The highly experienced couple give us an insight into what guests can expect from the Serengeti’s highly anticipated new property
Can you tell us a little bit about your background and where you have worked previously
Michelle and I met in 1981 when we were both working in the same hotel, shortly afterwards we moved to Cape Town, where I continued my hospitality career with Southern Sun and the opening of the first 5-star hotel, Cape Sun in the region. Michelle always had a passion for ballet and after qualifying in Cheqitte and Royal Academy, dancing at SUCOVS, she started to give ballet classes.
We married in 1989 and continued working in hotels including the Fancourt, Umhlanga Sands until we moved to Botswana for the opportunity to raise our children in the bush. After managing several properties in Botswana, we purchased a houseboat on the Chobe and Zambezi rivers (Pride of Zambezi) which was subsequently sold to the Mantis Hospitality Group and I joined them as Director for Operation, Africa and Middle East, and Michelle as Group Services and Standards. We worked with Mantis, now part of ACCOR till October this year, before joining the wonderful team at Explorer by Elewana.
What skills are you most looking forward to bringing to your role as General Manager’s for Serengeti Explorer
We bring a combined wealth of experience, genuine hospitality, and an open-door policy when it comes to including staff in decision making. We are totally dedicated to providing the best service and creating a welcoming environment.
Tell us a little bit about the guest experience at Serengeti Explorer
Guests will embark on wonderful journey and adventure when staying at Serengeti Explorer. From game drives, sundowners, bush breakfasts to the gourmet meals in different venues. The Hide, which is the first in the Serengeti, will surpass any imagination with infra-red cameras, and monitors for guests to witness activities happening in real time. There is a beautiful infinity pool, gym and yoga classes and two bar areas overlooking the vast Serengeti plains where guests can enjoy our creative cocktails. There are Boma dinners and an exclusive Wine Cellar venue, offering a Chefs Table evening, for the gourmet enthusiasts and those who simply want a real treat.
Can you summarise what you think will be the highlights of a stay at Serengeti Explorer
It truly is one of the best locations in the Serengeti, combined with luxury offerings, extraordinary activities and best service and hospitality.
What are you most excited about regarding the opening
We thrilled about the Explorer Brand opening in Tanzania. There couldn’t be a more fitting location than the heartland of the Serengeti where age-old traditions thrive, and well-being is deeply in-grained in the way of life. Other lodges are a place to stay, our concept is to make a place where people belong - a community.