To ensure the private and personalised safari we promise, each villa has a staff complement dedicated to guests for the duration of their stay. Central to this approach is the provision of a personal butler, responsible for orchestrating the most seamless and indulgent guest experience. Enter, our senior butler, Mbuso.
Mbuso has now been working at Cheetah Plains for two years and has been serving in hospitality for many more. Having worked for other luxury lodges across South Africa, such as Royal Malewane, Mbuso has mastered the art of finely tuning into and anticipating guests’ every whim while adding his own special touch. Kind-hearted and collected, he never ceases to go out of his way to ensure the level of detail and service one would expect from Cheetah Plains.
Raised in our neighbouring village of Utah, Mbuso feels privileged to inherently know and understand the wild. He has a lifelong connection to the Sabi Sand and has first-hand seen it grow and evolve into the leader in hospitality and conservation that it is now. By hosting travellers here, Mbuso is welcoming them to see and experience his homeland and heritage, which he so highly values.
Mbuso still has close ties with his family and community, and it is his brother’s success in the industry that inspired him to pursue a role in hospitality, as he one day hopes to achieve a similar leading position, which he believes to be his destiny. In the meantime, Mbuso continues to inspire others with his authentic dedication to always learn more, do more, and be more in his pursuit to perfect timeless hospitality.
While hosting discerning travellers from across the world, Mbuso thrives on curating settings and moments that leave lasting impressions. From morning teas to bushveld dining, he has a way of making every occasion feel extra special. Serving alongside a dedicated host and private chef team, Mbuso strives to create an elevated and bespoke villa experience that fully aligns with our high-end hospitality offering. He especially enjoys spending time with and getting to know the wonderful families. His special love for kids and their energy keeps him on his toes to which he enjoys the affinity towards making the moments count on safari.
In an industry that demands continuous adaptation and refinement, Mbuso embraces every interaction and opportunity as a chance to learn and do more. He has a keen interest in wines and spirits and enjoys treating his guests by whipping and shaking up creative cocktails for them to enjoy while taking in the bushveld scenery. Having grown up in the wilderness, he has a passion for sharing his bush wisdom with guests, as he has an innate knowledge and appreciation for all things wild.
“Being in the wild, to me, is like home…”
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