Hailing all the way from neighbouring Zimbabwe, Sissa Nqwenya works as a butler at Chapungu Tented Bush Camp.

The Travels of Sissa

Sissa was born in a small town across the border named Gweru and completed her schooling in Zimbabwe, before her passion for travel drew her to South Africa. Her first port of call was Hoedspruit, where she gained three years’ experience as a waitress and bar lady, before making her way to Thornybush’s Chapungu Tented Camp in August 2013.

Sissa has been at Chapungu ever since, wowing guests with her cocktail-making skills, courteous service and friendly personality. It’s evident that she loves her job and takes great delight in meeting people from all over the world during her shifts.

A Few of Her Favourite Things

She loves the immense variety of birds that visit the camp and the sounds of the bush at night as well as the delicious oxtail stew which the chefs conjure up from time to time.

She also enjoys the opportunity to see leopards and admire their beautiful markings but isn’t too fond of elephants after a guest had a too-close-for-comfort encounter with one. An avid photographer, this guest inadvertently overstepped their boundaries with one of the local pachyderms and got to experience a mock-charge first-hand.

After Hours​

When she isn’t swinging a cocktail shaker about, Sissa enjoys reading novels and watching horror movies. She loves to travel and tries to get away to explore the beauty of South Africa as often as she can. Sissa is a single parent and has a 12-year old daughter, called Sharmaine.

Passionate about helping those less fortunate, Sissa aspires to be in a position of leadership one day, where she can do more to assist the needy.

About Chapungu Tented Camp

This small, intimate camp is the perfect place for first timers to enjoy a South African safari. The 8 luxury safari tents are perfect for total immersion in the bush. Being a small camp, Chapungu gives guests a chance to enjoy more one-on-one experiences with fellow travellers and rangers.

The camp is also located just a few minutes from the main Thornybush Lodge for ease of access to luxury spa treatments if desired. All guests are treated to 5-star service from private butlers and chefs to ensure a memorable introduction to life on safari.

Sissa is one of these individuals dedicated to making your stay at Chapungu special.

Book your safari at Thornybush’s Chapungu Tented Camp if you’d like to experience African hospitality at its best.