The Reserve ticks many boxes for me. It gives me great pleasure when I visit and I have come to enjoy the company of other like-minded co-owners at the passionate fireside talks. I am a firm believer that the most efficient way to conserve wildlife in Africa is through ownership of both land and wildlife. Through my involvement at Limpopo-Lipadi, I feel I am contributing to a conservation project that provides for many endangered animals, plants and birds.

The Reserve is food for the soul, and I can feel my heartbeat slow down every time I visit. This is why I try to visit as often as possible and often flick through photos to remember the good times. Every visit is unique and a new adventure.

The passion I have for Southern Africa’s wilderness drew me to Limpopo-Lipadi instantly. I read about having “my place in Africa”, sharing with like-minded shareholders with a passion for conservation and the commitment to protect and enhance the potential of the Reserve.

I manage to visit the Reserve three to four times a year. As soon as I set foot on the red soil, I get that feeling… The thin air, the light, the scents, the friendly staff members and wonderful guides. It’s all pleasantly familiar and reassuring… I’m home.

We have been visiting at least twice a year ever since, which is quite a challenge some years as we both have families with young children, who by the way, love to tag along :-).

Twice a year was not enough to quench Ingrid’s African thirst, so she and her family moved from The Netherlands to the Eastern Cape last year, to start a gorgeous B&B there.

Visiting Limpopo-Lipadi brings me both peace and excitement. Peace, when I wake up before my alarm clock and I indulge myself in a private bush concert. Excitement, when we go on a game drive and a sighting becomes an interaction. Lots of laughs with so many great people from around the world. The fact that we share this beautiful piece of earth, gives us a special connection that is difficult to put into words.

Born and bred in South Africa, I have been very lucky to spend much of my childhood in wilderness areas across Southern Africa. I have been involved with Limpopo-Lipadi since its early stages and it has been amazing to see the area rejuvenate and improve – particularly with wildlife sightings.

I visit the Reserve whenever I can, which luckily is fairly often. Even though I get to regularly experience some of the top wildlife destinations in Africa, Limpopo-Lipadi is unique and a true home away from home. There’s something very satisfying in looking out over a wilderness area, knowing that you are playing a part in preserving such a magnificent place.

Visiting the Reserve is always a high priority. There is something mystical that draws us there. The peace perhaps as we gaze out over the river with the chatter of those pesky monkeys and the call of the birds ringing in our ears. The thrill of what we will see on a drive gets us up each morning, but an afternoon snooze is equally compelling. As is meeting up with mates and sharing a drink with friends at sundowners.

Peter’s main role with Limpopo-Lipadi has been as a member of the Game Reserve Council. He takes great satisfaction in this role as it was always our intention to participate and be of help to the Reserve.

I am from the US and my house (farm) is in Millbrook, New York which is about two hours north of New York City. I am married to a Brazilian from Rio de Janeiro and we have two adult children, both boys.

I was drawn to Limpopo-Lipadi when I was putting together a group of people to join me in acquiring a small reserve in Southern Africa and happened to see an advertisement for Limpopo-Lipadi in Africa Geographic. This provided me the opportunity to own a piece of a Reserve without having the cost and work associated with trying to do it myself. I became a shareholder in 2007.

What I look forward to most when visiting the Reserve is being able to control our own schedule. Also, since I have been a shareholder for over 10 years, and have been on the Board twice, I know many of the other shareholders and staff. As such, visiting the Reserve is like a reunion with old friends who are like-minded in sharing a passion for the bush and enjoying low human density. The fact that there are usually only 1-2 other vehicles out at any time and most, if not at all, are occupied by people and guides that I know is very unique experience compared to the commercial reserve experience.

“I look forward to surprising the co-owners and guests with ‘guest delights’. These are nice surprises, like setting up brunch in the bush or drinks for sundowners at a beautiful spot.”

Grace has worked in customer services and as front of house management in North- and Central Botswana. “At Limpopo-Lipadi I am responsible for organising the logistics of our lodges, from shopping to inventory and everything that crosses my path.”

Linky: “What surprises us is how the staff really treat each other like brothers and sisters. Working at Limpopo-Lipadi is unique as our guests are not one-time visitors but co-owners of the Reserve. So, instead of bringing a wow-experience for just a couple of days, we strive to really get to know our shareholders and their preferences in order to continually delight them. Our responsibilities include managing the lodges, housekeeping staff, chefs and groundsman.”

All of this was made possible through the in-house training I received. Keep an eye out for me at the Reserve and be sure to ask for my signature gin & tonic, a crisp beer or anything else to quench your thirst. I am proud that I have been given the opportunity to grow in my skills and my desire is to continue my growth in the hospitality industry.

What I really appreciate about Limpopo-Lipadi is that our guests are mostly co-owners of the Reserve and return on a regular basis. My relationship with the shareholders is always evolving as I learn what they like to do and see. It’s important for me to understand their needs and people enjoy the fact that I like to chat and crack a joke or two. It brings me much joy when I have the opportunity to share my knowledge of the bush with people. I am proud of my work.

Through the in-house training programme I was proud to be promoted to Head of Housekeeping. Whenever I have free time on my hands, I love to work as a seamstress. People come to me for uniforms, placemats, tablecloths and more.

I have recently completed an online Lodge Management course through Bush Campus. Whilst Lodge Management is on leave, I take over the relief lodge manager position. I have a son who is 3,5 years old and he is my pride and joy! I am an ambitious woman and have started to learn and execute IT-related work. I aspire to be successful in the industry I work in.

During the day I gather firewood and in the evening I make sure all the fires are burning by the time our guests come back from their evening drive. In the winter I make a fire inside the lodges so that our guests can stay cosy and warm around the fireplace. I also work as a gardener as there is always enough work to be done.

I have worked at Limpopo-Lipadi for about 10 years and before that I worked elsewhere as a guide in the Tuli Block. I love that I have the opportunity to get to know the shareholders and understand what they enjoy most. I am known to have eyes everywhere and as people always notice how I am able to spot even the best-hidden tracks and animals.