Current Edition >> Archives Section >> Gesels by die koffietafel >> 1-15 June 2006

Craig Hill - General manager, Letsatsi Game Lodge

Our profile for up close and personal this time is based in the southern Free State near Smithfield – Craig Hill, General manager of Letsatsi Game Lodge.
The latter, sprawled over more than 2 000 ha of nature conservation and disposing of an exquisite variety of game species and an array of luxury accommodation, conferencing and catering facilities, clearly requires exceptional managing skills. For this, Craig Hill is excellently equipped.
Sitting down with this amiable young man, he tells you with a sparkle in his eyes: “I grew up in the North Eastern Cape in the small town of Indwe and then moved down to the Eastern Cape where my parents were involved in a country hotel between East London and Komga. My dad also farmed, mainly Bonsmara cattle. I then returned to Indwe, where I completed my schooling and then went to the Army in 1991 until 1995.
“I love wildlife and spend a lot of time outdoors. I have done various wildlife management and field guiding courses. My favourite holiday spot is still the Transkei Wild Coast, because of the fishing and fond childhood memories.
“I am also fluent in Xhosa - speak, read and write.”
Hoewel sy huistaal Engels is, praat hy vlot Afrikaans sonder 'n aksent.
Continues Craig :
“With various stints as a game ranger, I met my wife, Robyn, who ironically, also happened to be in the hospitality industry, at that time with Sun International. We together went into the industry and have worked side by side for almost nine years. Both Robyn and I have different strong points and in this way complement each other. We run an establishment as if it is our home and thereby create a warm atmosphere when receiveing and hosting guests. The same atmosphere is also instilled in our staff and we aim to run a lodge as a close family unit.
“Robyn and I have worked at Shamwari Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape, that has won amongst others the World's Best Game Reserve and also the World's Leading Conservation Company awards.
“We started at Letstasi in October last year and I took over as GM in January.
“Both Robyn and I have a passion for wildlife and therefore find living out in the bush extremely rewarding. We have a daughter aged four who at the age of one years old had malaria due to the remote and way out places that we lived in and a son who is now six months old.
“Being family people, we have created various things for children to do at Letsatsi. It is extremely important for us that both parents and children alike enjoy themselves when visiting Letsatsi.”
Favourite food? “Anything my mother makes.”
Music taste? “Anything mellow but not a great music lover.”
Pass times outside the job? “I love reading.”
Favourite? You could have guessed it – “Wilbur Smith”!
Dislikes/Irritations? “I'm a pretty impatient person and like to get things done. I don't like being held back.
Views on the future of tourism in the Free State? “I believe that we have one of the most beautiful provinces in the country. I feel that we all need to work together to first of all get the tourists to the province as a whole and not just to indiviual establishments. I also believe that community involvement and development is extremely important. I have seen it happen too often that planning is made without considering and involving the people that can make a difference.”
Main objectives for Letsatsi Game Lodge? “To become one of the leading roleplayers in the tourism industry. We are presently looking at various projects to uplift the surrounding communities and get local people involved.”
Concluding remarks? “I have always believed that one has got to have a passion for the tourism industry as a whole. It is the fastest growing industry in South Africa, but this should not be taken for granted. South Africa and especially the Free State still has a long way to go to conform to world class standards. We should always aim higher and improve on what we have.”

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