Meet the team

Garth Wolff

Owner

Garth Wolff (56) is a successful businessman and entrepreneur who founded his primary business, eTravel, in May 1999 and introduced the Independent Travel Consultant (ITC) model to South Africa. This model has since become a substantial part of the South African travel industry with over 250 ITCs now part of the eTravel family. Garth has two main passions, both beginning at a very young age: aviation and the bush.

In 2015, Garth obtained his Private Pilot’s Licence (PPL) and bought a Cessna 182 the same year. Some of his first flights after obtaining his PPL brought him to Hoedspruit, where he subsequently built a house, and became involved with the Blue Canyon Private Game Reserve and acquiring property. As with flying, Garth’s passion for the bush was instilled in him by his late father, at an early age with annual family holidays to the Kruger National Park. His fondest childhood memories are those of pushing a plastic train set in the sand at Satara Rest Camp, riding his bicycle around the camp and helping carve out the wooden doors of the Stanley Cottage which his aunt donated in the mid 1980’s. The same plastic train set was used by his children and has been looked after over the years and will hopefully be used by his grandchildren in the future. As the years passed, Garth’s love for the bush grew and so did the holidays to the Lowveld, ranging from camping trips in the Kruger to experiencing the luxury of private lodges in later years. Garth’s dreams have always been to fly, to own “a piece of heaven in the African bush” and ultimately to build his own lodge. After many years of hard work, dedication and sacrifice, these dreams have finally become a reality. Garth bought his first piece of land in the Blue Canyon Private Game Reserve in 2017 (Leopard’s Bend), followed by 2 more properties in 2018 (Bokmakirrie)and 2019 (Scheema) respectively and now owns over 3000 hectares within the 9600 hectare reserve. Being a bush lover and developing a passion for all conservation, Garth felt that it was his responsibility to take the next step which has translated into Garth founding the Leopard’s Bend Wildlife Foundation to obtain funding to further protect the endangered species on the reserve.

Lodge Manager

With over 5 years of lodge management experience and more then13 years of wildlife expertise, Mariska has cultivated a deep understanding of both the natural world and the hospitality industry. Her journey in lodge management has allowed her to blend her love for hospitality with a commitment to sustainable tourism practices. Throughout her career, she has been dedicated to creating enriching experiences for guests while ensuring the preservation of the natural environments around us. Her passion for wildlife and traveling has been the driving force behind her career choices. Mariska believes that understanding and respecting wildlife is essential to promoting conservation efforts. This passion has equipped her with a unique perspective on the importance of responsible tourism. By integrating her knowledge of wildlife with her experience in lodge management, Mariska strives to offer guests unforgettable experiences that also contribute to the conservation of our planet.

Darryn Gates (Section Ranger Leopard’s Bend) & Kellé Alberts (Guide & Lodge Administrator)

Darryn grew up in KwaZulu-Natal, where his love for the outdoors and fascination with the natural world took root from an early age. His career has taken him across some of South Africa’s most diverse landscapes, from remote eco-lodges to well-established safari destinations.

With a background in guiding, lodge operations, and sustainable building, he has spent years refining his expertise in conservation management and immersive bush experiences. His time constructing an eco-lodge using vernacular building techniques was a humbling yet enriching chapter one that deepened his appreciation for sustainability in wild spaces. Now, as Section Ranger at Leopard’s Bend, he looks forward to applying his knowledge to the ongoing conservation and management of this remarkable area.

Kellé’s passion for the bush and hospitality was shaped by childhood memories of her grandparents’ holiday resort and years spent managing luxury safari lodges. Most recently, she in the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, where she refined her expertise in guest relations, operations, and team relationships. While she has always thrived in the fast-paced nature of lodge life, she has long felt the pull to spend more time out in the wild itself. Now, stepping into the role of guide at Leopard’s Bend, she looks forward to sharing her deep love for the bush, creating meaningful connections between guests and nature, and embracing every moment of discovery.

Darryn and Kellé’s paths converged in the bush, where their shared love for nature, conservation, and hospitality became the foundation of their journey together. For them, lodge life is more than a career—it’s a way of being.

Darryn finds his greatest joy in the early morning, as the bush slowly comes to life, the crisp air carrying the first calls of the day. Kellé, on the other hand, is drawn to dusk—the shifting light, the anticipation of the nocturnal world awakening, and the mystery of what unfolds under the cover of darkness.

“We are incredibly fortunate to call this wild and beautiful place home. Every day brings new encounters, new lessons, and moments of awe—none of which can ever be planned or predicted. This next chapter at Leopard’s Bend is one we step into with gratitude and excitement for what lies ahead.”

Meet the team

Garth Wolff

Owner

Mariska Scholtz

Lodge Manager

Darryn Gates (Section Ranger Leopard’s Bend) & Kellé Alberts (Guide & Lodge Administrator)

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