Nomazulu Moyo
DURBAN, South Africa – Amid the bustling Africa’s Travel Indaba in Durban, a conversation with Sipho Mthembu, the visionary behind the Mthembuskloof Country Lodge at Pierterskraal, KwaNdebele in Mpumalanga, reveals a story of passion, innovation, and the pursuit of excellence in the hospitality industry.
Mthembuskloof Country Lodge, a sanctuary carved out of the Mthembuskloof chamber, stands as a testament to the beauty and potential of the region. “It’s your holiday destination of choice,” Mthembu declares with pride.
“We’ve built a haven here where people can just relax, enjoy themselves, and create holiday memories.”
This year’s Indaba provided Mthembu with a golden opportunity to connect with industry players and showcase his product, Mthembuskloof Lodge.
“I’m looking for both tour operators and travel agencies,” he explains.
“They are my target market, and I’m engaging with them so they can put my lodge on the map and be my channel to the market.”
Mthembu emphasises the importance of events like the Indaba, which serve as a platform for understanding market trends and staying ahead in the industry.
“It’s an explosion of ideas,” he says.
“You get the awareness, the knowledge, and the truths that help you lay the groundwork for progress.”
The lodge’s offerings are diverse, from comfortable accommodation, cultural tourism to adventure activities such boat cruises, quad biking, hiking and SPA treatments. Mthembu is keen to sell the province as more than just game drives.
“We’re part of an area where, if you have to sell the province, people must look beyond the Kruger National Park and its game drives,” he asserts.
Safety is a top priority for Mthembu, and he assures that his lodge is secure.
“We haven’t had any incidents in the three to four years we’ve been operating,” he states confidently.
“Our local policing forum is effective, and our guests feel at peace.”
The Country Lodge offers affordability without compromising on quality, catering primarily to the local market.
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“We’re a four-star establishment, and we want to provide good quality for our customers without overpricing,” Mthembu explains.
However, challenges remain, particularly in dealing with regulatory red tape.
“I’ve been operating for three years now, and I still don’t have a brown sign indicating the lodge’s location,” Mthembu shares, highlighting the need for an integrated approach between the government and SMEs to move forward.
In closing, Mthembu’s message is one of optimism and readiness to welcome guests to experience the unique blend of tranquility and adventure that Mthembuskloof Country Lodge has to offer.
“We’re good, and we’re ready,” he concludes, inviting travelers to discover the hidden gem that is the Mthembuskloof Country Lodge.
