Meet bubbly butler Harold Shikwambane

From Phalaborwa to the wilderness, Harold’s journey is one of dedication, resilience, and balance. It’s a story of someone who has navigated the twists and turns of hospitality work, the challenges of running his own business, and the demands of family life, all while discovering the rewards of working and living in a space where the rhythm of nature guides each day...

Harold’s path has been shaped by movement, learning, and the search for the right fit. Born in Phalaborwa, he grew up surrounded by family and community before heading to Johannesburg after finishing school. 

“I stayed with my sister and went to a private hospitality school for six months, focusing on food and beverages,” he recalls. From there, he started his career as a bartender at a hotel in Johannesburg. When the hotel closed in 1998, Harold returned to Phalaborwa, ready to explore the next chapter of his career.

Over the following years, Harold built a breadth of experience in hospitality, moving between lodges and hotels across South Africa. “I worked at big places and small lodges and I’ve learned a lot in the process, but sometimes I felt a bit lonely when I was far from home,” he says. 

His career path reflects the life of many in the tourism industry - periods of growth and opportunity, punctuated by challenges such as retrenchments, management changes, and the unpredictability of long-distance work. Along the way, Harold also tried running his own catering business, providing meals for schools and private events. 

“Sometimes it’s frustrating. People call after a long time, or plans fall through. I realised I needed something more stable,” he explains.

Working at Baobab Ridge has marked a turning point. “I’m enjoying it very much," he says. "This place is small, manageable, and feels like a family. The team is tight-knit, and we know each other well,” Harold says, his enthusiasm clear. For someone used to working in larger hotels with dozens of staff, the change was refreshing. 

“Previously, I worked in big lodges with 50 or more staff. It was hectic, and sometimes you feel like just a number. Here, everyone works together, and you can see the difference your effort makes every day. I enjoy that,” he explains.

Life in the bush brings its own rhythm. The pace is steadier, the environment immersive, and every day presents new opportunities to learn. “I love seeing how things work behind the scenes, from housekeeping to guest services,” Harold says. “Even the small details make a difference. You can’t just go through the motions here. You have to be involved, aware, and attentive. It keeps you sharp.”

Family is important to Harold. He and his wife, a head chef working in another nearby game reserve, have three grown children - a boy and two girls. “We manage our schedules so we can still spend time together. The kids are grown, so we don’t have to worry too much about home life. We’re fine,” he says. 

Their shared understanding of hospitality work allows them to support one another through long hours and the unpredictable schedules that lodge life demands. “It’s not always easy, but we make it work. The schedules line up well, and we still have our time together,” he adds.

Harold’s path has also taught him patience and perspective. Moving between lodges, cities, and even running his own business has given him a sense of resilience. “I’ve learned that sometimes you have to adapt to what life gives you, whether it’s a new manager, a big lodge, or a smaller one. The key is to stay committed and focused on what you can control,” he says. His ability to adjust has made the transition to Baobab Ridge smoother, allowing him to find both satisfaction in his work and peace in his personal life.

After years of searching for the right place, Harold has found a rhythm at Baobab Ridge that suits him. “I’m happy. The management has been great, and the place feels right. I plan to stay a while and make this my home,” he says. His story is a reminder that finding your place, whether in the heart of the bush, within a close-knit team, or alongside family, is about patience, adaptability, and the willingness to embrace change.

In the end, Harold’s experience shows that with persistence and heart, it is possible to carve out a life that feels right both professionally and personally, in even the most unexpected of places.