Q: Tristan, it’s great news that Jaci’s will be back up and running in just a few months.
A: We are incredibly excited to reopen on July 1!. Right now, we’re in that strange phase where you can finally see the lodge coming back to life.
The big structural work is done and you can picture guests here again, but there are still so many small finishes to get through. It feels so close, yet still just out of reach.
Last year’s flood was something none of us ever expected. We had experienced flooding back in 2000, but it never came into the lodge itself, so in our minds we expected access issues at worst.
Instead, we found ourselves evacuating at 2am, watching the water rise in a way that felt surreal and completely out of control.
Q: It must have been heartbreaking. How bad was the damage?
A: I think the worst part was that there was literally nothing we could do. When the sun came up, the reality started to sink in. The water sat there for nearly a week and all we could do was wait and watch. That helplessness was incredibly difficult.
When we were finally able to move around and take it all in, the scale of it was hard to process.
This isn’t just a lodge to us – it’s our family business. It’s where our staff work and support their families. It’s also our home.
Seeing it under water, knowing how much had been lost, was devastating. Even now, thinking back to those days gives me shivers.
Q: Was there ever a thought you wouldn’t re-open?
A: There was never a moment where not reopening felt like an option. This is our home and our livelihood. Walking away was simply not something we entertained. No matter how overwhelming it looked, we knew we would find a way to make it work.
Honestly, this is where my parents have been incredible. Their determination and refusal to give up set the tone for all of us. When you see that level of commitment, it removes any doubt. Rebuilding was always going to happen.
Q: How much work did it take to get back up and running?
A: It has been nonstop from the moment the flood hit. There was no time to sit back and process what had happened.
We immediately had to move every booking and make sure our guests were looked after at other lodges. At the same time, we were trying to support our staff and figure out what rebuilding would actually mean.
Q: Tell us what kind of experience Jaci’s will now offer guests?
A: The rebuild gave us a rare opportunity to start from scratch and really rethink how we want to operate going forward.
The safari industry has changed enormously over the past 25 years and guest expectations have shifted with it. Instead of simply recreating what we had, we’ve built a lodge that is designed to carry us into the next 25 years.
Every decision has been made with the guest experience at the centre. We’ve focused on comfort, flow and a stronger connection to our surroundings.
Our location has always been exceptional and the new design makes far more of it by opening up views, bringing in natural light and allowing the bush to feel like part of the lodge rather than something you look at from inside.
We’ve also created additional spaces for guests beyond just their rooms and the main lodge areas.
There are now more places to relax, read, connect, or simply sit quietly and take in the surroundings. The idea is to give guests options and a sense of space, while still keeping the warmth and intimacy that define Jaci’s.
Q: Is the Australian market important to you?
A: The Australian market has become increasingly important to us and it’s something we’re really excited about.
With more direct flights between Australia and South Africa, it’s become a lot easier for people to make the trip and we’ve definitely seen that interest grow, not to mention the value for money.
I also think there’s a natural fit. Australians seem to appreciate a genuine, relaxed experience with a bit of personality, which aligns well with who we are. There’s an easy connection there.
Madikwe itself is also a big drawcard. Being malaria-free makes it especially appealing for families and the quality and diversity of game viewing here is exceptional.
For both first-time safari travellers or well-travelled safari goers, it’s an incredible destination.
So yes, it’s a market we are doing a big push on and one we see continuing to grow.
Q: Why do you think the safari experience remains so popular with overseas visitors?
A: I think there’s something deeply romantic about an African safari.
For generations it’s been written about, filmed and documented, so it lives in people’s imaginations long before they ever arrive or even know they want to go on safari. There’s a sense of adventure and space that’s hard to replicate anywhere else.
But beyond that, seeing the wildlife in its natural habitat is incredibly grounding. Watching these powerful, wild animals simply exist and thrive puts things into perspective.
What I’ve found interesting, though, is that while people come for the animals and the landscapes, they often leave talking about the people. The warmth, the humour and the genuine hospitality stay with them.
That human connection is what really makes the experience memorable. I always say, Africa is like a bug that bites you and you can’t seem to get that itch away.
Q: Given what you’ve been through, what emotions are you feeling as you prepare to re-open?
A: There’s a huge sense of relief. It’s been a long road and there were moments where it felt endless. To finally see the lodge standing again, nearly ready to welcome guests, is incredibly satisfying and long overdue.
More than anything, it feels like closing a very difficult chapter. We’ve put a lot into rebuilding emotionally and physically so reopening isn’t just about business. It’s about getting back to what we love doing.
There’s definitely relief. But there’s also a great sense of pride among us and our staff.
