Office Team

As Managing Director of Rockjumper Birding Tours (Indri's sister company), Adam was key in conceptualizing and founding Indri. A decade ago Adam packed up a career in Accounting for a more adventurous life and embarked on career in Avitourism (bird-orientated tourism) and adventure travel. This has taken Adam to destinations as far flung as the forests of Cote de Ivoire and the snowy plains of Tibet. Although Adam now spends much of his time concentrating on directing both Rockjumper and Indri, his passion for guiding and wildlife ensures that he still travels to exotic places. There are few people that can claim to have traveled as far and wide as Adam and his vast travel experience is complemented by a passion for sharing wildlife experiences and a sound business knowledge.

Jenifer grew up on the KZN coast and developed a passion for the ocean at a young age. She completed her first dive course in 1992 at Aliwal Shoal, in the shark-rich waters off South Africa's east coast, and has since published an informative Dive Guide to the area, with proceeds going towards WWF marine conservation. She holds a Masters degree in Chiropractic, but her passion for nature and travel ensured that she never strayed far from water. Extremely likeable, excellent with people and well-organized Jen has allowed herself time out of water to begin a family and to use her people-driven skills and administrative capacities in the Indri office. She is a core member of the Indri founders and her commitment and even temperament are a source of inspiration to us all.

Keith Valentine is originally from the city of Johannesburg, South Africa, however at a very young age, he developed an interest in wildlife and birding and this passion for adventure meant that more time was spent in nature than in the metropolis. His expertise was gained through numerous field trips, where he studied the behavior of birds and mammals. After completing a Degree in Financial Management, Keith followed his dream and became a wildlife guide. Keith has guided extensively throughout Africa, Asia, and Madagascar and has acquired specialist knowledge of the birds, mammals and overall ecology in these regions. Keith's extensive travels coupled with his unreserved excitement and knowledge for all things wild as well as his sound financial back ground make him a most valuable asset to the Indri team.

Lisa Dematteis has a diploma in IT but her passion for nature and wildlife led her to Indri, where she is a valuable member of the team. She is also an avid diver and volunteers for ocean conservation and awareness projects.

Shelly was born in Cape Town and enjoyed her youth on South Africa's sub-tropical east coast in the friendly city of East London. After graduating with a Commerce degree, she based herself in the United Kingdom where she juggled her passion for adventure travel with a busy workload. After the birth of their little girl, Abigail, Shelly and her husband Derek decided to return to the sunny shores of South Africa. Now based full time in Cape Town, Shelly spends her time assisting our enthusiastic guests realise the wildlife holiday of their dreams and indulging in her love of the ocean and South Africa's wildlife. Life experience highlights for Shelly include diving the waters of the Red Sea in Egypt, parasailing in the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean in Turkey and skiing in the Swiss Alps!

Initially, Simon's career in tourism began by working in luxury lodges in South Africa and here he honed his passion for mammals, birds and indeed all things wild. Simon then helped to co-found Indri Ultimate Wildlife Tours where he is involved not only in guiding tours to exotic destinations but also in conceptualizing exciting itineraries and in marketing and product management. Simon's passion for conservation augments the strong conservation ethic at Indri. Simon is dedicated to delivering the perfect wildlife tour, be it in the field sharing his knowledge of mammals or birds or via his involvement in the office.