Interview with Duncan Eicker

— General Manager Impodimo —

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Impodimo Game Lodge

What is your name and how long have you been in the hospitality industry?

Duncan Eicker (10 years).

What were your first impressions when you started working at Impodimo?

Beautiful lodge, Friendly and family orientated staff and peaceful environment.

When you took over the management of Impodimo, what to you personally was THE key element to making your lodge as good as it can be?

Gain staff trust by leading from the front.
Not to change the existing operations but rather adapt and from there implement improvement if needed.

Management styles are varied. How would you describe yours?

• Setting an example
• Democratic
• Inspirational
• Result based

What was your biggest surprise that came with operating a lodge in Madikwe Game Reserve?

Madikwe game reserve is very remote. Most of the things we do ourselves. One day you are working with electricity the next day you use Youtube on how to service or fix random stuff and the next thing you know you are hosting people from around the globe.

What is your favorite animal in Madikwe?

Buffalo.

What is your happiest moment at Impodimo Game Lodge?

Every day.

What is your biggest daily challenge at Impodimo Game Lodge?

Elephants at breakfast, drinking from the pool as the camp is unfenced.
To oversee all departments and make sure the lodge runs as expected.

What is your favorite food your kitchen makes?

Oxtail.

Why do you do what you do? You have decided to spend your time operating a lodge in one of the most challenging environments on the planet, the African bush. Stuck in the middle of nowhere, day after day, months at a time, what drives you to keep doing this?

The peaceful environment, animals and seeing guests happy.

What is your bush story? Everyone who works at a lodge has a bush story that either nobody believes or which cracks everyone up. What is yours?

I once had lions on my veranda and had to chase them off with a flip flop (universal weapon for any culture).

What is your personal favorite thing about Impodimo Game Lodge?

The underground hide and the location.

Thinking back, what are some of the most memorable moments with guests that you have had in the past?

I don’t really have a specific memory or moment as there are so many.

What has operating in the bush taught you?

To respect different cultures and make friends as this is a secluded lifestyle.

Final question, what is your favorite thing about Madikwe Game Reserve?

All the elephants and night skies.

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