01Lodge Manager / Guide
About
Our People and Story
The team carries the daily welcome, the horses, the lodge rhythm, and the story that keeps Thandolwami growing.
01The team carrying the welcome
Meet the Team
The people who carry the home.
Thandolwami means "my love." The name becomes visible in the people who welcome slow travelers, guide riding guests, support Thando Horizon, and keep planting for the future.
02Lodge Manager / Manager Hospitality
Sylvia Khohlakala
Hover or tap to meet Sylvia
03House Mother and English Teacher
Gugu Chawane
Hover or tap to meet Gugu
04Mentor, Supervisor and Manager Maintenance
Calvin Motshekga
Hover or tap to meet Calvin
05Horse Care
Trevor
Hover or tap to meet Trevor
06Junior Chef, Housekeeping and Laundry
Preminent Ntimana
Hover or tap to meet Preminent
07Housekeeping and Kitchen
Ntombizodwa Mokgatla
Hover or tap to meet Ntombizodwa
08Garden, Yard and Maintenance
Rifumo Nukeri
Hover or tap to meet RifumoStory behind
A family project rooted in people.
Almost ten years ago, we knew the next chapter of our lives should be about empowering young people, creating belonging, and sharing passion and purpose. South Africa became part of that calling after our daughter spent nine life-changing months on a horse farm there.
When we took over Thandolwami in January 2025, our first investment was not only in buildings or infrastructure, but in people. Even when Ursina's breast cancer diagnosis made everything feel uncertain for a moment, we remained convinced that meaningful projects need people who plant seeds, people who water them, and people who one day harvest the fruits.
Today that vision is shaped through three clear paths: Slow Travel for people seeking rest in the bush, Riding Experiences through Bambelela Horse Safaris, and Thando Horizon for young people, learners, and volunteers who want to help, learn, and broaden their horizon.
Almost ten years ago
A Calling Takes Shape
We knew the next chapter of our lives should empower young people, create belonging, and share passion and purpose. South Africa became part of that calling after our daughter spent nine life-changing months on a horse farm there.
Before the lodge
A Global Family
As parents of six children, with many "kids by heart" from around the world, living globally has always shaped who we are. Thandolwami grew from that same openness to people, cultures, and shared home.
January 2025
Taking Over Thandolwami
When we took over the lodge, our first investment was not only in buildings or infrastructure. It was in people, especially creating opportunities for young people like Lucas and Dianne, who stepped into management.
January 2025
Arriving at the Lodge
The first days at Thandolwami were about arriving, listening, and beginning to understand the place, its people, and the responsibility of carrying the lodge forward.
The first days
Conversations Around the Table
Shared meals and honest conversations helped shape the next chapter. The table became a place to exchange ideas, build trust, and find a rhythm together.
Learning the rhythm
Building the Daily Work
Running the lodge meant learning every detail side by side, from administration and planning to the daily care that makes guests and team members feel at home.
2025
Planting Through Uncertainty
Shortly after the purchase, Ursina was diagnosed with breast cancer. For a brief moment everything felt uncertain, but we trusted that meaningful projects need people who plant seeds, people who water them, and people who one day harvest the fruits.
Today
An Experience Lodge with Heart
Thandolwami is meant to remain a place where people are empowered, guests feel welcome, relationships are built on mutual respect, and bridges are created across cultures and experiences.
Growing together
Building for the Future
Each improvement at the lodge is part of a longer journey. Practical work, patient progress, and many helping hands continue to shape the place for what comes next.
Making a home
Details with Character
Rooms and shared spaces take shape through small, personal details. They turn the lodge from a collection of buildings into a place with warmth and character.
Horseback experiences
Bambelela Horse Safaris
Bambelela Horse Safaris is the riding heart of the business: daily rides, sundowners, optional Big Five excursions, and packages shaped around each guest's riding level and appetite for adventure.
The family project
Welcome Home
Together with Sylvia and Lucas, and with Gugu, Calvin, and their family as the heart of the home, we want to honor the meaning of Thandolwami: "my love." As a Swiss family, we keep returning with passion, encouragement, ideas, and hands-on involvement.
The story continues
Leaving a Mark Together
Every person who contributes becomes part of the story. Working, learning, and creating together leaves a mark that remains long after the task itself is finished.