Meet Our Characters: Hector Van Der Walt

Natural Selection
April 15, 2019

We caught up with Hector, general manager of Sable Alley, to learn more about life in camp

Where are you from originally?

“My home town is Cape Town in South Africa.”

How did you become involved in the safari and hospitality world?

“After crafting my career over a period of 12 years in the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Events) industry, I co-founded Giltedge Incentives in 2006. During 2017, I sold my business interests to Giltedge Travel and embarked on a 12 month career break. During this time I walked the 1600 kilometre Shikoku Henro Pilgrimage in Japan, and went backpacking through Macau, Hong Kong, Laos, Myanmar and Fiji. My love for conservation and adventure lead me to sign up at a guiding school in the Okavango Delta.  I qualified as a Nature Guide and attended a Walking Guide course which assisted me with the transition into the world of safaris.”

Where do you call home?

“The African Wilderness.”

How long have you been at Sable Alley?

“I joined the Sable Alley family 5 months ago.”

What’s your job there?

“I am the General Manager of Sable Alley.”

What’s your favourite part of the job?

“I really enjoy all the operational aspects of the lodge.”

What’s the most challenging aspect of the job?

“The most challenging and rewarding aspect of the job is problem solving.”

What does a typical day entail for you and how do you unwind at the end of it?

“In the bush we rise early. A status meeting with my management team is an effective and vital kick-starter to the day. It’s important for me to check in with each of the 40 staff members we have on duty every day.

Guests come first and I like to interact with them regularly during their time in camp. I stay close to the various systems and process we have in place which take care of all logistics. I find that yoga and meditation are effective ways to unwind.”  

What, in your opinion, makes Sable Alley such a special camp?

“Our staff are fantastic. Together we create a warm and generous, welcoming home for our guests. Sable Alley is located on the edge of an active hippo lagoon and the surrounding flood plains ensure productive game experiences.” o