Bruce and Sophie Wicksteed are the founders and directors of Daktari. They are both registered nurses with extensive experience in paediatrics, predominantly in intensive care and emergency. They recognise the uniqueness of the Australian landscape and its flora and fauna.

Bruce was born and grew up on a farm in the South West of Western Australia surrounded by Tuart and Jarrah forest and wetlands. He has spent most of his life riding, hiking and playing in the bush. As a result of this he has a special love for the WA bush. He holds a Graduate Diploma in Outdoor Pursuits and within this has studied a diverse range of subjects such as ecology, navigation, risk management, rescue, and group work. For many years he did volunteer work with CanTeen (The Australian Teenage Cancer Patients Society) and other youth organisations, attending camps and organising group activities and outdoor programmes. Bruce brings all these skills to a hands-on approach in running the company. He is the main face of the company, and is the person who you will see on most trips. He personally guarantees (“…trust me, I’m a nurse!”) not to lead you astray!

Sophie was born and grew up on a large bushy block in Perth and spent a lot of time travelling and camping in Australia and overseas. She developed a love of the Western Australian bush from a young age, and continues to be inspired by and in awe of it. Her organising and communication abilities are second to none, which enables her to be the voice of Daktari and the head honcho for public relations, bookings, logistical support and catering.