My journey at Jabulani is one that I could never have imagined. Prior to joining the Jabulani family, I had stepped away from guiding to progress into management. It seemed a logical progression, with the fountain of youth evading me still, it took one conversation with Ruan, our fearless leader here at Jabulani, for me to realise that this was the place for me!

The greatest aspect of Jabulani for me is that I don’t actually have colleagues, I have friends and family. From Tannie Ansie, our work mother, to my guiding “brothers”, every day has been an amazing memory.

The banter and constant jokes with the chefs, butlers, housekeepers and maintenance staff ease the sacrifice of time spent away from loved ones.

I could write for days on the incredible sightings we’ve had from pangolin to hyena pups and leopard cubs, the memories made are so difficult to put into words…(stay tuned as that may follow in the future)

But what makes the early hours and time away from loved ones worth every sacrificeis the look on a guest’s face in those incredible sightings, the sound of amazement, and the satisfaction in making somebody’s dream holiday become a reality! I’ve been fortunate enough to cross paths with the most incredible people, and I love hearing from you all on social media. I have every note and souvenir in a safe place that will one day allow me to look back and reflect on this chapter of my life with a big smile, for which I can only thank all of you.

I know everyone expected a dad joke in here somewhere, but I wouldn’t put you through the pain of my jokes again.

Jabulani is so much more than a lodge, from the carers and elephants at HERD to the family at the lodge, it is a family from all walks of life with one sole purpose, which is inspiring and speaks volumes of Adine, she has created something that goes so far beyond tourism.

“I envy the individual who has yet to visit Jabulani, as they still have so much to see” (that is definitely an adaptation to a well known quote, but I prefer mine)