How did you start in the safari industry?
I have been very fortunate to have lived all over the world from South East Asia to Europe and Africa. My mother is South African, so we always had a connection to this incredible country and her deep love for the bush and wildlife inspired the same love in me. Don and I had been working in the corporate world all our lives, specifically in Aerospace and Tech industries, and one day we literally had enough! That was over 20 years ago. Long-story-short, after a number of years of working as camp managers in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve we decided to properly invest in the region and bought Tanda Tula in 2009.
What is the best part about what you do?
The safari industry in general is inspiring as it is, however over the years our work has become incredibly focused on human development, education and the development of a supply chain economy within the immediate communities that surround us. Working with our staff and being part of their journeys in education and personal growth, and working directly with community has possibly been the most rewarding work that I have ever done.
Why is the Tanda Tula Foundation so close to your heart?
Through the Tanda Tula Foundation, my work in education, specifically adult literacy (which includes basic literacy for staff who have never been to school as well as English Language and comprehension classes for younger staff members who have had some basic education) has been incredibly rewarding.
Currently I’m working with the management of the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve to develop a robust supply chain economy for the safari industry in our region. So far we have selected ten local business that are currently in a business incubation phase, where we help them to establish their business systems, logistics, supply and delivery and quality control etc. All these business are located in our immediate impoverished community and would never have been included in the greater safari economy if we had not perused this project.
Do you have a favourite memory on safari?
There are so many favourite memories that include multiple hilarious honey badger incidents, to some funny guests feedback and joy after every game drive, but my truly favourite moments have been watching our three sons fall in love with the bush and their deep appreciation for where they live and what we do.
