As 2025 draws to a close, I want to take a moment to thank the incredible people who make Jabulani not just a lodge, but a home under the African sky. Every smile, every joke, every quiet act of care contributes to the magic you experience here, the Soulful Safari that stays with you long after the sun sets.

Our butlers, the heartbeat of every arrival, set the tone from the moment you step through the lodge gates. Isaac, Head Butler, somehow knows what you need before you even ask. Shadrack, Senior Butler, brings calm and steady reliability. Obert, Senior Butler, is the master of charm and mischief. Songs, bubbly and bright, ensure every arrival feels like a celebration. Richman, our quietly dependable anchor, makes every guest feel instantly at home.

Out in the bush, our rangers tell the stories of the wild with knowledge, humour, and heart. Kyle, Head Ranger, delivers encyclopaedic bush knowledge with dad jokes that somehow make elephant dung even more entertaining. Nathan, Assistant Head Ranger, pairs a majestic moustache with an eagle eye for wildlife. Don and Matt, fearless and energetic, bring curiosity and boldness to every game drive. Andrew explores every track with adventurous enthusiasm. Madoda Jeff, always giggling at the younger rangers’ antics, keeps every drive smooth and safe.

We bid farewell to Jason and Juan, now off to Dubai and cruise ships, who left footprints in the bush and in our hearts that we’ll never forget.

Our housekeeping team ensures that every suite feels like home, with every turn of a towel or placement of an elephant leaf. All is a small act of magic. Bridget, Head of Housekeeping, strikes a balance between efficiency and a sense of humour that lights up the room. Daphney, Head of Housekeeping, brings warmth and meticulous care.

Monica, Gertruth & Vernecia ensure no stone is left unturned in our public areas, always with a smile on their face. Morongwa, Olga, Pretty Mkansi (Pretty 1), Pretty Moropane (Pretty 2), Risuna, Gracious, and Marcia each bring their own magic, all while Vernecia and Vera also create stunning flower arrangements, elegant table settings, and host the unforgettable elephant sundowners. Agreement and Ntombi, our newest additions, who started as part of the JabuLadies, bring energy, fun, and local wisdom.

Our Laundry team is hard at work in the background, ensuring that guests can enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep on crisp linen.  These ladies have perfected the art of getting elephant mud on their guests’ clothes.  Mama Lydia, with her contagious laughter, always keeps me on my toes. Not a day goes by without her calling me a Mafufunyana (Sepedi for ‘crazy person’). The banter she offers always puts a smile on my face.  The mom-and-daughter duo, Dorcus and Loraine, with their peaceful demeanour, take extra care, especially when it comes to guest clothes, to ensure that every guest feels loved and looked after.  Hellen, with her flawless skin and radiant beauty & elegance, takes care of all the small details, ensuring that every piece of linen is flawless.

Our landscapers bring life to every path and garden. Albert (“Big Boy”), Head Landscaper, transforms every corner with humour and care. Victor, whose aunt has been with us since Xander and Lente were small, brings experience and consistency. Kgopotso, with his sweet loving energy and Joy (Obert’s son and his mini-me), infuses every path and garden with energy and laughter.

In the kitchen, passion becomes experienced on every plate. Henlu, Executive Chef, leads with vision and inspires every dish. Duvan, Head Chef, ensures every service runs like clockwork. Cornel, Head of Pastry, turns desserts into tiny celebrations. Langutani, Chef de Partie, brings flair and speed, while Calvonia adds fresh, creative touches. This year, we also have two lovely chef students doing their final practical year with us.  Zenith (Known as Zee) and Charne have been with us for the past couple of months and have brought a warm feel to the kitchen.

Mpho, Vera, Veronica and Nelia in the scullery quietly ensure that every plate, knife and spoon. Gets cleaned with utmost perfection.  We said farewell to Alex & Chanel, whose laughter, creativity, and love left an unforgettable mark on the lodge.

At the front of house, the team keeps everything flowing effortlessly. Ansie, my right-hand woman, keeps the lodge humming and keeps me in line. Portia, our new Guest Relations Officer, welcomes guests with warmth and charm. Alyssa, Curio Assistant, brings curiosity and energy to every corner of the boutique. Eulander and Shantel, spa therapists extraordinaire, create moments of calm and restoration for every guest. Peter, the Maintenance Manager, quietly ensures everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. Reece, back with us as Duty Manager in training, adds thoughtful, calm and sharp attention to detail.

Numerous milestones and significant growth have marked this year. Kyle was promoted to Head Ranger, Nathan to Assistant Head Ranger, Bridget and Daphney to Heads of Housekeeping, and Albert (“Big Boy”) to Head Landscaper. Watching Bridget, Hellen, and Vernecia progress with their spa courses has been inspiring. And of course, celebrating our two Michelin Keys together was a moment none of us could have imagined when we started this journey.

Every role, every smile, every small act of care, from cheeky bush stories to perfectly folded linen, from flower arrangements to elephant sundowners, from spa massages to impeccable desserts, is what makes Jabulani extraordinary. It’s not the sunsets, the elephants, or the lions alone; it’s the people who bring the soul to every corner of the lodge.

To the veterans, the newcomers, the quiet heroes, and the loud laughers: thank you. Thank you for your care, humour, dedication and heart. You are the soul of Jabulani. From dad jokes in the bush to magical spa moments, every one of you adds a note to the symphony that makes this family unforgettable.

Here’s to laughter, stories, and the moments that make Jabulani feel like home. You’ve made 2025 extraordinary, and I look forward to seeing what 2026 brings.