For the past three months, Chantelle and Elrie work together in Rhulani's front of house as a fresh, creative and friendly “power team”. Now we introduce these two young women, who care about the well-being of our guests.

Two young, pretty ladies are waiting at Rhulani’s entrance with a basket of refreshment towels. Through the radio the guest’s return from the game drive is announced and everything is prepared, including an engaging smile full of charm. Somehow, this picture does not quite fit in this unique world of wild, untouched nature with dangerous animals all around.

However the cliché of the bush with calluses on your fingers, pocket knives on the belt and mud on the shoes, definitely stops at Rhulani’s front of house; more precisely, with Chantelle, the brunette and Elrie, the blond.

With a closer look these two “girls” represent elegance and service quality, perfectly matching the picture of a top-level safari experience. "We are a private lodge, which means we take personal care of each and every guest”, says Chantelle, who has joined Rhulani three months ago. She found here a perfect combination between her love for the bush and her career ambition in hospitality and marketing. 

"My passion for the bush started when I took my first steps into the wild more than two years ago. The quiet atmosphere, the sunset and the beauty out of every day is what astound me most", says Chantelle, while it is almost dark outside by now and the entrance bridge is decorated with fire farols and paraffin lamps. Elrie quickly checks if the sherry for the returning guests is prepared. She also discovered her love to the wild nature at early ages "Suddenly, other things were taking up my time, like studies and school, however when I got my first job offer in Madikwe I rediscovered my love for the bush and I know it will always be part of me."

Elrie did not have to think too long, when she received Rhulanis’ offer two months ago: "When I first set foot in the main lodge, I was amazed by how Rhulani felt in harmony with the bush, like it is supposed to be here.” Chantelle remembers that she also made her decision very quickly: “On our way to the lodge, one of the chefs was at the gate and we have never met staff being so friendly.” Elrie agrees: “Indeed, the great ‘Rhulani family’ was one of my first, amazing impressions.”

Voices over radio interrupt the silence of this idyllic setting and announce that the guests will be arriving in a few moments. Everything is ready and Elrie says proudly: “Rhulani has everything that the bush offers, from the encounter with wild animals to what the name states, which means complete relaxation whether it is from massages, excellent service, or just the comfort and privacy of the rooms.” The engine noise of a Safari Land Cruiser is now getting closer.

Despite this particular workplace and the passion for the bush, the brunette and the blond have a normal life. Elrie’s home is in Lichtenburg, about two hours away from Madikwe. She likes to take it easy and quiet, loves to visit family and friends in her spare time. Chantelle is from George, in heart of the Garden Route. Due to the distance she cannot go home as often as she would like, however even in her spare time, she is a restless whirlwind, always in a rush and therefore she tends to run into doors or steps over spitting cobras.

The brakes of the Game Cruisers squeak and relaxed, happy faces of the guests tell us that the game drive was an unforgettable experience. "Welcome back to Rhulani!"