Jennie

I grew up in the hospitality industry and I was taught; how to look after a guest by my Dad, Ian Stewart who managed the then, El Mirador hotel in the central Drakensberg of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. My mother also worked at the hotel, but it was later when we jointly ran Cathkin Park Reservations, a central reservation office for the central and northern Drakensberg, where I learnt the art of communication from her.

I have been in a managerial position within the tourism industry for 11 years, from my early beginnings working in a farm stall assisting a small self-catering resort, helping a B&B and golfing pro-shop, I’ve come a long way. Cathkin park reservations gave me the confidence to work with guests and when I married I began a new life that took us to Mkuze Falls Private Game Lodge where I managed the tented lodge for 6 months and then moved into reservations and domestic marketing of the Lodges. I still love Zululand and highly recommend a visit to that part of South Africa!

A crocodile took my husband, Siebert, tragically, in January 2004 and I moved back to the Drakensberg to my safety net and support structure of family and friends who still today keep me in their prayers! I was pregnant at the time and shortly after burying my husband, I gave birth to my son Joshua. It was by God’s grace that I was able to love again and it was the love for Joshua that motivated me to take over Midlands Reservations. I ran the booking office to contact for venues in and around the Midlands of KwaZulu-Natal. The guests whom I had hosted at the Mkuze Falls Lodges became valued clients. Their requests for accommodation outside the ‘borders’ of the Midlands meander prompted me to search further a field; these visitors to South Africa became my guests in this country. I found venues, met the owners / management and selected places I knew would contribute to their visit in South Africa. Thus South Africa Safari was born.

Whilst assisting guests in finding their way around places, I realised that although there were good Route maps available to get them from A to B, there were no tourist maps showing them what to do or see in the area. Andrew Attwood, from Antbear, and I began the Drakensberg Tourist map, which then led to Country Roads comprising of a number of maps of tourist regions that show people what to do and see in those areas as well as giving to scale directions and route to follow.

I sold Midlands reservations and concentrated my efforts on South Africa Safari with help from Pamela who began working with me in February 2005.

I re-married in June 2007; my wonderful husband Pieter took a career in Limpopo as the reserve manager to Witwater Safari Lodge and Spa. My new home, in a Nyala breeding camp inspired me to try and get as many visitors to South Africa to experience a taste of what I get to see, hear and smell every day!

We then spent a season in Zambia before returning to Lowveld of South Africa to practically make a difference to conservation wherever we can.

We moved to a reserve in Limpopo a part of the Greater Kruger National Park region and Joshua became a mini-ranger venturing out in Big5 territory confidently (without me knowing of course)!

Joshua’s primary school years were spent in Zululand and we not only had time to share our knowledge with a group of students but we also worked with people who became close friends.

With each change we had a season to be, a season to toil, a season to weep and a season to forget.

Now we have rest in the Mistbelt of Mpumalanga, a place of grasslands, forest and even a glimpse of savannah. We work for the most amazing people we have ever come across and that includes our colleagues, suppliers and guests that have crossed our path over the years.

Though being a part of a family has it’s challenges, being Pieter’s wife is an honour and it is a privilege to be Joshua’s mom. I still need to work a lot out with my Almighty God and Heavenly Father Who gave me the strength to carry on and Who picks me up each time I fall. I pray that the life I lead will become a testimony to those who hurt. I hope our team effort would be a blessing to the field rangers who put their lives in danger each time they choose to protect the biodiversity of a region. I give all honour praise and Glory to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in Whom I trust!

 
 
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