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. umSisi House is the first-of-its-kind, European style, fully serviced, Kruger National Park villa accommodation solution for private groups to appear on the market in South Africa’s Kruger Lowveld region. umSisi House has been created to appeal to the discerning traveller who values exclusivity and privacy above all else and is looking for an ‘at home in Africa’ experience.

umSisi House is so much more than just another safari destination. It is situated within the pristine Jock of the Bushveld Conservancy, just 15 minutes away from the Kruger National Park, and focuses on promoting the Lowveld lifestyle – the weather, the beauty, the proximity to nature and the wonderful ambience of Africa itself. umSisi House also boasts beautiful rock gardens, 10 kilometres of mountain trails, access to community projects, wonderful home-cooked food, and the chance to explore secret hideaways.