Meet “The Family”
The Lodge is partly owned by Cobie and Muriel Els, who live on the premises with their children and meet and mingle daily with guests. The company has been in existence since 1985 but even longer in the family.
The following is an account (and perhaps a character analysis) of each family member.
The Dad (Level 1 Paramedic)
Cobie Els Snr.
He almost always wears his “kakies” to work. It is well known, however, throughout the company, that he runs the show, and calls the shots.
Son#1 (Our level 3 Paramedic)
Cobie Els Jnr.
Cobie Els SW born in 1985 - Cobie SW can change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, design a building, balance accounts, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve an equation, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently and die gallantly!
​
In a world of dogmatic specialists, it’s the GENERALIST who ends up running the show. “A jack of all trades?? Yes!!!
“Specialization is for insects”
​
Ok, so I’m not an executive chef in Sandton. Despite my lack of genius, being a Jack of all trades has worked well for me. I’ve always worked with small teams where being flexible and willing to learn was seen as a huge asset. I wouldn’t call myself a generalist, but I wouldn’t call myself a specialist either.” Look far and wide. There are worlds to conquer, and Hornbill is mine to conquer.
Son#3 (Level 1 Paramedic)
Lance Neo Els aka Bokkie
Lance Neo Els born in the year 2000
Completed His Chef Qualification in 2024 and is starting his own business whilst working as a chef and still helping at the lodge on his off days
Mother Superior
Muriel Krogh-Els
“Need we say anything else?”
Son#2
D`Arcy Els
D'Arcy Els born in 1988 - Working as a Chef in Scotland . D'Arcy is a very talented chef and a highly motivated young man who is very passionate about food.
He has worked under some of SA's Top Chefs and has been on SA TV countless times with his cooking
D`Arcy has recently gone overseas and is hoping to one day soon achieve his dream of becoming a Michelin chef
Granddaughter
Kaylene Kimiko Els
Kaylene Kimiko Els born 2004
Completed Her Chef Qualification in 2024
(daughter of D'Arcy and Rene)
Grandson
Benjamin Els aka Benjy
Benjamin can often be seen helping is Dad all over the property or doing the Guided Hikes on Saturdays and Sundays
(son of Cobie SW and Storm Roux)