Billy shines in tourism industry
Young entrepreneur Billy Sibuyi is making a name for himself in the tourism industry. At 29 he is the owner of Masingitana Safaris focussing on educational safaris.
His love for nature and tourism comes from being born and bred in Skukuza in the Kruger National Park (KNP) where his father, Bhili, was the head ranger. Despite this, he yearned for a life in the city. “The bush felt like a prison,” he says. He attended Rob Ferreira Hoërskool, completed a degree in journalism and later worked as a journalist in Phalaborwa and Hoedspruit.
But his upbringing in the KNP reeled him back into conservation and he started Masingitana. Masingitana, meaning small miracles in Xitsonga, is inspired by his great-grandfather who also grew up in the KNP. They provide educational and nature conservation outings for children, bush walks, luxury camping, cultural tours, and overnight and sunset visits to the KNP and surrounding reserves in Hoedspruit, Phalaborwa, and Mpumalanga.
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They also offer airport shuttles from Eastgate Airport, Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, Skukuza, and OR Tambo. “I wanted to create a platform where people, especially the youth, could connect with nature in a meaningful way. “Our goal is to ensure that each tour is crafted to meet the unique interests and needs of our clients and believe in creating experiences that are both thrilling and educational,” he says.
He recently opened a 2-star private tented camp just outside of Hoedspruit that caters to those who wish to experience nature in its full. “The camp provides a unique and intimate encounter with the South African wilderness,” he says. Follow @Masingitanasafaris on social media or email info@ masingitana-safaris.co.za.
