Extraordinary

27/09/2024

Tourism isn’t just about exploring new places; it’s about fostering social justice and human rights.

By choosing ethical tourism, we support communities, uplift marginalized voices, and champion economic equity.

🌍On World Tourism Day 2024, let’s travel with purpose and make a positive impact on the world.

World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)

23/09/2024

Congratulations to Victoria Falls Safari Lodge for winning 3 accolades at the AZTA awards over the weekend. We're proud to share in this journey and success with you 👏

23/08/2024

𝗖𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗕𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗘𝗫𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗢𝗥𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗥𝗬 𝗪𝗢𝗠𝗘𝗡🩷
Meet Betty Peaceful Machabe, the Assistant Head Housekeeper at Imbali Safari Lodge Inspired by the late Winnie Madikizela Mandela, Betty draws strength from Winnie's example of making life better for all women.

“I pride myself on being a mother and looking after my children,” Betty says. She dreams of seeing all women employed and managing their own large companies.

19/08/2024

𝗖𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗕𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗘𝗫𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗢𝗥𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗥𝗬 𝗪𝗢𝗠𝗘𝗡🩷

Meet Lucy Mdhlovu, the Head Chef at Hamiltons Tented Camp, where she has worked for 20 years. Inspired by her mother, Jane Ngomane, Lucy admires her creativity and strength in the toughest situations. After the death of her husband, Lucy found independence and strength through her faith.

“I am a mother and I am a strong woman. I am the strength of my household.” She aspires to continue her work, sing to bring joy and be a role model for future generations. Lucy also dreams of being wealthy through hard work to help others, especially during Christmas, a day of charity and goodwill in her culture.

17/08/2024

𝗖𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗕𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗘𝗫𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗢𝗥𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗥𝗬 𝗪𝗢𝗠𝗘𝗡🩷
Meet Doris Khoza, the Executive Housekeeper at Safari Plains since 2018,
Doris is a proud goal-oriented woman with high expectations, her perseverance and leadership have shaped her successful career and strong family bonds.

When asked about her aspirations she said, “My ambition with this position would be to earn an industry award while working in an environment that rewards talent and surrounds me with other like-minded individuals.”

Doris aspires to explore new places and skills while encouraging women to lead purposeful and healthy lives.

15/08/2024

𝗖𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗕𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗘𝗫𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗢𝗥𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗥𝗬 𝗪𝗢𝗠𝗘𝗡🩷
Meet Mapule Makgalemele, the Pastry Chef at Mabula Game Lodge. Inspired by her mother, Mapule has learned resilience and the courage to chase after her heart’s desires without fear.

“What makes me proud to be a woman is that our instincts are strong. The instinctual power that we have within us guides us and protects us.” Mapule values self-love and believes that women should embrace who they are without comparison.

Professionally, she encourages women to believe in themselves, take risks, and promote positivity in the workplace.

14/08/2024

𝗖𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗕𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗘𝗫𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗢𝗥𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗥𝗬 𝗪𝗢𝗠𝗘𝗡🩷
Meet Cindy Sheedy Walker, our sales, marketing, and business development strategist.
Cindy’s profound passion for Africa and her mission to share its wonders with the world is what drives her every day.

Cindy credits her mother and daughter as her role models, highlighting their strength, compassion, and unwavering support as key influences in her life.

She celebrates the tourism and travel sector for its vibrant community of strong, inspirational women. “I salute each and everyone,” she says, acknowledging the remarkable women who have shaped and enriched the industry.

12/08/2024

𝗖𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗕𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗘𝗫𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗢𝗥𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗥𝗬 𝗪𝗢𝗠𝗘𝗡🩷
Meet Mamazana Kekane, the Head Chef at Clifftop Exclusive Safari Hideaway
Mamazana’s biggest inspiration is Chef Pinky Maruping, Vice President of the South African Chefs Association.
Mamazana believes that every dream is achievable. “It is possible for a woman to break through and reach high-level positions in the chef/hospitality industry.” Despite personal and professional challenges in a male dominated industry, Mamazana stands strong. “We never run out of energy, we endure and overcome obstacles and bring a smile to the world.”

Mamazana aspires to conduct culinary mentoring tours in underprivileged areas and empower women to know their self-worth and overcome workplace challenges.
Join us this as we highlight an Extraordinary women each day in August.

10/08/2024

𝗖𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗕𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗘𝗫𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗢𝗥𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗥𝗬 𝗪𝗢𝗠𝗘𝗡🩷
Meet Dolly Mashile, a dedicated housekeeper at Angels View Hotel. Inspired by Winnie Mandela’s bravery.

Dolly is a resilient woman with tremendous love for her daughter.“The ability to bring another life into the world” makes her proud to be a woman. She dreams of a world free from domestic violence and with more opportunities for women to grow.

09/08/2024

𝗖𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗕𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗘𝗫𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗢𝗥𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗥𝗬 𝗪𝗢𝗠𝗘𝗡🩷
Meet Kate Davidson, the lady who heads up our Sales, Marketing, and Reservations teams at Extraordinary. Kate draws inspiration from all the women in her life, especially those in her soul tribe who support each other unconditionally.

“The strength and solidarity that women have in facing life’s challenges” makes her proud to be a woman. Kate aspires to achieve a healthy work/life balance and become the best version of herself.

08/08/2024

𝗖𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗕𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗘𝗫𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗢𝗥𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗥𝗬 𝗪𝗢𝗠𝗘𝗡🩷

Meet Beauty Shabangu, a young chef who joined Safari Plains in 2022 as a Chef de Partie.

Her biggest inspiration comes from Winnie Mandela’s fight for equality.
Beauty aspires to become an Executive Chef or own a woman-operated restaurant.
She dreams of a world where women are equal in all fields and young girls are empowered to pursue their passions without limits.

Her message to all young women is, "They should know that if you put your mind into something and you are passionate about it, then you can do it no matter what.”

07/08/2024

𝗖𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗕𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗘𝗫𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗢𝗥𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗥𝗬 𝗪𝗢𝗠𝗘𝗡🩷
Meet Lizzy Mathebula, a chef at Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge who has been with Imbali Safari Lodge since June 2005. Her biggest inspiration is Beka Ntsanwisi, a radio presenter on Munghana Lonene FM, Lizzy admires her dedication to helping the elderly and poor mothers through charity work.

Lizzy takes pride in her role as a mother. “I am proud to be a mother.” She hopes for a drug-free country and an end to women and child abuse, aspiring to see a woman President one day.

07/08/2024

𝗖𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗕𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗘𝗫𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗢𝗥𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗥𝗬 𝗪𝗢𝗠𝗘𝗡🩷
Meet Nikkie Osnabrugge, the manager of the beautiful Kwafubesi Tented Safari Camp Inspired by her mother, Nikkie believes in kindness and making wise choices. “Never judge a book by its cover.” Despite daily challenges, she stands by her motto: “Just keep swimming.”

Nikkie takes pride in her resilience and determination. “At the end of the day, I’m a good woman, I’m not perfect, I make mistakes but my intentions are good.” She encourages everyone to believe in themselves and never stop learning.

05/08/2024

𝗖𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗕𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗘𝗫𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗢𝗥𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗥𝗬 𝗪𝗢𝗠𝗘𝗡🩷
Meet Ashley Mashego, a 38-year-old receptionist and night auditor at Angels View Hotel, she draws inspiration from her mother’s kindness, humility, and independence, despite the recent loss of her father.

Ashley remains resilient by seeking support and finding healthy coping mechanisms. “I am proud to be a woman because we go through so much and deal with so much but come out stronger and more resilient.” She aspires to see more women in leadership and decision-making roles.

04/08/2024

Meet Gilda Mavromatis, Assistant Resident Manager at Clifftop Exclusive Safari Hideaway. Gilda admires global figures like Arundhati Roy for their fearlessness and truth to power and draws daily inspiration from the resilience and determination of ordinary South African women.

“There are no better heroes than the women that surround us at work.” Overcoming the challenges of being a woman in the hospitality industry, Gilda has achieved and maintained her position while raising a child. She is proud to stand on the shoulders of pioneering women and aspires to extend the same path for others.

02/08/2024

𝗖𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗕𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗘𝗫𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗢𝗥𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗥𝗬 𝗪𝗢𝗠𝗘𝗡🩷
Meet Liziwe Khundayi, Demi Chef at The Cape Milner Hotel Although Liziwe works throughout the kitchen, she has a special love of pastry.

Inspired by her mother’s warm and hearty cooking, Liziwe has embraced the culinary world with determination and hard work.

Despite personal challenges, Liziwe stands strong. “Being able to raise my kids, juggle work, life and motherhood, and finding balance” makes her proud to be a woman. She aspires for women to be valued in society and seen equally.

01/08/2024

𝗖𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗕𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗘𝗫𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗢𝗥𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗥𝗬 𝗪𝗢𝗠𝗘𝗡🩷

Introducing Sylvia Kekana, our wonderful Front Office Administrator at Safari Plains.

Sylvia is no stranger to our guests, having started her Extraordinary career at Mabula Game Lodge in 1996 as a cashier. Hard work and determination led Sylvia to where she is today, and it is her dream to grow within her current department.

When asked what makes her proud to be a woman, Sylvia said “Bringing life into this world, and seeing my 3 boys growing, studying and getting more of an education that I had”

Sylvia’s positive message to all women out there is to support each other, keep learning while you can, plan well for your future, and to take good care of your physical and mental health.

Join us this as we highlight an Extraordinary women each day in August.

19/07/2024

We're thrilled to share that some of our extraordinary team members visited the Diepsloot Primary help2read centre on Mandela Day! 🎉

Our staff went above and beyond, donating items from the centre's wish list, including snacks, sweets, puzzles, books, stationary and board games. The joy on the children's faces was truly heartwarming.

We're so proud of our team for taking the time to give back to the community and for making a difference in the lives of these amazing kids. Their kindness and generosity is truly inspiring.

18/07/2024

We are delighted to announce a new partnership with Wildearth

Our collaboration promises life-changing travel adventures. The Mabula filming team are going live daily, bringing you closer to the action than ever before.
Stay tuned for our exciting new Virtual Safaris, designed to transport you right into the heart of the African wilderness from the comfort of your home.

Watch WildEarth live on YouTube here 👇
https://tinyurl.com/763mpjxe

Mabula Game Lodge Kwafubesi Tented Safari Camp Safari Plains Kingfisher Villa

26/06/2024

Today we are honoring Janine Oosthuizen from Imbali Safari Lodge this World Female Ranger Week!

Growing up loving the outdoors, Janine was inspired by a safari guide to pursue this career.

Overcoming gender stereotypes and ensuring guest safety are challenges. Positive guest feedback and inspiring conservation advocates are rewarding for her.

Her day includes early morning drives, equipment maintenance, and evening drives. Moments of discovery with guests are most enjoyable for Janine.

Janine aims to expand into environmental educational programs and leverage technology to enhance conservation efforts, inspiring the new generation of conservationists.

25/06/2024

Honoring Moneya Moeng of Mabula Game Lodge this World Female Ranger Week!

Growing up in Hammanskraal, Moneya fell in love with flora and fauna while visiting her father at Mabula Game Lodge

Her biggest challenges included language barriers with guests, but becoming a knowledgeable guide is her biggest achievement.

Moneya guides guests on game drives and guided walks, hosts meals during drives, and helps with luggage. She enjoys conducting game drives.

She aspires to become a professional guide in astronomy and tracks & signs, motivating others from disadvantaged backgrounds.

24/06/2024

Celebrating World Female Ranger Week with Michaela O'Brien from Mabula Game Lodge

Michaela studied Nature Management and was inspired by traveling into Kruger with her Grandfather into becoming an extraordinary Female Ranger.

Her biggest challenge is not finding what the guests want to see in game drives. She is proud of her achievement in gaining a degree in Nature Management as well as great feedback from guests.

A typical day includes drives, washing her cruiser, and interacting with guests. She enjoys interacting with guests both during and outside of game drives.

Michaela hopes to grow into conservation or reserve management, educating and informing people about the importance of conservation.

18/06/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/hCHdZxNKPvB23Kuw/?mibextid=WC7FNe

Meet Clayton Mpofu, Victoria Falls Safari Lodge's Executive Chef. Clayton is a local man with grilling in his soul, a big portions kind of chef!

'People are always curious to try game meat, and warthog is by far the most popular meat on our menus. We prepare warthog in four or five ways, but most often it’s served as fillet. At The Boma – Dinner & Drum Show it’s prepared on the spit, and guests love this. If you’re at The Boma, the best sauce to have with the warthog is chilli barbeque as it complements the flavour of the meat well.’

12/04/2024

We're delighted to welcome Johan-Simeon as the new Resident Manager at Mabula Game Lodge, starting 1 April 2024! With over a decade of expertise in the hospitality sector, Johan is perfectly poised to enhance our guest experiences and lead our team towards new successes.

His commitment to top-notch service and memorable moments is a seamless match with our mission to offer unparalleled safari adventures. As he steps into this role, Johan's visionary leadership and innovative spirit are set to propel us to new heights.

Please join us in warmly welcoming Johan to our community. Together, we look forward to a future of success, growth, and extraordinary experiences at Mabula Game Lodge!

11/04/2024

✨May the magic of this Eid bring lots of happiness in your life and may you celebrate it with all your close friends and may it fill your heart with wonders. Eid Mubarak!