Mark & Kristen, both American, first went to Katavi in early 2010 and due to it being one of the most remote places in Tanzania (but also because we reckon they're so at home there) we haven't seen them since! Our wild little 'outpost, Chada Katavi, has blossomed under their care and attention.

Mark was born in Burundi and spent much of his childhood there, with one foot back in the United States where his parents were from.  He and Kristen met in southern Sudan where they were involved in the logistics and support of a large aid agency.  A stint in Burundi and then Nairobi - where they ran Elsa's Kopje in Meru NP - kept them circling Tanzania, but it was only after running Semliki in Uganda's Toro-Semliki Reserve, did they set foot in the country.

Somewhat unusual events like hippos being brought down by lions on top of tents never phases them. Happily ensconced in Chada Katavi, they love its remoteness and getting them out of there continues to be a challenge, luckily for us.