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Staff Interview with Thomas Cecil Pienaar

Get to know Ngala Wilderness' staff!

Thomas Cecil Pienaar

Thomas Cecil Pienaar

Interviewed in 2025
Thomas Cecil Pienaar has owned a successful catering company for more than 17 years, which specializes in weddings, Spitbraai, and catering in the bush or on Safari.
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What inspired you to work for Ngala Wilderness?

Catering is a passion of mine, and I get to live out this passion serving patrons. Bush catering requires a certain set of skills that we have mastered throughout the years. We have six wedding venues that we cater to and handle from 6 to 250 patrons at any given function. We travel throughout South Africa as well as neighboring SADEC countries.

Describe a typical day at work.

Up at 04h00 and in bed by 11h00. The typical day consists of sourcing the freshest produce available. Prepping, preparing, and serving Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner at Base camp or wherever we are in the bush. We also make sure to serve Healthy, locally sourced food, and our menus are based on the local cuisine.

Three chefs standing side by side, smiling in a casual kitchen setting with a brick wall and liquor bottles. Warm, friendly atmosphere.

The team

What is your favorite part of your job?

Seeing and receiving the gratitude from patrons for a job well done. Providing healthy, well-balanced, and nutritional meals and seeing them appreciate the effort that you put in. Doing what you love, and doing it in the wild with only Nature and the group as company, is the pinnacle of my career. Not many can say that!

What challenges do you often face, and how do you overcome them?

Cooking in the bush has many challenges. Firstly, the local wildlife can be intimidating. From the Big 5 to insects, reptiles, and other animals can sometimes be a challenge, but also a unique experience. We have worked through extreme heat, cold, and other weather conditions. We have also survived major floods recently, but still managed to do our job of providing a food service.

A man in a red shirt sits on a wooden chair, holding a drink with lime and smoking. A stone wall and a wooden table create a rustic, relaxed atmosphere.

Ngala Wilderness Thabazimbi

What advice would you give your pre-travel self?

Planning and Preparation is key. Know your schedule, planned routes, and itinerary for each day. Set up and prepare balanced meals with diversity for each day. Water in Africa is a valuable and sometimes scarce resource, and must be planned and provided for. Adaptation is also a skill that one must have.

Why should someone choose Ngala Wilderness over competitors?

Our catering business focuses on using organic, locally-sourced ingredients to create mouthwatering menus tailored to your event's theme and needs. We believe in personalization, ensuring every menu reflects the unique tastes of our clients and their guests. Enjoy peace of mind knowing that high-quality meals are taken care of, allowing you to focus on enjoying the occasion.

What is your organization's mission, and how do you continue to work toward it?

One of the objectives of catering is to provide a high-quality meal for your client. Before designing a menu, you must understand their needs, taste preferences, and dietary requirements. Our catering business focuses on using organic, locally-sourced ingredients to create mouthwatering menus tailored to your event's theme and needs. Whether it's a family celebration, a corporate event, a Safari, or a wedding, we offer personalized service and exquisite dishes that ensure your event is both unique and memorable.

What do you hope participants take away from your programs?

Imagine a community where every gathering is filled with the delightful aromas and flavors of fresh, thoughtfully-prepared meals. Our catering service envisions transforming those special moments into cherished memories, connecting people around nourishing food that brings joy and satisfaction. We strive to be the go-to choice for anyone looking to elevate their events with delicious dishes that leave a lasting impression.

A group of ten people stand outdoors, smiling in a rustic setting with stone structures and lush greenery, conveying a relaxed and cheerful atmosphere.

February 2025

Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?

We believe that travelling broadens the mind and changes the way you think. The people you meet and the experiences you have give you an improved ability to empathize with different situations and people. Travel is the best way to learn about the world and how it works. Our experiences both travelling and catering will ensure that the experience will be unforgettable.

What does meaningful travel mean to you?

Through travel, people are connected to positive experiences, enabling them to see the world differently. Our vision is to realize the tremendous potential of The World Tourism by providing eloquent services that consistently meet our customers' expectations. Also, to provide outstanding quality services, the safest and best value trips, so that we make every customer in every trip smile and remember the experience forever.

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Ngala Wilderness
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