A Life Dedicated to Africa's Wild Places
Michel Girardin's journey in Southern African tourism spans more than four decades, from leading operations at iconic private game reserves to pioneering cultural tourism routes and championing Fair Trade Tourism standards across the continent.
Of Swiss-French heritage — his great-grandfather, Dr. George Liengme, came to South Africa from Switzerland in 1893 and founded Elim Hospital, now a declared National Heritage Monument — Michel brings a unique blend of European precision and deep African understanding to everything he does. The Girardin family has been rooted in Limpopo for over 130 years.
After nearly 15 years as Operations Director at Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve, Michel and his wife Clare took over Shiluvari Lakeside Lodge in the heart of Venda country, where they pioneered the Open Africa Ribolla Art Route — connecting 30 local artists, from potters and wood carvers to internationally acclaimed sculptors like Noria Mabasa and the late Jackson Hlungwane. Michel has described Limpopo as “South Africa's wild west” with its extraordinary landscapes, ancient kingdoms, and Venda and Shangaan legends.
Today, through Michel Girardin and Associates, he advises lodges, conservancies, and tourism organisations on building operations that are both commercially successful and ethically sound. His FTT involvement dates back to 2011, and he was elected to the Fair Trade Tourism Board in May 2025.
