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Jacky van Graan appointed Manager of Rhulani Safari Lodge

  • March 01, 2022 | Rhulani Safari Lodge

Jacqueline van Graan - Jacky - has been appointed manager of Rhulani Safari Lodge. Grown up on a farm, with leadership experience in her own business, knowledge of the safari lodge industry as a hotelier, and with international experience in the corporate world, Jacky meets all the requirements to be successful in a business where high expectations from international guests get in touch with African Wildlife. We look forward to tackling with Jacky this new era. Get to know her better today with four short questions.

Jacky vann Graan - Manager at Rhulani Safari Lodge

You have a long experience in the hotel industry in different areas. How is Rhulani different from anything you've seen before?

Jacky: Through my years of experience in the industry, I have visited a lot of safari lodges and also managed my own.  What makes Rhulani different from anything I have ever seen, is the comradery and family orientated staff.  The staff is very friendly towards guest, and is always willing to assist with anything. I absolutely love the underground hide at the waterhole. I have never seen such a beautiful hide before! Overall the lodge is very well laid out and beautiful.

With Rhulani you have decided to spend a large part of your life far away from civilization. What is the fascination of the African bush for you? 

Jacky: I was born in this region and have for most part of my life lived in the bush. I love the quite open spaces and also the animals.  

As a woman, you are responsible for a business that could actually be described as "man's world" due to vehicles, guns and elephants. How do you find your way in this man's world?

Jacky: My mother is a force of nature, and taught us from an early age to be strong, hard working woman. We grew up on a farm, and I learned from an early age to do all the things men can.  I have been working for a long time in a corporate environment as well, where you have to stand up for your moral values and principals. Taking in all of this knowledge over the years, it made me a strong person, that can function in any environment.

After almost a month of experience at Rhulani, what changes would you like to see implemented over the next few weeks? 

Jacky: With tourism coming back to South Africa after two years of COVID, I think just getting the staff back on standard operating procedures is a start. Then implementing training and refreshing courses for the Food & Beverage department, including the upliftment of our main kitchen.