Q&A: Savannah Saad, co-managing director at Tengile MalaMala Collection

Tengile MalaMala Collection is a new group of six owner-led safari lodges and camps occupying a 16-mile stretch of the Sand River in South Africa. The collection incorporates two former andBeyond outposts – Tengile River Lodge and Kirkman’s Kamp – along with three other properties and new addition Khensani River Lodge, which will open on December 20.

The family-owned brand places the local community at the centre of the business, with a goal to increase the locals’ shareholder stake to a 50/50 split by the end of next year.

Aspire catches up with co-managing director and daughter of owner Stephen Saad Savannah Saad to hear more about the inspiration behind the brand and how the family aspires to collaborate with the locals for generations to come.

1.        Can you briefly introduce the concept of Tengile MalaMala Collection?

My family launched the collection in March with six properties in the MalaMala Game Reserve and Tengile Game Reserve in the Sabi Sand region, which is in the Greater Kruger area of South Africa. We’ve got three camps with a lot of history, which are a bit more affordable and family-friendly, and three sexy, modern properties, all on some really beautiful land.

We’ve partnered with the local community, which is pivotal to the collection. We didn’t want to feel like we were giving handouts, we wanted the locals really involved in the property and the business. They are people that are connected to the land and to our family, so we’re in a super lucky position in the sense that it’s all connected. Most of the locals are from underprivileged backgrounds, and working at the properties allows them opportunities to provide for their families for generations.

2.        Why do you think it’s so important to bring the community into business operations? Do you feel a sense of responsibility to do so?

The local community actually owns MalaMala Game Reserve, and they are shareholders in the business. We’re really invested in that community buy-in and, by next year, my family and the community will have 50/50 split ownership of the collection.

We wanted the community invested in the success of not just the business and its chance of carrying on for generations, but for the land itself as well. We see ourselves as custodians of the land in this new chapter, and the locals have to be a big part of that. It’s about responsibility to take care of the land, but also the community for generations to come.

Uplifting the community is also great for service, as they’re at the heart of the guest experience. The guiding is unparalleled and the warmth of the hospitality is incredible. It all comes back to how people feel at our properties, and rather than service that has a forced feel to it, our staff have the freedom to create authentic magical moments for our guests and are endlessly kind.

3.        What makes the Sabi Sands area of South Africa so special?

You’ve got that river frontage and, without sounding dramatic, it’s unbeatable – we feel it’s the best concession in the area. We have an unfenced boundary to Kruger National Park, so animals cross over to drink at the river where the lodges are. It’s safe to say seeing the big five is pretty much guaranteed. The location means guests can experience game drives, guided bush walks and even runs if they’re interested, fishing on the river and amazing bird watching near the water.

4.        The new Khensani River Lodge is opening this December – what makes it stand out as the collection’s flagship property?

This property has been 15 years in the making and has been built in partnership with the local community. The locals actually gave it the Khensani name, which means gratitude.

The interiors of the nine suites and common spaces will be beautiful and have been designed in collaboration with local craftspeople, but the focus is the views – the river is the hero. What we didn’t want is a protruding property, so we’re happy it really connects with the landscape.

The connection that the locals feel with the property is what makes it our flagship – it’s a real collaboration. For us, the property represents the future of our brand.

5.        What kind of travellers are Tengile MalaMala properties most suited to?

The wildlife viewings here are unparalleled, meaning the properties are great for first-time safari goers. We have seen more demand for families too – our property Tengile River Lodge was previously only for over 13s, but we’re now allowing younger children because we have family guests who want the most high-end accommodation.

The collection is really for people looking for an almost quieter version of safari – a real restorative approach to the experience. The wellness element of it is so important – we have a wellness centre with a gym, yoga space, sauna, cold plunge and two treatment rooms, so there’s plenty of room to slow down.

6.        How important is the UK market and travel trade to your brand?

The UK market is huge for us – it’s our second biggest behind the US. This is partially down to the convenience of the direct flights from the UK to Johannesburg, and partially because I think our properties really suit what Brits are looking for from a safari. We’re really trying to break into the UK market even more now, and the trade is crucial to this.

Our travel agent partnerships are really big for us, and we’re very keen on getting people out to experience the properties themselves, especially with Khensani River Lodge opening soon. Fam trips are going to be big for us.