Olaf & Stephanie da Costa – Directors at Nsele Safaris & Lodge

Like so many other people, Olaf & Stephanie dreamt of running their own lodge and taking their guests on Safari-tours, Adventure activities, Game drives and introducing them to South African food and traditions. More than this, they wanted guests to enjoy a holiday and bush experience without being bound by a restricting schedule.

After many years of practical experience, Olaf completed his studies in Nature Conservation and has since been working in all areas of the South African Tourist Industry.  Olaf is also qualified with the Field guides Association of South Africa.

He has a vast knowledge and enthusiasm on just about anything related to the bush … from a humble bee to the majestic lion in its natural habitat.

Stephanie, said goodbye to the nursing industry as soon as the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity arose to work alongside Olaf as manageress at a Lodge in the famous Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, in the heart of Big 5 territory of the lowveld. With her love of the bush and animals, birds, it was Stephanie’s dream come true.

Here she expanded her already vast knowledge and skills in cooking and entertaining and did some additional cuisine training to fine-tune the menus and meals on offer at the Lodge.

Stephanie also provides some of her already famous home-cooked cuisine as well as pastries and cakes to surrounding lodges and small businesses.  She gets called upon regularly to provide snacks & treats for small functions.
 
Their ultimate dream was realized in the form of the establishment of Nsele Safari's & Lodge in 2001.

This is where Olaf & Stephanie are living their dream – to own a getaway where clients have the freedom to do what they want on holiday, without losing out on the magic of the bush and its unlimited offering to us mere humans!