The Safari Cup is owned & operated by Dave & Sharon McLaughlin. Both were born in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe – many years ago!!! Along with their Zimbabwean birth & upbringing, their Irish heritage (& passports) combine to create a unique lineage & character!!   Dave attended a traditional & well-respected school in Bulawayo - Milton High School. In his final year he was chosen as Deputy Head Boy, captained the 1 st Team cricket & played for the 1 st Team Rugby & Hockey Teams. Yes, his academic career took second place to sports & the outdoors.

After completing 2 years of National Service, David started his University career in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. On successfully completing his first degree in Agricultural Management, Dave returned home & worked as an Animal Nutritionist for a large milling operation.

Sharon grew up in Bulawayo attending another fine school in Bulawayo - Northlea High School. After that, she worked for many years in the Hotel & Tourist Industry.

During these years, she gained a broad perspective of the industry. Her greatest challenges occurred whilst working for the Makasa Sun in Victoria Falls. Her clientele included large corporations & senior government officials. On several occasions, meetings between officials of the Zimbabwean & Zambian government took place at the Makasa Sun.

Sharon & Dave met & married in 1982. They have two fine sons – Kiarnan, born in 1986 & Sean, born in 1996.

In 1993, Dave completed his Masters Degree in Business Management (MBL) from UNISA (the University of South Africa).

In 1999, the family moved to Birmingham, Alabama. Dave had been working as the Sales & Distribution Agent for Sirco Systems (a Birmingham based business) throughout Africa. Shortly after the move, Sirco was bought out & the business shut down. Dave & Sharon decided to stay on & start up their own business – the Safari Cup.

The Safari Cup opened its doors in August, 2002. The Shop is the realization for Dave & Sharon of a business that can create meaningful, long term viable employment in Africa. The Safari Cup only brews coffee sourced from Africa – the birthplace of coffee. Other products of African origin are also sold through the Safari Cup.