Surrounded by the stillness of ancient waterways and the rustle of papyrus reeds, Sitatunga Private Island is one of the most serene and sustainable safari experiences in Africa.
The latest addition to the Great Plains Réserve Collection, this intimate and water-based camp in Botswana’s Okavango Delta offers guests something quietly powerful—a slower, deeper, more conscious way to connect with the wild.
At its helm is Ontlametse Tizzar Batisi—or simply “Tizzar” to guests and colleagues alike. Born and raised in Maun, on the edge of the Delta, Tizzar brings with his not only a deep love of the wilderness but also a hands-on understanding of every facet of lodge life. With over 15 years of experience as a professional safari guide and lodge manager, he has built her career through resilience, vision, and a deep respect for both nature and people.
We sat down with Tizzar to learn more about his journey, his values, and his vision for this extraordinary camp nestled in the heart of Botswana’s iconic wetlands.
What inspired you to pursue a career in hotel management?
For me, hospitality and conservation were never separate—they’ve always been intertwined. Growing up in Botswana, I was surrounded by extraordinary landscapes and a tourism industry that was both vibrant and meaningful. I realised early on that lodge life offered a perfect balance: engaging with people, protecting the environment, and building something that makes others feel connected and inspired.
Over time, I moved through various roles—from administration to guiding and operations—and each one taught me a different lesson. But it was in lodge management that I found the full expression of my skills and values. I love solving problems, building teams, and exceeding expectations—not just for guests, but for communities and ecosystems too.
This role gives me the opportunity to make a difference every single day.
How do you balance emerging trends and evolving guests’ preferences?
The key is to stay present. I spend time listening to guests, observing behaviour, reading industry updates, and talking with my team. At Sitatunga, we combine luxury and sustainability in a very distinctive way, so it’s important to innovate—but only in ways that feel authentic to the bush experience.
Guests increasingly seek meaningful travel: immersive, nature-based, and low-impact. We respond by offering curated activities like mokoro excursions, boat safaris, and guided bush walks that reflect the tranquil essence of this part of the Delta. Behind the scenes, we invest in sustainability—our camp is built almost entirely from recycled materials—but the guest experience always comes first.
It’s about thoughtful evolution, not trend-chasing.
Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently?
I don’t believe in regrets—only in growth. My career has been filled with challenges, especially early on when I was more focused on the operational side than the people side. If I could go back, I would have worked sooner on developing my leadership and communication skills.
I’ve learned that empowering others is just as important as getting the job done. Building strong, motivated teams creates long-term success. Every mistake and every win has shaped me into a better, more self-aware manager. That journey, with all its ups and downs, is what I value most.
What defines your management style?
I would describe it as hands-on, people-first, and adaptive. I lead by example and believe in being present—not just to manage, but to mentor. I spend time on the ground with my team, listening to them, encouraging them, and working side by side when needed.
I’ve seen that the best results come when people feel seen, valued, and supported. At the same time, I remain results-focused and proactive—I work hard to balance guest satisfaction with team well-being and operational excellence.
Whether I’m coaching a new team member, responding to a guest request, or planning strategy, I try to stay responsive, respectful, and clear.
What are your strategic goals and vision for the hotel and how does that integrate with the hotel group’s aims?
My goal at Sitatunga Private Island is to deliver a world-class safari experience rooted in sustainability, community, and personalised service. We’re part of the Réserve Collection by Great Plains—a brand that champions conservation-led tourism—so everything we do reflects those values.
That means creating extraordinary guest moments, building a resilient and motivated team, and maintaining impeccable operational standards. But it also means thinking long-term: investing in local talent, reducing our footprint, and supporting the wider Delta ecosystem.
We are still a relatively new property, so a key part of my role is building reputation and awareness. I want Sitatunga to become known not just as a beautiful camp, but as a place of soul—a retreat where luxury meets conservation in a deeply authentic way.
What advice would you give to someone starting out?
Be patient, be curious, and be humble. This industry teaches you something new every day—but only if you’re open to learning. Start small. Don’t chase titles or positions—focus on doing the job in front of you really well, and the rest will follow.
Respect your colleagues, no matter their role, and take pride in every detail. Whether it’s folding laundry, greeting guests, or tracking wildlife, everything contributes to the guest’s experience.
And above all, bring heart into your work. Passion and a great attitude will take you further than any qualification. If you love what you do, guests will feel it—and that’s the magic of hospitality.