Success Story

Camping RetrEats is a multi-award-winning, luxury camping experience designed to take the hassle out of traditional camping. We handle everything – from setting up tents to preparing meals and running curated activities – so our guests can just show up, unplug and enjoy nature. The idea came from a personal place. I’ve always loved camping, but my wife? Not so much. The idea of “roughing it” didn’t appeal to her. I started thinking: what if camping didn’t come with all the chores? That thought became a weekend project, which then evolved into a full-service camping business. Today, it’s become a passion-driven venture that serves everyone from first-time campers to families and corporates looking for something different. 

In South Africa, camping gear is expensive and time-consuming to set up. A lot of people are curious about nature-based travel, but the effort of packing, pitching and preparing meals keeps them away. What I saw was a market gap – an opportunity to bring camping to those who would never have considered it otherwise. With Camping RetrEats, we offer the best of both worlds: the beauty of the outdoors with the comfort and convenience of a catered holiday. And the response has been overwhelming. Many of our guests tell us it’s their first time camping — and they can’t wait to do it again. 

Running an experience-based business in South Africa hasn’t been easy. Hospitality is often seen as a “nice-to-have,” especially when the economy’s tight. That means we’ve had to work harder to stay relevant. Innovation is everything. We can’t just offer the same package every year — people expect new experiences, better service, more value. We constantly ask ourselves: how can we delight our guests in unexpected ways? That drive has pushed us to grow, even in uncertain times. 

When I first applied for Pitch and Polish, it was mostly for the prize money. I saw it as a financial boost for the business. But as the competition progressed, I realised how much more was on offer. The workshops, the mentoring, the hard questions — it all forced me to take a deeper look at my business. I walked away with a refined pitch, yes, but more importantly, a sharper focus on who we are and where we’re headed. 

Pitching can be nerve-wracking, but what helped me most was truly knowing my business inside out. That knowledge gave me confidence. When you can anticipate the tough questions — and answer them with clarity — the nerves start to fade. I actually began to look forward to the Q&A sessions. They became moments where I could show just how well I understood every corner of my company. Authenticity goes a long way, and people can feel it when you speak from the heart. 

One of the most valuable lessons came from my Raizcorp mentor. I had been focusing so much on operations that I hadn’t realised the core issues were linked to my own leadership style. My mentor helped me see how a lack of structure and proper systems was holding us back. That insight changed everything. It forced me to implement processes and be more intentional about how we scale — and those changes are still paying off today. 

To anyone preparing to step onto that stage — be open. Be teachable. Don’t come in thinking you know everything. Some of the biggest breakthroughs I had came from listening to tough feedback and embracing it. Also, really know your business — not just the numbers, but your purpose, your value, your people. If you understand the “why” behind what you do, your passion will come through naturally. And the judges will believe in it too. 

Winning the R650 000 prize was a game-changer. We used it strategically. We opened a small factory focused on repair and manufacturing, which now employs three people. We launched a new service called “Premium Deluxe,” which helped us tap into a more affluent market. After a fire destroyed some of our kitchen equipment, we were able to replace everything and get back on track. We even bought a container to serve as office space for the manufacturing side of the business. Every cent went into building something sustainable — and scalable. 

Camping RetrEats continues to grow, and every new guest reminds me why I started this in the first place. We’re not just offering a service; we’re creating memories, changing perceptions, and making nature more accessible. It’s been a wild ride — but one I wouldn’t trade for anything. From that first idea around a campfire to pitching on a national stage, I’ve learnt that success isn’t just about the destination — it’s about embracing the journey and learning every step of the way.