In this month of celebrating women, we chatted to Akhona about her journey with Asilia, our positive impact initiatives, and the work being done to provide equal opportunities for women within the industry.
Akhona Maziko – Asilia Sales Support Team Lead
2025 marks your seven year anniversary with Asilia, what positions have you held within the company during that time?
I started off my journey in 2018 as a receptionist- answering phones, greeting visitors, and probably mastering the art of finding lost pens and signing for deliveries. Six months in, I got the nod to join the Sales Support Team, where I traded front-desk duties for a deeper dive into the sales world.
In October 2019, I became Cape Town’s very first Sales Support Coordinator (no pressure, right?). Then, in June of 2022, I took on another first as I stepped into the role of Agent Service Sales Coordinator, a position I held for about two years. That experience paved the way for my current role, where the adventure continues.
When you initially joined Asilia, was there any specific reason you wanted to work for Asilia at that time?
To be completely honest, when I joined Asilia, I had just come out of university and was on the hunt for any job related to my Tourism Management degree, but deep down and beyond just finding a job, I always knew that working for a tour operator was the dream. There’s something special about being part of a team that creates unforgettable travel experiences for guests, helping them build incredible memories. Thankfully, life pointed me in the right direction.
Can you talk me through the opportunities you took and the work you put in to your career progression with Asilia?
As the saying goes, “Don’t lean too much on motivation but discipline,” and I couldn’t agree more. Motivation is great, it gets you started but let’s be honest, it comes and goes like a Wi-Fi signal on a bad day. Discipline, on the other hand, is what keeps everything running, and that’s the mindset I’ve carried throughout my Asilia journey.
When I first stepped into the safari industry, I knew absolutely nothing. If you had asked me to explain the difference between Game Package and Full Board back then, I probably would’ve panicked! That lack of knowledge was frustrating, but I made a decision early on: if I was going to be here, I was going to give it my all. I soaked up every piece of information I could, asked questions (probably too many), and put in the effort to truly understand the industry.
Fortunately, I wasn’t in it alone. I was surrounded by an incredible team, people who were not only knowledgeable but also willing to share their expertise, guide me, walk with me, and answer all my “just one more question” moments. But while support was there, opportunities didn’t just fall into my lap. I had to prove myself, stay consistent, and show that I was willing to learn and grow.
Hard work started paying off when I got my first promotion just six months into the company and, to me, that was a huge milestone that reaffirmed that I was on the right path. And it didn’t stop there. I continued to develop my skills, build confidence, and take on new challenges. It was both exciting and humbling to be entrusted by management as the first to step into a newly created role, and a significant point within my career progression in Asilia. That trust showed me that my consistency and discipline weren’t just personal achievements; they were making an impact.
Looking back, my journey has been a mix of persistence, learning, and embracing the unknown. I’ve come a long way from feeling lost to finding my footing, and while the road hasn’t always been easy, it’s been incredibly rewarding. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: motivation may get you started, but discipline will take you places.
The theme for International Women’s Day this year, is “Accelerate Action”. How well do you think Asilia shows up in this space of encouraging and facilitating positive growth opportunities for women?
Asilia has truly embraced the spirit of “Accelerate Action” by not just talking about equal opportunity for women but actively making it a reality. The company has made significant strides in developing opportunities for women, both in leadership, the field, and operational roles, creating an environment where growth isn’t just encouraged, it’s expected.
A shining example of this commitment is Dunia Camp, the first camp in Africa to be run entirely by women, from the guides and drivers to the managers. It’s not just a workplace; it’s a testament to what’s possible when women are given the platform to lead and thrive in the tourism industry. Increasingly, we are seeing female guides continuing to push the limits, becoming walking guides and senior leaders within our guiding team. Additionally, ever since I joined the company, our safari operations team in Tanzania has always been run predominantly by women.
Beyond our camps, Asilia partners with the MAA Trust, a non-profit organisation that enables women by providing them with the space to create and sell their beadwork directly to tourists. This initiative gives these women direct access to a global market.
So, progress is evident, and Asilia continues to push boundaries through mentorship, leadership development, and a commitment to breaking industry norms. While there’s always more work to be done, the wheels of change are not just turning, they’re accelerating!
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
For me, International Women’s Day isn’t just another date on the calendar, it’s a powerful reminder of the strength, resilience, and impact of women in every part of life. It’s a day to celebrate empowerment, break down barriers, challenge discrimination, and recognise women for their achievements no matter their background, because progress knows no borders.
It’s also a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come in striving for a world free of bias, stereotypes, and gender inequality, while acknowledging the challenges that still exist. More importantly, it’s about celebrating the incredible women who shape our lives, whether they’re leading in the workplace, holding things together at home, or making a difference in society.
What are you passionate about, and how does working for Asilia fuel your passions?
I’ve always been a giver at heart, serving others and giving back to those in need is something that truly fuels me. There’s something liberating about showing kindness; it’s a simple yet powerful way to remind people that humanity still exists.
Working for Asilia aligns perfectly with this passion in so many ways. Being part of a company that isn’t just about creating genuine experiences but is deeply committed to doing good, means I get to contribute to something bigger. It’s not just about committing to responsible tourism, it’s about uplifting local communities and ensuring that every journey leaves a lasting, positive impact for both guests and the people whose lives we touch along the way.
How important to you is the Positive Impact work Asilia performs? Do you have a favourite project, and why?
The incredible Positive Impact work that Asilia does is truly inspiring, it adds a whole new level of purpose to what we do. Sure, working in tourism is exciting, but being part of a company that actively contributes to conservation and community development in East Africa? Now that’s something special!
As for picking a favourite project… that’s like choosing a favourite dessert, nearly impossible! But, if I had to, I’d go with Twende Porini. It’s a fantastic program focused on sustainable tourism education, giving kids from local communities the chance to experience wildlife in a safe and welcoming way, whilst learning about the importance of conserving the natural environment. Seeing Asilia make such a meaningful difference is a great reminder of why this work is so rewarding!
What do you think sets Asilia apart from other safari companies? What makes Asilia unique and authentic?
What truly sets Asilia apart is simple, we don’t just talk about our core values; we live them. Genuineness isn’t just a tagline; it’s in everything we do. From the people behind the brand to the experiences we create, there’s a genuine passion that shines through. I admire the fact that the focus isn’t just about running a safari company; it’s about making a real impact by portraying honesty to clients, embracing the wild, and ensuring that every guest, every colleague, and every community we engage with feels the heart of Asilia. And honestly, when you’re part of something that real, everything else just falls into place!
If today was the last day of Asilia’s existence, what do you think the company would be remembered for?
It will definitely be remembered for its unwavering commitment to authentic and sustainable safari experiences. It wouldn’t just be about the breathtaking lodges or expertly crafted itineraries, but about the way Asilia has always prioritised creating unforgettable moments for guests.
People would remember the passionate team that brought the magic to life, and an experience that left a lasting impact. And, of course, they’d remember the exceptional service that our lovely camp staff provide… and maybe a few too many sundowners enjoyed with a perfect African sunset in the background!
Start your journey with Asilia today and experience how individuals like Akhona create the genuine difference that we have become known for.
