wildlife estate reignited her passion for the bush and allowed her to experience nature on a daily basis. Inspired by her surroundings and her love for wildlife, she established Wildly Connected Safaris in 2022.
Transitioning from healthcare into tourism was a significant leap. Initially, the company was managed solely by Lisa, with safari experiences conducted by freelance guides. In 2023, she met Sonny Mkhatshwa, a guide whose extraordinary passion for the bush left a lasting impression on her.
"The very first game drive I joined with Sonny was a turning point in my life. His passion, knowledge, enthusiasm, and respect for nature were unlike anything I had experienced before. It was immediately clear that guiding was not simply a profession for him—it was part of who he is. His ability to bring every creature, big and small, to life through storytelling and education inspired me in ways I never expected."
That experience motivated Lisa to pursue her own guiding qualifications. She enrolled with FGASA and completed her NQF Level 2 Nature Site Guide qualification. In 2024, she proudly received her certification and has never looked back.
Today, Lisa combines her healthcare expertise with her passion for guiding, offering guests a unique blend of professionalism, attentiveness, safety, and authentic bush experiences. Her nursing background has shaped her ability to remain calm under pressure, pay attention to detail, and care deeply about the people around her—qualities that translate naturally into creating memorable and meaningful safari experiences.
As Co-Founder of Wildly Connected Safaris, Lisa is passionate about sharing the beauty of Africa's wilderness, creating unforgettable memories for guests, and inspiring a deeper appreciation for conservation and the natural world.
Share your travel plans with us
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We would love to assist you in planning your African adventure.
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Get in touch by phone, email or Whatsapp and we will make it happen.
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Contact Lisa at (+27) 73 996 7230 or Sonny at (+27) 67 370 6707 or email wildlyconnectedsafaris@gmail.com
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Make the CONNECTION and let's explore the WILD together
