Rico
- When did you start working at Makanyi?
In July 2014, a year before Makanyi Lodge opened its doors to the public.
- Which position did you start in?
General Manager
- How did you end up working at Makanyi Lodge?
I was the guide at another lodge and was blessed to take Jessica and her family out on safari. During their time in Africa, they had fallen in love with the African bush and upon their second visit to South Africa, they asked me if I’d like to join them in a new venture which I happily agreed to.
- Are you currently studying? If so, tell us a bit more about what you are studying.
Not at the moment
- Describe your job in 3 words:
- Living
- The
- Dream
- Describe yourself in 3 words:
- Passionate
- Caring
- Kind
- The best thing about living in the bush is:
Being surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature and sharing it with people who have the same love and passion for it.
- The worst thing about living in the bush is:
When the temperature soars to over 40 degrees Celsius in the summer months.
- When you were growing up, what did you want to do/be?
From a very young age I fell in love with nature and have always wanted to work and live in the bush. Fast forward and the passion and love still remains and I can happily say that I am living my dream.
- Who would you most like to swap places with for a day and why?
Andrew Marshall, our sales director.
He gets to travel the world meeting new people and educating them about Makanyi Lodge and what makes the lodge so unique.
- Who is someone you really admire or look up to and why?
Jessica Gold, the owner of Makanyi Lodge.
I really look up to Jessica as she is a unique individual. She is passionate, strong minded, loyal and an all-round genuine person. She really has a good, caring heart which is very important and rare to have in this day and age.
- What is something you would like to do in the next year, that you have never done before?
Sky Dive
- What is your biggest phobia?
A Solifugae (Google it and you will see why).
- Where would you love to travel to one day?
The South Pole
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Carmen
- When did you start working at Makanyi?
I started working at Makanyi with my partner, Rico in July 2014.
- Which position did you start in?
General Manager
- How did you end up working at Makanyi Lodge?
Through my partner, Rico.
- Are you currently studying? If so, tell us a bit more about what you are studying.
No, I finished my studies in 2018, however, being surrounded by nature and wildlife I am learning new things on a daily basis.
- Describe your job in 3 words:
- Rewarding
- Challenging
- Exciting
- Describe yourself in 3 words:
- Perfectionist
- Hardworking
- Passionate
- The best thing about living in the bush is:
The peaceful, quiet surroundings of nature.
- The worst thing about living in the bush is:
Being far away from family and friends.
- When you were growing up, what did you want to do/be?
A game ranger or marine biologist.
I grew up on the East Coast of South Africa and spent most of my time in the warm Durban water and was fortunate to also spend time in the African bush when we went on holidays. I have an immense passion for wildlife and knowing how humans are destroying the environment, I wanted to do what I could to help educate people on this matter.
- Who would you most like to swap places with for the day and why?
It would have to be David Attenborough. He has given the natural world a voice. His knowledge and passion for nature is unparallel. He is a person we can all look up to as he is an inspiration in the work he has done on this planet.
- Who is someone you really admire or look up to and why?
My parents, they have encouraged and given me the freedom to be who I want to be and have allowed me to follow my dreams.
- What is something you would like to do in the next year, that you have never done before?
I’ve been to Ethiopia before, but would like to visit again specifically the ancient city of Harar to meet the Hyena Man and feed wild hyena’s by mouth.
- What is your biggest phobia?
Solifugae’s (Red Roman’s) they freak me out.
- Where would you love to travel to one day?
It’s a tough one as I’ve travelled the majority of the world. I’d have to say Antarctica.