What inspired you to work for Sibuya Wilderness Experience?
I value that Sibuya Game Reserve has a vibrant company culture that is based on teamwork, which encourages everyone to work together to make the experience enjoyable for guests. I have always loved being in nature and have a passion for animal conservation, so Sibuya was the perfect fit to pursue those interests.
Describe a typical day at work.
A typical day as a Social Media and Digital Marketing Manager for Sibuya Game Reserve starts with reading, and responding to, emails and social media notifications. The rest of the day is spent creating content for our various social media platforms, updating the website, and designing advertisements for print or radio. On some days I go on game drives and take photo and video footage of the reserve and our animals.
Why do you do what you do?
Being the Social Media and Digital Marketing Manager allows me to be creative and enhance the Sibuya Game Reserve brand by connecting with followers and future- or past guests on a regular basis. It’s rewarding to know that there is such a passionate group of people who are interested in wildlife conservation.
Incredible rhino sighting on a game drive at Sibuya Game Reserve.
What is your favorite part of your job?
Wildlife conservation is at the heart of any role at Sibuya Game Reserve. I love going on game drives and being immersed in the bushveld, but my absolute favorite part of my job is seeing and hearing positive feedback from guests. It makes me extremely happy to know that we were able to play a role in memories that they will cherish for a lifetime.
How do you use your education and international background in your current role?
My BA Degree in Media, Communications and Culture, and BA Honors Degree in Corporate Communication has provided me with the knowledge and skills that I need to connect with people on a daily basis. International travels have pushed me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to experience different cultures, which enables me to think about marketing projects from a different perspective.
What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?
Be open to “going with the flow” sometimes. Some of my most cherished memories from my travels are from making impromptu plans with new friends. It’s also extremely important to fully immerse yourself in the various new cultures - even if that means going out of your comfort zone.
Conquering obstacles in a foreign country is part of the experience - and you’ll probably giggle about it later. Situations such as figuring out the public transport system, getting lost, learning new customs and how to communicate in new languages, build confidence and strengthen your ability to adapt in foreign situations. The most important thing to remember is to have fun and to try to cherish every moment wholeheartedly.
Relaxing at this peaceful spot in Forest Camp.
What makes Sibuya Wilderness Experience special?
Sibuya Game Reserve is unique in that it allows for exploration of wildlife in the river, estuary and the bushveld. The game reserve is a sanctuary to an abundance of diverse animals, including the Big Five.
Nestled in the beautiful indigenous forest, Sibuya’s tented camps allow guests to fully immerse themselves in nature, whilst experiencing blissful relaxation and luxurious comfort. From the leisurely boat cruise to the adventurous game drives, delicious meals, and snuggly bonfires, Sibuya has become a home away from home for many of our guests.Why should someone choose Sibuya Wilderness Experience over competitors?
The true magic of Sibuya Game Reserve lies in the fantastic team who go out of their way to create a personalized safari experience - complete with exciting activities, fine bush cuisine and evenings spent under the starlit sky, around a crackling fire. The experience is sure to have you saying “Sibuya” – we will return.
What hopes do you have for the future for Sibuya Wilderness Experience?
If there is one thing that the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us, it’s that it’s impossible to predict the future. The hospitality and tourism industry still has a long way to go to rebuild the major losses that it suffered.
At Sibuya Game Reserve, we are excited to welcome guests with open arms and to share our love for adventure with them. We hope to share our beautiful home and our passion for conservation for many years to come.
What is your organization's mission and how do you continue to work toward it?
Sibuya Game Reserve’s mission is to combine our passion for wildlife conservation and hospitality to ensure that guests have an unforgettable experience. Sibuya strives for excellent service and remains environmentally conscious.
Guests are either based at one of the two solar-powered, secluded luxury tented Camps tucked away in the forest on the banks of the Kariega River or at stunning Bush Lodge situated just outside the main Reserve in a pristine, densely forested valley. Sibuya continuously maintains the integrity of the reserve and their ecosystems to preserve and protect large areas of African wilderness for future generations.
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
The Sibuya Game Reserve Wilderness Experience aims to combine hospitality with an amazing wilderness experience to support the conservation of natural ecosystems. The program offers volunteers the unique and exciting opportunity to get hands-on experience in the conservation efforts of Sibuya Game Reserve. We hope to share our heartfelt desire to protect our African landscape and wildlife for generations to come.
Boat is ready and waiting to welcome guests for their adventure.
How do you help support participants?
The Sibuya Game Reserve Wilderness Experience facilitators are highly skilled and qualified wildlife coordinators who have experience in a variety of conservation-related fields, ensuring that participants have a meaningful practical experience by promoting the protection of natural habitats. Dedicated volunteer coordinators guide participants on their journey to understanding conservation and assist them in making an important contribution to the protection of wildlife.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
Traveling provides a personal learning experience like no other. By immersing yourself in new cultures, you are not only opening yourself to the possibility of learning more about different groups of people; you will likely learn a great deal about yourself as well.
Traveling, and being exposed to various cultures, will widen your perception of the world and will teach you how important it is to keep an open mind. Making an effort to celebrate different cultural traditions and norms will lead to authentic, life-changing travel experiences.
What advice do you have for individuals thinking about going abroad?
Traveling abroad is an extremely rewarding experience that offers you continued opportunities to grow your knowledge and aid in your personal development. Be curious, enthusiastic, open, and aware. Show you are really interested in finding out and understanding more about the other country and their culture.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel is a travel experience that enriches your life in some way. The focus of your travel experience could be personal - by focusing on making your own life better by discovering and learning new things about the world and yourself. Or you could impact the lives of the people you meet, the communities you visit, and the environments you explore.
How is your company handling Covid protocols? What should participants know about your Covid readiness? How are you assisting participants with navigating the new travel landscape?
At Sibuya Game Reserve, we strictly adhere to the COVID-19 regulations as prescribed by the South African government. We welcome the current easing of COVID-19 restrictions, as this presents great news for the tourism sector’s outlook towards recovery.
