Garth Jenman, the founder of JENMAN African Safaris, embarked on an inspiring journey that started with Camp Wild, where his reputation as a trailblazer in the safari industry grew. In the early days, Garth’s passion for wildlife and adventure led him to focus on crafting unforgettable safari camping expeditions and over time, Garth’s expertise and commitment to responsible tourism laid the groundwork for the establishment of JENMAN African Safaris, a company that would elevate African travel experiences to unparalleled heights.
Garth Jenman’s Humble Beginnings
Garth used to travel into Africa during varsity breaks and return with loads of curios which he traded for pocket money. Upon his return, he started a driving school and while this enterprise proved successful during the summer month, his clientele disappeared with the summer sun during the winter. “This was in the early nineties,” remembers Garth, “and before the influx of foreign tourists we have now.” So, in order to supplement his income, Garth would travel to Zimbabwe where he stayed in a friend’s lodge and collected jerseys to peddle back in South Africa.
His friend one day suggested Garth take over his walking safaris to Mana Pools in the winter month. Garth took to this opportunity like the proverbial duck to water and soon not only bought shares in the lodge but also started doing mobile safaris to Victoria Falls, Botswana and Namibia. Garth started with one vehicle and guided most tours by himself. It wasn’t all plain sailing though; he needed to get to know the workings under the engine hood intimately as he had to be the mechanic as well as a tour operator.
JENMAN African Safaris
He persevered and today JENMAN African Safaris is one of the leading safari travel operators in southern Africa, East Africa and Madagascar with operational offices in Tanzania, Madagascar, Botswana and Zimbabwe. Their vehicle fleet has grown to twenty and the staff complement numbers over 50.
As transport is an integral part of their business, Garth has always focused much of his time and energy on developing the most suitable transport solutions. The common means of passenger transport when Garth started out consisted of a 4×4 derivative with an overland body separate from the cab.
Garth was never entirely happy with this configuration, and as there was no alternative on the market, he designed a derivative with a single body and started a search for a supplier to do the manufacturing. He eventually found one who was prepared to try his hand at it but the company, unfortunately, ran into difficulty some time thereafter. Unperturbed, Garth decided to tackle the process himself and so a new business was born in the form of JENMAN Vehicle and Coach Builders!
A stickler for quality, Garth wasn’t happy with the service he had received from the vehicle manufacturer he had used. He realized that his company’s workmanship surpassed many of the previous body jobs that had been done, and he could build to his own specifications and to the highest standards. It was during this time that Stephen Henkel from Sandown Commercial Vehicle Centre Bellville invited Garth to a 4×4 demonstration of the FUSO truck. He was impressed. He had found the perfect match in the FUSO which could comfortably transport 12 people in safety and luxury.
Apart from building vehicles for his own needs, Garth and his team are now also looking at expanding their market. “There are many opportunities to supply other operators,” he says. “We have a unique product, developed and thoroughly tested, ensuring that our customers get only the best.” Garth believes that his product also offers great opportunities for people wanting the convert their vehicles to campers and welcomes any queries in this regard.
