Meet the Team
Local community members are engaged, ensuring transfer of skills, training and security of employment.
Well respected international and local chefs are invited on a regular basis to share their culinary expertise with Pakamisa staff.
The field staff are encouraged to expand their studies, adding to their qualifications.
Isabella Stepski
Isabella is the proprietor and a hands-on manager. She was formally trained at the Schloss Klessheim International Hotel Academy near Salzburg, Austria, her country of origin. Her first love is undecidedly her passion for horses. Many of them are born at Pakamisa farm and are today excellent Safari horses for our guests. Coupled with her love for the African bush, Isabella has certainly made a significant impression in the South African hospitality industry.
Chamunorwa Chorwadza (CHAMU)
Chamu has been with Pakamisa since 2009. He spent 11 years with the Zimbabwean National Parks as a field ranger. His knowledge of the bush, creatures great and small, and the numerous plant species ensures that guests leave informed and educated. A keen marksman, Chamu, assists with archery and rifle target shooting. On a rainy day he puts up a good challenge on the chess board!
Welcome Dladla
Welcome has worked as a Field guide for many years at Pakamisa and knows every spot on the reserve. He expresses his passion for nature and wildlife to our guests, his guiding knowledge is outstanding. Walking with Welcome through the bush on foot is an unforgettable experience.
Sonto Buthelezi
Sonto is responsible for the culinary experience at Pakamisa lodge. Her talent and dedication to create appetising and delicious dishes for our guests shows in the many reports we receive from our guests, she just creates the most delicious food, from breakfast to lunch and a fine dining experience.
Thandeka Nxumalo
Thandeka trained under Sonto Buthelezi, our head chef. Together they excelled in producing excellent gourmet cuisine for the guests at Pakamisa. Thandeka loves cooking anything from venison to sushi. She will also make sure that the kids are kept happy and well fed.
Nelly Malinga
makes sure that guests feel welcome and comfortable. With her great smiling attitude, Nelly offers 5 star service in the restaurant, at bush dinners and breakfasts. She will settle you into your luxurious accommodation and make sure that you feel at home.
Mphile Nkambule
is in charge of the Housekeeping department. Mphile and her team, take pride in maintaining the utmost standards of cleanliness and comfort at your room and guest areas. Nothing is more inviting than entering a spotless, clean arranged room! Her motto is: Creating a home away from home. She is a valuable Pakamisa staff member since the opening of Pakamisa lodge.
Simon Mthembu
Is from the local community and began working at Pakamisa in 2007 as a labourer in the reserve. His love and capacity to work with horses was identified and Simon soon became an important member of the stables. You will meet him at the stables when he has your horse ready for your out ride!
