A few Christmas wishes from Team Idwala

Name: Gerhard Erasmus
Birthday: 1 July

What I love most about my job:
Seeing the mixture of anxiety and pure exhilaration on the faces of our guests when they get to experience a family of elephants around the vehicle. What do I want for Christmas 2009? This year, I would like to sit down with a relaxed Floppy and enjoy a cold one as we watch the sunset.


Name: Morgan Alec Trauernicht
Birthday: 17 February

What I love most about my job:
I use to travel as much as possible so that I could see the world. Now, the world comes to see me, surrounded by the natural beauty that makes this place so amazing.

What do I want for Christmas 2009?
I enjoy the Christmas spirit and festivities, so I want a really good meal with our guests. For me, it’s all about tradition and being with awesome people. At Idwala, we’re like a family, so I know we’ll have a memorable time. So that’s what I want – the memory of a special Christmas.


Name: Nicole Lloyd
Birthday: 20 February

What I love most about my job:
I really love what I do, so to pick one thing is not easy! What does stand out for me is watching guests when they first arrive at the lodge. As I show them around, their smiles just get bigger. When they step onto the deck and see the view they usually gasp and say “wow!” I also love sharing the magic of an elephant herd with guests. It makes me proud to be a part of a place where guests can encounter these majestic animals. It’s a special and often spiritual experience that most guests continue to talk about throughout their stay.

What do I want for Christmas 2009?
What I want for Christmas is to see a Giraffe family walking past the front of the lodge. We have had rhino, elephants and lions walk past, so now I’m waiting for the Giraffe with anticipation!