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connect | reflect | grow

connect
reflect
grow

Our mission is to develop skilled, confident professionals who strengthen Africa’s tourism and conservation industries and help secure sustainable futures for communities and ecosystems.

We are a team of like-minded experts delivering hands-on training and consulting that develops individuals and businesses to unlock their potential and achieve excellence.

We value collaboration, reflection and growth. We seek out thought leaders, drive innovation and explore opportunities that strengthen partnerships and positively influence our communities and natural landscapes.

Connect

We connect individuals and businesses to meaningful and sustainable growth opportunities tourism and hospitality industries.

Reflect

We reflect on our performance and impact to ensure we do the right thing, consistently.

Grow

We grow every day as individuals and in our business ventures.

our team

Who We Are

We do growth. We do excellence. We do impact.

The team is made up of seasoned consultants with an extensive background in the tourism industry spanning three decades. Each have their own independent businesses but recognise the benefits of collaboration. We love working together to amplify the benefits our mutual clients realise.

André du Toit

Co-founder – Weaver Projects
Executive Director, Conserve Consult

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André brings over 30 years of experience spanning strategic, operational, and consulting roles across three continents. With a strong foundation in tourism and hospitality, André has worked extensively with lodges and safari operations throughout Africa, focusing on elevating guest experiences and operational excellence. His career includes years of training and upskilling lodge teams, ensuring service standards meet global expectations while preserving authentic African hospitality.

André’s expertise extends to conservation and risk management creating bespoke and sustainable solutions for businesses that want to leave a lasting positive impact while operating in a safe and well managed environment. His leadership has driven sustainable growth initiatives and innovative practices that balance profitability with conservation and community impact.

As Founder of Weaver Projects, André leverages his deep industry knowledge to develop projects that restore biodiversity and create immersive travel experiences. His vision combines responsible tourism with economic resilience, positioning Weaver Projects as a catalyst for positive change in Africa’s tourism landscape.

Danielle du Toit

Co-founder – Weaver Projects
Owner pheka cooking school

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Danielle is a highly experienced food and hospitality professional with over 25 years of expertise in local and international settings. After earning her Diploma in Food and Nutrition in 1995, she began her career as a food technologist for a leading South African food retailer. Her passion for the culinary world and love for the outdoors led her to the hospitality industry, where she managed lodges, trained staff, and oversaw new builds in South Africa’s high-end lodge culture.

Danielle later launched her own business, successfully running a mobile cooking school in KwaZulu-Natal for over 18 years. She also consults for lodges and hospitality establishments, staying attuned to industry trends. Known for her approachable and engaging teaching style, Danielle fosters confidence and growth in teams while addressing the realities of the hospitality world. Her work across Africa continues to elevate hospitality experiences, blending warmth, insight, and respect for people and place.

Whether you're launching a new lodge, refining your culinary offering, or building a food brand with heart, Danielle brings warmth, insight, and a deep respect for both people and place.

Alan Yeowart

Specialised field guide training and services
Owner Planting Stars & Professional Guide

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Alan is a renowned expert in Field Guide & Tracker Training, Safari Operations, and Guest Experience Development. ​With nearly three decades of experience, Alan has played a pivotal role in shaping guiding standards across Southern and East Africa. ​ Based in Hilton, KwaZulu-Natal, he is married to Mandy and father to Lily and Willow, both raised in the bush, which has influenced his expertise in family-focused safari design. ​

Alan’s career began in 1995, and he has since worked across 12 African countries, gaining extensive knowledge of diverse ecosystems, cultures, and lodge operations. ​ He has trained guides and trackers for premier safari destinations, including Singita, Londolozi, and Sabi Sabi. ​ In 2022, he founded Planting Stars Academy to advance guide training and mentorship. ​

Alan’s approach emphasizes style, technique, and emotional connection, aiming to transform guides into exceptional ambassadors who deliver unforgettable safari experiences. ​

With a reputation for excellence and authenticity, Alan continues to shape the next generation of field guides through immersive, experience-based learning that honours Africa’s wild spaces and ecological heritage.

Nicola Gerard

Strategic marketing, digital transformation, and environmental awareness
Founder and Managing Director, Love Africa Marketing

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Nicola is the visionary behind Love Africa, an award-winning marketing strategy and management company dedicated to elevating tourism and environmental communications across the continent. With a deep passion for Africa’s natural heritage and travel experiences, she leads a dynamic team that delivers high-impact, tailor-made marketing solutions to lodges, travel brands, and conservation initiatives.

Specialising in strategic marketing, digital transformation, and environmental awareness, Nicola brings a wealth of expertise in crafting campaigns that resonate with audiences and drive meaningful engagement. Her approach blends creativity with strategic insight, ensuring each client’s unique story is told with authenticity and purpose.

Under her leadership, Love Africa has become a trusted partner for organisations seeking to navigate the evolving digital landscape while staying true to their values. Nicola’s work continues to inspire thought leadership and sustainable growth across Africa’s tourism and conservation sectors.

Juan Van Zyl

Specialised chef and culinary trainer

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Juan is a qualified Chef with a Business Management qualification and over 20 years in hospitality and culinary leadership. Juan specializes in crafting exceptional dining experiences and driving operational excellence. He is passionate about elevating food and beverage standards with expertise in seasonal menu design, cost control, and team training to deliver unforgettable guest experiences. His career spans Africa’s most prestigious safari lodges and luxury resorts, where he has led kitchen management, menu innovation, and staff development. Highlights include consulting for Zuri Zanzibar, consultant to Legendary Serengeti and Exec Chef at Elewana Collection in Tanzania, Chef trainer at Foxes Africa, part owner SOMM’s Wine Café and various award-winning restaurants in the Cape.

Passionate about developing people and celebrating local food cultures, Juan works closely with culinary teams to build practical systems that enhance guest experiences, strengthen kitchen performance, and inspire confidence.

Whether supporting a new hospitality venture or refining an established operation, he brings creativity, expertise, and a deep commitment to excellence in every project.

Over the past 25 years, Juan has  worked across the globe as a chef, development chef, and culinary trainer, but what drives him most is working alongside African teams. He believe in building practical, ground-up training systems that actually make sense in the field - fostering talent, creating smooth kitchen operations, and elevating the guest experience while deeply respecting local food heritage and culture.

products & services

What We Do

We do tourism. We do consultations. We do collaborations.

Consultants to Tourism Industry

Marketing Strategy and Management

Conservation Consulting

Our African adventures

Weavers Journal

We do life. We do Africa. We do tourism.

our community

Collaborations & Projects

We do collaborations. We do thought leadership. We do growth.

get in touch

Contact Us

Please fill in the form or email us directly to get in touch.

Danielle du Toit
+27 (0)72 2615192

danielle@weaverprojects.co.za