Meet the setari team
Between Setari, Kala and Treehouse we have a wonderful team of over 100 staff whose infectious smiles, boundless energy and attention to detail ensure our guests are treated like royalty from the moment they arrive. Our staff are at the core of what we do and we feel privileged to have on our team some of the most experienced in the business.
Leadership Partnership
Married for more than 30 years, Louis and Belinda Strauss bring a shared passion for safari, hospitality, conservation and people to the Setari Collection. With more than three decades of leadership experience across Southern Africa, they have worked with some of the region’s most respected safari and hospitality brands and together bring a wealth of operational expertise to the collection.
Their shared philosophy is simple: create exceptional and authentic wilderness experiences, empower their teams, support local communities and protect the extraordinary natural environment of the Okavango Delta.
Louis Strauss - Chief Executive Officer | Setari Collection
With more than 30 years of experience in luxury hospitality, safari operations and conservation across Southern Africa, Louis Strauss leads the strategic and operational direction of the Setari Collection.
His career includes senior leadership roles with Jock Safari Lodge, Belmond Botswana, Abercrombie & Kent/Sanctuary Retreats Botswana, Mala Mala Game Reserve and Southern Sun Hotels. He spent more than 16 years as General Manager of Jock Safari Lodge in the Kruger National Park, where he also established the Jock Environmental Monitoring Unit (JEMU), focused on rhino protection, anti-poaching and endangered species monitoring.
Louis is passionate about responsible tourism and believes exceptional guest experiences and conservation success should go hand in hand.
"The true measure of leadership in the wilderness is leaving it stronger than we found it. Our role is to balance exceptional experiences, thriving businesses, and responsible conservation for generations to come."
Belinda Strauss - Group General Manager | Setari Collection
With more than three decades of experience in luxury hospitality and safari lodge management across Southern Africa and the United Kingdom, Belinda Strauss oversees the day-to-day operations of the Setari Collection.
Her career includes leadership roles with Abercrombie & Kent/Sanctuary Retreats, Orient-Express Hotels & Safaris/Belmond and Jock Safari Lodge. Her expertise spans lodge operations, guest experience, food and beverage, people development and strategic management.
Belinda is passionate about authentic hospitality and developing people, with a leadership philosophy centred on creating exceptional guest experiences while supporting local communities and protecting the natural environment of the Okavango Delta.
“Great hospitality is about more than service; it’s about creating meaningful connections. When guests leave with unforgettable memories, our staff feel valued, and our communities benefit, we know we have achieved something truly special.”
Kate Holmes - Founding Director
Kate Holmes grew up in England and after a brief stint working in the City of London, moved to Botswana in 1990 to begin her 33 year career in the safari industry in Botswana. Kate has seen the Okavango grow and change drastically over this time and was overjoyed to become involved in the setting up of Setari Camp in 2017; providing a dream opportunity to develop and bring to the market the leading, fully independent and owner managed group of camps in Botswana. Kate is now based between the UK and Botswana where, together with Grant, manages all aspects of the business.
Grant Truthe - Founding Director
Grant Truthe has been in the business since he was a little boy, growing up in the bush with his legendary family, the Wilmots. After graduating as an aircraft mechanic, Grant went on to pursue his dream of sharing his love of the bush with his guests which he has done successfully for the past 25 years. After running his own mobile safari company, Grant assisted Kate in setting up another successful lodge in the Delta before he and some friends decided to open up their own camp in the Delta which is where Setari Camp was born. He now runs the operations of our 3 camps and is based between the camps and our head office in Maun.
Mimi and Skebo - Setari Camp Managers
Mimi and Skebo joined us in 2022 and do a fabulous job in managing our flagship. Both have extensive experience working in camps and lodges and our guests love their energetic smiles and enthusiasm.
Tshepo – Kala Camp Manager
Tshepo joined the tourism and hospitality industry from humble beginnings as a waiter in 2011. I then furthered my studies and obtained a qualification in Business Information Systems. My love for tourism could not allow me to divert to a different sector as immediately after I completed my studies I joined the industry again and as a Front desk officer. From Front desk office I became a Reservations officer, after Reservations officer post i then became a Reservations and Sales consultant. I persevered in the industry and later became a Rental agent, a job which involved dealing with tourists. My experience throughout the years landed me an offer in Eland Eco tours as a Camp administrator at Setari camp where I was eventually granted a wonderful opportunity as Camp Manager at the beautiful Kala Treehouse, and Kala camp, your home away from home.
Anxy and Mox - Relief Managers
Anxy and Mox are a great addition to the Setari family and move between Kala and Setari and soon to be, Treehouse. Both are experienced lodge managers.
Khutsi Gotshajwang - Operations
Khutsi joins Setari with a wealth of experience in the industry with an impressive 20 years of experience of handling both operations and HR in the safari world. Khutsi, with the help of Tshele, runs our Maun office and helps Kate with all the sales and Di with accounts.
Kelebile Moatlatsi (Kelly) – Operations at Setari Camp
Kelly started with us as our interim Camp Manager. We are thrilled to now have Kelly based in Maun with Khutsi and Tsele. Our wonderful team of Maun ladies keep the camp running smoothly at all times!
Katleho (Kat) Monwela – Reservations Supervisor
Kat joins the Setari Team with many years’ experience in the safari industry and looks after our bookings and works closely with our agents and guests alike with her infectious smile and enthusiasm.
