Chris Cole worked as the Operations Manager for Kwando Safaris in Botswana from 2013 to 2015. He managed a team of six staff in Maun and provided support for over 140 staff in the company's six camps. The reference letter highlights that Cole effortlessly managed all of the extensive responsibilities of the role, including purchasing all supplies and finding creative solutions to problems. He handled crises calmly and effectively. The reference also notes that Cole had an ability to encourage teamwork and that everyone at the company will miss his leadership and sense of humor.

1. BUSH BASICS
P Bag HA02 HAK
Maun, Botswana
Tel: 7230 1403
Email: deletedservices@gmail.com
_________________________________________________________________________________________
12th
March 2015
Reference for Chris Cole
Chris Cole was employed at Kwando Safaris in the capacity of Operations Manager from
the 18th
March 2013 until the 12th
March 2015, when he left Botswana to return home to the
UK. During this time, I worked at Kwando Safaris in the capacity of General Manager, and
was Chris’s direct supervisor.
Normally, when I write a reference for someone, it is a fairly formal, staid letter. For Chris,
that just doesn’t seem to fit – not because he is not capable of formality or seriousness, but
for me, it does not reflect what additional strengths he brought to the job.
The responsibilities of an Operations Manager of a safari company operating six camps in
Northern Botswana are extensive. Managing a team of six staff on the ground in Maun, and
providing support for over 140 staff in the camps is no easy task. The Ops Manager is
responsible for all purchases for the camps – including all dry goods, fuel, fresh food, linen,
crockery, uniforms, furniture – basically anything that is needed to be able to run a camp and
provide a high level of service to the guests. Naturally, all of these purchases have to fit
within a set budget, get to the camps on time and in good order, and be suitable to the
environment in which the camps operate.
Chris appeared to find the challenges of these responsibilities minor – he effortlessly
managed to juggle all contingencies, including suppliers, transporters, and camps
screaming for attention, without breaking into a sweat. Committed to ensuring that the
company is receiving the best value for money, whilst multi-tasking all of the above, he
would also ensure that suppliers were competitive. Chris was not shy to “haggle in the
market place” – something that is not often done here in Maun. What was particularly
interesting was that the suppliers always seemed keen to make sure he was happy, even
when he appeared to have them bent over a barrel for another discount.
In this field, it’s vital to be able to think on your feet, and operating in an area where pretty
much nothing is available instantly, coming up with creative solutions for problems is a major
part of the job. Chris handled every crisis – from camps needing 5000 litres of water to be
trucked in a few hours as their borehole had collapsed, to arranging medical evacuations of
staff members, or guests suddenly requiring a specific brand of skin lotion – with the same
calm and effective manner each day.

2. But the best thing about Chris as Operations Manager – is the fact that everyone will miss
him – his co-managers, his juniors, and those senior to him. He has the ability to encourage
everyone to be part of his team – even those that were in different departments! No matter
what chaos was happening, there was always time for a quick chat or a laugh to help
everyone get through the day. His team flourished under him, and have grown and
developed as a result.
I would be happy to have the chance to work with Chris again some time – and am positive
that wherever he finds himself, he will become a huge part of your team.
Kind regards
Nicola Hawes
Director
Bush Basics Consulting