Lisa Goosen: Pioneering Leadership of the Tintswalo Collection
Tintswalo is a family-owned and managed collection of boutique bush and beach properties, offering guests the chance to experience some of Southern Africa's most stunning and untouched destinations. The name "Tintswalo," from the Shangaan language, translates to "the intangible feeling of love, gratitude, and peace bestowed upon someone offering a meaningful gift." This philosophy is at the core of the Tintswalo culture, according to CEO Lisa Goosen, who was honored as the Innovator of Generational Leadership in the 2024 Global 100 Women in Leadership Awards. Lisa emphasizes that this ethos forms the very foundation of their business.
The Corbett/Goosen family, known for their pioneering spirit and curiosity, has a long history of exploratory expeditions, fostering a deep love for the African bush. This passion laid the groundwork for what would become a luxury boutique property collection, now led by Lisa, the youngest daughter of founders Gaye and Ernest.
From its humble beginnings in 2003, Tintswalo has grown into a leading name in Southern Africa's luxury hospitality and safari sector, boasting six boutique properties across five unique locations.
The journey began in Mpumalanga province, where Gaye and Ernest were key in developing and managing shopping centers in rural areas, including a significant project in Bushbuckridge. During this time, Lisa initiated a study program to help local teachers improve their skills, leading to the family being invited to bid on a tourism concession in the nearby Manyeleti Reserve in the Greater Kruger National Park. Winning the bid, the family entered the tourism industry, driven by a dream to offer guests a luxurious safari experience. In 2003, Tintswalo Safari was born, with Lisa, her husband Warwick, and their young children living in a tent in the wilderness while building the camp.
Tintswalo Safari, located in the Manyeleti Private Nature Reserve, shares an unfenced boundary with the Kruger National Park and is renowned for its exceptional Big 5 game viewing. The ten suites are designed to reflect the spirit of 19th-century explorers, while the adjacent Tintswalo Manor offers a private, fully-catered villa experience for families or groups.
The family's natural affinity for hospitality quickly became apparent, leading to the acquisition of a secluded piece of land in Hout Bay, Cape Town. This location, beneath the famous Chapman's Peak Drive, became Tintswalo Atlantic in 2007, the flagship lodge of the collection.
Perched on a pebbled beach at the foot of Chapman's Peak, Tintswalo Atlantic is surrounded by the Table Mountain National Park and offers panoramic views of Hout Bay Harbour, the Sentinel Mountain peak, and the Atlantic Ocean. Despite surviving a devastating veld fire in 2015 and a kitchen fire in 2019, Tintswalo Atlantic remains the crown jewel of the collection. In 2020, a partnership with renowned chef Liam Tomlin led to the opening of Chefs Warehouse at Tintswalo Atlantic, which quickly garnered accolades, including being named one of the best new restaurants in the world by Condé Nast Traveller in 2021 and winning South Africa's Best Hotel Restaurant in the 2022 World Culinary Awards.
The Tintswalo journey continued with the opening of Tintswalo Boulders in Simon’s Town, offering nine double suites with unobstructed views of Boulders Beach and its resident African penguin colony. The property is available for exclusive use, making it ideal for families and friends.
The family's love for the African bush drew them to Limpopo province, where they opened Tintswalo Waterberg in the malaria-free Welgevonden Game Reserve. Just three hours from Johannesburg, this lodge accommodates up to 16 guests and is a perfect destination for families or groups seeking a comfortable safari retreat.
In 2022, Tintswalo expanded beyond South Africa's borders with the opening of Tintswalo Siankaba in Zambia. Located on two forested islands in the Zambezi River, this tented camp offers access to Victoria Falls and a variety of river activities, all while providing a luxurious and immersive nature experience.
Over more than four decades, Tintswalo has become a major player in property development, tourism, luxury travel, and conservation in Southern Africa. The company has made significant contributions to job creation, community upliftment, and training, while forming partnerships that have extended its influence across the South African business landscape.
Sustainability and environmental consciousness are central to Tintswalo's operations, with each property designed and managed with eco-friendly practices. However, Lisa Goosen believes that the true success of Tintswalo lies in its people. She takes pride in identifying and nurturing talent, placing responsibility on capable individuals, and watching them thrive. "This, I think, is the best part of my position as CEO," she says. "I believe in seeking out strong people and aligning with them to build your circle of support. I've also been fortunate to have my family as inspiration and driving force all my life. My mother Gaye, in particular, has been a great motivator to always strive for better."
Lisa's daughter, Camlyn Goosen, has also joined the family business, leading interior design for the Tintswalo Collection, including a new boutique hotel project in Cape Town.
Lisa concludes, "With some of the best management and staff in the luxury hospitality industry on our team, we offer authentic South African hospitality as part of the unique Tintswalo experience to showcase our beautiful continent. While many industries embrace the digital age, we prioritize maintaining the personal human touch. We have the advantage of being able to train across all skills levels in our quest for excellence. Above all, we aim to create the most meaningful guest experiences and craft memories that last a lifetime."
The Tintswalo Collection
Tel: +27 21 773 0900
Email: reservations@tintswalo.com
Website: www.tintswalo.com