Richard Cooke - Director/ Professional Hunter
Richard Cooke grew up on large cattle ranches in the Lowveld of southeastern Zimbabwe, where his lifelong connection to the land and wildlife began. He attended Plumtree School before earning a Bachelor of Agricultural Management from the University of Pietermaritzburg in 1993. Richard moved to Victoria Falls and qualified as a professional hunter in April 1996, where he has lived ever since. ,With decades of experience hunting dangerous game across Zimbabwe, he brings deep knowledge, respect, and passion for Africa’s wild places and its remarkable wildlife.
Dean Peel - Professional Hunter
Dean was born in Zimbabwe and raised on a family farm in Mashonaland. From a young age, he spent countless hours exploring the wilderness areas of the country, where he developed a deep and enduring love for the fauna and flora of the African bush.
After completing his education in South Africa, Dean returned to Victoria Falls, where he worked as a white-water rafting guide on the mighty Zambezi River. His passion for the outdoors and adventure naturally led him into the world of professional hunting, where he undertook the challenging process of earning his Zimbabwe Professional Hunter’s License.
Over the years, Dean has spent extensive time in some of Zimbabwe’s finest hunting concessions, gaining invaluable knowledge, skills, and experience in the field. Today, his greatest passion lies in sharing that expertise — creating unforgettable experiences and lasting memories for every client who joins him in the African wilderness.
Terry Fenn - Professional Hunter
Terry Fenn (Richard's Uncle), of Chinanga Safaris, is a seasoned professional hunter and rancher with decades of experience across Zimbabwe’s wild and agricultural landscapes. A true old-school outdoorsman, he has spent much of his life working with wildlife, livestock, and land management — combining his background in ranching with a lifelong passion for hunting and conservation. With over 30 years of experience in Zimbabwe’s safari industry, Terry brings unmatched bush knowledge, professionalism, and passion to every hunt. His wealth of experience and unwavering professionalism make him an integral part of our operation and a key reason why clients return to hunt with him year after year.
Belinda Cooke - Director
Belinda Cooke grew up on a family tobacco and livestock farm in the Trelawney–Banket area of Zimbabwe, where her love for the bush and rural life first took root. After completing her early schooling in Zimbabwe, she went on to study Travel and Tourism Studies with Marketing at Bournemouth University in the UK. Married to Richard Cooke, Belinda is the Co-Director of Richard Cooke Safaris and also runs Thomas & Cooke Safaris. Combining her marketing expertise as a Travel designer and tour operator with her deep passion for wildlife, conservation, and family, Belinda plays an integral role in ensuring each safari reflects the warmth, authenticity, and adventure that define life in Zimbabwe.
Our Trusted Trackers
Mbusi Sibanda and Israel Ngwenya