Tintswalo Safari Lodge is making a profound impact on the Manyeleti community, focusing on education, economic empowerment, and sustainable development.

When most people think of a luxury safari, their minds often wander to expansive landscapes, thrilling game drives, and world-class accommodations.

However, for Tintswalo Safari Lodge, a different kind of luxury is at the heart of its operations—one that extends far beyond the borders of its lavish lodge and into the heart of the local community in the Manyeleti Game Reserve.

Located in a prime spot between South Africa’s renowned Kruger National Park, Sabi Sands, and Timbavati, Manyeleti, or the “place of the stars” in Shangaan, is home to an exceptional range of wildlife, including over 500 bird species and ancient Baobab trees.

However, the beauty of the land is matched by Tintswalo’s commitment to uplifting the 12 villages in and around the reserve, an effort that has been a core value since the lodge’s inception in 2003.

Tintswalo Safari Lodge was founded by the Corbett family, who were granted a private concession by the local tribal landowners.

While the lodge itself is a luxurious destination for safari-goers, the Corbett family recognized early on that true wealth is not only measured by the visitors it attracts, but by the positive impact it can have on the surrounding communities.

Under the leadership of Lisa Goosen, CEO of Tintswalo Group, and with support from international donors, the lodge began a remarkable community upliftment project in 2024.

The initiative is designed to give local residents the tools to better their own lives, focusing on key areas like education, economic empowerment, and sustainable development.

One of the main focal points of the lodge’s community work is education. Recognizing that the future of Manyeleti lies in the hands of its youth, Tintswalo established the Abundant Village project, with the aim of giving local children the best possible start in life.

The project’s first milestone was the renovation and expansion of Xinyeketi Primary School, located in the nearby Thorndale village. Phicancy Siwela, the school’s principal since 2020, oversees the education of 120 learners from surrounding villages.

In a collaborative effort, Tintswalo’s team and donors funded the construction of four new classrooms, and provided essential classroom furnishings such as desks for both students and teachers.

Beyond infrastructure, the school now offers a daily meal to each student, an initiative made possible by volunteers from the community.

However, the cooking process was initially carried out over open fires, which led to a realization of the need for a more efficient, sustainable kitchen.

A Canadian donor responded to this need by designing and funding a cooking area made from eco-friendly hemp blocks, a sustainable solution that is as practical as it is environmentally conscious.

Furthermore, an enclosed chicken run was built to produce eggs for the school, providing a steady supply of about 40 eggs per week. Tintswalo Lodge ensures the ongoing supply of chicken feed, further supporting this sustainable initiative.

In addition to educational projects, Tintswalo Safari Lodge has worked to create economic opportunities for the surrounding communities. One of the standout initiatives is the Entrepreneurs’ Day, which takes place at the main Manyeleti camp.

This event allows local artisans and farmers to showcase their products, from fresh produce to handcrafted goods, directly to the lodges within the reserve.

As a result, Tintswalo now sources a significant portion of its kitchen ingredients from local villages, creating a self-sustaining supply chain that benefits both the lodge and the community.

This initiative has also led to the establishment of co-operatives to streamline the process and ensure that locally produced goods reach the lodges more efficiently.

For local women, this has translated into sustainable income through the sale of Shangaan beadwork, woven baskets, and other handmade crafts in Tintswalo’s curio shops.

Tintswalo’s impact extends into hospitality training, a vital component for long-term empowerment. Every year, two locals are trained in hospitality management, learning valuable skills that can open doors to careers in the booming tourism sector.

This initiative not only equips community members with expertise in hospitality but also provides them with the opportunity for financial independence and career growth.

As the lodge continues to expand its reach within the Manyeleti Game Reserve, its commitment to both conservation and community remains unwavering.

Tintswalo Safari Lodge proves that true luxury is about more than just the opulence of a safari experience—it is about giving back to the land and its people.

By fostering education, economic independence, and sustainability, Tintswalo sets an inspiring example for how tourism can be a force for positive change.

Through initiatives like the Abundant Village project, entrepreneurial programs, and hospitality training, Tintswalo Safari Lodge is proving that the future of travel can be both enriching for guests and transformative for local communities.

The lodge’s approach goes beyond simply offering a luxury stay—it is a reflection of the belief that, when done right, tourism can create lasting value for all involved.

As Tintswalo’s impact deepens within Manyeleti, the lodge’s legacy will likely be one of profound, lasting change in the region—one that balances the beauty of nature with the prosperity of the people who call it home.