Q&A with Khwai Expeditions Camps’ Matshido Stiekema 

A trailblazer in Botswana’s high-end safari space, Matshidiso “Tshidi” Stiekema has not only made her place in history as the first, and still only, Motswana woman to own and operate a luxury tented safari camp, but she has also become a guiding light for the next generation of leaders in the industry. 

Through her pioneering work at Khwai Expeditions Camp, she demonstrates that conservation, sustainability, and community empowerment are not just ideals but achievable pillars of success. With a strong focus on mentoring and leadership, Tshidi is opening doors for others to follow, proving that Botswana’s safari future can be as inclusive as it is world-class.

What inspired you to establish your safari lodge, and what unique challenges or opportunities did you face as a woman, and an African woman, in the African high-end safari space?

My company was founded on passion and the desire to see more citizens in the tourism industry. I have always believed in the saying “what sets you apart keeps you going” and I had that in mind when I stepped into this industry. It was not an easy pursuit, as a Motswana woman breaking into a male-dominated space, and I had to prove that I belonged and that was challenging for me.

There were moments when I wasn’t taken seriously, whether in negotiations or dealing with suppliers. I overcame this by knowing my business inside and out, educating myself on every aspect of running a safari camp, from conservation and hospitality to operations and finance. I also built strong relationships with the right people: mentors, other women in the industry and local communities. I joined numerous organisations and tourism associations as well.

Another challenge was access to funding (this is a general Motswana challenge I believe). Investors can be hesitant when you don’t fit the traditional mould of a safari lodge owner. I had to be persistent, creative, and strategic in securing financial assistance very often reinvesting my own earnings and proving the business’s potential through smaller wins before scaling up.

How do you define leadership within the safari lodge environment, and what qualities do you believe are essential for women aspiring to build a career in this industry?

Leadership is the ability to motivate change and motivate others to carry your vision forward. My biggest strength as a leader is aligning employees with business goals. Our employees do not only just work with us but they are given training opportunities on subjects relevant to tourism as well as personal growth. Through training, bootcamps, and seminars with local institutes, we invest in their future as they are partners in vision building.

What has inspired your journey to building a successful business?

I think it was inspired by my passion. I have always been drawn to travel and experiences that feel transformative. Owning a safari camp brought these interests together. I have a love for property and interior design – it’s an extension of who I am. This has played a huge role in shaping the experience at Khwai Expeditions Camp. I wanted to create a space that blends seamlessly with the environment, where luxury doesn’t feel forced or out of place but instead, enhances the beauty of the environment.

Travel has also shaped my perspective. Experiencing different cultures and hospitality styles around the world made me think about what truly makes a stay memorable. That’s what I try to bring to Khwai Expeditions Camp. I want guests to feel like they’re stepping into something special, not just another safari lodge, but a space where every element and design comes together effortlessly.

But the most important thing was staying true to my vision. I knew that I had to bring something unique and authentic. I had to learn and understand the people in our community and their stories and that’s what keeps us going.

Looking back, what kind of mentorship or guidance would have made the biggest difference in your journey and how are you paying that forward to others today?

Mentorship like Stanford Seed programs would have helped me create a management structure that benefits both myself and my team to maximise their potential. I would advise all the startups to join the seed programmes.

Many luxury travellers today seek more than just comfort, they want connection, sustainability, and impact. How have you woven these values into your lodge, and what advice would you give to new entrepreneurs about aligning business with purpose?

For us, luxury and sustainability go hand in hand. True luxury isn’t just about high-end accommodations, it’s about offering an experience that respects and preserves this incredible environment we operate in. At Khwai Expeditions Camp, we take that responsibility seriously.

From the way we built our camp to the way we run it every day, conservation is at the heart of everything we do. We use eco-friendly building materials, minimise waste, and rely on solar power to reduce our footprint. Our water and waste management systems are designed to leave as little impact as possible on the land, and we’re always looking for new ways to operate even more sustainably. But beyond that, conservation is also about people. We work closely with the local community, supporting conservation initiatives and involving them in protecting the very wildlife and landscapes that make this place so special. Our guides aren’t just here to lead safaris, they’re ambassadors for the land. They help guests understand why protecting it matters.

Balancing luxury with sustainability means creating a space where guests can immerse themselves in nature without harming it. It means offering comfort without excess and indulgence without waste. At Khwai Expeditions Camp, we want every guest to leave not just in awe of Botswana’s beauty, but also inspired to be part of its preservation.

What practical steps would you recommend to young women hoping to step into ownership, management, or senior leadership roles in the luxury safari industry?

I have a lot to say, but right now I’d say that the tourism and hospitality industry in Botswana has so much potential, and Batswana have to be dominant in it, which means we have an important role to play in shaping the future of this industry.

First, you must educate yourself, gain experience, and build confidence in what you bring to the table. You don’t need to have all the answers from day one, but you do need to believe that you belong in this space. Don’t be afraid to think differently. There’s room for new ideas, fresh approaches and businesses that reflect our culture and values. Whether it’s running a lodge, starting a travel company or offering unique guest experiences in a way that has never been done before, the industry needs more Batswana leading the way.

And to the young women especially, never forget that ‘Mosadi ke thari ya Sechaba’ – ‘a  woman is the pillar of the nation’; we are the backbone of our communities, and when we rise we lift others with us. Support each other, find mentors, and create spaces where more women can thrive. The journey isn’t easy, but it’s worth it.

Running a high-end safari lodge requires both resilience and empathy. How do you balance business demands with nurturing a culture that inspires and retains talent?

The tourism industry is one that is vulnerable to economic shifts and global crises therefore this has instilled resilience and quick decision making skills with myself and my team, that serve to empower our team.

What legacy do you hope to leave for the next generation of women in the safari industry, and how do you see mentorship shaping the future of African luxury travel?

For me, owning a safari camp isn’t just about business, it’s about making sure the real benefits of tourism stay with Batswana and the locals whose communities we operate in. Botswana has some of the most breathtaking landscapes and wildlife in the world, but for too long, too many of the economic rewards have gone elsewhere. That has never sat right with me. If this is our land, our heritage, and our stories, then we should also be the ones leading, benefiting, and shaping the industry.

Supporting local suppliers is one of the ways I make that vision a reality. Whether it’s sourcing fresh produce from Batswana farmers, hiring locals to craft the artifacts we sell in our curio shop or working with community guides who know this land better than anyone. I believe in keeping opportunities as close to home as possible. When guests come to Khwai Expeditions Camp, they’re not just seeing Botswana’s beauty; they’re tasting it, hearing it, and feeling it through the hands and voices of the people who have always been here and that is very rich and authentic.

If we invest in our communities, businesses and skills we become more self-sufficient thereby proving that Batswana can own, lead, and redefine what world-class tourism looks like, on our own terms.