Safari Stories: Finding Meaning & Self-Confidence

In the fourth edition of our blog series, Safari Stories, we share the stories of how five of our team members have learned to trust themselves and others. After all, it takes trust to fully give and receive care.

Olga: Finding new meaning in life

For Tinolla, the Sijwa Project is where the threads of care that define African Monarch Lodges – mindful travel, environmental protection and community upliftment – are woven together. So it’s perhaps unsurprising that in choosing her right hand in this endeavour, she instinctively placed her trust in the person whose nurturing capabilities she knew best.

On receiving the call, Tinolla’s mother Olga unhesitatingly accepted the position. And even now in her seventies, she remains unflaggingly committed to the project. Her patient teaching, love, discipline, hands-on leadership and unwavering dedication have been instrumental in transforming the recycling programme into a vibrant upskilling and empowerment hub. Wherever you go at Sijwa – the food gardens, sewing room or recycling centres – her warmth and energy are in evidence.

And all that she has given is reflected back on her. Or as Olga puts it, “I left the wide open spaces of southern Namibia to enter into the lush Zambezi and find my meaning in life again. It’s such a joy to go to work each morning to meet a happy and committed team who give of themselves to make this place a success.”

And it’s not just her team who reciprocates her gifts of care. Tinolla says, “Walking this road with my mother has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life.”

“I left the wide open spaces of southern Namibia to enter into the lush Zambezi and find my meaning in life again. It’s such a joy to go to work each morning to meet a happy and committed team who give of themselves to make this place a success.”

Olga

Silvia: Finding her voice as a leader

Real growth isn’t the shortest route between A and B. As Silvia learned, taking a step back is sometimes the bravest way to take a step forward. Hired as an Assistant Lodge Manager in 2017, she quickly found herself in charge of both housekeeping and laundry: “It was a big responsibility, but I worked hard, always learning.”

When she was offered the role of Lodge Manager at Kazile Island Lodge, Silvia saw the promotion as a double-edged sword. She was honoured but didn’t feel ready: “I tried my best, but the challenges felt too heavy. Some staff didn’t respect my leadership, and I often cried myself to sleep. I began to believe I wasn’t strong enough for the role. In May that year, I went to Tinolla and told her the truth – that I couldn’t do it alone. I didn’t want to quit. I just needed help. And without hesitation, she stepped in.”

As difficult as the experience had been, it planted a seed that gradually took root inside Silvia. As she says, “Tinolla saw something in me that I couldn’t see in myself. She believed I had the potential to lead not just the team, but the spirit of Kazile.”

When she was offered the position of lodge manager again in 2021, she was ready: “Not because everything had become easier, but because I had grown. And because someone had held the belief in me when I couldn’t hold it for myself.”

And that itself is a powerful management lesson: “Leadership isn’t about being perfect. It’s about showing up, being kind, and believing in others the same way others once believed in me,” says Silvia.

In 2023, she had the opportunity to do just that when she trained Liseli, who started out as a waitress, to take on the role of Assistant Lodge Manager. “She reminds me so much of myself when I began,” says Silvia with a smile.

“Tinolla saw something in me that I couldn’t see in myself. She believed I had the potential to lead not just the team, but the spirit of Kazile.”

Silvia

Deonie: Finding a sense of belonging and fulfilment

Long before guests even pack their bags, Deonie offers them their initial taste of the wild. She’s who guests reach when they first make an enquiry.

As someone who also found African Monarch Lodges when yearning for something undefined, she knows how important that first encounter is.

It’s a cornerstone in building guests’ confidence in our ability to deliver the care we promise.

In 2015, she traded in her marketing and media career for the tourism industry. “I was searching for ‘IT’ without even knowing what ‘IT’ was.” Two years later, when she became part of the African Monarch family, she found that elusive sense of belonging and fulfilment.

After a rewarding time stationed at Kazile Island Lodge, where she worked closely with the team and guests and “experienced first-hand the love, respect, gratitude and joy reflected in every smile”, she returned to head office.

As the reservations manager, she curates unforgettable journeys for guests, ensuring that every detail contributes to a seamless and deeply personal experience.

“I stay connected to all the lodges, making sure every team member knows exactly who is arriving and what their story is. It’s a privilege to weave these journeys behind the scenes.”

“I experienced first-hand the love, respect, gratitude and joy reflected in every smile.”

Deonie

Peter: Finding his love language

Peter started work as head barman at Nambwa Tented Lodge on Valentine’s Day. And love has certainly defined his journey at African Monarch Lodges. Thanks to his passion for high-quality service, he was appointed the Food and Beverage Supervisor a year later.

Although he has since received yet another promotion to Food and Beverage Manager at Kazile Island Lodge, he is quick to point out that his devotion to African Monarch Lodges runs far deeper than titles, it’s rooted in a culture of care, support and devotion.

“I see myself as part of a family here. I’ve always gone beyond my department, helping out wherever I’m needed. I’ve even stepped in to manage the lodge when the lodge manager was away. These moments gave me confidence and strength. They pushed me to grow and believe in myself more. This is not just a job. It’s my journey, my pride, and my home.”

“I see myself as part of a family here. I’ve always gone beyond my department, helping out wherever I’m needed. This is not just a job. It’s my journey, my pride, and my home.”

Peter

Eustus: Finding and trusting a sense of place

From a childhood casting fishing nets to casting a web of stories to enchant and delight visitors, Eustus draws his confidence and sense of self from the Zambezi.

In the 1970s, he and his father made trips in a mokoro dugout canoe to Nambwa Island to hunt and fish. Even then, this beautiful and tranquil place attracted locals and strangers.

As a boy he was frightened to discover soldiers camping on the eastern side of the island. He recalls, “My father heard me scream and came running. He could not speak English or Afrikaans, so he tried to communicate in Zulu or Xhosa. They took us to their camp and offered us something to eat.”

Now, he repays that kindness to other visitors drawn to the wild by providing food for thought. He brings the countryside to life pointing out bluebush, which is the lions’ favourite spot to nap and the camel thorn trees whose roots locals use to prevent malaria.

“I am at my happiest when I see my guests laughing and cheering me on as I demonstrate how to make necklaces using lilies. We usually make them as gifts for our wives or for celebrations such as Christmas, New Year’s Day or weddings.”

“When Eustus takes you into his confidence, it’s easy to give yourself over to the wild.”

We invite you to put your faith in African Monarch Lodges

We hope these stories not only make you excited to meet us in person but also inspire you to trust us to guide you to renewed serenity, a restored sense of self and healing.

Discover our Retreats in the Wild, where transformation happens naturally.