The spirit of Kateka — A conversation with Trevor Savage

In the expansive Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, in Limpopo South Africa, lies Kateka, a sanctuary where wellness meets safari. I recently spoke with Trevor Savage, General Manager, whose 20+ years in safari hospitality have culminated in being integral to this remarkable venture.

A blessed beginning.

“Kateka means 'to be blessed' in the local Tsonga language,” Trevor explains, “and that's exactly how we see our home.” This sense of gratitude extends beyond the breathtaking setting — it encompasses the opportunity to support local families and create a haven where guests can disconnect and rejuvenate.

The lodge itself was born from a vision of owner Joel Ospovat, a South African born real estate developer based in Austin, Texas. He’d stayed as a guest multiple times at a safari lodge that Trevor previously worked at. During one return visit in 2018, he shared his dream with Trevor and his wife Tas (who also works at Kateka): to find a place of paradise and solitude – where busy lives could pause and reset. That vision materialised in late 2023 when Kateka officially opened its doors.

Family, not staff.

What distinguishes Kateka is its approach to hospitality. “We don't wear name badges,” Trevor notes. “We're a family. When you're at home, you don't wear name badges.”

This philosophy permeates every aspect of operations. Morning meetings celebrate "victories" across all departments, recognizing that every role - whether guest-facing or behind-the-scenes - contributes to the Kateka experience.

“I love seeing people excel and grow,” Trevor shares. “There's no ceiling on your head here. This is an opportunity for you to excel as a person.”

The result is service that transcends hospitality training. “There's a genuine smile and there's a hospitality smile,” Trevor observes. “We encourage people to be who they are in a genuine way.”

Holistic renewal in the wilderness.

Kateka's vision extends beyond traditional safari experiences to embrace comprehensive wellness. Trevor speaks passionately about creating an environment where guests can "disconnect and immerse themselves with nature" through both "holistic game drives" and dedicated wellness offerings.

This dual approach — connecting with wildlife while nurturing personal wellbeing — forms the core of Trevor's vision for Kateka's future. “I would love to be able to create an experience where people walk out feeling touched by the genuine love of the people, the peace and tranquillity of the reserve, and the incredible experiences that our team offers in wellness and on game drives.”

Safari as it was meant to be.

Kateka's approach to safari is equally thoughtful. Set within a 60,000-hectare reserve with only 16,000 hectares traversed, the experience prioritises depth over checklists.

"The pace of safari has increased because of expectations from social media," Trevor reflects. "But we're focusing on slowing everything down. If you want to sit with a herd of elephants for over an hour, you can."

This philosophy appeals to both experienced safari-goers who no longer need to "tick boxes" and first-timers who deserve an authentic introduction to the bush. Guides rely on tracking skills rather than radio calls, creating an immersive experience that reveals how the puzzle of wildlife viewing truly fits together.

"There's nothing better than tracking a big bull elephant or a herd of elephants and seeing how enlightened guests are when we've put this puzzle together," Trevor shares. "That for me is just unbelievable."

In a world of increasingly choreographed experiences, Kateka stands apart as a place of genuine connection — to nature, to oneself, and to the remarkable team that calls this slice of wilderness home.