When life demanded a pause, Yvonne C. Mtengwa turned to the wild.

The Amazon best-selling author, award-winning storyteller wanted more more than just a holiday, she was craving reconnection. Her journey led her to the heart of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, where Jumeirah’s Thanda Safari became a place of restoration.

In this intimate conversation, she reflects on how conscious luxury travel helped her rediscover joy and purpose.

What was the most memorable moment from your Thanda Safari experience?

Witnessing the sunrise from a game viewer on our first morning and then spotting a rhino with her calf – was a privilege I've cherished countless times since childhood, especially now as I explore Africa more intensively. Jumeirah Thanda Safari offers a unique experience with its undulating, verdant hills. One moment you're ascending a steep incline, the golden light warming your face, and the next, you're descending into cooler valleys. These moments, for me, had a way of slowing time, making my senses come alive.

Conscious luxury travel for me, is about connecting deeply with the earth in places the world often overlooks. A few days in the bush, with limited connectivity yet set in luxurious settings and mostly nature as my classroom, truly delivered unforgettable memories.

Thanda means “love” in Zulu, how did that essence of connection manifest during your stay?

"Ngiyakuthanda"—meaning "I love you" in Zulu—perfectly encapsulates my personal experience with safari travel. After a traumatic life event, I turned to extensive safaris as a path to rediscovery, and I can honestly say I'm thriving because of it. For me, connecting with Africa's places, people, and stories of human impact is a profound expression of "Thanda," or love.

My stay at Jumeirah Thanda Safari offered this connection with the land of the Zulus as a breathtaking backdrop. "Earthing" with nature there was effortless; the private game reserve teems with wildlife. I was incredibly fortunate to spot the entire Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo) on my very first morning—a hugely significant moment, especially considering how elusive leopards can be. Walking barefoot around my villa or simply spending more time outdoors made the experience even more special.

What truly amplified my stay were the genuine interactions with the staff. From the dedicated guides and trackers who started and ended each day with me, to the attentive villa butlers, chefs, and housekeeping teams, each provided a rich gateway into local cultures, customs, and beliefs. The entire stay was characterized by endless opportunities for connection; all enjoyed with the luxury and flexibility of time. At Thanda, life moves at your own pace, allowing you to focus on your inspired well-being.

As a storyteller who wishes to reshape Africa’s narrative, how did this journey speak to your mission of reframing the continent?

As a first-time visitor to South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal province, this journey was a deeply personal one of discovery for me. I was particularly keen on drawing similarities between Zulu traditions and my own Shona culture from Zimbabwe. As I've often said, travel across Africa is a powerful classroom. It's truly opened my eyes to the incredible diversity of African people and experiences, a diversity so often overlooked or oversimplified by the rest of the world.

For me, the real magic lies in maximizing every opportunity for human interaction to unearth those unique offerings. These connections are what fuel the compelling narratives that emerge from these experiences. Furthermore, staying in luxurious spaces adorned with elements often sourced from the continent, and enjoying meals crafted from locally sourced ingredients, has a distinct way of elevating that sense of discovery.

From cultural exchanges to close-up wildlife moments, what surprised you most about the Zululand experience?

Jumeirah Thanda Safari impressed me with its approach to luxury and cultural immersion, especially for travellers from the UAE/GCC market. The fully equipped villas, capable of hosting up to ten guests, are ideal for the multi-generational or group travel that prioritizes space and exclusivity. I particularly loved the architecture of the rounded exteriors, inspired by traditional Zulu huts, which beautifully integrates local culture. These designs echo the African tradition of families gathering around a central point like a boma, fostering a deep sense of connection. Even little touches, like the pre-dinner Zulu dancer performances and the beaded welcoming gifts we received, all significantly enhance the experience, allowing international guests to connect with the soul of the local people and celebrate their vibrant traditions.

From a wildlife perspective, seeing all of the Big 5 so quickly was incredibly exciting and a testament to the guides' and trackers' exceptional expertise. Their symbiotic relationship truly made it possible to locate all the incredible game, ensuring an unforgettable viewing experience.

How do you think brands like Jumeirah are redefining the idea of safari, not just as a getaway, but as a vehicle for cultural preservation and sustainable tourism?

Beyond Africa being a fitting backdrop, where the thrill of merging humankind with nature’s promises truly inspires, there is also the unending opportunity to transform a mere travel itinerary into a personalised, curated and immersive experiences that not only appeal to guests with a penchant for opulence, but that equally transforms for future generations. Jumeirah’s entry into the safari landscape is exciting in that it stands to infuse its DNA into a setting already packed full of cultural symbolism and the interconnectedness between hospitality, preservation and protection of local cultures, and the lands people and wildlife share at Thanda.

What role does luxury play in the future of travel storytelling, especially when it intersects with purpose and place?

For me, luxury in travel isn't about opulent buildings; it's about an abundance of meaningful, transformative, and awe-inspiring experiences. When we intentionally focus on the intersection of purpose and place in travel storytelling, we reveal the true essence of high-end comfort and service. It’s about the soul of a people, the spirit of a place, and the inherent natural beauty, rather than flashy displays. How a story is told is what truly inspires consumers, transforming a simple trip into a bucket list conquest driven by a desire for further discovery.

As a female founder and editor, how do you use your platform to spotlight underrepresented voices and destinations across the African diaspora?

I believe in sharing the powerful stories of destinations and underrepresented voices by immersing myself where I can learn directly from the individuals thriving within the hospitality, travel, and tourism sector. This industry is a vital economic driver for many emerging markets, especially in Africa. That's why I travel and connect with everyone from guides and chefs to rangers, farmers, and local market vendors. My platform offers aspirational content that counters the often-negative portrayals by mainstream media, instead highlighting the true spirit and resilience of African people through the lens of travel.

What advice would you give to aspiring storytellers and entrepreneurs?

To aspiring storytellers and entrepreneurs, I urge you to bravely share your journey — your triumphs, fears, and even your failures. Help your audience understand your "why." Today's consumers invest not just in products, but in their evolution and the people driving that growth. By weaving in themes of travel, culture, and heritage, you create a powerful connection that transcends divides and highlights our shared humanity. We all seek similar things, and it's our collective responsibility as storytellers and entrepreneurs to use our experiences to educate and inspire people around us.