For over two decades, families have gathered here to celebrate life’s milestones, surrounded by the untouched beauty of the African bush. It is a place where the pace of life slows, and the simple act of being present with loved ones amidst the wilderness becomes a profound experience. Here, children, parents, grandparents, and friends reconnect, sharing in the joy and wonder of nature, and learning from the majestic elephants that roam this land. Serondella has evolved from our private family retreat into a world-class, intimate five-star safari lodge where guests from around the globe come to find peace and fulfilment in an African paradise.
Our Story
Welcome to Serondella - Your Personal African Sanctuary
Nestled in the heart of the Greater Kruger National Park, Serondella, meaning "place of the elephants," is not just a luxury boutique safari lodge; it is a symbol of family, tranquility, and deep connection.
Join us, and embrace the unique rhythm of life at Serondella, where every stay is a journey back to what truly matters.
An immersive safari experience for the whole family.
Watch our Video
Serondella has our hearts!
“We are family of five spent In Serondella 2 nights for NY eve and was very impressed with this unique place! We travel a lot and generally stay at 5* hotels only but Serondella exceeded our expectations and become one of the best places we have ever visited.
Welcome home! - we heard from everyone upon arrival and immediately we really felt like staying home for holidays!”
Lara (Verified Guest)
Meet Our Dedicated Team
Our team is at the heart of the Serondella experience, embodying a sense of home and a feeling of family that we are synonymous with.
Our family at Serondella is composed of passionate individuals dedicated to making your stay exceptional. From expert, award-winning guides to culinary geniuses, each team member brings a unique flavour to your safari experience.
Alison’s career in the prestigious South African safari scene has led to a lifestyle she loves and one she loves to see her children growing up with. It has brought her ample experience to oversee the entire operational workings of the lodge, and gives her the belief and perspective that the magic of Serondella lies firmly with the incredible team working both behind the scenes and at front-of-house. Inspired by the untouched corners of the natural world, and drawn to rare and unique wildlife, Alison is at home in her daily surroundings at Serondella.
Lorna comes from a family of conservation leaders and South African safari legends. Having grown up in the Kruger National Park since birth, she went to school at Skukuza while her parents worked as an integral part of the park’s research and conservation programmes until their retirement. Lorna’s fascinating background formed the foundation of a life in the bush, and a passion for conservation, which is still part of her daily life. Lorna’s welcoming presence encapsulates the warmth of the lodge and her dedication to wildlife conservation is synonymous with the essence of Serondella.
Tanya was born a city girl, but is a self-proclaimed bush baby by now, and what she loves most about her life at Serondella is the connection she finds in her surroundings. This is something she shares naturally with guests, immediately understanding and responding to the human desire to restore in and quiet.
Operations Managers (Head Guide, Maintenance Manager and Projects Manager). Liam’s love for the bush runs deep, sparked during childhood holidays in wild places. Since 2008, he’s been living his dream, offering guests intimate and awe-inspiring moments. At Serondella, Liam thrives in the lodge’s close-knit atmosphere and stays committed to conservation, both as a guide and a protector of the wild.
Alfred Ndlovu is a Field Guide with a wealth of experience under his belt. He graduated from a prestigious guide training school and worked in the industry’s most revered safari establishments. His professional journey has also seen him fulfil a role in community projects, facilitating the critical connection between local people and wildlife tourism.
Jeffrey Mabasa is an expert Tracker whose sense of persistence and determination brought his childhood love for the bush into the professional role he has today. He was selected to train with the Tracker Academy and went on to work as an on-screen Tracker with the live screened safari, Wild Earth, before arriving at Serondella in 2016.
With over two decades of animal tracking under his belt, Aubrey is an encyclopedia of Kruger Park bush knowledge. Having studied the signs left behind as wildlife moves through the wild terrain, he can trace and project the behaviour of mammals, reptiles, birds, and insects using senses that are truly trained to the wilderness. From elephants to caterpillars, and from paw prints in mud wallows, Aubrey can describe an event he wasn’t even there to witness.
Victor's passion for pursuing the telltale signs of the bush leads to exciting discoveries on game drive when his expert tracking skills come to life. An affinity for following black rhinos, Victor is up for a challenge and works with his senses on high alert to navigate the tracks and trails left behind by the Big 5, bringing the thrill of these encounters to our guests.
Never’s path to guiding began behind the scenes in Sabi Sands, but his insatiable passion for learning pulled him to the frontlines of the bush. Known for his calm under pressure (even with a musth elephant on his tail!), Never brings a thoughtful and curious spirit to every drive. For him, guiding is not just a career — it’s a lifestyle.
Bongi leads the Serondella wellness experience, with an energy that is revitalising in itself. She is our spa therapist, with hands that heal, and she is a joyful presence around the lodge. She is passionate about the benefits of being aligned in mind, body, and spirit, and is the first to remind us that being in an area of natural beauty and abundance lends itself to the relaxation we so often crave. Guests will leave Serondella feeling in tune and at peace thanks to Bongi’s vibrant spirit.
Gentle, creative, and attentive, Thuli brings a love for wellness and beauty to every treatment. She swears by baobab’s skin-loving properties and delights in helping guests feel renewed. While she dreams of expressing her creativity in the fashion world, she’s currently pouring her passion into making sure every guest leaves the spa feeling their best.
Star’s touch is all about restoring radiance. She’s passionate about treatments that refresh body and soul, favouring the powerful benefits of marula in her therapies. With a nurturing spirit, Star dreams of one day expanding her reach to help even more people thrive — but for now, she’s here to help you glow from head to toe.
Busi Mambana is our Sous Chef and there is no doubt she was born for this role. Her passion for cooking shows not only in her expert knowledge of ingredients and flavours, but in her face, which is never without a smile. Busi followed her dream, trained at the Transvaal Cooking School and gained experience in some top safari kitchens. She is particularly at home in the pastry kitchen!
Thomas Matoworenyi is our Head Chef. His tableside manner is full of personality and his approach to food is seasonal and flavour-focused. Thomas - inspired by his late Mother’s cooking - trained at the International Hotel School and has worked as an Executive Chef at prestigious safari establishments, honing his skills before joining us at Serondella in 2021.
Arnold Godi is one of our Butlers and he makes sure our guests always have exactly what they need. He is most at home at the lodge, where he works alongside his wife Busi, and enjoys meeting everyone who walks through the Serondella doors. His helpfulness makes him indispensable and his easy-going nature is an incredible asset to the team.
Wilfred Ndlovu is a Butler at Serondella, with a hospitality service qualification from Lobster Ink. He grew up on our doorstep, and upon finishing school, sought out a job in the Sabi Sand, which kick-started his career in the lodge industry. His love for the bush drove him to pursue his certification in front-of-house service so that he could continue a career in the bush.