From 2 - 8 June the South African Butler Academy (SABA) visited Rhulani Safari Lodge for the fifth time. Our team completed a new international hospitality training program focused on five-star service standards. Based on this program we have introduced a new range of signature services and set of daily activities which will impress our future guests.

SABA has been our training partner for more than four years and they play a key role in our staff development. Having them on board ensures that we remain up-to-date regarding five Star service and our quality commitment to guests.

Mr Braam West, SABA Operational Manager & Butler Trainer, and Jillian Hunter, Lifestyle Assistant, spent seven days with us at the beginning of June. In addition to refreshing some ground concepts, we focused on topics that will take us an important step forward. 

• "Daily activities": We gathered ideas on how to make the stay of our guests even more attractive, especially for the quiet hours at the lodge, between game drives. Every day, we will present a special complementary offer, such as foot massage, introduction to food & wine pairing, movie & popcorn, hair braiding and much more. Let us surprise you!
• “Signature Services”: For special guest services, we have defined new procedures and service standards such as: In Room Dining, Destination Spa, Bush breakfast, Sunset Celebration, Romantic Turndown, Luxury Bath.

"This is a milestone in our partnership with Saba," says Rhulani's owner Marisa Silva, who attended the course. "We have taken an important step to further promote the team spirit, to empower some staff members with management responsibility, and to put the creativity of our team at work for the enjoyment of our guests."

Marisa is very pleased with the team progress since she took over Rhulani four years ago together with her husband: "We have an absolute top team. Everyone is thinking, making suggestions, but is also critical, which is good for our development," says Marisa. 

The course was an exceptional experience that will be remembered by everyone. Hard work, and lots of fun!