Paddy and Amanda have been working in the tourism and hospitality industry for the last 12 years. Leaving England in 1999 they travelled southern Africa extensively in their own Land Rover to create a comprehensive library of photography and video footage. Together they have driven over 75,000 kilometres through desert and dunes, across plains, down rivers, over pans and into the delta in their Land Rovers in search of the very best wildlife and wild places that southern Africa has to offer.
In 2003, they set up Genesis Room, an environmental studio, working to promote awareness of ecology, nature, eco-tourism, conservation and travel within southern Africa. They were involved in a number of promotional design and copywriting projects for clients such as Botswana Tourism and Sanctuary Lodges.
In 2005, they decided to leave their desks and return to the road to update their photographic and video library. During the course of this expedition, the concept behind Black Pot Safaris was born leading to its successful launch in 2006 and operation during mid-winter months only. This allowed Paddy and Amanda to accept a position overseeing the maintenance, management and marketing of a luxurious, privately owned guest house in the Lowveld later that year.
They resigned this position in May 2009 to set up umSisi House. This project is the culmination of many years hard work and their own vision of the perfect villa-holiday experience.
Their doors opened on 1 March 2010.
